Athens will officially open its holiday season on Thursday, November 27, with the lighting of its Christmas tree in Syntagma Square—a major public celebration that marks the start of the city’s winter festivities. The tree, a 19-meter fir brought from the region of Arcadia with forestry approval, was placed in the square last week.
The city will activate its holiday programming at 5 p.m., launching an evening that combines music, performances and the unveiling of Athens’ full Christmas décor. Mayor Haris Doukas will give the signal to illuminate the tree at 7:30 p.m., revealing this year’s festive setup in the capital’s central square.
Music, Parade and Live Show
The celebration begins at 5 p.m. with Christmas melodies performed by the City of Athens Big Band. At 6 p.m., the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra will parade from Ermou Street’s fountain to Syntagma Square, inviting the public to follow along and join the gathering.
Singer and performer Panos Mouzourakis will headline the evening with a specially designed Christmas live show from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. His performance will feature well-known hits—including “Megalonó,” “Épatha Agápi,” “Aftí Einai i Zoí,” “Fíla Me Akóma” and “Madame”—alongside unique holiday-themed arrangements.
He will be joined on stage by a full band and a children’s choir, adding to the festive atmosphere. Hosts Krateros Katsoulis and Ntora Makrygianni will present the event, which will also include interpretation in Greek Sign Language to ensure accessibility for all attendees.
Citywide Decorations Completed by Lighting Day
Athens has already begun transforming its streets with holiday lights, with central avenues such as Panepistimiou, Stadiou, Ermou and Vasilissis Sofias adorned with illuminated garlands, Christmas trees and decorative displays. The full citywide decoration plan will be completed by the time the Syntagma ceremony takes place.
The Syntagma tree features red and gold ornaments, illuminated plexiglass decorations and 3,000 meters of lights, while the square itself will hold 21,000 meters of garlands—a total of 168,000 lights. Returning elements from last year, such as wreaths on light poles and hanging star ornaments, will again brighten the area. A lighted Santa Claus figure will serve as an interactive photo point connected visually with Ermou Street, where a glowing entrance framed by nutcracker figures will also be installed.
Further installations include new garlands and star decorations along the pedestrian walkway and a Christmas nativity scene in nearby Mitropoleos Square.
Holiday Features Across the Capital
Beginning December 15, Omonia Square’s fountain will stage water shows synchronized to music, adding another highlight to the city’s seasonal program.
Athens’ Christmas lighting uses low-energy LED technology and spans the entire city, incorporating 78,000 meters of tree garlands, more than 2,000 pole-mounted decorations, over 1,300 overhead ornaments, nearly 12,000 meters of light tubing and dozens of large illuminated structures.
