An Acropolis Museum Christmas

Celebrate the holiday season at the Acropolis Museum with festive programs for children, exclusive guided tours of the exhibition “The Ancient Civilizations of Basilicata: Treasures Revealed,” live music on the museum's ground floor, unique gifts at the museum shop, and delicious holiday dishes at the restaurant.

Discover the lesser-known beauty of ancient civilizations encountered by Greek settlers from the Peloponnese and Aegean islands during their voyages to Italy and Sicily, in the region later known as Magna Graecia. Immerse yourself in the stories of the ancient Oenotria, today’s Basilicata, adorned in bronze, gold, silver, and amber.

• When: Weekly tours (check availability)
• Where: Periodical Exhibitions Hall
• Admission: Free entry (reservations required via events.theacropolismuseum.gr)
• Extras: Audio-guided tours via QR code for an independent visit

The exhibition runs until January 26, 2025.

This Christmas, children are invited to explore ancient toys, such as miniature clay vases, dolls, wheel-mounted horses, and spinning tops, at the Museum of the Excavation. Through imaginative activities led by archaeologists, they’ll travel back to ancient times and play just like children did centuries ago.

Afterward, kids can visit the Children's Corner on the 2nd floor, where they’ll touch replicas of ancient toys and create their own to take home as keepsakes.

• When: Friday, December 27, and Monday, December 30
• Time: 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM
• Ages: 6–12 years
• Cost: Free for children (with adult day admission)
• Reservations: Open December 17 via events.theacropolismuseum.gr

The museum’s Children's Corner transforms into a starlit wonderland! Join archaeologists as they narrate myths of gods, heroes, and mortals who became celestial constellations. Through music, stories, and crafts, children will create their own stars and make heartfelt wishes.

• When: Saturday, December 28, and Sunday, December 29
• Time: 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM
• Ages: 3–5 years
• Cost: Free for children (with adult day admission)
• Reservations: Open December 17 via events.theacropolismuseum.gr

Enjoy musical performances that bring the holiday spirit to life:

• Sunday, December 22: Students from the Pallini Experimental Music School Choir and Orchestra perform Christmas classics at 12:00 PM.
• Monday, December 23: The Cretan Dance Group performs traditional dances and carols at 12:30 PM.
• Saturday, December 28: The Air Force Band plays timeless Christmas melodies at 12:00 PM.
• Monday, December 30: Students from the Athens Music School Jazz Ensemble perform festive jazz hits at 12:00 PM.

Indulge in a holiday dinner with views of the illuminated Acropolis every Friday and Saturday night until midnight. Combine your visit with coffee, dessert, and live music performances on other days.

• Reservations: Call 210 9000915

Find the perfect Christmas gifts, including the exhibition catalog “The Ancient Civilizations of Basilicata: Treasures Revealed” (available in Greek, English, and Italian). Don’t miss the Museum’s 2025 lucky charm, inspired by a 6th-century BC staircase model symbolizing the cycle of life, possibly linked to the goddess Aphrodite Urania or the Adonia festival.

For more details, visit www.theacropolismuseum.gr or call +30 210 9000900.