From family-friendly activities to vibrant nightlife, the city blends tradition and modern celebration at every turn, promising a festive season full of joy, energy, and unforgettable experiences.

Kotzia Square is one of the city’s main holiday hubs. The Christmas Market (December 20-January 6) fills the square with wooden chalets selling gifts and street food, while there are a children’s corner and carousel to keep little ones entertained. Live concerts, DJ sets, and creative workshops add to the atmosphere, and on December 24 the Night of Wishes sees (biodegradable) lanterns float into the sky as radio station Athens 9.84 FM provides the soundtrack. On December 31, Syntagma Square hosts Athens’ largest public New Year’s Eve celebration, with music, dancing, and fireworks over Parliament.

For ticketed attractions, Technopolis in Gazi is a must-visit. The Christmas Factory (10 euros) features themed installations, interactive workshops, and seasonal decorations perfect for families.

The Acropolis Museum continues its festive program through January 7, with children’s archaeological workshops, special exhibitions, and seasonal music events blending ancient and modern traditions.

At the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), visitors can attend concerts (12-18 euros), explore the Cosmic Sound Corner, watch ice shows, or enjoy themed installations. Some events require advance booking, while others are free. The SNFCC’s New Year’s Eve celebration offers music, dancing, and family-friendly activities across indoor and outdoor spaces.

Music and theater also shine throughout the city. The Athens Concert Hall (known to locals as the Megaron) hosts Christmas and end-of-year concerts, while jazz fans can enjoy Glitter Grotesque at the Train-Theater in Rouf (Sundays, December 14 – January 4). Select theater shows provide English subtitles; the Pallas Theater features concerts and plays by well-known Greek performers, including Yiannis Parios and Marios Frangoulis.

The nightlife heats up as the season progresses. Gazi’s Dirty Blonde club and Psyrri’s Venti host international party nights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Highlights include “Manto & Polina Live” at Kyttaro (December 26), the “555 Bass Party” at Dunk Athens (December 26), the “Lemmy Lives Tribute Party” at Gazarte/Temple Athens (December 27), and EDEN presents Mind Enterprises at the Athens Conservatoire (December 28). Outdoor festivities include the “Athens All Star Party” at Kotzia Square (December 30), while the Athens Pub Crawl offers guided rooftop and bar tours throughout the holidays.

This article was previously published at ekathimerini.gr.