Christmas celebrations in special theme parks have been very popular in recent years and this holiday season will be special, since they were closed last year because of the pandemic.
In recent years, more and more cities across Greece are investing in Christmas theme parks, adding to the destination’s attractiveness and giving more incentive to those looking for a fun escape at Christmas time.
The COVID-19 pandemic put Christmas celebrations on ice last year, so this holiday season Greek families are gearing up to enjoy the jolly season as it is truly meant to be.
Organizers are turning the Christmas lights on and preparing to welcome the crowds of young and young at heart, with all the appropriate health protocols in place, of course.
The Christmas Factory
Τhis colorful Christmas park in the city of Athens is returning for the eighth year at the Technopolis in the Municipality of Athens.
Christmas celebrations have already started at the Technopolis back on November 27, with Santa Claus making an early appearance, loaded with presents.
After two years of anticipation, the Christmas hero of every child, along with Mrs. Claus, the reindeer and his elves — all wearing protective masks, of course — arrived on their heavily-loaded sleigh.
Every day, special events with music, choirs, theater acts, games and all kinds of activities promise to make everyone happy as they finally get out and are able to enjoy the Christmas festivities once again.
Asterokosmos in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki has always been a favorite Christmas destination, for both Greeks and foreign visitors as well.
Every year, the city welcomes Asterokosmos (The World of Stars), a Christmas theme park that is normally held inside the exhibition center that also houses the Thessaloniki International Fair.
This year, Asterokosmos will shine again, but will operate only outdoors and in accordance with all health protocols.
Asterokosmos will open its gates on December 11 and will be open until January 10. In 2019, 200,000 people celebrated Christmas in the theme park.
Oneiroupoli
After last year’s break, the Oneiroupoli (City of Dreams) in the city of Drama is back. According to reports, two years ago Oneiroupoli had close to one million visitors.
Although the estimates say that about half of that number will visit Oneiroupoli this holiday season, the 80-acre park is fully decorated, expecting a great many young visitors who will undoubtedly have an unforgettable time.
People will see Princess Elsa’s palace, the forest of wishes, Lightning McQueen, Mulan, and Rapunzel and many more beloved characters up close.
Oneiroupoli will open its gates on December 5, expecting to please the visiting throngs that have become larger every year since the Christmas theme park opened in 2004.
The Mill of Elves and the environment
In the Trikala Christmas celebrations park, every year has been an even greater success than the previous one. School trips have already started to this magical place which used to be an actual mill.
When the Mill of Elves opened in the last days of November, all 7,000 beds in Trikala-area hotels were full. This is an indication of how popular this destination has now become.
According to reports, the Trikala Christmas theme park is popular across the Balkans, as many neighbors from the North visit the park every year.
This year’s theme is “The Knights of Recycling and the Environment.” This means that Santa Claus is green this Christmas, and he will tell all the children how important it is to recycle and have a clean environment.
Respect for the environment, sustainability, renewable energy sources, less use of plastic, composting, and all the good things Santa Claus will have to say about the green movement will be part of the offerings, which start on December 9.
Pinocchio goes to Volos
“Pinocchio: The Park” is the name of the Christmas park in the seaside city of Volos; open from December 1 to January 7, it will be home to a series of Christmas celebrations organized and planned by the municipality.
For the first time in Europe, the authentic Pinocchio outside Italy will be presented in Volos.
Since 2014, Volos has become a Christmas destination with a different theme every year, catering to young and old alike.
A concert with star Anna Vissi kicked off the Christmas celebrations on November 30, with the popular singer lighting the Christmas tree and announcing the beginning of the festive program.
Reservations for accommodations have already been made by thousands of visitors, not only in the city of Volos, but on Pelion and the entire seaside area as well.
Limnopoliteia in Kastoria
The lake city of Kastoria has always been a favorite Winter destination, but Christmas celebration theme parks have added an extra boost to the city during this festive time.
For decades now, Kastoria has been famous for Ragoutsaria, the traditional Christmas celebrations that are centuries old.
But from December 8 and for about a month, the magical Limnopoliteia (Lake City) has just added to the many reasons why anyone would want to visit Kastoria. Concerts, ice rinks and many jolly Christmas events will fill the area with lights and childrens’ laughter.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
