At a glance
28/11 – 7/1
The village’s dates in Pedion tou Areos last year. This year’s have not been announced.
Free entry
To the village and the concerts. For the ice rink and the carousel, ask on site.
430 metres
From Ioulianou 50 to the edge of the park, about a 6-minute walk.
21/11/2026
The PPC Christmas Factory opens at Technopolis and runs until 6 January 2027. It is the only big event with confirmed dates.
What we know for 2026
The programmes of the City of Athens and the Region usually come out only a few days before the festivities begin. Last year the Syntagma tree was lit on 27 November and the Pedion tou Areos village opened the next day. The table separates what is certain from what happened last year.
| What | For 2026 | Last year (2025–26) |
|---|---|---|
| Village in Pedion tou Areos | No date announced. The website says it is returning. | 28 November – 7 January. Weekdays 16:30–22:00, weekends from 10:00. |
| Tree in Syntagma | Not announced. | Lit on Thursday 27 November. |
| City of Athens programme | Not announced. | 27 November – 11 January. |
| Market in Kotzia Square | Not announced. | 20 December – 6 January, 12:00–21:00. |
| Technopolis, DEI Christmas Factory | 21 November 2026 – 6 January 2027. Confirmed. | 22 November – 6 January. |
| SNFCC, Christmas World | Not announced. | 29 November – 7 January. |
| Flisvos Park and Marina | Not announced. | Early December – 7 January. Marina tree-lighting on 6 December. |
| Archaeological sites and museums | Closed 25 and 26 December and 1 January. Confirmed by the Government Gazette of 22 October 2026. | Same holidays. |
Before you plan
Where the guide says “last year”, the details are from the 2025–26 season and show how the festivities work, not what will apply this year. Times and prices change. Check the websites at the end of the article before you book tickets or time slots.
The Christmas Village in Pedion tou Areos
The village is organised by the Attica Region, with Protergia as main sponsor. It was first set up in 2024, after the park was renovated, and according to the organisers more than one million people visited in its first year. In 2025 it came back “fully renewed” for a second year in a row.
A walk through Pedion tou Areos under the lights
A video of the festivities in the park · The Periegete on YouTube
Hours and entry (last year)
| Dates | Friday 28 November 2025 – Wednesday 7 January 2026 |
| Weekdays | 16:30–22:00 |
| Weekends | 10:00–22:00 |
| Entry | Free for everyone |
| Official programme | xmasvillageattica.gr |
On New Year’s Eve 2025 and on Epiphany the village had a special programme: a party from 23:00 on 31 December and, on 6 January at 13:00, a concert by the Hellenic Air Force Band.
What you will find
- Ice rink: under a large canopy, the best-known spot in the village.
- Carousel: with wooden horses and hundreds of fairy lights, for children and adults.
- 40 wooden huts: handmade items, gifts and ornaments.
- Three stages: one main stage for concerts and two smaller ones for children’s theatre, dance and festive music.
- Lighting: the “Protergia Magic Lights” light show, designed by lighting designer G. Tellos, and illuminated paths among the trees.
- Food corners: hot drinks and street food.
- For children: educational games, face painting, workshops and the EYDAP water corner.
- Photo spot and Silent Disco.
On weekend evenings the central avenue fills up. The trees are covered in thousands of fairy lights and the huts stand in a row.
It works in light drizzle too, thanks to the canopy. Parents watch from the railing.
The trunks and branches are wrapped in fairy lights. Before dark the path is almost empty.
A row of metal stars with lights that you walk through. A good photo spot, especially after rain.
Water falls from pergolas lit from below. Keep children away from the wet paving.
A classic carousel with horses and hundreds of fairy lights. Ask on site for the price of a ride.
A rope trampoline and stalls with toys. On weekend mornings the waiting time is shorter.
Sweets, street food and hot drinks, with high tables in front of the stalls.
One of the photo spots, in front of the lit bushes.
A wooden stable with the figures of the Nativity and straw on the ground.
The trees and the path fill with purple and blue light. The effect looks better on video.
The Christmas Village in Pedion tou Areos, in previous seasons.
How much it costs
Entry to the village and the concerts was free. The Region did not publish an official price for the ice rink or the carousel. In the organisers’ replies to visitors last year, 15€ was mentioned for the ice rink, with no booking and first come, first served, and 4–5€ for the rides. These figures are not from an official announcement, so ask at the entrance.
Programme: what happened last year
The main stage usually had concerts at 19:30, and on weekends midday shows for children. Some events changed time or were cancelled; the 24 December concert, for example, was moved because of rain.
| Day (2025–26) | What happened |
|---|---|
| Friday 28/11 | Lighting at 19:00, concert by Thodoris Ferris and Onemanshow at 19:30. |
| Saturday 29/11 | Locomondo. |
| Friday 5/12 | Gadjo Dilo. |
| Friday 19/12 | Giannis Kotsiras. |
| Saturday 20/12, 13:00 | Children’s opera “Aspro Mavro”. |
| Wednesday 24/12, 14:00 | Panos Mouzourakis (postponed because of rain to 4 January). |
| Friday 26/12 | “Christmas House Party” with Junior Papa. |
| Wednesday 31/12, 23:00 | New Year’s Eve party with Eleni Foureira, ZAF and DJ Bobito. |
| Saturday 3/1 | Nikos Portokaloglou. |
| Tuesday 6/1, 13:00 | Hellenic Air Force Band for Epiphany. |
The same season also had tributes to Mikis Theodorakis, Giannis Spanos, Apostolos Kaldaras, Marios Tokas and Mimis Plessas. The 2026 programme will be different, but the pattern will be the same: concerts in the evening, children’s shows at midday.
What to watch for
- Parking: there is no public car park. The organisers suggest the Electric Railway (Victoria station, a 3–4 minute walk from the park) or the metro (Ampelokipoi).
- Toilets: the permanent ones in the park and portable ones near the fountain and the “Kipos tis Gardenias”; on weekends they operate from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Wheelchairs and pushchairs: the organisers themselves say the grounds have obstacles such as cables and uneven drain covers. Wheelchairs did get through, usually with help.
- Rain: there is no general rule. Concerts are cancelled or moved, and the announcement often comes late.
- After 22:00: the village closes and the park empties quickly. Leave with the crowd towards Patission. For the neighbourhood at night, see our guide to safety around Victoria.
- Small children: on weekends the village opens at 10:00. Mornings are less crowded, with shorter queues.
How to get from Ioulianou 50
The park is at the end of Ioulianou, 430 metres from the apartment entrance. You need neither the metro nor a taxi.
- Ioulianou: leave the apartment and walk along Ioulianou towards the park, about 340 metres.
- Patission: cross the avenue at the level of Ioulianou.
- After Patission: carry on along Ioulianou for about 85 metres, to the edge of Pedion tou Areos.
- Inside the park: the village is not at the gate. Follow the lit paths and the crowd, or ask the Region’s staff.
🎄 From Ioulianou 50 to Pedion tou Areos
The walking route, about 430 metres. Tap the park to open the route in Google Maps.
If you are coming from elsewhere by metro, Victoria is the nearest station. The guide to the area around the park has all the entrances and paths. Open the route in Google Maps.
Syntagma Square and the centre
The Syntagma tree marks the official start of the holidays in Athens. Last year it was a 19-metre fir from Arcadia, lit on Thursday 27 November despite heavy rain. The evening began at 17:00 with the City’s Big Band, the Philharmonic marched and played from the Ermou fountain to the square, and then came a two-hour concert by Panos Mouzourakis.
From the upper side of the square you see all the decoration: the lit trees, the fountain and the tree in the background.
The fountain in the middle of the square, with the tree right behind it. The most classic holiday shot.
The luminous arch at the start of Ermou, with the toy soldiers. Behind it you can see the Syntagma tree.
For the two big nights, the lighting and New Year’s Eve, the City sets up a stage in front of Parliament.
Thousands of people wait for midnight in front of the tree. Go early and keep your belongings close.
The meeting point of Athens in December. Photos come out best just after sunset, before the square fills up.
The decoration changes every year. The tree stays in the same spot, in front of the square.
Glowing balls in the trees of the square and fairy lights all the way to Vasilissis Amalias.
The main shopping street of the centre, from Syntagma to Monastiraki. During the holidays the shops stay open late.
The City’s nativity scene is set up here every year, next to the Cathedral.
The streets between Omonia and Syntagma are decorated too, not just the squares.
Photos from previous years. The decoration changes every season.
How to get from Ioulianou 50 to Syntagma
- Ioulianou 50 → Victoria station: 3 minutes on foot.
- Line 1 (green): towards Piraeus, one stop to Omonia.
- Line 2 (red): at Omonia change towards Elliniko and get off two stops later, at Syntagma. From Victoria to here, about 12 minutes.
- Exit towards the square: the station comes out inside Syntagma Square. The tree is a few metres in front of you.
🎄 From Ioulianou 50 to the Syntagma tree
On foot to Victoria, then the metro with a change at Omonia. Tap Syntagma to open the route in Google Maps.
If you prefer to walk, it takes about 25 minutes. Combine the tree with a stroll along Ermou to Monastiraki, and from there return on Line 1 to Victoria, two stops, no change. For tickets see our guide to the metro and day passes.
Kotzia Square: market and the “Night of Wishes”
Kotzia Square, in front of City Hall, is the second festive spot of the City of Athens. Last year the Christmas market was open from 20 December to 6 January, 12:00–21:00, with wooden huts, food, hot drinks and handmade gifts. It was the first year with a free carousel and concerts. The 2026 programme has not been announced.
The night that fills the square is Christmas Eve, with the “Night of Wishes”. Last year at 18:00, children and adults released biodegradable lanterns into the sky, while the radio station Athina 9.84 played music from 17:00. The same day at 11:00 the City Philharmonic played carols at City Hall.
The carousel was free. The lanterns started going up at 18:00.
Thousands of lanterns rise within a few minutes, all at once.
Each group lights its own lantern and lets it go at the same moment as everyone else.
The market below, full of people and balloons. Keep small change for food.
After 18:00 there is a queue for the carousel. For fewer people, go at midday.
Photos from the “Night of Wishes” of 24 December 2025, Kotzia Square.
For children, the City had a “Kids Corner” at Kotzia with storytelling and workshops, and the show “Ploutzini: the goblin who lost Christmas” on 26 and 31 December.
How to get from Ioulianou 50 to Kotzia
Kotzia is 1.4 km from Ioulianou 50, about an 18-minute walk. The metro cuts that in half:
- Ioulianou 50 → Victoria station: 3 minutes on foot.
- Line 1 (green): towards Piraeus, one stop to Omonia, about 4 minutes.
- Omonia → Kotzia: from Omonia Square you walk about 400 metres south, 5 minutes, to City Hall.
🎁 From Ioulianou 50 to Kotzia Square
The walking route, about 1.4 km. Tap Kotzia to open the route in Google Maps.
Technopolis in Gazi: DEI Christmas Factory
The PPC Christmas Factory at Technopolis, in Gazi, is the only big event with a confirmed programme for 2026. It opens on 21 November 2026 and closes on 6 January 2027. This year’s theme is “Christmas without borders”: ten countries (Greece, USA, Portugal, Italy, Kenya, France, Canada, Iceland, Spain, Japan), ten interactive workshops and a “passport”. There are stilt walkers, soap-bubble shows, puppet theatre, Karagiozis shadow theatre and the play “Young Sherlock Holmes’ Christmas”.
| Day | 21 November – 22 December | 23 December – 6 January |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 16:00–22:00 | 10:00–22:00 |
| Friday | 16:00–23:00 | 10:00–23:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00–23:00 | 10:00–23:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00–22:00 | 10:00–22:00 |
Exceptions: 21 November 17:00–23:00, 31 December 10:00–19:00 and 1 January 12:00–23:00.
- General admission: from 5€ per person.
- Family package: 36€ for two adults and two children. Valid only on weekends until 22 December and every day from 23 December.
- Admission with ice rink: from 17€, with the same day restrictions.
- Theatre show: from 15€, with free entry to the Christmas Factory.
Carousel, tall tree and red-roofed huts among the stone buildings of the old gasworks.
During the holidays the chimneys are lit red. Around them: the Ferris wheel, the carousel and the huts.
Between the two chimneys the Acropolis is visible, lit up. The tree has clock-shaped ornaments.
Jars of sweets in every colour, gingerbread biscuits and ornaments. Children find it hard to leave.
The halls of the old factory become Santa’s workshop, with wreaths, red light and large sets.
Santa, the elves and the band pass through the crowd, under the Christmas Factory sign.
The Christmas Ferris wheel and the carousel are among the rides of the Fun Park.
The chimneys are the landmark of Technopolis. You see them as soon as you leave Kerameikos station.
The Christmas Factory at Technopolis in previous seasons.
Tickets are sold at thechristmasfactory.gr. The venue has ramps and accessible toilets. For a drink afterwards, see the guide to Gazi and Kerameikos.
How to get from Ioulianou 50 to Technopolis
- Ioulianou 50 → Victoria station: 3 minutes on foot.
- Line 1 (green): towards Piraeus, two stops to Monastiraki, about 8 minutes.
- Line 3 (blue): at Monastiraki change towards Dimotiko Theatro and get off at the next stop, Kerameikos.
- Kerameikos → Technopolis: the entrance, Peiraios 100, is about 50 metres from the station.
🎪 From Ioulianou 50 to Technopolis
On foot to Victoria, Line 1 to Monastiraki, Line 3 to Kerameikos. Tap Technopolis to open the route in Google Maps.
SNFCC: Christmas World in Niarchos Park
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), Syngrou Avenue 364 in Kallithea, sets up its “Christmas World” in the park and along the Canal every December. Last year it ran from 29 November to 7 January, with free entry. The lighting took place on Saturday 29 November at 19:00 in the Agora, presented by actress Evgenia Samara, with the Loop Quartet and Nina Mazani. The 2026 programme has not been announced.
What it had last year
- Light: 80 illuminated plane trees, three tall Christmas trees and the BioLumina light installations festival.
- Canal: fountains that “dance” to Christmas tunes.
- Ice rink: free, with online pre-registration, in 40-minute sessions. Until 18 December it was open on Friday afternoons and weekends, and from 19 December to 7 January every day 10:00–22:00. Without registration you only get in if places are left.
- Makers’ Market: handmade goods, workshops and DJ sets, from 13 December to 7 January.
- Film nights and the 360° Pop-Up Bar at the Lighthouse.
- New Year’s Eve: fireworks, concerts and the SNF RUN.
The venue is wheelchair accessible. Telephone 216 809 1000, programme at snfcc.org.
The lit trees are reflected in the Canal. On weekends the promenade fills with people from dusk.
The ice rink is set up beside the water, looking onto the lit-up trees. Last year it was free, with pre-registration on snfcc.org.
The Canal fountains “dance” to Christmas music. People sit on the steps opposite.
The three tall SNFCC trees, with a concert in front of them. Last year all events had free entry.
A giant glowing sphere above the fountains. After sunset the lights change colour.
Glowing rings in every colour, spread on the ground under a transparent dome. You walk among them.
The Canal, the park and the sea at Faliro. You get the same view from the Lighthouse, at the top of the building.
The SNFCC Christmas World in previous seasons.
How to get from Ioulianou 50 to the SNFCC
The SNFCC is in Faliro, near the sea. The simplest way is Line 1 to Faliro and then three stops on the tram.
- Ioulianou 50 → Victoria station: 3 minutes on foot.
- Line 1 (green): towards Piraeus, to Faliro station, eight stops with no change.
- Faliro → tram stop “Neo Faliro”: about 375 metres on foot, 5 minutes.
- Tram, Line 7: towards Asklipieio Voulas, three stops to “Tzitzifies”.
- Tzitzifies → SNFCC: about 720 metres on foot, 10 minutes.
✨ From Ioulianou 50 to the SNFCC
Line 1 to Faliro, tram Line 7 to Tzitzifies and a short walk. Tap the SNFCC to open the route in Google Maps.
Alternatively, from Victoria take Line 1 to Omonia and Line 2 to Syngrou-Fix. The SNFCC shuttle bus leaves from there; check its timetable on snfcc.org before you set off. For the return late at night you may need a taxi.
Palaio Faliro: Flisvos Park and Marina
In Flisvos Park, beside the sea at Palaio Faliro, the “Santa’s Park” is set up. Last year it ran for the ninth time, from early December to 7 January, with free entry. It is a village for small children: carousel, mini train, bumper cars, a small roller coaster, swings, a bouncy castle, a trampoline and a Baby Park for ages 1–5. For food there is honey, fresh juices, loukoumades, doughnuts, hot chocolate and mulled wine. Phone 210 988 5140.
A little further on, Flisvos Marina has its own programme, the “Christmas Tale”. Last year the tree was lit on Saturday 6 December at 17:00, with a concert by Giorgos Livanis, and the festive activities started at 14:00, again with free entry. On December weekends there was face painting, a photobooth, Santa’s workshops and a charity bazaar. The 2026 programmes have not been announced.
The best time
Go just before sunset, around 16:30. In December the sun sets at about 17:06–17:19, and that is when the lights start reflecting in the sea. Bring a jacket, it gets windy by the water.
The tree stands next to the boats. Behind it, the promenade with its cafés, covered in garlands of light.
The lighting night fills the marina: balloons, a concert and fireworks above the boats.
The buildings and trees along the promenade are wrapped in fairy lights. A nice walk after dusk.
The “Merry Christmas” arch and the inflatable snowman welcome the little visitors.
The marina square with the big tree, the small lit trees and the fountain.
One of the rides of the “Santa Claus Park”, among the decorated huts.
The seafront promenade of the park, where the “Santa Claus Park” is set up.
Christmas at Flisvos Marina and Park, in previous seasons.
How to get from Ioulianou 50 to Flisvos Park
- Ioulianou 50 → Victoria station: 3 minutes on foot.
- Line 1 (green): towards Piraeus, to Faliro station, eight stops with no change.
- Faliro → tram stop “Neo Faliro”: about 375 metres on foot, 5 minutes.
- Tram, Line 7: towards Asklipieio Voulas, seven stops to “Flisvos Park”.
- Stop → park: about 290 metres on foot, 4 minutes. For the marina, from the stop it is about 15 minutes on foot beside the sea.
🎠 From Ioulianou 50 to Flisvos Park
Line 1 to Faliro and tram Line 7 along the seafront. Tap the park to open the route in Google Maps.
The tram uses the same ticket as the metro. The whole trip takes about an hour. For the return late at night, a taxi is quicker.
What else is going on in the city
- The Nutcracker: Tchaikovsky’s ballet at the Olympia Municipal Music Theatre “Maria Callas”, last year at 19:30 on 20, 22, 23, 27 and 29 December and on 2 and 3 January.
- Museum of Greek Folk Art, Plaka: the exhibition “Carols: Embroidered Songs of Christmas” until 11 January.
- Kypseli Municipal Market: film nights for children and festive neighbourhood events.
- “The Longest Night of the Year”: last year on 20 December, with music in many neighbourhoods. One of the stops was Victoria Square, next to Ioulianou, with the pianist Melachrinos Velentzas at 19:30.
- AI Christmas Orchestra: last year Christmas melodies in squares in Kypseli, Sepolia and Agios Pavlos.
- Rest of Attica: “Santa’s Kingdom” at the M.E.C. in Paiania, Paradise Park in Acharnes, Xmas West Park in Tritsis Park. They are outside the centre and you need a taxi or a car. The 2026 dates have not been announced.
For shopping before the holiday meal, see the guide to the Varvakeios Central Market.
With children
The easiest day with children is: morning at Pedion tou Areos (on weekends it opens at 10:00), midday at Kotzia (from 12:00) and afternoon at Technopolis. At Pedion tou Areos the queues for the carousel and the ice rink are shorter in the morning. At Kotzia the carousel was free last year. The Christmas Factory has a 36€ family pack for two adults and two children. More ideas in the guide to Athens with kids.
What is open and what is closed
The winter opening hours of archaeological sites and state museums apply until 31 March 2027 (Government Gazette, 22 October 2026). They are closed on 25 and 26 December and on 1 January. On Epiphany, 6 January, they open as normal.
| Day 2026–27 | Archaeological sites and museums | Shops |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 24 December | Open with normal hours. Last year the Acropolis Museum closed early, around 15:00. | Last year, roughly 09:00–18:00. |
| Friday 25 December | Closed. | Closed. |
| Saturday 26 December | Closed. | Closed. |
| Thursday 31 December | Open. Last year the Acropolis Museum closed early. | Last year, roughly 09:00–18:00. |
| Friday 1 January | Closed. | Closed. |
| Wednesday 6 January | Open as normal. | A holiday, most are closed. |
- Acropolis and Ancient Agora: 08:00–17:00 daily. At the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library and the Temple of Olympian Zeus the hours are 08:30–15:30. Last entry 20 minutes before closing. See our guide to the Acropolis.
- National Archaeological Museum: closed 25 and 26 December and 1 January. Check the winter hours at namuseum.gr.
- Free entry: on the first and third Sunday of each month, that is 6 and 20 December and 3 and 17 January. See the free days at museums.
- Shops: last year the Commercial Association proposed Saturdays 09:00–18:00 and Sundays 11:00–18:00 on selected dates. For 2026 we are waiting for an announcement; see the guide to opening hours in Greece.
- Restaurants: most tavernas stay open and many have a festive menu. For 24, 25 and 31 December, book a table a week ahead.
Getting around over the holidays
On 25 and 26 December and 1 January holiday timetables apply. On New Year’s Eve 2025 the metro, the Electric Railway and the tram stopped around 23:00, and airport services finished earlier. OASA and STASY announce the times a few days before.
This matters for New Year’s Eve. From Pedion tou Areos you walk back to Ioulianou 50, 430 metres, no metro needed. From Syntagma that night, take a taxi or be ready for a walk of about 25 minutes to Victoria. See the taxi apps. That night, call one before 23:00, because after that the wait gets longer.
Customs and sweets
Greek Christmas has its own customs, and you can join in most of them.
- Kalanta (carols): children with triangles go round homes and shops on the morning of Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and Epiphany. Keep some coins handy.
- Melomakarona and kourabiedes: the two sweets of the holidays. Melomakarona have honey, orange and cinnamon. Kourabiedes have butter, almond and icing sugar.
- Vasilopita: cut on 1 January. Whoever finds the coin has a good year.
- Agios Vasilis: in Greece the presents are brought by Saint Basil, on New Year’s Day, not on 25 December.
- Karavaki: the traditional decorated boat. In the cities you often see it as a lit-up figure in the squares.
- Kallikantzaroi: the mischievous goblins of folk tradition. According to legend they come up to earth from Christmas to Epiphany.
- Epiphany: on 6 January the blessing of the waters takes place. In Piraeus, after the service at Agia Triada, the Cross is thrown into the harbour and divers bring it back up.
Carols in a home
Children in Santa hats with triangles sing carols in a living room with a decorated tree
This is what carols sound like in a Greek home: the children strike the triangle, sing, and at the end receive a little money or sweets. If they knock on your door, offer a treat or a few coins.
Syrupy cookies with honey and walnut. Bakeries have them all December.
The holiday pair. Every family has its favourite; try both.
On top they write “Happy New Year” and the new year in sugar. Inside they hide the lucky coin.
The boat was the symbol of Greek Christmas before the tree arrived.
Sweets and customs of the holidays. Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
For where to find sweets, see the guide to Greek sweets and the bakery Venetis in Victoria.
Weather, light and clothes
December in Athens is mild but rainy: expect 14–15°C at midday, 6–8°C in the evening and about 9–12 rainy days. Daylight lasts about 10 hours. The sun rises around 07:20–07:40 and sets at 17:06 on 1 December and at 17:19 on 6 January. The Pedion tou Areos village opens at 16:30 on weekdays, just before dark, so you see the lights from the first moment of dusk.
Dress in layers: a warm jacket for the evening and a raincoat or umbrella. In the park and the squares the paving gets slippery when it rains. For a rainy-day plan, see the winter guide to Athens.
Three suggested plans
An evening on foot from Ioulianou 50
- 16:30: the village at Pedion tou Areos opens. You walk there in 6 minutes.
- 19:30: concert on the main stage, if there is a programme.
- 21:00: metro from Victoria to Syntagma, 12 minutes, and a stroll along Ermou.
- 22:30: metro back to Victoria.
A weekend with children
- 10:00: the village in Pedion tou Areos, with fewer people.
- 13:00: lunch at Kotzia Square, if the market has opened.
- 16:00: Technopolis, the Christmas Factory, with the family package.
New Year’s Eve, Thursday 31 December
- 10:00–19:00: Christmas Factory, which closes early that day.
- 22:00: concert in Syntagma, if it happens as last year.
- 23:00: party in Pedion tou Areos, if it happens as last year. Walk back to Ioulianou 50.
Day trips over the holidays
If you want a day out of the city, Delphi and Nafplio are the easiest trips, and in December they are less crowded. See the guides to Delphi and to Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio. For a mountain near Athens, our guide to Parnitha has the cable car and the trails. Remember that archaeological sites are closed on 25 and 26 December.
FAQ
When does the Christmas Village in Pedion tou Areos open in 2026?
It has not been announced (24 October 2026). Last year it opened on 28 November. The official website says it is returning this year.
Is there an entry fee for the village?
No, entry was free last year. The ice rink and rides are paid separately; ask on site.
How far is Pedion tou Areos from Ioulianou 50?
430 metres to the edge of the park, about a 6-minute walk. The village is a little further in.
What hours does it run?
Last year weekdays 16:30–22:00 and weekends 10:00–22:00.
When is the Syntagma tree lit?
Last year on Thursday 27 November. No date has been announced for this year.
What is open at Christmas?
Archaeological sites, museums and shops are closed on 25 and 26 December and on 1 January. Most restaurants and tavernas stay open.
Does the metro run on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, but last year services ended around 23:00. For 2026, wait for the OASA announcement.
When does the Christmas Factory close on New Year’s Eve?
At 19:00, and it reopens on 1 January at 12:00.
Where does the blessing of the waters take place at Epiphany?
The biggest ceremony takes place in the port of Piraeus, after the service at Agia Triada.
Do I need to book the ice rink?
It depends. At Pedion tou Areos there was no booking last year; it is first come, first served. At the SNFCC you need to pre-register online. At Technopolis you buy a ticket in advance.
Photos of the Christmas Village, Syntagma, Technopolis, the SNFCC and Flisvos Marina, and the carols video: Angels Apartments archive. Video of Pedion tou Areos: The Periegete (YouTube).
Ermou arch and Syntagma fountain: Tasos Datsis.
Photos (Wikimedia Commons): George E. Koronaios, CC BY-SA 2.0 and 4.0 (Syntagma, Ermou, Mitropoleos, Stadiou) · Anonymous Wikipedia user, CC BY-SA 4.0 (“Night of Wishes”, Kotzia 2025) · George E. Koronaios, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Technopolis chimneys) · Texniths, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Flisvos Park) · Alexander Baxevanis, CC BY 2.0 (melomakarona) · Alpha, CC BY-SA 2.0 (kourabiedes) · Templar52 (karavaki).
— Kathy
