The City of Athens Celebrates Christmas 2023 With Events & Festivities

This year's festive program by the Municipality of Athens promises a delightful mix of musical theater performances, concerts, educational initiatives, and visual arts programs, catering to all age groups. Feel the enchantment of Christmas not only in the heart of the city, but also in some of its charming neighborhoods.

 

All of the below happenings are organized by OPANDA (Organization of Culture, Sports and Youth of the Municipality of Athens) and we’ve done our best to share accurate information about the festivities with the community. Before heading out for some fun, we recommend that you get in touch directly with the individual venues for additional information.

 

The Museum of Popular Art and Tradition, Angeliki Hatzimichali, will host engaging Christmas activities and a unique storytelling show for the entire family. A folklore holiday tour will add a touch of tradition to the celebrations. Children are also invited to the Municipal Gallery of Athens for a special workshop inspired by the exhibition of Alexis Kyritsopoulos. Meanwhile, the Arts Center promises young visitors the most enchanting Christmas experience in Eleftherias Park through a series of Christmas laboratories. Last but not least, the Plato's Academy Digital Museum beckons little friends to participate in a Christmas activity featuring storytelling and painting.

The Melina Mercouri Cultural Center hosts a variety of activities for all ages, including an art workshop capturing the essence of Christmas in early 20th-century Athens, narrative performances, a Christmas musical journey, and a cultural walk for adults.

The libraries of the Municipality of Athens blend the magic of Christmas with the world of books, offering educational programs based on their collections. Additionally, they will host children's theater performances. Creative Learning Centers in the neighborhoods present a rich program of Christmas events for everyone. Children can immerse themselves in art workshops, construction, music, and theater programs and enjoy theater performances for the whole family.

The festive suggestions for adults are equally compelling. Highlights include a musical theater performance featuring carols, songs, and dances from Asia Minor and Southern Italy, a Christmas tunes concert, and theater, music, and traditional dance performances by adult groups from the Creative Learning Centers. The Clay Center invites families to a unique art workshop, where they can explore the art of ceramics and create doves symbolizing peace on earth. Lastly, the Polychoros Municipality of Athens "Anna & Maria Kalouta" in Neos Kosmos is a must-visit, hosting free shows and concerts for adults and families. Renowned artists, music groups, and theater performers will grace the stage, ensuring memorable moments of entertainment and joy.

For art enthusiasts, OPANDA presents a visual feast with exhibitions in its cultural spaces. Kostas Bassanou's "Working Title" at the Arts Center, Alexis Kyritsopoulos's retrospective exhibition "Parallel" at the Municipal Gallery of Athens, and "The Feathered Weaves of Ossa Thessaloniki" at the Museum of Popular Art and Tradition promise a captivating experience.

The music ensembles of the Municipality of Athens are set to infuse the city's Christmas ambiance with their enchanting melodies. Bringing a festive spirit to Dionysiou Areopagitou, the Greek Music Workshop will lead us on a musical journey through the rich tapestry of Greek music, featuring timeless compositions by celebrated Greek artists. Meanwhile, the Big Band, accompanied by Alex Affolter, will captivate the audience with a jazzy celebration.

For those seeking a pre-Christmas experience, the Holy Church of Agioi Anargyroi in Psirri presents a unique music-poetry performance by Dimitris Verykios. The performance will showcase melodies and lullabies from various corners of our country and the world.

As part of the extensive program of events spanning from Saturday, December 23, 2023, to Saturday, January 6, 2024, ten Christmas "villages" will sprout across various neighborhoods of Athens, from Acharnon and Lambrini to Pagrati and Hellinorosson. Each village, adorned with festive decorations, offers a warm welcome to visitors of all ages. Santa Claus and his elves will be present daily, engaging the crowd with constructions, sweet treats, face painting, and various other festive activities. The villages will come alive with stilt walkers, jugglers, Christmas mascots, animateurs, puppets, and jugglers.