8 Fun Things to Do With Kids | Christmas and New Year’s in Athens

It is not for nothing that Athens has been named a top destination by Trivago, a big online search engine for travel. The Greek capital offers everything from city vibes, an ancient old vibrant culture, and an arts scene to hospitable family activities and outdoor fun along the Athenian Riviera.

Athens is gaining more and more popularity as a winter destination too. With its soft winters with sunny skies, Athens is a great city for the Christmas Holidays. Here we have listed our favorite family things to do in Athens during the Holiday Season of Christmas and New Year!

1. Explore the Majestic Century-Old City and its Ancient Sites

Visiting the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum is a must for anyone on vacation in Athens. This Christmas season, the streets around these two spots are part of a festive illumination display making these important sights even more magical. Other important hot spots during this Christmas are Syntagma Square with its Christmas tree and the changing of the guards, a ceremony performed by the evzones, the presidential guard, standing watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

You will also have an opportunity to explore Plaka, the core of the city of Athens 200 years ago, and wander the narrow streets of Anafiotika, perched at the foot of the Acropolis. Our Outdoor Escape Game Adventure: Solve the Riddle of Anafiotika! Is the best way to explore these areas and keep your kids engaged.

If you prefer to explore the city center on a walking tour and learn all about the local Festive culture and history you can join a private Welcome To Athens: A Fun Orientation Stroll With Traditional Meze Meal – Christmas Edition. After all, nothing is better than combining a walking tour with lunch or dinner afterward!

Contact us for more information in Athens.

2. Athens on 4 Wheels – A Christmas Adventure

The Christmas holiday is perhaps the best time to visit the numerous archaeological sites of Athens. Forget the long hours standing in line under the blistering sun, you are sure to discover the wonderful myths surrounding the Acropolis without hordes of tourists tagging along, or visit the Ancient Agora without having to wait for a group to move away to take your family photo. 

A fun way to explore the highlights of the main archeological sites in Athens with your kids is with our Minivan Tour For Families – Christmas Edition. Our team organizes a private experience in Athens that will allow you to explore Athens in a fun and festive way.

Moreover, don’t hesitate to visit the majestic Athens Riviera. The Temple of Poseidon in Sounio in winter means that you will get that perfect sunset shot without too many tries.

3. Explore Athens on 2 Wheels With Your Family

Take a fun bike ride through the heart of historic Athens and seeing Athens by bike with an experienced local guide is perfect for active families. If your family is looking for a fun way to see the festive Athens, the private family Athens by Bike Tour is for you. Fully customizable, you will bike around the main historic sites, and reveal some hidden secrets.

At our Holiday/Christmas version, you can enjoy food stops that will include tasting local Christmas delicacies.

4. Sample The Best of Christmas Treats

Christmas may be second to Easter in terms of celebrations, yet, the season comes with its fair share of treats and delicacies, including the scrumptious Christmas desserts, the kourabiedes, a style of almond shortbread cookies, and melomakarona, syrupy cookies dipped in honey, which you will find in any bakery. 

If you love food tours, you can have a look at our private Christmas food tour in Athens. This is an amazing tour that will allow you to sample traditional local fares such as cheese, sausage, and olives, as well as enjoy special Christmas delicacies like melomakarona and kourabiedes!

Even better, why not take a Christmas Cooking Class or take part in a Christmas Food Tour in Athens? It will surely be a fun experience for the whole family.

5. Family-Friendly Festive Spots to Visit in Athens This Christmas

Christmas shopping is definitely a great excuse to go on a (souvenir) shopping binge in Athens. Opt for a fun walk on Ermou Street, the festively decorated pedestrian street descending from Syntagma Square to Monastiraki. 

Start your adventure at Little Kook, a whimsical café in Psirri, where each corner is decorated with fairy-tale themes and dazzling lights, perfect for children and parents alike. Then, head to Syntagma Square, the city’s central hub, which becomes a winter wonderland complete with a giant Christmas tree, live performances, and twinkling lights. 

For a more immersive experience, visit the SNFCC’s Christmas World, where the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center offers ice skating, interactive installations, and family-friendly events. 

Don’t miss the Christmas Factory in Technopolis, an exciting theme park where kids can meet Santa, enjoy rides, and participate in festive workshops. These locations make Athens a delightful destination for creating unforgettable holiday memories.

6. Visit the Attica Zoological Park with Kids

Another fun activity for families in Athens is a visit to the Attica Zoological Park. Apart from having a look at more than 300 animal species, your kids will have the chance to attend arts and crafts classes, educational tours, and more. Also, the park offers many activities like “Meet the Animals at the Park”, which is specially created for families.

7. Plan a Day Trip to Nafplio

Located in the Peloponnese region, Nafplio is a charming little town with a picturesque historic center. The former capital of the newly established state in the 19^th century, Nafplio boasts a rich history visible through its medieval castles, its monuments, as well as its several Ottoman and Venetian fountains, and neoclassical buildings.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere in the beautiful Nafplion with its narrow alleys, the big Christmas tree, and the local Festive market.

Mythology has it that it was founded by Nafplios, son of the god Poseidon. Furthermore, it is conveniently located near the ancient site of Mycenae and the ancient city of Epidaurus.

Contact us to organize an amazing family day trip to Nafplio from Athens, or book accommodation to spend at least 2-3 nights in this historic and magical city.

8. Enjoy a Family Ski Getaway in Arachova and Explore Ancient Delphi

You may not be aware but Greece is home to a dozen ski stations definitely worth checking out. The closest to Athens is located in Mount Parnassos. Only two hours from Athens, the Parnassos Ski Center boasts 19 ski runs, 7 ski routes as well as 10 trails, and three mini-beginner runs. Spend a relaxing après-ski evening in Arachova, a picturesque mountain village nearby, and visit the nearby archaeological site of Delphi the next day. 

Contact us to organize an amazing family day trip to Arachova and Ancient Delphi from Athens.

Need more inspiration? The team of KidsLoveGreece will be more than happy to help you shape your family agenda and explore the things to do with the family during Christmas and New Year in Athens this year!