Decorations with lots of light, glitter and shine, shopping, musical events, festive meals, carol singing, fireworks, and lots of Greek traditional treats, mostly sweet: This is what Christmas in Athens is all about.

The Holiday season in the Greek capital officially begins with the decoration of the tall Christmas tree at Syntagma Square and continues until January 6, the Epiphany.

We may rarely have a white Christmas, but Athens in December has other pros.  First of all, it is less crowded than summer, and you can enjoy sightseeing with fewer people around, and of course, shorter queues. The weather is usually mild, and therefore you can enjoy a sunny promenade in the streets of Plaka or even a walk by the sea in Glyfada. And although we may not have snow to cover our rooftops, we do have a large, 400sqm ice rink at Kotzia Square in the center of Athens for some extra holiday fun and Christmas galore.

In order to join in that festive spirit, you definitely have to visit Syntagma Square. It is perhaps the most lusciously decorated square in Athens. Just across the Greek Parliament, Syntagma has the tallest Christmas tree in the country and it is full of Christmas lights, toys, and cheer. It is where on New Year’s Eve a huge party is organized by the City of Athens, with famous singers and actors for that final countdown before the old year leaves us for good.

Also, it is impossible to be in Athens at Christmas and not visit the little Kook; it is the Christmas place to be. It is an extremely popular café in the neighborhood of Psyrri, a very hip area next to Monastiraki Square. Little Kook cafe is especially known for its extravagant decorations almost reminiscent of a theme park, and its equally extravagant extra-sugary desserts. It is truly like a fantasy fairy-tale world, and children of course absolutely love it! Tourists and locals visit it at least once, and you will also see many Instagrammers lining up for that perfect insta-capture.

Moreover, this Christmas of 2021 is special, or at least more special than usual. Almost two years after Covid-19 first broke out, and one year since the extended lockdown, “Athens makes every day a big celebration, destined to make the young and the old smile. The municipality of Athens responds with music, theater, and Christmas surprises for everyone to the difficulties caused by the prolonged pandemic” said Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis.

Therefore, the city of Athens invites visitors and locals alike to truly celebrate this Christmas with more than a month of events and a festive spirit. On December 17, Christmas villages open in various lively neighborhoods of Athens (Kypseli, Pangrati, Goudi), with hundreds of activities from Santa and its elves, for both children and adults.

On Christmas Eve, 21:00 a magical event will take place; vibrant lanterns will be lit at Kotzia Square opposite the City Hall and will fill the Athenian sky with our wishes for a better and brighter future. The Night of Wishes will be broadcast by the Athens Digital Arts Festival, and it is a much-awaited event by the Athenians.

Additionally, many museums are organizing Christmas and New Year’s events and educational happenings all over the city.

Traditionally, on New Year’s Eve, the city of Athens organizes a majestic event on Syntagma Square, open for all Athenians and visitors, with many colorful surprises and the most impressive fireworks that light the sky with hope for the New Year.  

Our historical and gastronomical tours are operating as normal even during the holidays, and we would love to share festive Athens with you!