Here’s a list of things to do in and around Athens during this festive Christmas Weekend and on Christmas Day:
Festive Concerts at Syntagma Square
It’s the most festive time of the year and Athens is ready to embrace the spirit with a lineup of exciting events. The Municipality of Athens has organized a series of open-air concerts at Syntagma square, transforming it into a grand music stage. Renowned Greek artists and music bands will fill the air with joyous melodies inviting everyone to join the Christmas celebration. Here’s a schedule of the concerts for the upcoming weekend:
December 22:
12PM Dimitris Tsakas Quintet
6PM Polkar (Syntagma Square)
December 23:
12PM Gumbo Ya Ya ft. Sugahspank! & Emily Mesko- “Spicy Christmas”
6PM Nefeli Fasouli Quintet
December 24:
12PM Sub Quartet
6PM Panos Vlachos
Christmas Parties in the Centre of Athens
Christmas parties and get-togethers are a must during the festive season, so here are three exclusive events in the heart of Athens where everyone is invited to celebrate:
December 23 at 8:30 PM: CoolCrips Party
CoolCrips, with the support of the Municipality of Athens, is organizing the most accessible party at Serafion complex, spreading the message that disability is not the problem; it’s the absence of accessibility.
December 24 at 2 PM: DJ Sets and Artists’ Street Party
Join a street party with DJ sets and artists organized by the radio station Pepper96.6. The event will take place in one of Athens’ most typical galleries, Stoa ton Emporon (Gallery of the Merchants).
Christmas Day at Kypseli’s Municipal Market (Xmas Extravaganza)
On Christmas Day, head to Kypseli’s Municipal Market, where the “Xmas Extravaganza” party will take place at 17:30. Famous selectors and DJs from the town will be playing Balearic beats, rare grooves, disco, and house rhythms.
Christmas Celebrations in Piraeus
Piraeus ‘Red Night’ (December 22)
The commercial center of Piraeus will be at its most festive celebrating the Red Night with a plethora of activities from 17PM to 11PM. The streets will be filled with magic, featuring men on stilts, elves, magicians and Olimpiacos’ mascot sharing presents. The Philharmonic Brass Orchestra of Piraeus will spread festive sounds and gift vouchers from local shops will be offered to the visitors. The evening will conclude at the Municipal Theater with a concert by the “Swingin Cats” band and awards for the best Christmas decoration storefront.
The “Village of Elves” at Piraeus (December 23)
For the youngest Christmas fans the Village of Elves will host a series of performances between 12PM to 3PM including Christmas songs by Aristotelio Conservatory of Piraeus, a contemporary dance performance by the students of Deborah Thompson School and the “Magical Christmas” a musical kinetics activity for kids aged 3-7 years old.
“Christmas Carols” at the Municipal Theater of Piraeus (December 24)
Everyone is invited to enjoy the Christmas Carols in the courtyard of the Municipal Theater of Piraeus at 11AM. Children’s choirs, cultural associations and performances will showcase Christmas carols and traditions from all corners of Greece and the world.
National Theatre of Greece: “The Impresario from Smyrna: A Comedy”
Carlo Goldoni’s The Impresario from Symrna premiered in Venice in 1761 is a comedic work that satirizes the vanities prevalent among Italian opera singers in the eighteenth century. Directed by Vasilis Papavasiliou who offers his own vision of the camaraderie of theatre, this performance will be showcased for the English audience with English subtitle on December 23 at 5PM at the Ziller Building (Main stage of the National Theatre of Greece.)
Events at Megaron Concert Hall
‘Giselle’ by The Odesa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre
The Odessa National Opera’s ballet performance showcases Giselle set to the enchanting music of Adolf Adam originally written in 1841. An emotionally charged masterpiece and one of the most renowned ballets in dance history, featuring sweeping choreographies by highly skilled performers. Don’t miss their performance on December 22 at 8 PM, as there will only be three more left!
Ourania Gassiou Organ Recital
The multi-awarded organist Ourania Gassiou along with the brass ensemble “Ventus Ensemble” will perform joyful Christmas masterpieces from around the world including classics like Silent Night, Carol of the Bells, Ding Dong Merrily on High, among others. The recital will start at 8:30PM enhancing the evening with an atmosphere of reverence and spirituality.
All time classic Film Screenings at B&E Goulandris Foundation
On both December 23 and December 24 the B&E Goulandris Foundation is inviting everyone to experience the magice of timeless family classics. Movies such as: Fantasia 2000, The Lion King, Nightmare before Christmas, Snow White &The Seven Dwarfs, 101 Dalmatians, will be screened in the Foundation’s Amphitheatre scheduled to commence at 10:30AM. You can find more information on the Foundation’s page.
Stavros Niarchos Christmas Pop-Up Bar
Starting on December 23 until Jan 7 the magnificent Lighthouse Terrace at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation transforms into an exclusive pop-up bar. Guests of the Christmas Pop-Up Bar are invited to indulge in a variety of curated cocktails, revel in the beats of beloved DJs, all while immersing themselves in the breathtaking 360° views of the Saronic Gulf and Piraeus.
