On Thursday, the Christmas tree is lit in Syntagma – All festive events

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“Starting with the neighborhoods, Athens will shine again this year from one end to the other,” says the mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis

And this Christmas, Athens “floods” with brilliance and light. From one end to the other, the atmosphere of joy and celebration pervades the neighborhoods with the spectacular decoration of the city coming to an end next Thursday, December 1, during the lighting of the Christmas tree in Syntagma Square.

Against the effects of the energy crisis, the municipal authority of Athens, having already replaced all of the city’s Christmas lighting with LEDs since the previous two years, manages to ensure a Christmas without “discounts” on glitter and light. The savings achieved reach the level of 80% compared to previous years.

In his statement, the Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannisstates: “The focus of the celebration, this year’s Christmas, is the city’s 129 neighborhoods. From there we start, lighting up the streets and squares with bright decorations, and once again sending a message of joy and optimism to all Athenians and all Athenians. Respecting the crisis and having replaced all the Christmas lights with LEDs in time, we keep the festive atmosphere in the city, without the need for cuts. Along with the bright decoration, we created – in collaboration with our cultural institutions – a dynamic Christmas program that aspires to transform Athens into a big festive scene for young and old. This Christmas, they find us all together again on the streets of Athens. Let it be the best!».

Bright streets from the neighborhoods to the center

A total of 120 km, – more by 15,000 meters than last year – will be the length of the Christmas lights that are already lit in the neighborhoods of the city by the Municipality of Athens. Impressive trees and structures will decorate 35 squares in all seven municipal communities, while the bright image of Athens will be completed by aerial and arched decorative structures – a total of 6,000 in number. Also, the columns on the roads are decorated with light tubes, the length of which reaches 60 km.

The 21 meter tall fir tree from Karpenisi – Illuminated on Thursday

The illumination of Athens will culminate with the lighting of the impressive tree on December 1, at 19:15, in Syntagma Square. This special celebration will take on an international character this year, as mayors from all over the world will join the Mayor of Athens in lighting the tree, all together sending a strong message of peace, unity and solidarity between peoples.

It is noted that the beautiful fir tree that “traveled” to Athens from Karpenisi this year, is illuminated by 40,000 lights, 5 km long and decorated with hundreds of balls and ornaments.

Festive atmosphere from one end of the city to the other

From the 1st of December and for more than a month, the Athenians, the Athenians, but also the visitors of the city will have the opportunity to live unique festive experiences, in every part of it.

In the center and in the neighbourhoods, the rich program of events designed for young and old and organized by the Culture, Sports & Youth Organization of the Municipality of Athens (OPANDA), the Technopolis of the Municipality of Athens, This is Athens and the radio station of the city of Athens 9.84 , will include – among other things – activities for the whole family, musical performances, “Christmas villages”, parties, impressive shows, an original Christmas Market in Omonia Square, as well as many festive surprises.

Musical event on the evening of the illumination of the Constitution

Those who, next Thursday night, watch the lighting of the tree in Syntagma, will at the same time live a very beautiful musical experience in the most central part of the city. The bright star of the pop scene, Tamta, with her wonderful voice and dazzling presence, will show us, once again, her multifaceted artistic personality, in an unexpected partnership with Athens Big Band. The evening will be opened dynamically by Petros Kourtis and the band with his Lead Soldiers.

The presenters of this year’s festivities

For the first time this year, a particularly beloved and successful duo, Fotis Sergoulopoulos and Jenny Melita, take on the role of presenters of the evening of the Christmas tree lighting, but also of welcoming the new year, with their humor and positive attitude. The presenters participate in the events of the Municipality of Athens on a non-profit basis.

Ten “Christmas villages” in the neighborhoods

From December 23rd until January 6th, the neighborhoods of Athens, from Acharnon and Lambrini to Pagrati and Hellinorosson, are transformed into “Christmas villages”. This year, two more are added in the neighborhoods of Athens, where the “heart” of Christmas will beat. Santa Claus and his elves will be in their positions every day to welcome young and old with constructions, treats, face-painting and many more festive interactive experiences. The events are accompanied by, among others, stilt walkers, jugglers, Christmas mascots, animateurs, puppets and jugglers.

Educational activities for families and children

Christmas belongs to children, but also to everyone who feels that way! That’s why, from December 7 and for a whole month, a series of innovative and quality actions for young and old will take place in OPANDA’s premises, the Museums, the Libraries, the Art Gallery, the Arts Center, the Cultural Center ” Melina”, as well as in the Creative Learning Centers in the seven Municipal Communities, offering endless joy and spreading beautiful children’s smiles. This Christmas, the “Anna & Maria Kalouta” multi-purpose hall returns renovated and welcomes the public with free musical and theatrical performances.

Christmas… means music

Holidays without music are not… holidays! Central to this year’s Christmas music events is the Syntagma Square stage, where from December 20 to 28, there will be three live events every day. Each of these days will start at 11 a.m. with orchestral ensembles, followed at 2 p.m. by some fresh musical proposals from up-and-coming bands, while at 6 p.m. some of the most popular Greek artists will take the stage that week: Among them Nikos Portokaloglou, Rena Morphi, Eurydiki and Myron Stratis, Stavento and Ivi Adamou, 1550 and Dimitris Starovas, ENORASIS etc., who promise to lift our festive mood!

At the same time, Olympia, Municipal Musical Theater “Maria Kallas” has a special place in the festive program of the Municipality of Athens. From December 16, “The Baptist” by Theofrastos Sakellaridis, the most popular Greek operetta that has been loved by generations and generations of Greeks for its wonderful music and hilarious premise, will be staged at the Theater, with the Symphony Orchestra and the Municipality Choir of Athens, under the musical direction and direction of Giorgos Petros.

On December 23, the Athens Big Band revives the “golden” age of jazz, with songs made legendary by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, with the interpretations of Stavros Romanou and Jenis Kapadais, under the artistic direction of Sami Amiri, while, a few days later, on December 27, Athenians will have the opportunity to enjoy the festive concert “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with the Choir of the Municipality of Athens and soloist soprano Myrsini Margaritis, under the musical direction of Stavros Beri.

Omonia at its best

From December 17th to January 5th, the spirit of the holidays also spreads in Omonia Square. Omonoia Christmas Market, the capital’s new commercial and entertainment institution, fills the historic square with sparkle and more life, offering Christmas delicacies, selected gifts and plenty of fun for young and old through a series of special events. Those who visit the square on those days will have the opportunity to taste salty and sweet delicacies from specially designed stands, do their shopping and enjoy the wonderful Christmas atmosphere in the heart of Athens.

At the same time, on December 29, in one of the most beautiful arcades of the center, the Moxy arcade, there will be a big Christmas party with lots of music and dancing, with songs chosen by the radio producers of Best 92.6.

Athens 9.84 celebrates in the center and the neighborhoods

The city’s radio station will also actively participate in the festive atmosphere, presenting a series of special activities this Christmas. On December 17 and 18, Syntagma Square will be filled with Christmas tunes and songs broadcast by the station.

On December 18, in collaboration with the Vassilis and Elizas Goulandris Foundation, 9.84 broadcasts live the play “Scrooge” by the Kypseli Orchestra and the El Sistema Greece Youth Choir who join forces, bringing the famous Christmas carols to life with young voices by Charles Dickens.

On December 21st and 28th, the station van stops in 2 surprise neighborhoods to broadcast on-air two mini-concerts by favorite artists. Manolis Famellos, Kitrina Podilata, Penny Baltatzi, Andriana Bambali, Stathis Drogosis and many others will take part in them while, on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, he gives the Athenians a microphone for wishes, dedications… and not only!

From December 12 to 31, ten favorite authors take it upon themselves to take us on a journey through the magical world of their favorite books, selected from bookstores in the city. As every year, this year as well, on Thursday 22 December, Athens 9.84 organizes the now established Radio Marathon which aims to support social groups in need. Tune in to 98.3 FM, and of course in the neighborhoods of Athens…

The longest night of the year in the Anglican church

On December 21, from 6 pm to 6 am, the Municipality of Athens is organizing a live marathon in collaboration with Pepper 96.6 radio station. Acclaimed Greek and foreign artists will take part in it, who, successively, on this longest night of the year, in the overwhelming atmosphere of the church of Saint Paul, will offer the attendees a unique musical experience.

The atmospheric “Night of Wishes” – Christmas Eve

On December 24, young and old “light up” the city with our wishes and the sky in Kotzia Square is filled with the traditional lanterns of the “Night of Wishes”. At the same time, the musical selections of the producers of Pepper 96.6 will be heard live, while a big party of the radio station will follow in front of the Athens City Hall.

Two days of celebration for children at the Kypseli Municipal Market

For two days, on December 26 and 27, the Municipal Market of Kypseli opens its doors and welcomes kidsradio.com together with the children’s favorite producers, Fani and Nikos. Children will have the opportunity to listen to their favorite songs, take pictures and exchange wishes.

We welcome 2023 from the Constitution

New Year’s Eve returns to Syntagma Square! We say goodbye to 2022 and welcome the new year with an audio-visual extravaganza full of music, fun, dance, fireworks, sparkle and optimism. There will be many surprises!

Crazy New Year’s Eve party in Varvakeio

After the change of time, we descend on Varvakeio, the most emblematic market of the city to welcome the early hours of 2023 with a wild party, in which some of the most important djs of Athens will participate.

It is noted that the program may be modified.

You will see more information and the detailed program of events here

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