Christmas Village to Open at Athens’ Pedion tou Areos Park on Sunday

Photo source: Pedion Tou Areos – To Parko Mas

Athens will embrace the festive spirit with the launch of a Christmas Village at Pedion tou Areos Park on Sunday, December 8.

The magical village, featuring wooden stalls, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, will run daily until January 7, showcasing the city as a prime Christmas destination.

Organized by the Region of Attica, the Christmas Village includes a state-of-the-art ice rink, a grand carousel, interactive games for all, and a food booth. Forty festive wooden houses will offer handmade creations, gifts, and decorations.

Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias passing by the Christmas Village’s wooden houses.

“Our Christmas Village will become Attica’s signature holiday landmark,” said Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias at a press conference on Thursday.

According to the governor, the initiative is part of the region’s broader strategy to position Attica as a top year-round tourism destination.

Revitalizing Pedion tou Areos Park

MAD Artists Representative Themis Georgantas, EYDAP Director of Communication and Corporate Affairs Margarita Gkamaletsou, METLEN Chief Corporate Affairs & Communication Officer Vivian Bouzali, Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias, OTE Group Corporate Communications Advisor Kiki Zannia.

One of Athens’ largest parks, the Pedion tou Areos holds significant environmental and cultural value for the city and its residents. Following years of neglect, the park’s renovation became part of the region’s strategy to enhance the visual appeal and quality of green spaces, guided by sustainable practices.

As one of Athens’ largest green spaces, its renovation includes new lighting, 24-hour security, and accessibility improvements for individuals with disabilities.

“Our priority is to enhance metropolitan green spaces, ensuring they’re welcoming and safe, while hosting cultural, artistic, and social activities,” noted Hardalias. “These spaces will host cultural, artistic, and social activities, further establishing Attica as a top year-round tourism destination.”

Christmas and New Year’s events

Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias. Photo source: Attica Region

The Christmas Village will kick off at 6pm on December 8, with Governor Hardalias lighting the park’s eco-friendly decorations, followed by performances from Greek singers Eleni Foureira and George Perris and a drone light show.

Visitors can enjoy free events throughout the season until January 7, including eco-friendly light displays, educational programs, and environmental awareness activities.

The Christmas Village’s program of events includes a concert by Greek singers Glykeria and Dimitris Mpasis on December 27, along with a special visit from children’s songwriter Tassos Ioannidis.

Visitors will ring in 2025 dancing to the music of singer Christos Mastoras and the band Melisses during a special New Year’s Eve show. Proceeds from the New Year’s concert will benefit local charities.

“This season offers joy, hope, and love for all,” said Governor Hardalias, inviting residents and tourists alike to partake in the festivities.