Christmas in Athens is magical in 2025 — sparkling lights, festive villages, family-friendly events, and mild winter weather that makes exploring the city with kids so easy. As a mom who lives in Greece, I love Christmas in Athens because it’s warm, safe, family-oriented, and full of unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere in Europe.
In this updated 2025 guide, I’ve included the best things to do with children — Christmas villages, shows, markets, winter activities, and my personal tips for families visiting Athens in December.
In this guide you’ll find:
– The best Christmas villages and festive parks in Athens
– Free events and Christmas lights in the city center
– Winter activities, walks and outdoor fun with kids
– Where to find the nicest treats, hot chocolate and malls
– Practical tips: what to wear, where to stay and what’s open
Looking for meaningful Christmas presents for kids?
Check out my list of Greek mythology gift ideas for 2025 — books, games, toys and fun gifts my daughters love.
Why Visit Athens at Christmas with Kids
Athens is one of the best European cities to visit with kids in December. The weather is mild, the city is beautifully decorated, and there are many Christmas villages, shows, concerts, and family activities. Unlike colder destinations, you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor events without freezing — which makes Athens a very easy and comfortable Christmas city break for families.
Athens also feels very safe and friendly during the holidays. The city becomes even more walkable in December because many activities happen in pedestrian areas. Public transport is reliable, Christmas events are easy to reach, and there are plenty of cafés and warm indoor spots for families with younger children. It’s a calm, cozy and truly family-oriented Christmas destination.
Best Christmas Activities in Athens for Families (2025)
So, put on your nicest outfit, eat some melomakarona, and go out with the family. Don’t forget to follow our social channel or stay tuned to this blog because this list will be constantly updated. Here we go!
Christmas Tree Lighting at Syntagma Square (27 November 2025)
On Thursday, 27 November 2025 at 5 pm, Syntagma Square officially opens the Christmas season in Athens. A 19-metre tree from Arcadia is illuminated with 3 km of LED lights, surrounded by festive decorations, including a giant Santa and Nutcracker at the start of Ermou Street. Families can enjoy a parade by the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra, Greek Sign Language interpretation, and a live performance by Panos Mouzourakis. The mayor will switch on the lights in front of the crowd — a magical moment for kids and parents.
Christmas Bazaars 2025
You will find many Christmas bazaars in Athens but most of them are only during a specific weekend (usually the first two weekends of December). There are several bazaars set up for a longer period. They are at the SNF, the Meet Market Zappeion, and the Kypseli Municipal Market.
Here you can look for the perfect holiday reads, Christmas gifts, and lucky charms while enjoying warm drinks, snacks, and mulled wine.
With activities for all ages—painting workshops, games, book presentations, performances, and live music. The International Schools in Athens also organize their yearly Christmas bazaars.
Free Events by the Municipality of Athens
From December until January, 2026, Athens will transform into a lively hub of holiday celebrations, offering activities and entertainment for all ages. Residents and visitors alike can fully embrace the Christmas spirit through many events, including musical concerts, theatrical performances, storytelling sessions, educational programs, art workshops, outdoor film screenings, exhibitions, guided tours, and festive celebrations on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. In the coming days, the municipality will announce the full Christmas events program and the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Christmas Villages and Festive Parks in Athens
Athens has several Christmas villages that kids absolutely love — with rides, workshops, shows, food stalls, music, and plenty of festive decorations. Most villages open from late November or early December and stay open until early January. They are perfect for younger children because they are safe, colorful, and full of activities, and most have playgrounds, treats, and small rides. Depending on the area you stay in, you can visit more than one during your trip.
The Christmas Factory (Technopolis, Gazi)
This is one of the most popular Christmas events in Athens. The Christmas Factory transforms Technopolis in Gazi into a festive park with games, workshops, shows, treats, small rides, and lots of Christmas photo spots. Kids can meet Santa, join creative activities, and enjoy a lively holiday atmosphere. It’s spacious, stroller-friendly, and easy to reach by metro. Great for families with toddlers, younger kids, and school-aged children.
The Christmas Kingdom (MEC Paiania)
The Santa Claus Kingdom in Peania (outside the city center) is an enormous indoor play park of 13.000 m2 including roller-skating, ice skating, race cars, bouncy castles and more. Each year it is getting larger and larger. Very suitable for the little ones too because of the soft play areas. My kids loved the trampolines and the slides.
Tritsis Park DEH Xmas West Park
The ΔΕΗ Xmas West Park will operate from December 13 to January 7 offering thematic decorations, light installations, shows, concerts, educational activities, and environmental routes – all free of charge.
The park will be open from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends.
The official opening is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m., featuring a concert by Greek singer Peggy Zina.
The program’s highlights include:
- Friday, December 19, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
Tribute to Mikis Theodorakis (Manolis Mitsias, Olga Antonopoulou, Violeta Ikari): A musical tribute by three acclaimed artists celebrating the legacy of Mikis Theodorakis. - Sunday, December 21, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
Anastasia & Evangelia: Two rising voices bring fresh energy and modern Greek pop to the stage. - Wednesday, December 24, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Onirama: The popular band returns with its signature upbeat sound, adding festive rhythm and excitement to the park. - Saturday, December 27, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
Myronas Stratis: A dynamic pop-rock performance featuring his well-known uplifting hits. - Tuesday, December 30, 2025 – 6:00 p.m.
“Lachana kai Hachana” & Spyros Lambros Choir: A joyful concert for children—and the young at heart—filled with playful songs and lively rhythms. - Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – 11:00 p.m.
Klavdia & DJ Playmen: A high-energy New Year’s Eve show filled with light, rhythm, and strong stage presence, featuring Klavdia’s distinctive vocals and DJ Playmen’s signature vibe. - Saturday, January 3, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.
Magician Sankara – Closing Concert: A magical performance full of spectacle, followed by a surprise musical finale to be announced at the park’s opening.
SNFCC Christmas World
This is one of the most beautiful and magical places in Athens at Christmas, and it’s free, so families love it.
On Saturday, November 29 at 7pm, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) will be illuminated, with live music.
Every December, the SNFCC transforms into a stunning Christmas World with lights, music, and festive decorations. Families can enjoy the illuminated canal, ice-skating rink, Christmas concerts, workshops, and outdoor events.
The atmosphere is calm, elegant, and perfect for younger children. It’s also one of the best free Christmas experiences in Athens. The park is huge, stroller-friendly, and offers plenty of space for kids to run and explore.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is the largest cultural center in Athens. Check out the complete program for SNFCC on the website and don’t miss a walk around its beautiful park decorated with tons of Christmas lights.
Ellinikon Christmas Park (Experience Park)
The Ellinikon Experience Park is a great place for a festive walk. Lots of activities are taking place too. From light shows to eco-fireworks. For the entire Christmas period, each area of the park will “hide” a unique, interactive experience that will “come to life” with its visitors’ energy, giving sparkle and light to the decorated park. The journey will begin at the Hill of Lights and continue at the Garden of Reflections, where guests can play a specially designed game with mirrors.
If you’re visiting Athens outside the holiday period, don’t miss my full guide on the best things to do in Athens with kids — packed with family-friendly activities all year round.
Ice Skating
During Christmas, several ice-skating rinks open across Athens, and they are always a big hit with kids. The most popular ones are usually at the SNFCC, The Mall, the Athens Concert Hall, Heart Mall, ICE ARENA, and various Christmas villages.
Skating is a fun family activity, and it’s perfect for December because the weather in Athens is mild enough to enjoy it comfortably. Rinks often offer beginner-friendly options and penguin supports for young children. The largest ice skating rink in Athens is located in Kontzia square in the center of Athens.
If you’re looking for indoor holiday fun, Athens has wonderful Christmas shows and concerts for families.
Christmas Shows, Concerts & Performances for Kids
Athens has wonderful Christmas shows for children every year, including theatre performances, puppet shows, musicals, and seasonal concerts. Many theaters prepare special Christmas productions suitable for all ages. These shows are a great option for rainy days or colder evenings, and they offer an easy, enjoyable way for families to experience Greek culture during the festive season. You can often find English-friendly or non-verbal performances as well.
It is best is to check the Athinorama website (translate with Google for English). Every year, there is a good choice of family holiday theater, ballets, and other Christmas performances in the Athens Concert Hall. We also love to see a Christmas ballet. Last year we watched the Nutcracker at the Christmas Theatre.
Alternatively, you can take your family to the birthplace of theater and create your own play. One of the most ancient Greek theaters is located at the Acropolis. To visit this theater, I recommend you book an Acropolis guided tour that includes the Dionysos theatre, the Parthenon, and the other ancient monuments at the Acropolis Rock.
Click here for more info and to book your guided tour to the Dionysos theater and the Acropolis
Christmas Lights, Decorations & City Walks
Every December, Athens is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights across the city. The most impressive areas include Syntagma Square, Ermou Street, Kolonaki, Flisvos Marina and the illuminated buildings around the historic center. Families can take a relaxed evening walk to enjoy the decorations, visit small Christmas stalls, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
The mild Athenian winter makes it easy to explore on foot, even with young children.
Syntagma Square
Watch the colorful decorations at Syntagma Square, the massive Christmas tree, and the buildings around, all dressed at their best. Grand avenues like Stadiou, Panepistimiou, Ermou, and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue stand out because of their Christmas lights. A free activity that will certainly get you in the mood for Christmas.
Discover Sparkling Psiri during Christmas
You can opt to walk from Ermou Street towards the bohemium neighborhood of Psiri and admire twinkling lights everywhere. No need to spend money, the warmth of the shops and the twinkling lights will bring anyone in the Christmas spirit. Plus Psiri has a lot of street art. Don’t miss a stop at the Little KooK Cafe and Kings Theater Wine bar.
If you’re already in Psiri, make sure to visit one of the most famous Christmas spots in Athens.
Christmas Magic at Little Kook Café
Little KooK Themed Café cannot be missed in a list of things to do during Christmas in Athens with kids. The abundantly decorated fairy tale café is definitely worth your visit! Your kids will like the fairy tale cakes and crêpes and the theatrical performances of the staff.
Read more about Little Cook Themed Café in Athens here.
Adults can enjoy the King’s Theatre next door, set up as a wine—and cocktail bar. During Christmas, Little Kook gets very busy. Although it is still a good spot to take some photos, you may want to avoid the crowds and visit another time.
Outdoor Winter Activities for Families
Athens’ mild winter weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities with kids in December. Families can enjoy playgrounds, seaside walks along the Athens Riviera (picture below), easy hikes on Mount Lycabettus or Filopappou Hill, and open-air Christmas events at various parks. It’s one of the few European capitals where you can comfortably spend much of your Christmas holiday outdoors, which makes it perfect for younger children.
Visit the Attica Zoological Park (Athens Zoo)
Attica Zoological Park, organizes Christmas activities during the holidays too, including arts and crafts and educational tours. Did you know that the Athens Zoo has more than 350 animal species, and half of these species are endangered?
The zoo hosts exotic animals and one section of the park is dedicated to Greek fauna, where the brown bear is the stand-out attraction.
Booking your tickets in advance saves time at the entrance and is especially helpful during busy Christmas days.
Click here to book your online tickets to Athens Zoo
Admire Christmas lights with by City Tuk-Tuk
We haven’t tried the tuk-tuk tour ourselves yet, but many visiting families enjoy it — especially those who want to see the Christmas lights without walking long distances. It’s a fun and easy way to explore the decorated city center, especially in the early evening when Athens sparkles. If you prefer a relaxed, sit-back experience, this can be a nice alternative to walking.
If you do not want to walk the entire time, the sustainable Tuk-Tuk ride is a fun alternative? Kids (and adults alike) will find this a great way to see the lights in the city when you book an afternoon tour. The tuk-tuk will bring you to Syntagma Square, the Acropolis, and the beautifully decorated avenues of the city center.
Click here for more information and booking the City Tuk-Tuk Tour
Join a Christmas Walking Food Tour for Families
If you like to walk around the city, and admire Syntagma square, Psiri, and the festive Plaka, you could also opt for a walking food tour. Why not see twinkling lights AND indulge in yummy food at the same time?! Consider booking a food tour for families. You and your kids will be guided by a local foodie and walk around the city center.
We did a food tour in December that included all the Christmas sweets. You will also make food stops at traditional shops and taverns. It is your chance to try typical Christmas sweets such as kourabiedes and melomakarona. A Christmas family food tour in Athens combines a festive stroll through the city with indulging in the very best of the season.
Click here for more information and to book your food tour in Athens
Ride the Athens happy train
Take a ride on the Athens Happy Train through the sparkling city center. When my kids were younger, this was one of the easiest ways to see the Christmas lights without too much walking.
This toy-like street train (no rails but wheels) will take you on a sightseeing tour starting every 30 minutes from Syntagma Square. It tours around the historic city heart, old neighborhoods, and Acropolis hill. It is a fun way to join the festivities in a relaxing way.
Click here for more information and to book your Athens Happy Train ride.
Bus Tour in Athens
I find these tourist site-seeing buses a great way to discover any city, especially in sunny Athens where you can usually sit outside, also in winter time.
I recommend the Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. This tour goes along three different routes. You’ll travel on an open-top, double-decker bus as you take in the many important sights and attractions. The tour is around 90 minutes and encompasses central Athens, commencing at Syntagma Square and leaving every 15 minutes.
This is a great option if you want to enjoy the city without too much walking — especially helpful in December when kids get tired quickly.
Click here for more information and to book your Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tour
Christmas Buffet with Family
One of the traditional things to do in Athens during Christmas with kids is to enjoy a festive Christmas meal together.
Family-Friendly Christmas Meals in Athens
Eating out with kids during the holidays can be a challenge. Children cannot sit long at the table. Luckily, several major hotels offer Family Christmas lunches and dinners with entertainment for the little ones.
Where We Celebrated Christmas
We’ve tried several hotel Christmas brunches and dinners over the years, and they are always an easy and festive option with children — good food for adults and activities for kids.
St. George Lycabettus Boutique hotel offers each year a festive Family Christmas Buffet at Le Grand Balcon with Christmas activities for the kids. New Year’s Day will be celebrated with a Brunch Buffet with a kids’ Christmas movie in the screening room. For more information on the program, visit the website or call for reservations at 210-7416191.
For more festive lunch and dinner ideas, see our full guide on Christmas Dinner in Athens for 2025–2026
Best Christmas Treats & Hot Chocolate Spots in Athens
Christmas Treats & Hot Chocolate in Athens
Christmas in Athens means delicious Greek sweets like melomakarona, kourabiedes, and festive desserts served in bakeries all over the city. Kids will also love warm hot chocolate stops in central Athens.
Popular places include Little Kook, Hans & Gretel (fairy-tale style), and modern cafés around Syntagma and Kolonaki. These spots are perfect breaks between Christmas activities and fun treats for children.
For more options all year round, see our list of 30+ Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Athens.
If you want to try Greek sweets during Christmas in Athens, you can also opt for a food tour including a visit to a local bakery. With children, pick a small group tour that is no longer than 3.5 hours.
My kids love stopping for hot chocolate between Christmas activities — it’s the perfect warm break on a December day.
Click here to book a small-group Christmas food tour in Athens
Christmas Malls & Indoor Festive Activities
Festive Indoor Activities in Athens
Athens has several modern malls that become beautifully decorated for Christmas, offering indoor activities that are perfect for rainy days or colder evenings. Popular choices include Golden Hall, The Mall Athens, McArthurGlen, and River West. Many malls feature Christmas markets, themed areas, photo spots, festive workshops, decorations, and children’s activities. They are also great places for last-minute Christmas shopping and offer family-friendly cafés and restaurants.
Christmas Shopping Tips for Families
For a low-budget option (that is if you do not get tempted by the stores) with lots of festive atmosphere, you can opt for one of the shopping malls in Athens. All of them organize free Christmas activities for children. Do you want to meet Santa and prefer to be indoors with easy parking options, changing room facilities, and a safe place for your little ones to run around?
Head over to your nearest shopping center. I love going to a mall at Christmas, especially with babies! Golden Hall in the Marousi suburb usually creates a Christmas village with games and crafts for kids. It also hosts one of the largest Christmas trees in Athens.
Christmas Shopping in Athens
The Athens Mall (pictured below) and all other shopping centers in Athens, are decorated abundantly and bring you straight into Christmas mode!
When my daughters were younger, visiting the malls during Christmas was one of our favourite indoor activities — easy parking, warm, safe, and always festive.
For Christmas shopping, you can opt for memory from Greece. If you want to buy food, think of olive oil, or sweets like amygdalota (almond pastries) or baklava to take home, too. Olive oil soap is another favorite product.
For more family-friendly shopping ideas, check my guide to the best souvenirs from Greece.
Just as herbs and spices, such as dried Greek oregano or basil. Natural sponges, good luck charms, and magnets are some of my favorite gifts as well as Christmas tree ornaments. They are small and easy to bring home in your luggage.
Best places for souvenir shopping in Greece? In Athens, head over to the area of the central public Varvakeios Market for food and handicrafts. Very close to Monastiraki and Omonia metro stations, this particular area offers thousands of colours, aromas and memories. The public market is open daily except for Sunday.
For fashion and gifts, Plaka and the Monastiraki flea market are the best places for shopping. For high-end fashion shopping, head over to Kolonaki with a nice selection of Greek designer stores and Attica Department store on Panepistimiou street near Syntagma.
The museum shops in Athens have an excellent choice of high-quality souvenirs and Greek design items. Have a look at the Acropolis Museum shop, the Benaki Museum store or the MCA shop at the Museum of Cycladic Art.
In Athens, you will also find a wide selection of great souvenirs for kids such as (coloring) books and games about mythology.
🎁 Tip: Many toy stores in Athens sell Ancient Greek Playmobil sets — they are always a hit with kids and easy to pack.
Christmas in Athens FAQs
What can I do in Athens with kids during our Christmas vacation?
For more activities and a list, of tried and tested things to do in Athens with kids, head over to my complete list of Top Things To Do in Athens Greece with Children
What is the weather like in Athens during Christmas and New Year?
Athens experiences a mild winter compared to much of Europe, with daytime temperatures usually between 10-15°C (50-59°F). Nights are cooler, often around 5-8°C (41-46°F), so it’s wise to bring a warm jacket, especially for evening outings. While rain is possible, it’s not very frequent, and you can often enjoy clear, crisp days perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Snow is rare in the city but can occasionally be seen on the nearby mountains. In the 30 years that I spent Christmas in Athens, I do not remember one rainy day!
What to Wear in Athens in December
- Light layers for daytime (T-shirts + thin sweaters or hoodies)
- A warm jacket for evenings
- Comfortable shoes for walking between Christmas villages
- A small umbrella (just in case, even though rain is rare)
- A hat or light scarf for evening outdoor events
- Optional: festive outfits for Christmas villages and family photos
Where to stay with the family in Athens?
For family-friendly places to stay, see my list of the best hotels in Athens for families (with practical tips on locations, facilities, and nearby attractions).
What is open in Athens on Christmas day?
Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25 and 26 December) are public holidays in Greece, resulting in the closure of many establishments, such as shops, museums, and archaeological sites. However, many restaurants and cafes, especially in the city center, remain open, and hotels typically operate as usual. Public transport follows a holiday schedule, and taxis charge a holiday tariff.
A winter vacation in Greece with children?
Christmas is festive everywhere in Greece. Why not consider Greece for your winter escape or ski vacation? For a family winter holiday close to Athens or a bit further out, look at my list of family-friendly ski resorts and winter destinations in Greece. For a winter story in Greek Mythology, check out winter traditions in Greece!
What are some unique traditional Greek festivities I will experience if I visit Athens during Christmas and New Year?
If you want to immerse yourself into the Greek way of celebrating Christmas and New Year, have a look at Christmas Traditions in Greece with Kids and New Year Traditions.
You may also like:
- Top Things to Do in Athens with Kids
- Best Hotels in Athens for Families
- Greek Mythology Gifts for Kids (2025 Edition)
- Family Food Tours in Athens
- Christmas Traditions in Greece with Kids
Wishing you and your family a magical Christmas in Athens — full of lights, treats, and Greek traditions. Happy Holidays!
Pin it for later
