What to Do with Kids in Athens During the Holidays: Free Christmas Activities at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
During the Christmas and New Year holiday season, the Hellenic Children’s Museum invites families to experience a festive program of creative activities at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens. From December 13, 2025, to January 6, 2026, the cultural complex will host free workshops and interactive games designed for children of all ages, combining movement, sound, light, and hands-on creativity.
This holiday program is especially suitable for families living in Greece or visiting Athens during the winter holidays. All activities are free of charge, open to the public, and take place in various areas of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, including the Mediterranean Garden, the Agora, and the EBE Entrance.
Holiday Activities for Children
For families unfamiliar with Greek event names, the activities themselves are simple and easy to follow. Many are based on classic games and crafts that children already know, presented in a festive setting and adapted for larger, open spaces.
One of the main attractions is “Fidaki,” the Greek version of the traditional board game Snakes and Ladders. Instead of sitting at a table, children play on a large floor board, becoming the game pieces themselves. By rolling a large die, they move across the board, advancing or stepping back depending on the square they land on. Along the way, they encounter small holiday-themed tasks and surprises. The game encourages movement, cooperation, and participation and can be enjoyed even by younger children without any knowledge of Greek.
Another popular option is the DIY musical instrument workshop. Under the guidance of educators from the Hellenic Children’s Museum, children create simple instruments using everyday, safe materials such as cardboard, paper, and recycled items. The workshop focuses on creativity and sound exploration rather than formal music instruction, allowing children to experiment with rhythm and noise in a relaxed, playful environment.
Families can also participate in workshops dedicated to creating Christmas snow globes. During these sessions, children build their own holiday-themed jars filled with water, glitter, and small figurines. Once completed, the snow globes can be taken home as a seasonal decoration and personal souvenir. This activity offers a calmer, craft-based experience that encourages focus and imagination.
The most educational activity in the program is inspired by Eric Carle’s book “The Very Lonely Firefly.” Through storytelling and hands-on crafting, children learn about bioluminescence, the natural phenomenon that allows certain insects and sea creatures to produce light. After a short introduction, participants create their own glowing holiday fireflies, combining learning with creative play in an accessible way.
Full Event Schedule
Saturday, December 13 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Mediterranean Garden
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
Firefly – Nature’s Light Source
Sunday, December 14 | 12:00–2:00 PM
Mediterranean Garden
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
DIY Musical Instrument Workshop
Saturday, December 20 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Agora
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
Christmas Snow Globes
Sunday, December 21 | 12:00–2:00 PM
Mediterranean Garden
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
DIY Musical Instrument Workshop
Monday, December 22 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Mediterranean Garden
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
Firefly – Nature’s Light Source
Tuesday, December 23 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Mediterranean Garden
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
Firefly – Nature’s Light Source
Saturday, December 27 | 5:00–7:00 PM
EBE Entrance
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
Christmas Snow Globes
Sunday, December 28 | 12:00–2:00 PM
EBE Entrance
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
DIY Musical Instrument Workshop
Monday, December 29 | 12:00–2:00 PM
Mediterranean Garden
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
Christmas Snow Globes
Tuesday, December 30 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Mediterranean Garden
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
Firefly – Nature’s Light Source
Saturday, January 3 | 12:00–2:00 PM
Agora
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
DIY Musical Instrument Workshop
Sunday, January 4 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Agora
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
Christmas Snow Globes
Monday, January 5 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Agora
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
DIY Musical Instrument Workshop
Tuesday, January 6 | 12:00–2:00 PM
EBE Entrance
Christmas Snakes and Ladders (Fidaki)
Christmas Snow Globes
Practical Information
All activities are free to attend. No advance registration is required. Participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For families spending the holiday season in Athens, this program offers one of the most accessible and family-friendly Christmas experiences in the city, combining education, creativity, and seasonal atmosphere in a central, open-air location.
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