Christmas Tree Lighting 2025: Weaving the Threads of Christmas Cheer Together

And so it begins: Athens is transforming for the festive season, starting with the Grand Christmas Tree Lighting at Syntagma Square on 27 November at 6 pm. The city centre will glow with an impressive eco-friendly Christmas tree and sparkling LED decorations, marking the official start of the holiday season.

Event Programme
At 17:00, the City of Athens Big Band will open the celebration with festive favourites that will set the tone for the evening. At 18:00, the City Philharmonic will lead a vibrant musical parade from the Ermou fountain to Syntagma, inviting everyone to join along the way. From 18:30 to 20:30, Greek pop star Panos Mouzourakis will take to the stage with a special Christmas performance that will fill the square with atmosphere, energy and seasonal cheer.

At 19:30, Mayor Haris Doukas will give the signal to illuminate Athens’ spectacular Christmas tree and unveil the square’s festive décor. After the holidays, the 19-metre fir tree will be donated to the Athens School of Fine Arts to be repurposed as raw material for student wood-carving projects.

The entire city centre will light up with elegant LED displays, from garlands and ornaments at Syntagma to the beloved Nutcracker Gate on Ermou and the traditional nativity scene at Mitropoleos Square. From mid-December, Omonia Square brings musical water shows and throughout December, Kotzia Square hosts its charming Christmas Village, adding one more festive stop for families and visitors.