The countdown to Christmas has officially begun in Athens, Greece, with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Syntagma Square.
The 21-meter fir tree travelled from Karpenisi in south Epirus to Athens and was set up in the most central square of the Greek city.
On Thursday night, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis pressed the button to illuminate the Christmas tree, drawing loud cheers from the crowd in attendance.
Present at the event were mayors from 25 cities from foreign countries who were in Athens for a municipalities conference.
Hundreds of Athenians and visitors also flocked to Syntagma Square opposite the Parliament to watch the glittering event, accompanied by the sounds of live music.
Source: Keep Talking Greece.
