Imaginative children’s workshops inspired by ancient festive traditions, special guided tours through the Museum’s collections, musical events on the ground floor, the Lamassu, the winged bull by Michael Rakowitz, in the Museum gardens, the new-year good-luck charm, unique gifts in the shop and festive dishes at the restaurant: all await visitors at the Acropolis Museum this Christmas.
Children’s Program & Workshop: “Winged Mythical Creatures and the Amulet of the New Year”
This Christmas, the Museum invites its young visitors on an adventure among the exhibits, in search of the lucky amulet of the new year. Together with archaeologists, children will discover winged figures who, as protectors, guardians or messengers, will either assist or challenge them through riddles that must be solved and magical objects that need to be found.
After this journey through time, parents and children will visit the Museum’s Education Center, where they will decorate their own clay amulets and take home a beautiful keepsake from the experience.
For children aged 6–12, the workshop takes place on Saturday 27/12 and Sunday 28/12 at 11:00 a.m. Book here (reservations open 18/12). Organized by the Museum’s Education Programs Department.
Participation requires a same-day adult ticket and a free child ticket.
Children’s Workshop: “The Eiresione and the Ancient Carols”
The Museum invites children to decorate the Eiresione—an olive branch adorned in antiquity by children who sang carols to welcome the new year. With their wishes and handmade ornaments, they will also decorate the Museum’s own Eiresione at the Children’s Corner on the second floor.
For children aged 6–12, the workshop takes place on Monday 29/12 and Tuesday 30/12 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Book here (reservations open 18/12). Organized by the Information & Education Department of the Acropolis Monuments Conservation Service.
Participation requires a free child ticket. Adults do not participate.
Music on the Museum’s Ground Floor
- Sunday 21 December, 12:00
The El Sistema Greece Youth Orchestra, composed of young musicians from 40 countries, performs under the direction of Kyriaki Kountouri, with a varied program of classical works, Christmas melodies and pieces carrying a message of peace. Their collaboration reflects the orchestra’s mission: music as a tool for inclusion, communication and empowerment. Artistic direction: Zoe Zeniodi. - Monday 22 December, 12:30
The Museum welcomes the Cretan Dancers’ Association for traditional Cretan songs and dances, directed by Giannis Petrakis. - Saturday 27 December, 12:00
A festive concert by the historic ensemble of the Hellenic Air Force Band, performing well-known New Year melodies under the direction of Lieutenant Konstantinos Drakos.
Guided Tours of the Acropolis Museum Galleries
A captivating journey through history and art awaits visitors every Saturday (1:00 p.m. in Greek, 11:00 a.m. in English). Archaeologists narrate, converse and share the secrets of the Acropolis, opening a window into the ancient world through the masterpieces of the Athenian Acropolis. The tour also reveals the unique history of the Sacred Rock and the timeless significance of its monuments. Book here.
Participation requires a same-day admission ticket.
The Erechtheion: A Journey Through an Extraordinary Monument
On Sunday 28 December at 1:00 p.m., visitors can join the Museum’s archaeologists for an in-gallery exploration of the Erechtheion — the magnificent monument on the north side of the Sacred Rock. Known for its ingenious architecture, elaborate decoration and long history, the Erechtheion served as the center of Athena’s worship and as a focal point of ancient rituals and local traditions. Here, architecture and art intertwine with daily life and myth. Book here (reservations open 15/12).
Participation requires a same-day admission ticket.
Lamassu of Nineveh – Part II of Michael Rakowitz & Ancient Cultures
In the Museum gardens, visitors can experience the monumental installation Lamassu of Nineveh by internationally acclaimed artist Michael Rakowitz, a collaboration between the Acropolis Museum and NEON. The protective deity— a winged bull with a human head— once stood at the Nergal Gate of ancient Nineveh.
Recreated from 10,500 cans of Iraqi date syrup, Rakowitz’s contemporary artwork “reappears” in the gardens, continuing its symbolic role as guardian of the past, beside the ancient Athenian neighborhood beneath the Museum and facing the Sacred Rock of the Parthenon.
At the Museum Restaurant with Views of the Acropolis
Every Friday and Saturday evening (except Friday 26/12 when the Museum is closed), visitors can enjoy a festive dinner with views of the illuminated Acropolis until midnight (reservations: 210 9000915). On all other days, guests can pair their visit with coffee, dessert and the Museum’s festive musical events on the ground floor.
Holiday Gifts
Before leaving the Museum, visitors can explore the ground-floor shop with beautiful decorative items for holiday gifts— including the Museum’s 2026 good-luck charm, inspired by the mosaic floor patterns (M 2567) of the 6th-century A.D. Building Z located beneath the Museum. These mosaics once adorned residences of the era, symbolizing prosperity, abundance and refined craftsmanship.
