Christmas in Athens: A Fairytale Comes to Life

This festive season, Athens transforms into a sparkling wonderland with Christmas in Athens: A Fairytale Comes to Life, a city-wide celebration running from November 28 to January 10. The city’s squares and landmarks are illuminated (with energy-efficient lighting, ofcourse) and every Athenian neighbourhood gets in on the yuletide action with free events for all tastes and ages, including Christmas-themed concerts, open-air film screenings, kids activities and more.

Highlights (to name just a few) include children’s workshops at venues such as the Athens Municipal Gallery and the Maria Callas Museum, enchanting performances ranging from operettas to jazz at the Olympia Municipal Music Theatre "Maria Callas", and carol singing, cocktail parties and festive bazaars at the Kypseli Municipal Market.

On December 21, Athens marks the Longest Night of the Year with a riveting line-up of events curated by This is Athens - City Festival; from classical recitals to DJ sets and cultural happenings in unexpected spots like metro stations and pedestrian streets. Later in the month, outdoor film screenings at locations like the Lycabettus Hill bring a cinematic touch to the festivities.

Christmas Eve features the heartwarming Night of Wishes in Kotzia Square, where the sky fills with glowing, biodegradable lanterns—a moment of wonder for all ages. Athens bids farewell to 2024 with a dazzling New Year’s Eve show at Syntagma Square, featuring a theatrical twist that blends live music, dance, and storytelling to chronicle the city’s journey from 1945 to 2025 in a vibrant, time-traveling performance.

This holiday season, Athens casts an unexpected spell, transforming into a festive fairytale that invites you to see the city in a whole new light as a magical Christmas destination.

For more Christmas inspiration, check out this season's events here.