Athens is getting ready to welcome Christmas with a spectacular celebration at Syntagma Square on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will officially mark the beginning of the festive season in the Greek capital, bringing music, entertainment and thousands of sparkling lights to the heart of the city.
The celebrations will begin at 17:30, with the highlight of the evening being the lighting of an impressive 21-metre Christmas tree, which will take centre stage in Syntagma Square. The fir tree will travel to Athens from Ano Rizes Chrysovitsi, in the Municipality of Tripoli, Arcadia, in the Peloponnese.
A Festive Evening of Music and Entertainment
The event will feature a musical programme organised by the Municipality of Athens. The Athens Municipality Big Band will open the celebrations at 17:45, followed by the Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra at 18:30, bringing traditional Christmas melodies to the square.
At 19:00, Greek singer Marina Spanou will take to the stage for a live performance, while television presenter Giorgos Lianos will host the evening.
The much-anticipated countdown will begin at 19:30, when Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, Marina Spanou and Giorgos Lianos will invite the crowd to join them in lighting the city’s Christmas tree. The ceremony will also feature Greek Sign Language interpretation, making the celebration accessible to a wider audience.
168,000 Lights Transforming Central Athens
Beyond the impressive Christmas tree, Syntagma Square will receive an extensive festive makeover. Approximately 168,000 lights, spread across 21,000 metres of decorative garlands, will illuminate the square, creating a sparkling Christmas setting.
The tree itself will be decorated with traditional red and gold ornaments, illuminated decorations and festive garlands. Additional installations will include illuminated stars, wreaths and a large Santa Claus figure, offering plenty of opportunities for festive photographs.
The Christmas atmosphere will extend beyond the square to Ermou Street, one of Athens’ busiest shopping destinations. A spectacular illuminated entrance featuring nutcrackers, alongside hanging stars and decorative garlands, will connect the pedestrian shopping street with Syntagma Square.
Christmas Across Athens
This year’s festive decorations will not be limited to the city centre. The Municipality of Athens is introducing an expanded lighting scheme across neighbourhoods and major streets, including Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Alexandras Avenue and Patission Street. Several locations will also feature new festive installations.
For visitors planning a winter city break, the Christmas season offers another reason to explore Athens beyond its archaeological landmarks. From illuminated streets and festive shopping to seasonal events and the city’s vibrant dining scene, the Greek capital is preparing to offer a different perspective on winter in Greece.
With the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on 24 November, Athens is officially counting down to the most wonderful time of the year.
