Things to do in Athens during Christmas

You can easily get into the Christmas spirit in Athens following these suggestions of magic!

"The Christmas Factory" at Technopolis!

Once you pass this Christmassy gate you may start believing in miracles again! The Christmas Factory welcomes you with its Magic Christmas Tree made from…elves, with strong and bushy branches that will grow endlessly hundreds of gifts, every day; and the Christmas Market with wooden houses which create an atmosphere that will take you directly to the Santa Claus village. Music, theater, the famous magician Sankara, the most popular children's films, 150 artistic events and many other festive happenings take place at this fabulous location that invites you to indulge in the magic!

The Little KooK

Do you like fairytales? If so, the Little KooK is the place to be! In the center of Athens at Psirri, there is a cake shop and tea house so magical that surpasses even the most rampant childhood fantasy! You will definitely rediscover your inner child, when you cross the threshold of Little Kook, close the door behind you in the world of adults and regain some of your lost innocence. Here you can meet all those heroes of fairy tales, from Cinderella and Oliver Twist to Pinocchio, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and travel to the country of Christmas! Ask the waitresses (or rather the girls in Victorian costumes) to try any of the huge fluffy cakes with names like «Wolf, oh Wolf are you here?” or “The breath of the dragon” and you will not lose!

Photo: Eugenides Foundation New Digital Planetarium

Christmas at the Athens Planetarium

If you think that downtown Athens holds all the cards for Christmas, think again. The amazing Eugenides Foundation New Digital Planetarium has announced its Christmas agenda and it’s a packed one. First of all, the spectacular space-travelling, human history-unravelling We are Stardust is still showing and that’s reason alone to visit, trust us. Lots of other shows are on as well, such as The Story of the Earth, The Enchanted Reef, The Centre of Cosmos and more. Then, there’s the Foundation’s spectacular shop where you can get your hands on all sorts of lovely science-related gifts for Christmas.

As far as activities go, well, take your pick; test the limits of science by freezing stuff, program and assemble your very own sweet-making machine, or your own AR app with the help of Santa himself. And that’s just the half of it.

Noel

Noel is a “holiday bar” as it describes itself and a Christmas trademark! I can definitely say that everyday there is like Christmas! Noel is reminiscent of another era, where tales are starring with particularly impressive Christmas decorations! And the Christmas Oscar goes to… Noel, honoring to the fullest its name! Mind blowing cocktails under unique chandeliers and the holiday’s mood has found its place.

Christmas Bazaar

The Pangrati Project (thepangratiproject.com), a youth community dedicated to revitalizing downtown Athens through culture, invites you to their Christmas Bazaar supporting strays! Join us alongside Hippie Pets, Vyronas Animal Shelter, and Adopt-a-Paw organization from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Explore handmade goods, win lottery prizes, and, if you’re ready, give a homeless pet a loving home with guidance from nearby dog trainers. Admission is free. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference and celebrate the festive season with us!

Polina Paraskevopoulou

Contributor

Polina Paraskevopoulou is a Greek journalist who shares her time between her two beloved cities of Paris and Athens. With a love of writing, blogging, fashion and travel, she has now joined the GCT team as one of our main European contributors.