Athens Welcomes Holidays with Packed Program of Events

Christmas Tree at Syntagma Square. Photo source: Municipality of Athens

Athens is ready to spread the holiday spirit with dozens of events and happenings around the city starting today until January 1, the municipality announced.

For 38 days, Athens cultural venues, museums, libraries, squares, streets and neighborhoods will be filled with Christmas cheer.

Events this year include 30 concerts, parties, DJ sets, shows, book readings, and 100 children’s activities including workshops, puppet shows, face painting sessions in addition to 10 Christmas Parks where jugglers and stilt walkers will welcome the kiddies.

The city lights are on, the Christmas tree is standing tall in the heart of Syntagma Square and new venues,  including the newly opened Maria Callas Museum, the hip Kypseli Market and the trendy Athens Book Space are ready to welcome the crowds.

“The Athens Municipality is getting into the festive spirit of Christmas with a program full of music, special performances and hundreds of surprises for young and old to celebrate the brightest season of the year,” said outgoing Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis, wishing everyone health and happy holidays.

Performing in concerts this year are the George Zervos Trio, Wedding Singers, Ηermaphrodites Child, Vassilis Kazoulis with Kitrina Podilata and Alexandra Koniak, the Dimitris Tsakas Quintet, Polkar, Gumbo Ya Ya and Sugahspank with Emily Mesko, Jerome Kaluta, the Mihalis Kalkanis Group, Jaguar Bombs and Tonis Sfinos & The Playmates.

During the holiday period, the city’s own Athina 9.84 radio station will be broadcasting live from a van traveling around town.

Night of Wishes, Kotzia Square. Photo source: Municipality of Athens

An event that shouldn’t be missed this year is the “Night of Wishes” on Christmas Eve at Kotzia Square opposite Athens City Hall, where young and old will make wishes and send them into the sky in colorful lanterns.

Fireworks welcoming the New Year, Hellenic Parliament, Syntagma Square. Photo source: Municipality of Athens

And last, welcome the New Year at Syntagma Square with hosts Nancy Zampetoglou and Thanasis Anagnostopoulos and lots of surprises.