From singalongs on Christmas Eve to recitals that explore festive traditions, and shows intended for the whole family – these are the best Christmas concerts and performances taking place in Athens in the week leading up to Christmas.
The Night of Wishes – Christmas Revival in Kotzia Square
“Wishing Night” has now become a favourite Christmas Eve tradition! On December 24th, Kotzia Square will “light up” with traditional biodegradable lanterns, which will travel to the sky carrying our wishes. On this magical Christmas evening, the atmospheric melodies will come from the van of the ATHINA 9.84 station, which will musically “dress up” the event with unique selections from its radio producers.
Address: Kοtzia Square 105 51
When: 24th December, 2023
Ourania Gassiou- Ventus Ensemble Organ Recital
The talented virtuoso organist Ourania Gassiou meets the brass ensemble Ventus Ensemble in this special recital, as they perform wonderful Christmas melodies from around the world. From Christmas favourites such as “Silent Night”, “Carol of the Bells”, “Ding Dong Merrily on High” and others, as well as classical masterpieces – the artists will provide the ideal atmosphere for Christmas celebrations. It is a festive recital with 6,000 flutes and brass instruments that create special compositions and original orchestral combinations.
Entry: €7.5- €35
Date & time: 23 December, 2023, 8:30 pm
Address: ATHENS MUSIC HALL – Vas. Sofias & Kokkali 1, 11521, Athens
Tickets: megaron.gr
Cosmos: National Symphony Orchestra of ERT – Papageno and Papagena
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) at the Stavros Niarchos Hall, presents the musical performance “Papageno’s Celebrations.” This is a collaboration of the ERT National Symphony Orchestra with the librettist Sofiaanna Theofanous, under the musical direction of Michalis Oikonomou. The Magic Flute, a work rich in symbolism, continues to this day to move young and old alike, as Mozart’s melodic music reaches a wide audience, while at the same time being a study for connoisseurs of the genre.
Entry: €5- €15
Date & time: 25 December, 2023, 8 pm
Address: Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Syggrou Ave. 364, Kalithea 176 74
Tickets: ticketservices.gr
The Nutcrucker
The Nutcracker is considered one of the most popular ballets to watch over Christmas. Drawing on a new era, by the director of the Ballet of the National Opera, Konstantinos Rigos, this wonderful performance highlights the dark but also the bright, ghostly side of the well-known fairy tale. “A strange new world is created on stage, in which Marie-Clara’s glass case of a room encounters the colourful, radiant objects that hover over the stage and the baroque portals that lead down into the subterranean depths of the Mouse Kingdom, but also the brilliantly-lit Christmas tree,” notes Rigos.
Entry: €10-€70
Date & Τime: 23 December-14 January, 7:30pm
Address: Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Syggrou Ave. 364, Kalithea
Tickets: ticketservices.gr
Giselle Ballet
The Ballet of the National Opera of Odessa, with seventy members, presents the masterpiece of Adolf Adam: Giselle. One of the most beloved ballets in the history of dance, it was written in 1841 and is considered one of the first romantic ballets; one of the few of that period that is performed today with great success. Here you will see ballet dancers accompanied by the leading soloists, the Corps de Ballet of the Odessa National Opera Ballet.
Entry: €18-€49
Date & Τime: 18-28 December, 2023, 8:00pm
Address: Athens Music Hall – Vas. Sofias & Kokkali 1, 11521, Athens
Tickets: megaron.gr
100 Years of Disney
A brand new concert created especially to celebrate 100 years of Disney and currently touring the world, will arrive in Athens on Christmas Eve. Excerpts from Disney’s most beloved films will be shown on a giant screen, while classic musical themes will be brought to life on stage by a 56-piece orchestra and the enchanting voices of West End singers. Starring Ben Forster (The Phantom of the Opera), Rachel John (Hamilton), Lauren Samuels (Cinderella), and Rob Houchen (Les Miserables), this special event is sure to entertain people of all ages.
Entry: €14- €60
Date: 24 December, 2023
Address: Christmas Theater, 137 Ave.Veikou Athens
Tickets: tickets.public.gr
