Μake us preferred on Google Get into the Christmas mood with a visit to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), in the seaside Athens suburb of Faliro, starting November 29.
The SNFCC’s Christmas World comes alive at 5.30 p.m. with the “Lights Up!” show, the official launch of a month full of concerts, performances, film screenings, DJ sets, kiddies’ activities and creative workshops. This year, the SNFCC will also host its own ice rink, with 82 illuminated plane trees along the Canal creating a fairytale Christmas setting.
Highlights include the Dancing Fountains show at the Canal and the Festival of Light Installations at Stavros Niarchos Park, with celebrations leading up to New Year’s Eve.
The Christmas Agenda!
Photo: Nikos Karanikolas
November 29 – Lights’ Up! – The festivities kick off at 5.30 p.m. with the park’s official lighting ceremony, the opening of the ice rink, and plenty of Christmas tunes to set the mood. The ice rink will be open daily from November 29 to January 7, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting.
November 29 – January 7: Festival of Light Installations – Stavros Niarchos Park becomes an winter wonderland with light installations by French artist Cedric Le Borgne, whose work will be featured in Greece for the first time.
Throughout December: Festive Events
Visitors can look forward to performances, concerts, DJ sets, film screenings, a Christmas market and plenty of festive surprises.
December 12 – January 7: Makers’ Market – Discover original Christmas gifts by small businesses and emerging creators, alongside DJ sets, creative workshops, book readings, face painting and delicious festive treats.
Photo: Nikos Karanikolas
December 14: The Best of Ute Lemper – Acclaimed cabaret and musical theater star Ute Lemper takes the stage with “The Best of Ute Lemper”, featuring songs, stories and encounters that have shaped her artistic journey, from Kurt Weill and Broadway to French chansons and Marlene Dietrich.
December 18 – January 6: Park Your Cinema – Christmas Edition – Popular classics and favorite festive films for the whole family come to the Park Kiosk.
From December 20: Christmas Stories at the Lighthouse – A series of 12 performances celebrates the spirit of Christmas, highlighting the importance of giving, solidarity and human connection.
December 21: Holly Jolly 80s – The intercultural symphony orchestra and choir of El Sistema Greece bring an upbeat Christmas celebration to the Stavros Niarchos Hall with “Holly Jolly 80s”, featuring some of the decade’s biggest hits.
Photo: Nikos Karanikolas
December 28: New Year’s Gala – The National Symphony Orchestra of ERT, conducted by Michalis Economou and featuring soprano Danae Kontora, takes the stage at the Stavros Niarchos Hall for a New Year’s Gala with Viennese flair. Expect waltzes, polkas and arias in a festive celebration of classical music.
December 31: New Year’s Eve at the SNFCC – Ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display, concerts, DJ sets and an upbeat mix of pop, disco, rock and funk favorites. Ice skating adds to the festive fun.
January 6: City of Athens Big Band – The holiday celebrations continue as the City of Athens Big Band takes the stage at the SNFCC Agora.
*For more information and a detailed program of events, visit the SNFCC’s website.
