I’ve been getting lots of questions about Christmas in Cyprus—whether it’s worth visiting during the holiday season and if there are any special events. So, I decided to write a detailed post about everything happening in Cyprus this Christmas.
Let me start by saying that Cyprus isn’t the first destination that comes to mind for Christmas, especially if you’re seeking the classic European vibe with grand markets and impressive displays. However, if you’re looking for a warm-weather escape from colder climates, excellent hotels, heated pools, charming villages, and a light-hearted Christmas atmosphere—Cyprus delivers. The festive spirit here is lovely, with events mainly geared toward families with kids (but not exclusively).
Holiday Schedule and Closures
Most Christmas events in Cyprus start in mid-November and run until early January. Be aware that during the actual holiday dates—especially December 24–26, December 31, and January 6—many shops, as well as some cafes and restaurants, are closed. If you plan to visit during these dates, it’s worth noting that not all places will be open.
Christmas Shopping and Sales
Most sales begin at the end of November with Black Friday and continue through December for Cyber Monday and Christmas promotions. It’s a great opportunity for holiday shopping and snagging deals.
Christmas Villages in Cyprus
Each year, eight villages in Cyprus are selected to host festive Christmas activities, decorations, and events. This year’s villages are:
- Agros
- Deryneia
- Fikardou
- Kalopanagiotis
- Kiti
- Kyperounta
- Laiki Geitonia
- Lefkara
The Christmas villages will operate from November 23, 2024, to January 6, 2025, on weekends and public holidays. From December 23, 2024, to January 6, 2025, they will be open daily.
For detailed information about each village and what activities are available, visit the official Cyprus Tourism Organization website.
The following review of Christmas villages was written by Roni Schwartz, who lives here in Cyprus. Roni can plan self-guided trips with a car (minimum 3 days) or private tours with a driver (suitable for large groups). You can contact Roni via WhatsApp. If you book one of Roni’s services and mention that you came through me, you’ll receive a special offer.
The “Christmas Villages” project takes place every year, with different villages selected each time. These villages are beautifully decorated for the holiday season and host street stalls, performances, and various activities for visitors to enjoy.
Lefkara Village
The first village I want to talk about is Lefkara. This is one of the most picturesque villages on the island. The beautiful village, is located in the hills above the Larnaca-Limassol road.
The schedule of activities can be found on this Facebook page.
Agros Village
The second village we will discuss today is Agros, located about 1,000 meters on the eastern side of the Troodos Mountains. Agros is famous for its Damask roses, from which the locals produce a precious extract worth its weight in gold, used to make a variety of high-quality, natural cosmetic products. The roses are also used to produce rose water, which is a key ingredient in sweets and cakes.
The schedule of performances and activities in Agros can be found here. (see pages 8 and 9 for the English version).
Kyperounta Village
Next, we continue to the village of Kyperounta, also situated in the mountainous region, not far from the summit, the ski resort, and other interesting locations, including the charming village of Kakopetria.
The schedule of Christmas events in Kyperounta can be found on this Facebook page.
Fikardou Village
The fourth village is the tiny and remote Fikardou, located in one of the most untouched and authentic corners of the island, between the Troodos Mountains and the plains of the capital, Nicosia.
The program of events for Christmas in Fikardou can be found here.
Kalopanayiotis Village
The next village is Kalopanayiotis, located in the heart of a dreamy valley in the upper Troodos Mountains. It offers visitors a truly “winter-European Christmas” atmosphere.
The schedule of Christmas events in Kalopanayiotis can be found here.
Kiti Village
From here, we descend to the coastal plain of Cyprus and arrive at the picturesque village of Kiti, located near Larnaca. This village is ideal for those staying in hotels in and around Larnaca who want to easily and conveniently join the celebrations (there is public transportation from central Larnaca and also from the airport to the center of Kiti.
The full schedule of Christmas events in Kiti can be found here.
Update from Nofar: On Friday, December 6, 2024, we visited Kiti Village, located near Larnaca. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Larnaca and 50 minutes from Limassol. We arrived on Friday afternoon, and the village was absolutely charming. There were food and souvenir stalls, along with beautiful and unique decorations.
One room allowed visitors to write letters to Santa, and another allowed visitors to meet Santa in person. It was our first time visiting this village, and we were pleasantly surprised by the whole Christmas village experience. I highly recommend visiting, especially on the weekend, as the village is livelier and offers special activities for kids.
The village also has a few restaurants that looked nice. We chose to dine at the Indian restaurant Flavors @ THE LANDMARK Indo Thai Restaurant on the main street. The chicken tikka dish was absolutely amazing, and the palak paneer was delicious as well. They also have a kids’ menu, which is very convenient for families.
Directions: The restaurant is easy to find on the main road in Kiti Village.
Deryneia Village
We continue east to the village of Deryneia, which is located near Protaras and Ayia Napa. Therefore, it is a perfect choice for those deciding to spend their winter vacation in these coastal summer towns.
The full schedule of Christmas events in Deryneia can be found here.
Laiki Geitonia (Nicosia)
Last but not least is the Laiki Geitonia area in the heart of Nicosia. While not technically a village, it is a maze of restored alleys located near Aristokyprou and Praxandrou Streets. This charming little corner of the city is dedicated to handicraft shops and local art galleries. It also has several cozy cafes and old, character-filled buildings that are a pleasure to explore.
Activities here will take place daily, not just on weekends, and can be combined with a broader tour of Nicosia.
Christmas in Larnaca
Christmas Market
Every year, Larnaca hosts a Christmas market with over 200 stalls selling souvenirs, food, and crafts. The festive atmosphere in the city, especially in St. Lazarus Square, is delightful, with a decorated Christmas tree and lights across the town. For more details .
- Dates: December 6–8, 2024
- Friday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 3:00 PM–10:00 PM
- Entry fee: €2.50 (free for children under 12).
- Photo with Santa Claus: €5.
We visited this market two years ago with my daughter, Maya, and had a great time. We stayed at Quality Lodge, just a 5-minute drive from the market. The lines at the entrance were long, but they managed it efficiently, and we only waited about 10–15 minutes.
Christmas Wonderland in Larnaca
On October 25, Larnaca opened its “Christmas Wonderland” in Europe Square on the Finikoudes Promenade. This family-friendly park features rides, live performances, sweet treats, and games, mostly suitable for kids aged 3–8. We visited last year and had a wonderful time. Directions .
For updated details, check their Facebook page.
Christmas in Limassol
Marina Lighting Ceremony
On November 23, 2024, Limassol Marina will host a grand ceremony to kick off the holiday season, featuring the lighting of a 12-meter-tall Christmas tree.
- Time: Starts at 4:00 PM.
- Activities: Christmas market, kids’ crafts, music and dance performances, and Santa Claus with gifts for children. For more details.
We attended this event last year. While the tree was impressive, it was quite crowded, and the space felt a bit small for the number of visitors. Still, it’s worth visiting for a quick look before exploring the marina and promenade.
Christmas Festival at the Limassol Municipal Garden
From December 11–15, there will be a Christmas event featuring free face painting, photos with Santa, and characters like Mickey and Minnie.
- Entry fee: €5.
- Directions
Limassol Mall & Anexartisias Street
The Limassol Mall will host Christmas activities for kids starting November 25 and throughout December. For updates, check the mall’s social media page. On Anexartisias Street, you’ll find festive decorations, a Christmas tree, and weekend market stalls selling waffles, mulled wine, and kids’ train rides.
Things to do in Limassol
Limassol with kids
Recommended hotels in Limassol
Christmas in Paphos
International Winter Fair
On November 23, the International Winter Fair will be held at the International School of Paphos from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Entry is free and includes live performances, DJ music, kids’ activities, face painting, and a charity raffle with over 100 prizes. More information.
Peyia Christmas Market
On December 3, a small market will operate in Peyia from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. More information.
Things to do in Paphos
Paphos with kids
Recommended hotels in Paphos
Christmas Festival at CyHerbia Botanical Park
On December 14–15, the CyHerbia Botanical Park will host a magical Christmas festival. Highlights include:
- A Christmas Maze
- Elf games
- Meet-and-greets with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch
- Magic shows
- Creative workshops
- A Christmas market featuring unique gifts and delicious winter treats
Entry tickets cover all activities, and guests will also receive a complimentary cup of warming winter tea.
The festival runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and offers various creative workshops, such as making Christmas ornaments, soaps, candles, and more. For more details.
Final Tips & Summary
While Christmas in Cyprus offers a different vibe than the classic European experience, it still provides a charming and festive atmosphere, especially for families. Highlights include the Christmas villages, city markets, and family-friendly events. For those traveling without kids, exploring the beautifully decorated Christmas villages and strolling through city centres is a delightful way to soak up the holiday spirit.
Most large hotels in Cyprus decorate for Christmas and host festive activities. For example, during our stay at Parklane Hotel in Limassol, Santa Claus visited with gifts, and the overall atmosphere was magical.
Finally, many malls and playgrounds also offer special Christmas-themed activities for children. Be sure to check their social media pages for schedules and updates.
Cyprus may not have the traditional European Christmas charm, but its relaxed atmosphere, special events, good weather and cozy decorations make it a wonderful choice for a unique and memorable holiday season.
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