Newsletter December 2021
Athens Dresses Up for Christmas
Doesn't it feel like everyone’s gone ‘all in’ on Christmas already? After the year we’ve had, it’s no wonder we're craving sparkly things that flood us with simple joy and shine warmth and light upon us. We Athenians are in our element in December with the extra social demands of Yuletide. Evening strolls along streets and squares aglow with seasonal pomp. Sharing food and stories over extended meze spreads that define festive values so well. We invite you to press pause and witness the lighting of our beautiful Christmas tree in Syntagma Square as we wish you peace, health and happiness in 2022.
Odeon
10 Cool Athenians share their favourite Christmas hangouts
Sure. We could tell you all about Christmas in Athens. But it won’t really help you experience a true Athens Christmas like a local. From where to find the best-dressed trees and Yuletide cocktails, to the prettiest neighbourhood walks, we asked some creative Athenians to share their beloved city hangouts that truly spell what Christmas is all about in Athens.
Athens takes Proud Steps to become More Accessible
Athens is literally paved with ancient wonders – but it can be a daunting obstacle course for those with limited mobility or sight. Improving the accessibility of our legendary city, so it can be better enjoyed by all, is an issue close to our hearts and conscience. That’s why the Municipality of Athens and This Is Athens have teamed up with Me Alla Matia to create 4 new downloadable visitor itineraries, tailored exclusively for people with visual and mobility impairments.
Dopios
Small Wonders: Modern Greek Meze
Few culinary trends nail the Athenian mode more than Mediterranean meze: it’s casual, it keeps you in the moment - and it celebrates the joy of life. Here’s where to sample the city’s new wave of contemporary Greek meze.
3 Great Things to do in Athens this December
- ‘Tis the season to be merry so toast the coming year with a quintessentially Greek cocktail laced with anything from the wild herbs of Crete to pistachios from Aegina.
- Dive into the dazzling world of free Christmas fun at culture hub SNFCC. There’s everything from dancing fountains and live concerts to futuristic light parks, ice skating and a New Year’s Day fun run;
- From bakeries brimming with buttery biscuits to good luck rituals for the year ahead, read up on how Athenians do Christmas; then jump onto our Christmas in Athens 2021 events website, dedicated to all things merry and bright.
What’s On in Athens
Keramiko Design / Until 10 December
For millennia, Greeks have used ceramic vessels to store and carry some of the best things in life: wine, olive oil, water. Prepare to fall hard for contemporary Greek ceramics at this exquisite expo of 57 Greek designers and ceramists in historic Monastiraki.
Kallos: The Ultimate Beauty / Until 16 January
This monumental Cycladic Art Museum exhibit spotlights how ancient Greece shaped “beauty” – and is so popular it’s now open 3 hours extra every Friday.
The Philip Glass Ensemble / 20 December
Journey down the rabbit hole into the offbeat musical universe of pioneering American composer Philip Glass (he wrote the score for The Truman Show).
Christmas Factory 2021 / Until 6 January
Ho ho ho, Santa’s done laying low and is back at Technopolis, along with new lights and festive eats, for the sparkliest Christmas theme park in town.
Henry Rollins: Good to See You / 17 January
A touring talk show by the great Henry Rollins – a man who bills himself as activist-writer-singer-comic-storyteller … it’ll be anything but dull.