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The festive programme

During this year's holiday season, the Acropolis Museum will welcome visitors with fantastic children's workshops, thematic presentations for adults, Christmas and New Year carols, family archaeological games, treats and many more surprises.

Children's workshop "Gifts for gods and men"

Together with archaeologists of the museum, children will discover the meaning of the gift in ancient times and today. They will tour the museum and learn about the diversity and beauty of ancient offerings to gods, made of materials that have been preserved over time. In a mobile workshop, they will make modern gifts inspired by the ancients in order to make a gift to their loved ones in the spirit of the celebration of Christmas.

Days and times of the workshop:

Saturday, 21 December and Saturday, 28 December - 11:00 and 17:00.

Sunday, 22 December and Sunday, 29 December - 17:00 and 18:00.

The workshop is for children aged between 8 and 12. A special ticket is required for participation (at a symbolic price of 2 euro per child). The order of purchase is strictly observed (number of participants: 20 children). Duration: 50 minutes.

Children's workshop "The twig"

The museum invites children to decorate an olive twig, like in ancient Athens. They will learn where this tradition comes from and make their own decorations inspired by the exhibits of the museum.

Days of the workshop: Sunday, 22 December and Sunday, 29 December

Times: 11:00, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30.

The workshop is for children aged between 7 and 12. A special ticket is required for participation (at a symbolic price of 2 euro per child). The order of purchase is strictly observed (number of participants: 25 children). Duration: 45 minutes.

"We are making ancient pastries at the Museum"

Children will have the opportunity to discover the meaning of the provision of meals in ancient times and their relationship with the holiday and everyday life. In the halls of the museum, in front of beautiful exhibits, they will talk to archaeologists about gifts made of materials that are not normally preserved in time. In the bright area of the restaurant, they will make their own sweets with materials from ancient times in order to make a gift for their loved ones in the spirit of the celebration of Christmas. At the end, they will enjoy modern dishes made of materials used in ancient times.

Days of the workshop: Sunday, 22 December and Sunday, 29 December

Times: 11:00 and 13:00

The workshop is for children aged between 7 and 12. A special ticket is required for participation (at a symbolic price of 2 euro per child). The order of purchase is strictly observed (number of participants: 15 children). Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

"Festivals of ancient Attica"

A lot of festivals rocked the everyday life of ancient Athenians. These holidays were often an occasion for prayers, processions, dances, competitions, food and drink, and brought a nice break for participants. They also created a special identity for each region. Based on exhibits, visitors will be able to talk to archaeologists about the kinds of major holidays and their relation to the seasons and special moments of life.

Days: Saturday, 21 December and Saturday, 28 December

Start of the presentation: 12:30 and 18:00

Participation: 25 people, according to the order of purchased tickets from the cashier at the entrance of the museum.

Christmas and New Year carols

On Sunday, 22 December at 12 noon, the Museum will meet for the first time the Music School of Ilion with some Christmas carols and songs performed by a brass band on the ground floor.

On Sunday, 29 December at 12 noon, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy famous holiday melodies, performed by the historic Army Band of Athens. Captain Mike Hasouris will be conducting the orchestra on the ground floor of the museum.

The Talisman of 2014

The snake is an unusual talisman. However, it had a very positive meaning in the ancient world: it was the guardian of the Erechtheum of the Acropolis. The snake also aided Asclepius. And such a "good snake" is depicted on the impressive column of Silon of the 4th century BC on the south slope of the Acropolis.

As every year, the museum will be closed on 25 December and 26 December, as well as on 1 January.