Athenians gathered under umbrellas on Thursday evening to watch Mayor Haris Doukas light the city’s Christmas tree at Syntagma Square, braving heavy rain to enjoy the annual celebration.
The festivities began with Christmas performances by the Athens Municipality Big Band, followed by the Philharmonic Orchestra. Singer and actor Panos Mouzourakis closed the musical program.
Shortly after 7.30 pm, Mayor Doukas illuminated the 19-metre fir tree, sourced from controlled tree farming in Chryssovitsi, Arcadia, along with the rest of the square’s decorations.
In total, 21,000 metres of string lights were installed across the square.
Ermou Street has also been decorated for the season, while a Nativity scene will be set up at Mitropoleos Square.
