Christmas magic in the city
During the festive season, city life moves at a different pace. Winter feels brighter, as streets fill with Christmas lights, decorated shop windows and smiling faces. The small everyday moments become more memorable: taking a stroll through the lit-up city center buildings, enjoying a warm beverage in a festive café or choosing presents for the people you love make these days all the more special.
This time of the year calls for family moments, a more relaxed mood and fun activities in the city. Children and adults alike feel the need to dedicate time to special experiences that bring people together and create lasting memories.
Cocooning: Moments that bring us closer
Our home is the first place that fills up with that special Christmas warmth. Decorate your Christmas tree, hang lights on your balcony or terrace and add a festive flair to your home decor; maybe a throw pillow, a sofa cover or candle holders. Your place will turn into a cozy retreat you won’t ever want to leave.
If, on the other hand, the holidays make you feel creative, try making your own ornaments, lucky charms, candles or New Year’s cards. You can buy a craft book or search online for original ideas using simple, everyday materials and set up your own little workshop.
Delightful moments at home don’t require elaborate planning. Watch a classic Christmas movie on TV with your children or partner, or enjoy a Christmas experience in the kitchen, baking treats together. You can also organize a board-game marathon with your friends or just hang out with them and enjoy a relaxing evening with mulled wine, music and good conversation.
Smart planning for stress-free festive dinners
If you are planning on hosting a Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner, the secret to enjoying it is good planning. With a few expert moves, you can avoid last-minute stress and have plenty of time to enjoy the evening with your guests:
- Send your (e-)invites early – Set the date and time, let everyone know about the dress code, if there is one, and ask for RSVPs. This way, you’ll know how many people to expect and you’ll be able to plan better.
- Share the cooking – You don’t have to work too hard or spend too much to host a nice dinner. Talk to your guests and ask them to bring a dish or a bottle of wine. A buffet-style dinner is a most practical option, so you won’t have to worry about serving at the table.
- Create a playlist – If you enjoy being the DJ, prepare your own set of tracks for dinner, dancing and the New Year’s countdown. Or you can always get one of your friends to do it.
- Prepare your home – Make room for dancing, make sure there are enough seats for everyone, set up a place to hang coats and turn your living room into a comfortable party venue.
Festive outings in the city
Over the holidays, every neighborhood has something different to offer: from sparkling trees and spectacular decorations to open-air markets and outdoor events. Discover your city’s Christmas hotspots and experience magical moments.
Christmas and shopping go hand in hand. Whether you’re looking to buy a new outfit or accessories for your outings or presents for your loved ones, make your list and visit your favorite shopping streets. Malls are another great idea, with different shops all in one place to suit every taste.
The festive season is full of opportunities for entertainment and culture. Book tickets for concerts, live music venues, classic opera or theater shows, or, if you prefer, make a reservation at your favorite restaurant or night club to dance the night away. Whatever your style, the city becomes the ideal backdrop for your celebrations.
Christmas experiences by LAMDA Development
LAMDA Development destinations hold a special place among the city’s meeting points over the holidays:
- At The Ellinikon Experience Park, children and adults hop aboard The Ellnikon North Pole Express and discover a heartwarming Christmas adventure unfolding across the entire park. Arctic creatures hide QR codes that tell the tale of The Small Lantern of Love, which you can listen to or read on your mobile, or download and save it if you want to keep the magic alive long after your visit.
- At the LAMDA Development malls, the magic of Christmas comes to life with music, theater shows and Christmas experiences for the whole family. At The Mall Athens, the chocolate workshop, the Queen of Magic and Scrooge’s house welcome young and old into a fairytale setting. At Golden Hall, every gift is elevated with exclusive gift-wrapping services, while the live music performances and illustration workshops create the most exciting, festive atmosphere. At Designer Outlet Athens, the Christmas train, children’s theater shows and face painting fill your visit with happy moments, while at Mediterranean Cosmos in Thessaloniki, you can enjoy magic shows, live music performances, workshops and children’s book readings.
- At Flisvos Marina, throughout December, children and adults can enjoy a festive calendar of Christmas events, including face painting, a photo booth, a wishing phone, Santa’s workshop and many more surprises. The tree lighting ceremony marks the official start of the Christmas Tale and will be combined with a music concert. You can find gift ideas at the Christmas bazaar organized by ALMA, the Panhellenic Association of Adapted Activities, a nonprofit supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and individuals with intellectual disabilities. The marina also hosts the “Melting for you” environmental initiative, organized by ALMA, where you can recycle half-used crayons.
Whatever LAMDA Development destination you choose, you’ll experience magical moments you’ll never forget.