Athens, November 24 – The city of Athens is poised to inaugurate the Christmas season with a spectacular tree-lighting ceremony at Syntagma Square. This festive event, organized by the Athens Municipality, will feature music, live performances, and an array of dazzling holiday decorations, marking the official start of the city’s Christmas festivities.
Mayor Invites Citizens to Join the Celebration
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas extended an open invitation to residents and visitors alike, stating, “I invite you to join us in lighting up Athens on Thursday, November 27, at 5 pm, and celebrating with music, joy, and optimism.” The Mayor’s message emphasizes the community spirit and hopeful atmosphere that the event aims to foster.
A Grand Centerpiece: The 19-Meter Christmas Tree
The focal point of the celebration will be a magnificent 19-meter Christmas tree, sourced from Arcadia. This towering tree will be adorned with an impressive 3,000 meters of LED lights and an assortment of colorful ornaments, promising a breathtaking visual spectacle. Adding to the festive ambiance, a large Santa Claus figure and a traditional Nutcracker will greet visitors at the entrance of Ermou Street, one of Athens’ most iconic shopping destinations.
Evening Program: Music, Performances, and Accessibility
The evening’s festivities are scheduled to commence at 5 PM with a performance of beloved Christmas melodies by the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra. At 6 PM, the orchestra will parade from the Ermou Fountain towards Syntagma Square, building anticipation for the main event.
The celebration will be expertly hosted by television personalities Krateros Katsoulis and Dora Makrygianni. In a commitment to inclusivity, the event will also feature a parallel performance in Greek Sign Language by interpreter Polyvios Kosmatos, ensuring that the festivities are accessible to all members of the community.
Official Lighting and Musical Extravaganza
At 7 PM, Mayor Haris Doukas will give the signal for the lighting of the Christmas tree, officially unveiling this year’s festive decorations not only in Syntagma Square but throughout the city center. Following this momentous occasion, acclaimed Greek singer Panos Mouzourakis will take the stage, performing some of his most popular hits. He will be joined by other talented musicians, promising an evening filled with dance, music, and an abundance of festive cheer.
City-Wide Decorations Already in Place
Ahead of the main event, major thoroughfares across Athens have already been transformed with holiday decorations. Streets such as Panepistimiou, Stadiou, Ermou, and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue are now illuminated with festive lights and ornaments, completing the city’s holiday makeover and setting the stage for the upcoming celebrations.
Upcoming Christmas Events and Festivities
In the coming days, the Athens Municipality is expected to release the full program of Christmas events. This comprehensive schedule will include a variety of family-friendly activities, festive surprises planned for various neighborhoods – notably including a Christmas Market in Kotzia Square – as well as a diverse array of musical and theatrical performances, concerts, special events commemorating the longest night of the year, and the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve celebrations. The city is preparing a rich cultural program to engage and entertain residents and tourists throughout the holiday season.
Source: https://news.gtp.gr/2025/11/24/athens-to-ring-in-christmas-2025-with-tree-lighting-at-syntagma-square/
