As November draws to a close, Athens slips gently into its festive rhythm. Lights switch on across the city, exhibitions open their doors, and music fills neighbourhoods from Gazi to the Conservatory.
Mataroa Gallery — Orfeas Mpatsios’ solo exhibition
Mataroa Gallery presents the first solo exhibition of Orfeas Mpatsios, a painter who approaches memory as a living interior space where experience deepens and reshapes itself through the act of painting. Borrowing its title from Manolis Anagnostakis’ poem “Όταν μιαν άνοιξη”, the show explores the quiet ways the past informs the present.
“Self Portrait II”, Orfeas Mpatsios, oil on wood, 36,3 x 55 cm, (2019)
Mpatsios’ figures appear with a pared-down, almost solemn presence, as if engaged in a private dialogue. Instead of linear narration, the works dwell in a state of transition — where experience becomes memory and memory settles into calm awareness.
The exhibition is accompanied by San Anoixi, a poetry collection by Daphne Darla, published by Mataroa Gallery. Together, text and image form a parallel route of reflection with a shared tone of clarity and restrained optimism.
As Artistic Director Nikos Papadopoulos notes, “Mpatsios’ work is an authentic offering that looks ahead without losing the depth of experience.”
Orfeas Mpatsios, oil on wood, 46 x 46,4 cm, (2019)
Orfeas Mpatsios, “Self portrait”, oil on wood, 46 x 46,4 cm, (2019)
24 November – 13 December 2025
Mataroa Gallery Asklipiou 76 & Isavron, Athens
Festive Strolls Through Athens’ Christmas Villages
This weekend, Athens steps fully into the festive season with two major Christmas villages, following the lighting of the Syntagma Square tree on 27 November.
At Pedion tou Areos, the Christmas Village brings the simple, familiar magic of the season into the heart of the city — a welcoming space for children, families and anyone who enjoys wandering among lights, melodies and warm holiday aromas. Opening to the public on Friday, 28 November, in the presence of Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias, the village offers theatre shows, colourful carousels, an ice rink, wooden stalls with gifts and treats, and live performances by well-known Greek artists on its main stage — all with free entry.
For an even more immersive experience, Technopolis hosts the Christmas Factory, a vibrant holiday world complete with reindeer, elves, Santa’s House and a mosaic of experiences: theatre, games, creative workshops, exploration activities, flavours and music. Entrance is ticketed.
At the SNFCC: Christmas Lights On and Ice Skating Season
On Saturday, 29 November at 7 p.m., the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center lights up for the season, hosted by actress Evgenia Samara. Towering Christmas trees transform the Agora, while the Canal glows under thousands of lights. Loop Quartet and Nina Mazani set the musical mood, joined by the Canal Fountains and ice skaters dancing in sync with festive tunes. Admission is free.
From 29 November to 7 January, the SNFCC Ice Rink returns to the north side of the Canal, inviting visitors of all ages to glide under the illuminated sky. With the fountains as a backdrop, the rink becomes a meeting point of play and winter atmosphere.
Few Tickets Left for Tosca at the Greek National Opera
Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca, directed and designed by Nikos S. Petropoulos, returns to the Stavros Niarchos Hall with performances on 27 and 30 November, as well as throughout December and early January. Conducted by leading Italian maestro Paolo Carignani, the production features international stars Alexandra Kurzak, Celia Costea, Marcelo Puente, Roberto Alagna, Dimitris Platanias and Tassis Christoyannis.
One of the most beloved operas worldwide, Tosca blends fierce passion with Puccini’s gripping, atmospheric score. First presented by the Greek National Opera in 1942 with the young Maria Callas, the work follows the tragic entanglement of diva Floria Tosca, her lover Mario Cavaradossi and the tyrannical Baron Scarpia.
Only a handful of tickets are still available for Sunday, 30 November.
Hume Assine Live at Theatre of the No
Hume Assine take the stage at Theatre of the No for the first time, presenting a special live preview of their upcoming fourth album on Friday, 28 November at 21:30. The Athenian trio — known for their inventive blend of samples, synths, beats and vocals — will also revisit tracks from their three previous albums, including the acclaimed ATHENS BLUES. Expect unexpected mashups and the atmospheric sound that has earned them a loyal following.
Line-up
Vangelis Orfanidis: Music, lyrics, synths
Anna Paspati: Vocals
Alexis Antonopoulos: Drums & pads
For tickets and more info, please go here.
Stand-Up Comedy: Athens English Comedy Club
Founded in 2019, the Athens English Comedy Club is the city’s only fully English-language comedy venue. With a roster of 130 local and international comedians from 29 countries, it has become a lively hub in downtown Athens.
This Sunday, 30 November, the stage at Eliart Theatre welcomes seasoned performers and excited first-timers testing their craft.
Top DJs Perform in Athens — An Electro, Techno Sunday
‘Cayetano’ at Arch Club
Cayetano, one of Greece’s most acclaimed electronic producers, returns with a live show that blends styles, moods and cultures into richly atmospheric sets. Known internationally and celebrated for albums like The Big Fall and Focused, his music has travelled worldwide through performances, collaborations and remixes for artists such as Parov Stelar, Ancient Astronauts and Morcheeba.
Saturday 29 November
Arch Club, 21:00
For tickets and more info please go here.
Marcel Dettmann at Eden, Odeio Athinon
A defining figure of Berlin’s techno scene and a cornerstone of Berghain, Marcel Dettmann brings his powerful, raw and emotionally charged sound to Athens. Influenced by Detroit techno and EBM, his sets are known for intensity and hypnotic flow.
On Sunday, 30 November, he takes over the Eden dancefloor at the Athens Conservatory, joined by Marceldune and Ophelia.
30 November 2025
17:30–00:00
Odeio Athinon
For tickets and more info please go here.
