This Christmas, the Acropolis Museum in Athens invites visitors of all ages to experience the magic of the season with a vibrant lineup of festive events and activities.

Running from December 22 to January 26, the Museum offers a range of unique experiences to delight every visitor. Highlights include a captivating temporary exhibition, creative workshops for children, live music performances, and festive dining at the Museum Restaurant – all set against the stunning backdrop of the Acropolis, one of the world’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a music aficionado, or a family seeking creative entertainment for the kids, the Museum promises something special for everyone this holiday season.

With free entry to the exhibition and events, the Acropolis Museum is the perfect place to get into the festive spirit in the heart of the Greek capital.

Discover the Ancient Civilizations of Basilicata

Running through January 26, 2025, the Museum’s holiday programming features the temporary exhibition, “The Ancient Civilizations of Basilicata: Treasures Emerging to Light.”

Located in the Temporary Exhibition Gallery, this remarkable collection offers a rare window into the ancient societies of Basilicata – a southern Italian region once known as Oenotria (“the land of vines”). Spanning from the end of the Bronze Age (11th century BC) to the 6th century BC, the exhibit showcases over 300 extraordinary artifacts, including intricately crafted pieces in bronze, gold, silver, and amber. These treasures reflect the artistic mastery of early Italic cultures and their interactions with Greek voyagers from the Peloponnese and the islands, who explored and settled in southern Italy and Sicily – a region that became known as Magna Graecia (“Greater Greece”).

For those seeking a deeper connection to the objects on display, the Museum’s archaeologists offer weekly guided tours in both Greek and English. Prefer to explore at your own pace? Use the convenient QR codes to access a self-guided audio tour that brings the exhibits to life.

Admission to this must-see exhibition is free, making it an ideal holiday outing for art and history enthusiasts.

For more details, click here.

Festive Fun for the Children

This holiday season, the Acropolis Museum invites young adventurers to embark on imaginative journeys through time and mythology with two specially designed programs that blend education with festive cheer.

“Games with a Past”

Children aged 6 to 12 can step back in time with the program “Games with a Past,” which brings ancient playtime to life. Participants will explore replicas of ancient toys, including clay dolls, wheeled horses, and spinning tops, learning how children in ancient Greece lived and played.

The fun continues with hands-on activities in the Kids’ Corner on the 2nd floor, where children can create their own replicas of ancient toys to take home as keepsakes. This engaging program is scheduled for December 27 and December 30, with sessions at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.

For more details, click here. 

“Myths in the Sky”

For younger children aged 3 to 5, the Museum’s Kids’ Corner sparkles with starlight in the enchanting program “Myths in the Sky.” Accompanied by music, children will hear magical stories about the ancient Greek gods, heroes, and mythical figures immortalized in the constellations.

The experience includes creative art activities, where children can craft their own stars and make holiday wishes. Sessions are offered on December 28 and December 29, at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.

Click here for more information.

Advance booking is required for both programs, with registrations opening on December 17 at events.theacropolismuseum.gr. Entry is free for children, while a regular day ticket is required for accompanying adults. Please note: BOTH programs are conducted in Greek only.

Live Music

The Museum’s ground floor will come alive with a series of festive musical performances, bringing together classical masterpieces, traditional melodies, and jazz. These concerts offer visitors a chance to enjoy enchanting music while soaking in the Museum’s unique ambiance.

The talented students of the Pallini Experimental Music School will kick off the musical festivities on December 22, at 12.00 pm. Their performance will include Arcangelo Corelli’s “Concerto Grosso Op. 6 Nr. 8” (Christmas Concerto), excerpts from Yiannis Konstantinidis’ “Eight Dodecanese Songs” and “Eight Asia Minor Songs,” traditional Greek carols from Propontis, and highlights from Handel’s “Messiah.”

On December 23, at 12.30 pm, The Cretan Dance and Music Association will fill the Museum with the lively sounds of traditional Cretan carols and dances, under the direction of Yiannis Petrakis.

The Hellenic Air Force Band will take the stage with a medley of classic Christmas melodies on December 28, at 12.00 pm. Sopranos Sofia Zova and baritone Aggelos Mousikas, under the direction of Major Alexandros Litsardopoulos, will add a special touch to this memorable performance.

The Jazz Ensemble of the Athens Music School will wrap up the year on December 30, at 12.00 pm, with a vibrant selection of holiday-themed jazz classics.

Dine with a View of the Acropolis

The Acropolis Museum restaurant invites you to indulge in a festive dining experience paired with breathtaking views of the illuminated Acropolis. Every Friday and Saturday evening during the holiday season, the restaurant serves a special festive menu, available until midnight. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family gathering, this culinary experience promises to be unforgettable.

During daytime visits, the restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy coffee and traditional holiday desserts while taking in the serene beauty of Athens from above. Combine your meal with one of the Museum’s festive music events on the ground floor to create a truly magical outing.

Reservations for the evening dining experience can be made by calling +30 210.900.0915.

Gifts for the Holiday Season

No visit to the Acropolis Museum is complete without exploring the gift shop on the Ground Floor, which offers a range of exclusive items designed to capture the spirit of the season. Highlights include the official Lucky Charm for 2025, inspired by a 6th-century BC staircase artifact found at the Sanctuary of the Nymph, symbolizing the cycle of life and marital harmony, and a selection of porcelain and ceramic ornaments.

Visitors can also purchase the beautifully illustrated catalog for the “Ancient Civilizations of Basilicata” exhibition, available in Greek, English, and Italian. The shop features an array of handcrafted ornaments, jewelry, and decorative pieces, perfect for meaningful holiday gifts.

If you’re still searching for the ideal Christmas present, the Museum’s curated selection is sure to inspire.

For more information about this year’s program of events, visit the Acropolis Museum website.