Greece ushered in the New Year with the now traditional outdoor concerts and fireworks, with the most prominent event again taking place in downtown Syntagma Square in central Athens, across from Parliament.

The annual countdown and New Year’s celebration in Athens was joined by similar events at the port of Piraeus, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)and at the Pedion tou Areos park in central Athens, where the Attica regional government has set up a “Christmas Village” over the past month.

The port of Piraeus

Fireworks at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)

At Syntagma Square, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas led the countdown to 2026, the event that generates the most media coverage in the country. The Athens Municipality’s philharmonic band opened the musical program.

The same imagery, with fireworks, laser shows and musical performances, was held in Thessaloniki’s main Aristotelous Square.

One noteworthy innovation this year was the use of “quiet” or “low noise” fireworks, something employed at Syntagma Square, although neighborhoods erupted in loud fireworks in Greece’s cities and towns.

Additionally, drone shows were an added feature through similar municipal celebrations around the country.