This Christmas season, the City of Athens places children at the heart of its festive program, unveiling a rich tapestry of activities across cultural venues, learning centers and museums.
From creative workshops to theatrical performances and outdoor celebrations, the city becomes a living classroom where tradition, art and play meet in every neighborhood.
The program curated by the Athens Organization of Culture, Sports and Youth (OPANDA) invites young participants to explore hands-on creativity.
At the Athens Children’s Museum, children craft salt-dough ornaments and festive boats, while municipal libraries and Creative Learning Centers host visual arts workshops that encourage experimentation, collaboration and imagination.
Teenagers, meanwhile, engage with contemporary art through “Art Gives You Wings” at the Municipal Gallery, creating digital works with VR technology. Thematic activities such as “Christmas in Old Athens” and “Little Christmas Creators” connect local heritage with modern educational approaches.
Storytelling and theatre play a central role. Musical performances, puppet shows and interactive theatre bring beloved tales to life, from “Wolf Zacharias” and “The Little Black Fish” to playful productions featuring goblins and a very unconventional Santa Claus.
Libraries also host festive readings with live music, while outdoor performances transform public squares and parks into open-air stages.
Kotzia Square emerges as a seasonal landmark with its first-ever Christmas Market. A classic carousel, wooden chalets filled with treats and gifts, and a dedicated Kids Corner offer daily creative workshops, face painting, storytelling and bubble shows.
The square also hosts the Athens Santa Run and a Christmas Family Day, culminating in a lively concert that turns the city center into a joyful family gathering.
Festivities extend to Kypseli Municipal Market, where Christmas cinema nights, theatrical games and mystery-solving adventures animate the historic space, and to Athens Book Space in Eleftherias Park, featuring dance performances, bubble parades, stargazing and music theatre.
At the Maria Callas Museum, Christmas takes on an artistic note, blending music and painting in family workshops and hosting warm, humorous performances that celebrate friendship and the transformative power of the festive spirit.
