The Municipality of Heraklion launches its festive season with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event on Friday 28 November 2025, followed by a full programme of holiday activities throughout the city. This year’s celebrations, organised by the Deputy Mayor for Culture, Rena Papadaki, invite residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy music, performances, children’s activities, traditions, and New Year festivities across multiple venues.
Below is the official programme of Heraklion’s Christmas and New Year events:
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2025
Lions Square | 19:30
Batala Creta – Samba Reggae Performance for the Christmas Tree Lighting
The vibrant Brazilian percussion group Batala Creta opens the festive season with high-energy rhythms inspired by Bahia and the global Batala Mundo family. Their performance accompanies the illumination of the city’s Christmas tree.
Loggia (City Hall) | 20:15
Musical Walk with the Heraklion Municipal Philharmonic
A festive musical route begins at the Loggia and leads to Eleftherias Square and the Christmas tree.
Eleftherias Square
20:45 – Concert by the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra of Heraklion, conducted by Deni Skandalaki, featuring joyful holiday melodies.
Following the concert, Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos will initiate the countdown for the official tree lighting, accompanied by silent fireworks.
21:15 – Concert by Nikos Portokaloglou
A special performance by one of Greece’s most beloved songwriters, featuring highlights from across his career.
With him on stage: Andriana Achitzanova (vocals, ney), Marios Laz Ioannidis (bass, vocals), Katerina Liaki (keys), Sofoklis Gekas (drums), Ilias Lampropoulos (violin, trumpet, gaida, vocals), Alexandros Zouganelis (saxophone, flute, vocals).
Sound: Akis Paschalakis (PA), Agapitos Kataxakis (stage)
Lights: Melina Zervaki
THURSDAY DECEMBER 4, 2025 – Eleftherias Square
Presentation of the Thracian tradition “Varvara” by the Thracians of Crete “Orfeas,” including a dance performance and distribution of the traditional wheat-and-nuts blessing dessert.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025 – Municipal Art Gallery Multipurpose Hall
19:00 – Christmas concert by the Choir of the Alatsatianon Association.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19, 2025 – Heraklion Municipal Multipurpose Center
18:00 – Children’s Book Presentation: “Το Τέλειο Μελομακάρονο”
Interactive storytelling and festive activities with author Maria Pachiadaki.
For children aged 3+
Co-organised by the Municipality of Heraklion and The Book Project.
FRI 19, SAT 20 & SUN 21 DECEMBER, 2025
“A Tree Full of Food” with UP 92.9
Long-lasting food collection for the Municipal Social Grocery, marking the 10th year of this community initiative.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 20, 2025 – St Mark’s Basilica Atrium
18:00 – Charity Christmas Concert
Students of the Kris Foreign Language Center perform English Christmas songs and carols.
Proceeds support local social services and the 1st Special Primary School of Heraklion.
MONDAY 22 DECEMBER 2025 – Eleftherias Square
Concert by the Cultural Association of Nea Alikarnassos “Artemisia.”
22–24 DECEMBER 2025 – Eleftherias Square
Live broadcasts and events by radio station Thema 103.1
Interactive activities and holiday surprises.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2025 – Eleftherias Square
18:30 – Fairy Tale Reading with Eleni Beteinaki
A Christmas story from the world of the mischievous goblins.
19:30 – Concert by the Alatsatianon Association
20:30 – Concert by the choir “Angels Ode” of the Women’s Association of Heraklion.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24, 2025 – Eleftherias Square
13:00 – Concert by LAB Music Education
17:00 – Concert by the Crete Conservatory
18:30 – Concert by the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra with Giannis Kassotakis
20:00 – Traditional Dances from Across Greece
Presented by the Traditional Dance Workshop, including performances by children and adult groups.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 27, 2025 – Eleftherias Square
20:00 – Cretan Music Concert
Featuring Stelios Anetakis (laouto), Giorgos Kollaros (laouto), Manolis Plaitis (lyra), and Angelos Oustamanolakis (mandolin).
SUNDAY DECEMBER 28, 2025 – Eleftherias Square
18:00 – Concert by the Mikrasiaton Choir of Megalo Kastro
19:00 – Concert by the Mixed Traditional Choir of Heraklion “Kastrodountes”
MONDAY DECEMBER 29, 2025 – Eleftherias Square
18:00 – Christmas with Kultur Multur
A lively musical programme for children and families, blending songs, stories, and holiday spirit.
Performers: Eftychia Varoucha, Xenophon Zampoulis, Giannis Mitakis, Ariadni Pratikaki, Maria Tavantzopoulou, Iakovos Trichakis, Lefteris Trichakis, Nikos Christakis.
20:00 – Concert by the Choir Ionia Aidon
TUESDAY DECEMBER 31, 2025 – Eleftherias Square & Loggia
22:30 – Concert by Gadjo Dilo
23:30 – Musical Walk with the Municipal Philharmonic, beginning at the Loggia and ending in Eleftherias Square.
00:00 – New Year’s Countdown and Celebration
Return performance by Gadjo Dilo to welcome 2026.
