Here’s what’s worth checking out this week: From the Christmas market at Astir, cinema for “Kapodistrias,” contemporary art at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation Museum, to live music with Onirama, before counting down to the New Year in parks and squares.
Christmas at Astir: the brightest market by the sea
Until January 7, Astir Marina in Vouliagmeni transforms into a Christmas destination: an ice rink right by the water, festive workshops (wreaths & gingerbread cookies), live music, and pop-up stores that make a stroll feel like a mini getaway. In the heart of the marina, a decorated caique becomes the iconic point of the experience. At the stands and displays, you’ll find curated gifts from Greek brands and creators, while food offerings range from Four Seasons selections and Ekiben to Covapanettone, Glühwein, and festive cocktails. International luxury houses also add their signature to the shopping experience. Part of the proceeds will go to the “Friends of the Child” charity, and parking is offered at a reduced fee.
“From Monet to Warhol: a journey through modern art”
At the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation Museum in Athens, the temporary exhibition “From Monet to Warhol: Three Generations, One Collection, A Journey Through the Evolution of Modern Art” (until April 11, 2026) gathers 83 masterpieces from 45 top artists. This is a rare loan from a private Swiss collection spanning three generations. Through the dialogue of works, it tells over 130 years of artistic revolutions: from Impressionism and Post-Impressionism to Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, then moving into Abstraction, Surrealism, and finally Pop Art. A must-see exhibition, showing how form, color, and ideas evolve as modern art transforms the way we see the world.
“Kapodistrias” on the big screen
Yiannis Smaragdis returns to cinemas with “Kapodistrias,” a film following the life of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the man who carried the challenging promise of a new state. A historical epic with a personal lens and cinematic ambition, where politics is not just background but a field of conflict: ideas, diplomacy, faith in a seemingly impossible plan, and the ultimate cost of power when it doesn’t flatter anyone. The script is by the director himself, blending the public figure with the private man—the Kapodistrias of duty and solitude. Antonis Myriagos stars as the first governor of modern Greece, delivering not just history but its weight. Released in cinemas from Thursday.
Spectacular live music nights at Alsos Theater
ONIRAMA offers the most festive rendezvous this year at Alsos DEI Theater for three nights that feel like a mini festival: favorite songs, surprises, explosive energy, and rare collaborations in one lineup.
On Christmas Eve, the vibe shifts to an 80s–90s party with Angelika Dusk. On Christmas Day, together with Evridiki, they take over for a pop-rock finale full of nostalgia.
Alsos DEI Theater (Evelpidon 4, Kypseli) | Reservations: 210-8227471, 210-8831487
New Year’s Eve… in parks and squares
If you want to celebrate with a crowd, Athens offers three different options to choose your vibe:
Syntagma (from 22:00): The classic “official” city gathering. The Athens Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra opens the night, followed by a live program with artists to be announced. The main spot for the big countdown, broadcast on TV.
Pedion tou Areos (from 23:00): For an open-air concert-party vibe: Eleni Foureira, ZAF, and DJ Bobito. The park village includes light installations, ice rink, carousel, themed wooden houses, markets, and food corners. Perfect for strolling, photos, and energy into the night.
SNFCC (22:30+): A more “urban” celebration with many small stops: live music in the Market, atmosphere throughout, light installations, and Fountain choreographies in the Canal. This year, hosted by Jerome Caluta, with Alexandra Sieti opening, followed by a DJ set. The space remains lively even with the ice rink open.
The first brunch of the year at Athénée
On January 1, 2026 (12:00–17:00), Athénée hosts the warmest “The First Brunch of the Year,” offering the perfect way to start 2026: comfort flavors, festive elegance, and relaxed vibes.
On the menu: poached eggs Florentine, mini burgers with cheddar & caramelized onion, French toast with cinnamon and pecan, freshly baked croissants, accompanied by aromatic coffee, tea, and bubbly options for the first “cheers” of 2026. Because the new year deserves to start with sparkle, flavor, and optimism.
Bucuresti 9 | Tel: 210 325 1430
