This festive season, the Christmas Acropolis Museum invites you to enjoy a magical blend of cultural activities, from children’s programs and exclusive guided tours to live holiday music, unique gifts, and festive dining with spectacular views of the illuminated Acropolis.
Exhibition Tour: “The Ancient Civilizations of Basilicata: Treasures Emerging into Light“
“The Ancient Civilizations of Basilicata: Treasures Emerging into Light”, Acropolis Museum/ Konstantinos Arvanitakis.
Discover the captivating heritage of Basilicata with expert guidance from the museum’s archaeologists. These tours, held in the Temporary Exhibition Hall, explore the rich connections between ancient Greek settlers and the cultures of ancient Italy, showcasing exquisite treasures of bronze, gold, silver, and amber. For independent exploration, an audio tour is available via QR code within the exhibition space. Guided tours in English are offered weekly on Tuesdays.
- Dates: The exhibition is open during the Museum’s opening hours, until January 26, 2025.
- Entry: Free
- Booking: Reserve your spot here.
Children’s Holiday Programs
‘Games from the Past’
Children aged 6–12 will discover ancient toys, from spinning tops to wheeled horses, in the “Excavation Museum.” They’ll also create their own replicas as unique keepsakes.
- Dates: Friday, December 27, and Monday, December 30.
- Times: 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM.
- Cost: Free for children; adults require a regular museum ticket.
- Booking: Opens December 17 here.
‘Myths in the Sky’
For younger children (ages 3–5), this program features enchanting stories about gods and heroes turned into constellations, complemented by music, crafts, and holiday wishes. The activity will be held in Greek.
- Dates: Saturday, December 28, and Sunday, December 29.
- Times: 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM.
- Cost: Free for children; adults require a regular museum ticket.
- Booking: Opens December 17 here.
Holiday Music Performances at the Museum’s ground floor
Sunday, December 22, 12:00 PM: Mixed Choir and Chamber Orchestra of the Pallini Experimental Music High School perform classics, including Handel’s Hallelujah, Arcangelo Corelli’s “Concerto Grosso Op. 6 Nr. 8” and traditional Greek carols.
Monday, December 23, 12:30 PM: Traditional dances and carols by the Cretan Dancers Association (Omilos Vrakoforon Kritis).
Saturday, December 28, 12:00 PM: The Hellenic Air Force Band presents Christmas melodies featuring acclaimed soloists.
Monday, December 30, 12:00 PM: Jazz Ensemble from Athens Music School performs festive jazz classics.
Dining at the Museum with a view of the Acropolis
Dine in style with festive menus every Friday and Saturday evening until midnight, offering breathtaking views of the Acropolis. Daily visitors can enjoy coffee, desserts, and live music at the ground floor café. For reservations please call 210 9000915.
Festive Season Gifts at the Museum Shop
Explore the museum shop for thoughtful gifts, including the “Ancient Civilizations of Basilicata” exhibition catalog (available in multiple languages) and exclusive holiday items. This year’s charm for 2025, inspired by a 6th-century BCE staircase symbolizing life’s cycles, is a standout keepsake.
Photo Credit: Paris Tavitian
Photo Credit: Paris Tavitian
