Get ready to feel the magic — Athens is putting on its festive best as the iconic Christmas tree in Syntagma Square is set to shine bright tomorrow.

Standing tall at an impressive 19 meters, this majestic fir tree comes all the way from Chrysovitsi, Arcadia, bringing the spirit of the mountains right into the heart of the city. And after the celebrations, it will be gifted to the Athens School of Fine Arts to inspire new artistic creations!

The holiday festivities kick off at 5:00 PM with enchanting Christmas melodies by the Athens Municipality Big Band. At 6:00 PM, the Philharmonic Orchestra will parade through Ermou Street fountains towards Syntagma Square, inviting everyone to join in this musical journey and become part of the festive joy.

At 6:30 PM, famed singer Panos Mouzourakis will deliver a special Christmas live show tailored for this magical evening. Then, at 7:30 PM, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas will flip the switch to illuminate the giant Christmas tree — unveiling a dazzling display of red and gold baubles, glowing plexiglass decorations, and a staggering 3,000 meters of sparkling lights. In total, 21,000 meters of garlands and 168,000 twinkling bulbs will transform Syntagma Square into a radiant winter wonderland!

The celebrations don’t stop there — Panos Mouzourakis will keep the party alive with music until 8:30 PM, while charismatic hosts Krateros Katsoulis and Dora Makrygianni will guide the evening. The event will also include sign language interpretation, making the joy accessible to everyone.

But the magic extends beyond the square. The city center and neighborhoods have already been draped in festive glory — University Avenue, Stadiou, Ermou Street, and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue glow with illuminated tubes, Christmas trees, and sparkling ornaments.

Familiar wreaths and hanging stars from last year’s decorations still twinkle on lamp posts, while an interactive light-up Santa Claus greets visitors near Ermou Street. The glowing archway with nutcrackers will welcome all again this year, complemented by new garlands and hanging stars along the pedestrian zone, leading to a charming Christmas nativity scene in Mitropoleos Square.

Starting December 15th, the fountains at Omonia Square will come alive with spectacular water shows choreographed to music — a perfect winter treat!

All these festive lights use energy-efficient LED technology, brightening the city while caring for the environment. In total, Athens is adorned with 78,000 meters of tree garlands, over 2,000 decorative fixtures, nearly 1,400 hanging ornaments, almost 12,000 meters of glowing tubes, and 47 ground installations.

Athens is ready to sparkle and celebrate!