I’m so excited to share that Athens Santa Run 2025 is set to sprinkle festive magic across the heart of our city this holiday season! On Sunday, December 21st at 10:00 a.m., runners and walkers of all ages will don bright red Santa suits and follow a 2.8 km route through the historic center, starting and finishing at Athens City Hall in Kotzia Square. This joyful event brings a playful, seasonal twist to the streets of Athens — and you’re invited to be part of it!

It’s wonderful to see an event that blends the Christmas spirit with community and purpose. As you make your way past iconic streets like Athinas, Ermou, and Pireos, the city center will be transformed into a cheerful tapestry of laughter and crimson capes, all for a good cause. The Athens Santa Run supports the City of Athens Reception and Solidarity Center (KYADA), helping provide shelter, food, and support to those in need — a perfect reminder of the true spirit of giving.

One of my favorite things about Athens is how festive celebrations always feel elevated by a cozy, stylish close to the day — and I recommend heading up to St. George Lycabettus Hotel afterwards. Whether you’re in the mood for a refined lunch overlooking the city, a celebratory cocktail as the sun sets over the Acropolis, or a luxurious staycation to unwind from all that merry running, it’s the ideal spot to round off your Santa Run experience with unforgettable views and warm hospitality.

I’m so delighted to share that this holiday season Athens will be home to a magical staging of The Nutcracker at the Olympia Municipal Music Theatre “Maria Callas”, running from 20 December 2025 through 3 January 2026 with multiple evening performances. This beloved classic by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky returns in a sparkling new production full of whimsical choreography, stunning costumes, and the timeless score that has captured hearts around the world for generations — right in the center of our city.

It’s wonderful to see Athens embracing one of the most cherished festive traditions on the cultural calendar. The Nutcracker isn’t just a ballet; it’s an enchanting story that brings together imagination, music, and dance in a way that feels perfectly in tune with the joyful spirit of the season here. Whether you’re attending with family, friends, or that special someone, the blend of classical music performed by the Athens Symphony Orchestra and Christiana Stefanou’s lively choreography creates a breathtaking experience that resonates far beyond the stage.

One of my favorite things about celebrating the holidays in Athens is how you can turn an unforgettable performance into an equally memorable evening, and I recommend finishing your night at the St. George Lycabettus Hotel. Just a short ride from the theatre, it’s the perfect spot for post-performance drinks with a view over the city lights, a refined dinner to discuss your favorite scenes, or even a luxurious staycation to savor the festive magic a little longer. It’s my personal must-visit tip to elevate your Nutcracker outing into a truly special holiday tradition.

I’m already marking my calendar for the Christmas Makers’ Market at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, returning in December 2025 to fill the SNFCC with festive charm. For several joyful days, this much-loved market brings together Greek designers, artisans, and makers in a beautifully decorated setting, offering everything from handmade gifts to seasonal treats. It’s the perfect excuse to wander, shop, and soak up the holiday atmosphere in one of Athens’ most inspiring cultural landmarks.

It’s wonderful to see how events like this celebrate creativity while capturing the warm, communal spirit of Christmas in Athens. The Makers’ Market isn’t just about shopping; it’s about discovering local talent, supporting small creators, and enjoying the buzz of the city as families, couples, and friends gather by the canal and park. One of my favorite things about Athens is how seamlessly culture, design, and festive living come together—and this market is a perfect example of that vibrant energy.

After exploring the stalls and finding those special gifts, I recommend elevating the day with a visit to the St. George Lycabettus Hotel. Whether you choose post-market drinks with panoramic views, a refined dinner overlooking the illuminated city, or even a cozy holiday staycation, it’s my personal must-visit tip for rounding off the experience in true Athenian style. It’s the ideal way to slow down, unwind, and let the magic of the season

I’m delighted to share news of a compelling new exhibition sweeping through the heart of Kolonaki this season: “The Hidden Image” at the Zoumboulakis Gallery. Opening on Thursday, December 11th at 6 PM at the gallery’s elegant space on 20 Kolonaki Square, this group show brings together eleven emerging and established Greek artists in a thoughtful exploration of how imagery hides and reveals itself within contemporary painting. It’s a perfect cultural moment to pause, reflect, and immerse yourself in the art that’s buzzing through Athens right now.

What makes The Hidden Image particularly special is the way it taps into our current moment—an era overflowing with visuals yet craving depth and nuance. Curated by Kostas Christopoulos, the exhibition invites viewers to discover works that play with representation, rhythm, and subtle visual cues that dance between abstraction and form. In a city where every alleyway and gallery holds a story, this show feels like a fresh, poetic conversation about what we see, what we overlook, and how art reflects our world. It’s wonderful to see such rich dialogue emerging right here in Athens’ lively contemporary art scene.

After you’ve soaked in the thoughtful strokes and hidden narratives at Zoumboulakis Gallery, I recommend capping off your evening at the St. George Lycabettus Hotel. Whether you’re craving a refined dinner, a cocktail with one of the best views in the city, or even a luxurious staycation to keep the inspiration flowing, this is my go-to spot in Athens. One of my favorite things about Athens is pairing cultural outings with unforgettable experiences—and the view from St. George Lycabettus, overlooking the Athenian lights and the Acropolis, makes every moment feel special.

I’m thrilled to tell you about a must-see cultural experience right in the heart of Athens — the Cycladic Art exhibition at the Museum of Cycladic Art on Neofytou Douka Street. One of the city’s most timeless showcases, this permanent exhibition invites visitors to step into the world of the ancient Cycladic civilisation through its extraordinary marble figurines, pottery, and artefacts that date back to the 3rd millennium BC. It’s open daily (except Tuesdays and holidays), and wandering through these elegant gallery spaces feels like connecting with the very origins of Greek artistic expression.

What makes this collection so special is how it bridges millennia of history with aesthetic simplicity that still resonates today. The iconic minimalist forms of the Cycladic marble figures — particularly the stylised human shapes — have inspired generations of modern artists and continue to captivate visitors with their serene beauty and mysterious origins. This vibrant testament to early Aegean culture sits comfortably within Athens’ rich cultural tapestry, and it’s wonderful to see so many people drawn to these ancient icons that feel surprisingly contemporary.

After immersing yourself in this remarkable journey through ancient art, I recommend finishing your day at the St. George Lycabettus Hotel — my go-to spot for post-museum drinks with a view. Whether you choose a refined dinner at their restaurant, a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the Acropolis and Saronic Gulf, or even a luxurious staycation to extend the magic, it’s the perfect way to elevate your cultural outing into an unforgettable Athens experience. One of my favorite things about Athens is pairing incredible art with equally inspiring vistas — and you’ll find both here.

There’s always something stirring at the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron Mousikis), and this season is no exception. From world-class classical concerts and contemporary performances to thought-provoking talks and cultural events, Megaron continues to be one of the city’s most exciting meeting points for the arts, right on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue. I love that any evening here feels like an occasion, whether you’re attending a grand symphonic performance or an intimate recital in one of its beautifully designed halls.

What makes Megaron so special is how effortlessly it blends international prestige with Athens’ unmistakable cultural pulse. It’s wonderful to see global artists sharing the stage with Greek talent, creating moments that feel both refined and deeply local. One of my favorite things about Athens is this constant dialogue between tradition and modern creativity, and Megaron captures that spirit perfectly, offering experiences that resonate long after the final applause.

After an inspiring evening at the Concert Hall, I recommend heading up to the St. George Lycabettus Hotel to round off the night in style. Whether it’s cocktails with sweeping views of the city, a refined dinner, or even a luxurious staycation to prolong the magic, this is my personal must-visit tip for elevating the experience. Few things compare to reflecting on great music or performance while gazing over Athens from above — it’s the perfect finale to a cultured night out.