Happy New Year, parents! The first weekend of 2026 (Jan 3-4) is hitting us with some great post-holiday options before the real routine kicks in. Don't miss the last chance to catch the inventive shadow opera Karagiozis Rigoletto or the truly unique Isadora Duck at the SNFCC! We've dug up some gems so you don't have to settle for just another park visit.
Quick Picks
Είσοδος σε Αρχαιολογικούς Χώρους & Μουσεία
Δημόσια Μουσεία & Αρχαιολογικοί Χώροι
Free entry to all state-run archaeological sites and museums on Sunday, Jan 4th!
Τα Χριστούγεννα του Καραγκιόζη στην Κούβα
Μέγαρο Μουσικής Αθηνών
A vibrant, musical Shadow Theatre show perfect for escaping any chilly or rainy weather.
Christmas Workshop
Designer Outlet Athens
Free, festive, hands-on crafts and face painting in the central square for the little ones.
Hahana Kids concert - Athens
If your kids are into modern Greek children's music, Hahana Kids are performing this Saturday. It’s a proper, ticketed concert in a nice venue, not just a background event.
Why we picked it: A dedicated, modern concert for kids, standing out from the traditional theatre fare.
Las Vegas Magic Festival – Best Of Athens
Six top magicians are putting on an illusion show that sounds seriously impressive for older kids and teens. A bit off the tourist track in Peristeri, but worth the trip for some magic.
Why we picked it: A dedicated magic festival—a rare, high-energy show that isn't a theatre performance.
Isadora Duck
Stella Michailidou's exuberant musical tale about Isadora Duck is having its last weekend performances. It's a gorgeous, big-stage production that's worth grabbing tickets for before it closes.
Why we picked it: Last chance to see this grand Greek National Opera production for kids.
Τα Χριστούγεννα του Καραγκιόζη στην Κούβα
Elias Karellas brings Karagiozis to Cuba in this lively, musical version of Shadow Theatre, blending Greek tradition with Cuban rhythms. This is one of the final performances, so book now for a truly unique Greek experience.
Why we picked it: The end of a unique, festive, high-quality Shadow Theatre show.
“Oops! My eye's playing tricks on me!”
A hands-on workshop at the Goulandris Museum focusing on visual perception and art, perfect for kids who like to get creative. This runs every Sunday, so it’s a reliable weekly gem to keep in mind.
Why we picked it: A recurring, quality art workshop tied to their main Monet to Warhol exhibition.
Είσοδος σε Αρχαιολογικούς Χώρους & Μουσεία
Sunday, January 4th is one of the free entry Sundays for all state-run museums and archaeological sites! Grab the metro and finally hit up the Ancient Agora or the National Archaeological Museum.
Why we picked it: It's a guaranteed free cultural outing, making that Sunday morning coffee run easily upgradeable.
Christmas Creative Lab
Last chance for the free Christmas activities here, including crafts, face painting, and an interactive play session. It's a bit out of the center but great for a combined shopping/fun trip.
Why we picked it: A totally free, festive activity happening on Sunday, but it’s the final day!
Christmas Workshop
Right in the central square, they're running Christmas-themed crafts and face painting for free. Get your little one decorated before the post-holiday calm sets in.
Why we picked it: The absolute best free, hands-on activity specifically aimed at younger kids this weekend.
Karagiozis Rigoletto
This inventive shadow-opera runs until Sunday, so it’s your absolute last call to see it at the SNFCC complex. It blends the classic Karagiozis with an operatic style—super quirky!
Why we picked it: Final day for this unique fusion of Greek traditional theatre and opera.
«Το Σπίτι με τα Παράθυρα» Workshop
This workshop lets older primary school kids explore perception and structure through art, tied to the current big exhibition. It’s great for little engineers or future architects.
Why we picked it: A structured, educational art workshop perfect for the 8-10 age bracket.
Family Tours at B&E Goulandris Foundation
If the workshops are too long, these shorter family tours run all weekend, giving you a guided, age-appropriate look at the current exhibition. It’s a nice, contained cultural experience.
Why we picked it: A flexible way to do culture with kids without committing to a full workshop.
Εκπαιδευτικά Προγράμματα Μουσείου Κυκλαδικής Τέχνης (2-4 yrs)
While the star event about constellations starts Jan 11th, check the museum's schedule for any early January overflow programs—it's a great museum for toddlers.
Why we picked it: The Cycladic Museum is always a winner for unique, age-appropriate activities (though the main program starts next week).
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Athens this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) there are fantastic free options! On Sunday, January 4th, you get Free Entry to all state-run Museums & Archaeological Sites (Event ID: athens-4). Also, check out the Christmas Workshop and Christmas Creative Lab at Designer Outlet Athens on Sunday for free crafts and face painting (Event IDs: athens-6, athens-5).
Which events are best for under-5s?
For the little ones, your best bet is the Christmas Workshop at Designer Outlet Athens on Sunday, Jan 4th (Event ID: athens-6), featuring free, festive crafts and face painting. Also, check the Μορφές Έκφρασης for their 'Λαλαλιλαλο' show if it's running, which is aimed at 18 months to 5 years (check ticketing sites as schedule wasn't confirmed).
What's a good, non-generic, higher-culture option for this weekend?
You have two amazing last-chance options! See Stella Michailidou's Isadora Duck at the SNFCC (Event ID: athens-1) or the highly inventive Τα Χριστούγεννα του Καραγκιόζη στην Κούβα by Elias Karellas at the Megaron (Event ID: athens-2). Both close this weekend, so they are special picks.