Athens Kicks Off Holiday Season with Christmas Tree Lighting

The City of Athens on Monday evening lit up a very impressive 19-meter tall Christmas tree at central Syntagma Square, marking the start of the holiday season in the Greek capital.

The municipality’s Christmas tree features more than 60,000 colorful lights of a total length of 5km. It was transferred from Karpenisi to Athens and illuminated during an audiovisual light show held by the municipality to kick off festivities in the capital, 32 days before Christmas.

“We decorated Athens earlier than ever before in an effort to leave behind the negative impact of the [coronavirus] pandemic and bring a festive spirit to the city.

“We also wish to stimulate Athens’ [commercial] market that is suffering the consequences of the health crisis,” Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis said.

The municipality has decorated Syntagma Square, the Hellenic Parliament and the surrounding buildings and streets with 350,000 lights of a total length of 29.5km.

Vassilisis Sofias avenue, Athens

Xmas festivities kick off in Athens’ neighborhoods

As every year, Syntagma Square will be the center of festivities, however Christmas events will be taking place in Athens’ neighborhoods and squares throughout the holiday season.

The municipality’s plan includes the decoration and illumination of Athens’ neighborhoods and squares, with more than 4,000 ornaments, garlands of a total length of 70km and Christmas lights.

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis

Bakoyannis invited the city’s residents to participate in the Christmas festivities but also respect the health protocols against Covid-19.

“We call on all Athenians to enjoy the festivities with their families, but also respect and maintain the health protocols. The protection of our health and lives is a prerequisite for this celebration,” he said.