Christmas in Athens – Best things to do

Discover the magic of Christmas in Athens with the best holiday activities—from festive markets and ice skating to ancient monuments lit up for the season.
Christmas in Athens - Best things to do

When Syntagma Square lights up with thousands of twinkling lights and Christmas markets start popping up around town, you know Athens is gearing up for the holidays. To make sure you’re not scrambling at the last minute, here’s a handy guide with all the essentials for a festive season in Athens with your loved ones.

Christmas in the Heart of Athens

Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square

Every year, Syntagma Square becomes a beacon of holiday cheer. Glittering teddy bears, whimsical hot air balloons, and a massive Christmas tree bring the square to life. Local musicians add to the magic, performing in the heart of the square with a lineup posted by the City of Athens each December. Don’t miss the Christmas bazaar at the Syntagma metro station—it’s a treasure trove of ornaments and holiday trinkets.

Head to Ermou Street, where shop windows are decked out in festive reds and greens, and the scent of freshly baked melomakarona from Veneti fills the air. In Plaka and around the Acropolis, holiday lights blend beautifully with ancient landmarks. Stroll through the charming alleyways, and take a break at Yasemi for a handmade pie—it’s worth every bite.

Little Kook
Little Kook

For a true spectacle, stop by Little Kook. If you thought Kevin McCallister’s house was lit, you’re in for a surprise. Little Kook takes Christmas decorations to another level. With endless lights and over-the-top decor, this spot will leave you wide-eyed. Forget about your electric bill for a moment and just soak it in—this is holiday spirit on steroids!

If you prefer something a bit more understated, Noel is a stylish choice. Tucked away in cozy streets, this bar with its vintage decor is perfect for any time of day, whether you’re in the mood for coffee or cocktails.

The Christmas Factory at Technopolis

At this one-of-a-kind holiday factory, anything and everything Christmas springs to life—candies, waffles, ornaments, and toys galore!

The Christmas Factory isn’t just for kids; it’s a treat for anyone who loves the magic of the season. There’s a funfair, an ice rink, workshops with storytelling, face painting, and a sprawling Christmas market. Imagine strolling through Santa’s elves, in a setting that feels like a fantasy far from Athens.

This year, the timeless A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens will be brought to life at the Christmas Factory, included in the entry ticket. Prepare to be captivated by this musical-theatrical experience!

Santa Claus Kingdom at M.E.C. Paiania

If a trip to Lapland feels a bit too far, Santa Claus village in Paiania is the next best thing. Santa Claus and his elves await you in their 13,000-square-meter Greek wonderland.

This isn’t just any holiday spot; Santa Claus Kingdom truly lives up to its name. It’s packed with a 1,500-square-meter play area filled with inflatables, adventure zones with obstacle courses, art and music workshops, an amphitheater for storytime and interactive shows, a Christmas market with toys, an ice rink, bumper cars, a charming little train, enchanted castles, and of course, Santa himself with his merry crew of elves, jugglers, and fairies.

The best part? One ticket gets kids access to everything! And when hunger strikes, there’s no need to worry. The Food Court at Santa Claus Kingdom serves up burgers, pizza, hot dogs, candy, ice cream, waffles, and more. Just be prepared—it won’t be easy convincing the kids to leave this holiday paradise!

Christmas at Museums of Athens

This holiday season, Athens’ museums are buzzing with festive activities for all ages. At the B&E Goulandris Foundation, the Benaki Museum, the Children’s Museum of Athens, and the National Gallery, families can dive into Christmas-themed tours, storytelling sessions, creative workshops for kids, and live concerts.

The National Archaeological Museum also has something special for younger visitors, with interactive educational activities that bring ancient customs to life through games. During the holidays, the museum fills with carols and festive music, thanks to its annual Christmas concert—a magical atmosphere in a historic setting.

For full event details, check out the museums’ official websites and get ready to make the most of a cultural Christmas in Athens!

Christmas at the Athens Concert Hall

This year, the Athens Concert Hall brings a delightful mix of ballet, classical music, and the classic Greek shadow puppet, Karagiozis.

The National Opera Ballet of Odessa arrives in December with two captivating productions: The Snow Queen and Don Quixote. These performances are set to be truly mesmerizing and a fantastic way to enjoy the season.

In a playful twist, Karagiozis, instead of heading to the North Pole, takes off to Egypt for Christmas! After all, he’s Karagiozis—he does as he pleases. Elias Karellas and his team invite you to Karagiozis’ Christmas in Egypt. It’s in Greek, but it’s a unique experience worth catching!

And, of course, the annual New Year’s Gala with the Athens State Orchestra is a must. This year, the gala celebrates the legacy of Giacomo Puccini, marking the 100th anniversary of his passing—a tribute for opera lovers and newcomers alike.

Grab your tickets to the Athens Concert Hall and get ready for a season filled with art, music, and a bit of holiday magic!

Christmas at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Each Christmas, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center transforms into a festive wonderland. The holiday lineup is packed with concerts, performances, and workshops for all ages.

Outside, a beautifully choreographed fountain show adds magic to the scene, surrounded by twinkling trees and a lively ice rink. It’s the perfect place to soak in the holiday spirit!

Visit the Foundation’s website in December for full event details and plan your holiday visit to this enchanting spot.

Christmas at Ellinikon, Piraeus, and Kifisia

At Ellinikon, the Ellinikon Experience Park welcomes visitors to a festive wonderland. Wooden chalets, street food, face painting workshops, traditional sweets, a charming Christmas carousel, and a stunning Christmas tree create a magical holiday experience. Entry to the park is free, making it an easy choice for a joyful outing.

In Piraeus, Koraï Square becomes the Elf Village, where Santa’s helpers are ready to show you around this enchanting Christmas haven. With a carousel, mini train, games for kids, wooden stalls, elves, and, of course, Santas everywhere, it’s holiday spirit at its finest. Mark your calendar for December 22, when Piraeus hosts “Red Night,” with stores staying open late from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering special discounts!

In the northern suburbs, Kifisia Xmas Park comes to life in a 22-acre space with an expansive ice rink, bumper cars, live theater performances, and treats galore. Don’t miss a stop at Santa house for a photo op! For details on Kifisia holiday park, check out the link here.

Christmas in Athens brings together dazzling parks, traditional sweets, and strolls under the gaze of ancient monuments. Whether you’re into festive games, leisurely walks, or simply can’t resist melomakarona (especially the ones dipped in milk chocolate), Athens has it all for the holidays. And if there’s something missing, well, that’s what letters to Santa are for. Καλά Χριστούγεννα (Kala Christougenna)!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

* Some links above may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I earn a commission on purchases made through these links. I only endorse products and companies I personally use. This helps keep Adventourely community-supported and ad-free.