What you can do, with or without children, on holidays in the Greek capital

Athens is in good spirits at Christmas and free activities and events are increasing these days. The protagonists are mainly children as it is their favourite time of the year.

Check out ten of the free Christmas activities planned in Athens.

1. Christmas Illusions. Some of the most well-known and photographed exhibits of the Museum of Illusions are transferred to Syntagma Square. They create a world full of illusions for all visitors in the centre of Athens.

Date: Thursday 12th of December to Monday 6th of January.

2. Fairytales in Athens. With the signature of the story-teller and creator G. D. Lebesis, favourite heroes come alive giving joy in Klaythmonos Square. Musical events, fairy tales and other happenings are on the schedule.

Date: Saturday 21st of December to Monday 6th January.

3. Christmas Monmartte of Metaxourgion district (opposite Karaiskaki Square). Children’s toys, stilts, face painting and many surprises from the “Little Paris of Athens”.

Date: Sunday 22nd of December at 11:00

4. Christmas Melodies in Athens. Young and old will enjoy happy festive melodies from the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens in Syntagma Square.

Date: Monday 23rd of December at 11:00

5. The Night of Wishes. The sky in Kotzia Square will be filled with the traditional lanterns of the “Night of Wishes”. An impressive audiovisual show from the Athens Digital Arts Festival against the backdrop of the town hall of Athens.

Date: Tuesday 24th of December at 18:00

6. Athens Open Air Film Festival. Christmas Edition: For big-screen lovers from the 27th to the 29th of December, Thission district at the junction of Ermou and Asomaton streets, will be transformed into an outdoor cinema, in collaboration with the “Premiere Nights”. Check out the schedule here.

Date: Friday 27th of December to Sunday 29th of December

7. Events in Pedion tou Areos. For 25 days on the Economides plateau, there are daily activities, games and events. An ice rink and a carousel will be open to the public free of charge.

Date: Friday 13th of December to Sunday 6th of January

8. The Forest of Christmas. A… Magic Forest with activities, games and creative activities for children comes alive in River West for free. Santa’s Post Office and magic workshop excite the kids.

Date: Friday 13th of December to Tuesday 31th of December

9. Concert with Myron Stratis at Syntagma Square, in Athens.

Date: Friday 27th of December at 18:00

10. Christmas Bright Path against the backdrop of Athens. This is a Christmas Light Festival with original bright and interactive art installations. It is something that makes its appearance for the first time in Athens. A unique festive experience in Dionisiou Aeropagitou Pedestrian.

Date: Tuesday 10th of December to Friday 10th of January

Facebook page: Christmas in Athens