Christmas in Athens

From 27 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, Athens invites residents and visitors to experience a festive season filled with events and activities for all ages.




The impressive Christmas tree in Syntagma Square and the beautifully lit streets in the centre and neighbourhoods of Athens are just the beginning, while during the next days the city will shine brighter than ever before, through the Christmas events of the Municipality of Athens.

Residents and visitors are invited to experience the magic of Christmas by attending musical walks, concerts and parties, a carousel, theatrical performances, storytelling sessions, educational programs, art workshops, stargazing, exhibitions, guided tours, the Santa Run, a big Christmas Market in Kotzia Square, and at the same time, the exciting Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations will make this a truly enchanting time of year.

An exciting is program presented at various venues, including the City of Athens Art Gallery, Creative Learning Centers, museums, libraries, the Olympia City Music Theatre “Maria Callas” the Kypseli Municipal Market, the Maria Callas Museum, and the Athens Book Space in Elefterias Park. Additionally, events are hosted in various squares, streets, and neighbourhoods throughout the city.

The longest night of the year
On 20 December 2025, from the afternoon until late at night, Athens will celebrate the winter solstice with ten different events, taking place across the  centre and neighbourhoods of Athens — from Monastiraki and Victoria Square to Lambrini, Pangrati, Ermou Street and Omonia.
Musical ensembles, street parties, jazz and classical music, dance, yoga and themed events will fill the city’s neighbourhoods with light, sound and festive energy.

Christmas Eve, the Night of Wishes
The cherished tradition of the festive season is returning to Kotzia Square on Christmas Eve, and we invite you to join us in this heartwarming celebration. On December 24, at 18:00, we will come together to “light” up the city with our wishes, releasing biodegradable lanterns into the night sky during the “Night of Wishes.” It’s a beautiful opportunity to connect and share our hopes, surrounded by the joyful sounds of live music from the Athens 9.84 radio station van.

New Year’s Eve at Syntagma Square
Athens is set to welcome 2026 with a special festive event in Syntagma Square.

Admission in the majority of the events is free.