Christmas and New Year celebrations in Cyprus begin long before December 25. And that’s exactly how it should be: the festive spirit needs time to grow! By the time the main holidays arrive, this mood becomes so bright and warm that it can continue shining long after—sometimes all the way until the spring carnival.
From late November, Christmas markets open their “doors” across the island. But they are far from the only attractions worth visiting: concerts, parties and themed workshops take place in every city, offering endless weekend activities—both for solo outings and for the whole family.
Nicosia
The capital is gradually filling its streets with holiday cheer. Shopping malls have already filled their displays with gifts, Eleftheria Square is beautifully decorated, and municipal districts in the suburbs are picking up the festive baton.
Christmas Market in Lakatamia
The municipality opens its local market on December 5 at 15:00, and the most exciting events will take place from December 6 to 7. Music, dancing, treats and hot drinks, competitions for children and adults — everything will be charmingly Cypriot and wonderfully cozy!
The market will be held in Saint George Park (amphitheatre area), and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 6 at 19:30. The market will remain open until 22:00 on December 7.
Vintage Car Race
Spectacular, beautiful and unusual! You can watch — and even participate (registration by phone at 22-446614 until December 3).
The race will start at the 360 tower on Makariou Avenue at 10:30 on December 7.
Track length: 88 km, with the finish line in the village of Kalopanayiotis.
German Christmas Market
The European Christmas spirit is coming to Cyprus! The German market on Eleftheria Square will be overflowing with sausages and pork knuckles, beer, mulled wine, and sweets that are especially beloved in Germany. All of this will be accompanied by live music — from jazz to traditional German tunes. Plan to spend the entire day here on December 7: the event begins at 12:00 and the festivities continue until 20:00.
Echoes of Light — Orchestral Concert
For two days, free concerts by a combined orchestra (including both adults and children!) will take place at Nicosia’s Pallas Theatre.
Echoes of Light is a celebration of music, light and inspiration — exactly what everyone needs ahead of Christmas.
The orchestra will perform both classical works (Bizet, Rimsky-Korsakov, and more) and contemporary compositions.
Both concerts begin at 18:00. Entry is free, but you must reserve a seat in advance by calling 77777040 or via the website: https://www.ticketmaster.cy/.
CLAYTOPIA Ceramic Festival
This is not just a few workshops gathered in one place — it is a full festival where visitors can attend lectures and dive deeper into the foundations and secrets of pottery.
Separate workshops are planned for children, while adults will be treated to mulled wine. Naturally, participants can take their handmade items home afterwards!
Venue and time: Tochka Studio, December 13, 10:00–18:00.
André Rieu Christmas Concert
Nothing brings holiday magic like familiar melodies from The Nutcracker and beyond.
Waltzes and other pieces in André Rieu’s Merry Christmas concert will immerse audiences in the festive anticipation of Christmas and New Year.
The event will take place at the Pantheon Theatre in Nicosia, starting at 17:00.
Limassol
Limassol will sparkle with a variety of events throughout the entire month! The beginning of December in 2025 brings Christmas magic to every corner of the city. The event schedule is bursting with activities, and the choice becomes so vast that it’s sometimes hard to decide!
Ice Show “Peter Pan”
A fairy tale that seems unrelated to Christmas, yet still creates the feeling of a magical holiday. What makes it especially wonderful is that the show will take place on ice and will be performed by the famous troupe The Ice Stage — can you imagine how spectacular that is? Actually, no need to imagine: it’s better to see it with your own eyes.
Pattihio Theatre, December 6, at 15:00.
Christmas Crafts & Gifts Market
Souvenirs, handmade items, and more. This small but very vibrant market is a great place to buy Christmas and New Year gifts. You can also grab something tasty to eat or drink and simply relax.
The market will be located on Franklin Roosevelt Avenue and will run for two days: December 6 and 7, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Christmas Tree Lighting and Delicious Soup in the Village of Lofou
The village offers a wonderfully warm welcome: on December 6, at Theodoros Square, the Christmas tree lighting will take place, Santa will arrive, gifts will be handed out to children, and there will be live music and a Christmas story performance for kids over 3 years old.
Start time: 17:00. All guests will receive a cup of warming soup for free!
Cyprus Jazz & World Music Showcase
The annual jazz festival will take place for the twelfth time! It’s a major event for Cyprus, attracting many invited musicians and true virtuosos of jazz performance. For three days, the Rialto Theatre will resound with magnificent music — you can attend on any of the days or buy tickets for the entire festival.
Performances begin at 17:00.
Latin-Style Party
Anyone who loves dancing absolutely must visit the village of Kyperounta on December 13. Because that evening, a Latin Event will take place at the Christmas market!
The event begins at 16:00 with a free bachata workshop, followed by a performance by the Live Love DANCE Academy, after which everyone will be able to dance salsa and bachata to energetic rhythms from DJ Pablo.
Larnaca
Larnaca invites everyone not only for walks along the Salt Lake to watch flamingos. In December, the city transforms completely, offering countless entertainment options for both adults and children! What to choose and how to make it to everything — that’s the fun question, and you should definitely try to do it all!
Cheese & Wine Celebration
The Cheese & Wine event is hosted by the Leonandri glass-blowing studio in honor of its 30th anniversary. The name speaks for itself! You can simply come, relax, enjoy wine with snacks, and admire an exhibition of beautiful glasswork.
Cheese & Wine will run on December 6 and 7, starting at 10:00.
Christmas Parade in Aradippou
There is also a Christmas market here! On December 6, visitors are invited to watch the festive parade with Santa (starting at 17:30), take part in the Christmas tree lighting, and attend a culinary workshop on making gingerbread cookies (from 13:00). In the evening, there will be live music and traditional treats.
Black Sabbath Tribute
A heavy-metal–style party — just what you need to release tension and get a powerful burst of energy. The band Pigs of War! will perform legendary hits by the unforgettable Ozzy Osbourne, and the organizers will give T-shirts with event symbols to the first 150 guests.
The event takes place on December 13 at the Savino venue, starting at 21:30.
Christmas Parties at the Market
At Zouhouri Square, a Christmas market will run from late November, buzzing especially on weekends. From December 12–14, lively music will play in the evenings, perfect for dancing. Visitors can enjoy handmade sweets, beer, cocktails, mulled wine, and farm products.
Geekmania Geek Bazaar
Fans of video games, board games, and cosplay definitely need to visit — such events don’t happen very often in Cyprus, which makes them extra special.
The bazaar will take place on the first floor of the Larnaca Municipal Market on December 14, from 12:00 to 20:00. The program includes board games, gaming zones, a collectibles market, and of course a cosplay masquerade — so it’s best to come dressed up!
Paphos
Paphos is, as always, very cultured and at the same time closely connected to nature. It also offers a wide variety of pubs and small restaurants where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere even before New Year's Eve and spend a romantic evening (or a fun one with friends!).
Hike in Avakas Gorge
In winter, independent hikes through this incredible gorge are not recommended: the water level rises, making the route difficult and unsafe. Therefore, for those who cannot wait until summer, it’s better to go with an experienced guide. Such a hike will take place on December 6, with the meeting set for 9:00. A spot in the group must be booked by email: cyprusnaturehikes@gmail.com.
Christmas Party in “Mystic Garden” Style
Hosting a festive event inside a greenhouse? Not a bad idea at all — it’s creative, unusual, and gives a whole new perspective on the party format! Though technically it’s hard to call it a “party,” since it will take place during the day, from 12:00 to 17:00 on December 6. Venue: New Roots Garden Center.
Guests can expect: live music by Chris Andre, Thai dishes and fresh pastries, mulled wine and coffee, handmade decorations and clothing available for purchase.
Christmas Fest in the Village of Kathikas
The Gin Bar on the main square is gathering everyone who wants to dive into the Christmas atmosphere right now. From 15:00 on December 6, stalls will open selling handmade gifts and decorations, local sweets and delicacies, delicious drinks, and all sorts of festive treats. There will definitely be live music, and guests will be able to enjoy this winter day to the fullest.
Culture and Folklore Festival
From December 14 to 16, the streets of the city will be filled with processions of people dressed in traditional costumes, dancing and singing folk songs. This is the first festival bringing together the cultures of Greece and Cyprus, created for fun and for getting to know the traditions and customs of both countries (which, surprisingly, differ quite a bit, despite their shared roots).
At the Markidio Theatre, the festival opening will take place on December 14 at 19:00, and the next day, processions will move through the city streets.
And a Few More Events
Some village festivities deserve special attention — in brightness and charm, they can easily compete with city events. And in some ways, they even surpass them!
Christmas Strawberry Land Market in Deryneia
The village of Deryneia, right on the border of the buffer zone, is known as the “strawberry village,” and for good reason: this is where most of Cyprus’s strawberries are grown — ripe, juicy, and fragrant! Even in winter, Deryneia doesn’t forget its signature treasure and holds a Christmas market under the “strawberry banner.”
On the first weekend of December — the 6th and 7th — workshops will be held, music will play, and a market will operate with souvenirs, strawberry treats, and many other goodies.
Charity Fair in Lania
In this small village, they don’t just hold a traditional Christmas market — here, Santa will collect donations for those in need. The bright holiday of Christmas will be filled not only with joy but also with kindness.
Start time: December 7 at 10:00.
Hike Through Platy Valley
A long, fairly challenging (15 km), but incredibly beautiful route through an autumn-winter forest with wonderful viewpoints. It is absolutely worth joining and completing the hike under the guidance of an experienced guide to fully appreciate the beauty of Cyprus’s nature.
You must register in advance with prepayment at: https://vounisious.cy/registrations
Required: proper clothing and footwear, snacks, at least 1.5 liters of water per person, and trekking poles if needed.
Bonus: along the way, you might get lucky and spot mouflons!
Time and meeting point: December 7, at 10:00 (meeting at 9:45), in the village of Kaminaria.
Of course, in addition to these events, many other interesting activities are happening in Cyprus — yes, even on weekdays there are great things worth attending! For example, some Christmas villages begin their activities as early as Friday, and Paphos celebrates Fridays with live performances in restaurants and bars. So there’s no time to relax — you need to rest actively!
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