Athens to Celebrate the Holiday Season with 10 Dazzling Festive Parties

Photo source: Athens Municipality

Athens on December 21 will welcome the festive season with ten vibrant parties and events, all framed by the city’s dazzling Christmas decorations.

Organized by the This is Athens-City Festival by the Athens Municipality, the city will come alive with parties featuring diverse music genres, transforming iconic landmarks into live music stages.

Festive parties light up Athenian neighborhoods

Photo source: Thomas Gravanis © Athens Municipality

The parties will begin at 5 pm on Protogenous Street, where an open-air stage dedicated to the contemporary Greek alternative scene will feature DJ sets and happenings running until midnight.

Additionally, Agios Andreas Square in Lambrini will host a party with representatives of the Greek electronic scene. At Gyzi Square, musician George Apergis will set the stage for a live electronic music party, while at Fokionos Negri, Melodia 99.2 radio station will invite residents and visitors to an art music night featuring a new live band and curated selections from its beloved producers.

At Agios Panteleimonas Square, the De Profundis music ensemble will perform works by renowned classical composers, while Haritos pedestrian street in Kolonaki will come alive with a legendary street party. At Syntagma metro station, Chores will captivate audiences with a polyphonic performance, and at Dragatsaniou Stoa, EnLefko 87.7 radio station will present an exclusive DJ set featuring top talents such as Laternative, Eva Theotokatou, and Giorgos Bakalakos.

The evening will feature a piano recital on Ermou Street, concluding at the Olympia Municipal Music Theater “Maria Callas”, where Kosmos 93.6 will host singer Giorgis Christodoulou at a lively midnight party.

Holiday highlights: More events across Athens

Photo source: Athens Municipality

– December 24: The “Night of Wishes” will light up the Athenian sky with traditional biodegradable lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. The celebration will feature live festive music broadcast by the Athens 9.84 van, with selections from its radio producers.

– Christmas Day: Syntagma Square will come alive with a series of captivating performances. The festivities will begin in the morning with the Athenian Mandolinata Nikolaos Lavdas, followed at noon by the Mob Trio delivering a vibrant blend of electronic jazz. In the afternoon, Panos Mouzourakis and his band will take the stage for an uplifting and dynamic musical show, rounding out the day with festive energy and cheer.

– December 26: Syntagma Square will host a festive lineup of performances for all ages. The day begins with a delightful children’s musical show by Zamominia, followed by the smooth jazz sounds of The Thing. Later, Idra Kayne will take the stage with soulful funk melodies, while the evening culminates with Mikro’s highly anticipated and electrifying comeback performance.

– December 28: Visitors will experience Wes Anderson’s beloved movie “The Grand Budapest Hotel” in a unique drive-in screening at the Lycabettus Municipal Theater parking lot, offering breathtaking views of festive Athens.

– New Year’s Eve: To welcome 2025, the municipality will celebrate Athens’ rich history (1945–2025) with a spectacular performance featuring renowned Greek artists and dancers. The evening will blend music, dance, projections, and theatrical sketches filled with humor.

The detailed program of events is available here.