Athens, December 22, 2025 – Thousands of participants, dressed as Santas and hailing from 33 countries across the globe, converged in the heart of Athens on December 21 for the Athens Santa Run 2025. The event, a vibrant celebration of sports, music, and solidarity, transformed the city center, drawing in both residents and visitors.
A Global Gathering for a Good Cause
The Athens Santa Run 2025, an initiative of the Municipality of Athens, was meticulously organized through the Organization for Culture, Sports and Youth (OPANDA) in collaboration with the Offline Running Association, the country’s largest running community. More than 1,000 individuals, including numerous children, represented a diverse array of nations, such as the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Australia, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Great Britain, Russia, Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Montenegro, Israel, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Cyprus, and Greece.
Participants embarked on a festive 2.8-kilometer route, commencing along Athinas Street, proceeding towards Ermou, then to Agion Asomaton and Piraeus Streets, and culminating at Omonia Square. There, they were greeted by the Municipal Philharmonic before finishing at the City Hall, where each participant received a commemorative medal. As a cherished souvenir, all runners were permitted to keep their Santa Claus costumes.
Mayor Doukas Emphasizes Participation and Solidarity
Giving the starting signal in front of the City Hall, Mayor of Athens Haris Doukas underscored the event’s dual purpose. “Today we leave the cars behind and fill the center of Athens with young and old, as well as four-legged, Santa Clauses,” stated Mayor Doukas. “We are running for a good cause, as part of the proceeds will be allocated to solidarity and sports actions of the Municipality of Athens. Time is not important, but participation is. Good luck to everyone. And [see you] here again next year.”
Festive Hub at Kotzia Square Christmas Market
The Christmas Market of the Municipality of Athens in Kotzia Square served as the vibrant epicenter of this grand celebration. The music station Rock FM set the festive pace, with music producers Alexandros Vrachoritis and Tasos Karatzis enthusiastically presenting the race. To ensure convenience for both participants and visitors, complimentary parking was offered for the first two hours in the underground parking lot of Kotzia Square.
A significant portion of the proceeds generated from participation fees in the Santa Run will be channeled towards the Reception and Solidarity Center of the Municipality of Athens (K.Y.A.D.A.) and to bolster the sports activities managed by OPANDA.
Leading the way at the start of the race was the new electric model NIO firefly of the Motodynamics Group, which, like all participants, was adorned in festive Christmas attire.
Sponsors and Organizers
The Athens Santa Run 2025 received invaluable support from its sponsors: Hotel Grande Bretagne and Vikos Cola as Silver Sponsors, and Motodynamics Group, NIO, SIXT, Yamaha, Mailo’s – The Pasta Project, Grigoris, Fournos Veneti, and Armando Pizzeria as Official Sponsors. Vikos Cola, in particular, provided a refreshing dose of enjoyment to all the Santas.
The event was expertly organized by the Organization of Culture, Sports and Youth of the Municipality of Athens (OPANDA), in close collaboration with the Offline Running Association and the Active Media Group.
