Athens Ready for the Holiday Season with Christmas Events Galore

The Christmas and holiday season is on in Athens with 38 days full of music, theater, pop-up events and much more through to January 13.

Athens municipality presented this week its schedule of holiday events set to take place in city neighborhoods and on main squares.

An ice rink, six Christmas villages, open-air screenings and 120 activities for families are just some of the offerings in store for the festive season this year, which kicked off with the lighting of the 19-meter-tall Christmas tree at central Syntagma Square.

“This Christmas, Athens makes every day a big celebration… designed to make the young and old smile. To the difficulties caused by the prolonged pandemic, the municipality of Athens ‘responds’ with music, theater, Christmas surprises for everyone,” said Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis.

The mayor invited Athenians and visitors to the city to participate in the merriment and get carried away by the spirit of Christmas, stressing the importance of adhering to all Covid-19 preventative measures.

There’s plenty of fun to be had at the 400m2 ice rink set to open on Kotzia Square opposite City Hall on December 10. Admission to the rink is free but participants are required to book ahead on here. 

Meanwhile, the city’s own radio station Athina 9.84 will be broadcasting Christmas cheer with popular tunes playing across town throughout the season while the city’s Philharmonic Orchestra will be appearing in pop-up events. 

Santa and the elves await the young and young at heart at Christmas Villages in Kypseli, Pagrati, and Goudi, among others, which open their doors on December 17.

Ornament and cardmaking workshops, Christmas treats and hand painting are just some of the activities in store.

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without stilt walkers, jugglers, mascots, puppets and magicians.

Additionally, Athens museums will be organizing Christmas and New Year’s shows and events, as well as educational programs.

On Christmas Eve, colorful lanterns will be set in the air to mark the Night of Wishes which will be broadcast by the Athens Digital Arts Festival.

Lastly, Athens will usher in the New Year on the eve, December 31 with a surprise happening!

For more information go here.