Whether you are just visiting Cyprus or have been living here for a while, Christmas season is a truly magical time, when the island comes to life with Christmas lights, carols and festivities for every taste. In Cyprus, Christmas is not just a holiday, it is a rich mix of cultural, religious, folk and culinary traditions.
The island offers you the opportunity to experience the fairy-tale atmosphere of Christmas villages or the hustle and bustle of the city squares. It also invites you to immerse yourself in the rich spirituality of Byzantine traditions of Orthodox services at local churches and monasteries. In fact, the endless choices and a plethora of activities can make your head spin. But don't worry, we have got you covered and prepared this detailed guide of authentic Christmas experiences on this beautiful island. And, if you think you can't have a white Christmas in Cyprus, you are in for a surprise — the high up villages in the Troodos range and the peak of Mount Olympus usually get a good dose of snow just in time for the festivities. So, if you are ready for a little Christmas adventure, let's get started!
Orthodox Christmas
It's no secret that most Cypriots are deeply religious. With Orthodox faith being the dominant religion on the island, it's fair to say that Christmas is one of the most important religious feasts in Cyprus. In fact, Cypriots celebrate Christmas in a much bigger way than the New Year. On Christmas Eve, all locals fill the churches for the night vigil. But, if you want to explore all the beauty of Byzantine traditions, it's best to attend one of the island's monasteries for a night service. We guarantee that you will have an unforgettable experience: mysterious Byzantine chants in a completely dark space, lit only by the candles, rotating chandeliers, fragrant incense and an inimitable atmosphere of stillness and prayer. The whole setting just transports you into another reality, where ancient traditions, rituals and faith blend in harmony.
Interestingly enough, the monasteries are extremely popular with the locals, and, whenever they get a chance, they prefer attending a monastic service, which is deemed to be more focused and spiritual and is always considered a special blessing. For example, such monasteries as St. Heraklideos in Nicosia, Macheras monastery and Panagia Amirou Monastery in Limassol always have Athonite-style all-night Christmas vigils, stretching for many hours. Some especially pious locals would stay for the whole service, others might just pop in for a quick glimpse. Either way, it's definitely worth a try!
Christmas villages
Every year the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism selects villages which will turn into true Christmas wonderlands with traditional markets, decorations, music and dancing and events for the whole family. This year eight local villages have been selected — each has its own unique beauty and charm.
Lefkara
Located at the height of 600 metres above sea level in the Larnaca district, this gorgeous village has been voted «the most beautiful village in Europe». Famous for its unique lace and silverwork, Lefkara is also known as the place where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed. Its elegant houses with high ceilings and tall window shutters, white and blue facades, narrow cobblestone streets create a truly magical Christmas atmosphere. Come here to enjoy the traditional crafts, or to learn how to cook the local Christmas recipes, including the beautiful Lefkara lace cookies. Or, if you are into nature and sports, try cycling around the scenic country roads and paths. For those interested in arts and crafts, check out the MOLA culture factory with various workshops as well as art, fashion and collectables for sale.
Agros
Situated high above the Pitsillia valley at 1,100 metres above sea level, Agros is a quaint mountainous village known for its rose oil production. It has one of the biggest rose plantations in Cyprus and its own distillery, making Agros the island’s most famous producer of rose essential oil, rose water as well as various rose based cosmetic products and condiments.
This Christmas season you will be able to sample many local delicacies and rose-infused products. You will also get hands-on experience of making your own hot spicy wine — «zesto krasi» from the local wine varieties.
Kyperounta
Nestled in the Pitsillia valley at the elevation of 1,200 metres, Kyperounta is a famous fruit-growing village. Thanks to its mild microclimate, it's one of the island's main producers of apples, pears and grapes. In fact, Kyperounta winery is highly praised for its award-winning wines. Visit this picturesque village this Christmas and try delicious local apple pie and various fruit jams and condiments, and, of course, don't miss your chance to enjoy some of the best local wines.
Kalopanayiotis
With its quaint stone houses and narrow cobblestone streets, Kalopanayiotis feels like an ideal location for the Christmas village. Adorned with Christmas decorations and lights, the local buildings look like gingerbread houses. The village is located right at the foothills of Troodos, at an elevation of 700 meters and sometimes can get some snow in the winter season. This year Kalopanayiotis will welcome you with a special Christmas procession, Christmas hymns and plenty of activities for the whole family. It's the perfect place to bring the kids so they can experience the magic of Christmas!
Kakopetria
This is another village set at the foothills of Troodos in Nicosia region. With its lush vegetation, numerous waterfalls and streams as well as historical buildings, Kakopetria creates a gorgeous backdrop for a Christmas village. Check out the Christmas market at a local square and stroll down the old part of the village along its narrow streets and sidewalks filled with enchanting houses made of local stone and smell the fresh crisp air filled with scents of firewood and roasted chestnuts.
Deryneia
Situated in the Famagusta area, just meters away from the UN buffer zone, Deryneia is known as a «strawberry village» of Cyprus. It boasts some of the island's biggest and sweetest strawberries and even hosts an annual Strawberry Festival. For the festive season, Deryneia transforms into a Christmas wonderland with festive lights and decorations, food and handicrafts. Come here to learn how to make traditional Cypriot bread and biscuits with the locals and immerse yourself in the world of culinary Cypriot Christmas traditions.
Fikardou
It is probably the most charming Cypriot village full of history and character. With its unique architecture of traditional houses with rounded ovens, made of local stone, Fikardou instantly transports you back in time. So, it's not surprising that it was chosen as an island’s Christmas village. This year, you can visit Fikardou and immerse yourself in the village’s distant past with medieval costumes, music and events. Don't miss your chance to try delicious local loukoumades with various toppings!
Statos-Agios-Fotios
Located in the Paphos region of the Troodos range at an altitude of 950 metres above sea level, this stunning mountainous village is surrounded by lush pine forest and offers awe-inspiring views. It also produces all sorts of fruits, nuts and other delicacies, including award-winning wines. Located near the beautiful monastery of Panagia Chrisoroyatissa, Statos-Agios-Fotios invites you to celebrate the magic of Christmas in the serenity of the Troodos forest. You might even see a mouflon, if you are lucky.
Christmas in the city
Nicosia
The charming Cyprus capital is already getting ready for the Christmas celebration, which will take place from November, 22 till January, 6. The centre of the city will be transformed into a Christmas themed park, stretching from Eleftheria square to the «Christmas Fairytale Village» in the D’Avilla Moat. As a part of the capital’s «Christmas Together» festive programme the city will offer various concerts, music, dance and theatre performances, pop-up markets, including a very unique «German Christmas Fair» with real German treats and mulled wine. There will also be city guided tours available, so that you wouldn't miss anything and can enjoy all that Nicosia has to offer.
Limassol
Limassol will make its Marina the centrestage for this year's Christmas time celebrations with an impressive «Christmas on the Sea» programme, featuring lighting ceremony, Christmas carols, children’s workshops and more. It would also be worthwhile to check out the «Limassol Christmas Show» in Agios Tychonas, featuring the exhibition of Christmas gifts, decorations and souvenirs, both local and from around the world. Anexartisios street will come to life with Christmas decorations, including a Christmas tree and a weekend market.
Larnaca
Just like last year, most festive events in Larnaca will be concentrated in the central part of the city, with beautiful St Lazarus church and scenic Phoinikoudes promenade creating a perfect Christmas vibe. The annual Christmas market with more than 200 stalls selling local treats, souvenirs and handicrafts will be held at Zouchouri Square. Whilst the infamous Phoinikoudes promenade will turn into a full-blown Luna Park with fairground rides and other types of entertainment. On New Year's Eve the city will come alive with music and fireworks displays.
Paphos
The city will welcome visitors with traditional Christmas music concerts performed by the Paphos philharmonic orchestra along Makarios Avenue and Kennedy Square.
If you are into arts and crafts, don't miss Technopolis 20 Art Market, featuring local handmade ceramics, jewellery, sweets etc. Located just east of the Paphos Old Town, the «Park of Colours» will transform into a pop-up Christmas market with stalls and entertainment for all.
Christmas in nature
Troodos mountains
Who said there's no snow in the Mediterranean? If the weather is right, you might just get a chance to have a white Christmas on Mount Olympus where you can hit the slopes and then relax at a chalet-style accommodation with a fireplace. Just don't forget to bring marshmallows for an ultimate Christmas experience.
Seaside
There's one big advantage of Cyprus Christmas, compared to northern Europe and it's the opportunity to spend the Christmas day at the beach. With the mild sunny winters around the island's coasts and temperatures hovering around +16C, why not head to the beach and enjoy the sea views this festive season? Whilst the water might be a little too cold for swimming, if the sun is out, you could easily get some tan whilst listening to the soothing waves, or simply enjoy a stroll along the shore. You can even choose from a plethora of touristy city beaches or more secluded locations.
Christmas vs New Year
Usually, in Cyprus Christmas time is mainly a family celebration, whilst the New Year is more of a party time. The Cypriots usually attend the church service on Christmas Eve and after returning home enjoy a family meal, which starts with a special lemon and egg soup — «avgolemono». Singing traditional Christmas carols (kalanda) is also very common, especially with the kids who often go door-to-door chanting carols and asking for treats. And on the first day of Christmas the families gather for a large Christmas lunch. Traditionally, all the extended family gathers together — it's a perfect opportunity for them to see each other and catch up on the latest news, exchange gifts and wish one another «merry Christmas». On New Year's Eve, however, it’s quite common to go out for a party or a meal.
Cypriot festive traditions
There's a peculiar folklore belief about «kallikantzaroi» — winter goblins, that appear in the Christmas season, from December, 25 till January, 6. They are believed to be mischievous and cause havoc. In order to subdue those mythical creatures, the locals often throw Cypriot doughnuts — «loukoumades» on the roof of the house, hence the tradition of making loukoumades during the festive season.
It's customary to bake local sweets or cookies for Christmas. Usually there are two main varieties: «kourabiedes» — local shortbread cookies with almonds, heavily sprinkled with powdered sugar on top, and «melomakarouna» — traditional Christmas sweets with walnuts, orange zest, cinnamon and honey syrup.
The New Year's Eve in Cyprus is also the religious feast of St. Basil. That's when the locals make a special St. Basil Cake — «vasilopita». They would usually put a coin inside and whoever gets it would have good luck for the whole year.
Visiting Cyprus for Christmas will create many happy and unforgettable memories — you will sample unique local delicacies and sweets, visit enchanting mountain Christmas villages and partake in fun festive events with the locals. With all the unique experiences Cyprus has to offer, you will surely not get disappointed. Cyprus Christmas is an exquisite blend of beautiful sights, folk customs, sumptuous scents and flavours. So, get ready to taste «melomakarouna», sing a «kalanda», chase away a «kallikantzaroi» and get into the Christmas spirit!
