Nicosia is set to become a winter wonderland, with festive activities taking over the city. From Christmas markets and Santa’s motorcycle ride to street music and a Children’s Parade, the capital of Cyprus will be filled with joy and merriment during the holiday season.
What festive activities are happening in Central Nicosia during the Christmas season?
Nicosia transforms into a winter wonderland with festivities across the city. Highlights include a Christmas market in Eleftheria Square, Santa’s motorcycle ride, artisan gifts, food, and a Children’s Parade. Celebrations include street music, treasure hunts, live performances, and educational events. Traditional Cypriot treats and the Coca-Cola Christmas truck add to the merry atmosphere.
Festive Spirit Engulfs the Capital
Nicosia, the heart of Cyprus, is about to transform into a winter wonderland this weekend. The city’s municipality is orchestrating a festive extravaganza that promises to blanket the capital in Christmas cheer. Picture this: musicians and dancers filling the streets with melody and movement, stilt-walkers towering in the crowds, all clad in the vibrant colors of the season. Imagine the air, scented with the spices of holiday treats as entertainers donned in red, green, and white bring joy to every corner.
Starting today and continuing through Sunday, residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to bask in this jubilant atmosphere. The central hub for these festivities will be Eleftheria Square’s lower ground, where a Christmas market brimming with creativity will be open from the early hours of 10 am until the evening at 8 pm. This is more than a market; it’s a treasure trove of Yuletide charm, offering locals a chance to share their crafts and holiday creations with the community.
Santa’s Motorcycle Ride and Children’s Delight
Santa Claus himself is joining the party, swapping his traditional sleigh for a more unconventional ride—a motorcycle from the Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum. This unique twist is set to add an extra dash of excitement as Santa cruises through the streets, bringing smiles to every face he passes.
The thrill escalates on Saturday. Along with Santa’s continued motorcycle tour, the city will come alive with even more markets, not just at Eleftheria Square but also along Ledra Street and Phaneromeni Square. These markets, running between 10 am and 6 pm, will offer everything from artisan gifts to scrumptious seasonal food. At 11 am, the junction of Ledra and Onasagorou Streets will resonate with street music, setting the stage for a treasure hunt kicking off at 2.30 pm from Eleftheria Square. For the young and young at heart, Spyridaki Square will be hosting a Kids Fun Day, packed with activities from 10 am to 5 pm, culminating in a grand Children’s Parade.
The parade is no small affair. Starting at 5 pm from the junction of Makarios and Spyrou Kyprianou Avenues, it will be spearheaded by the Batukinio Percussion Band. Stilt-walkers, mascots, and Santas will accompany them as the parade weaves down Makarios Avenue, turning right onto Eleftheria Square. There, the celebrations will peak around 6 pm with a vibrant performance by Batukinio and a special gift-giving session by Santa to the children.
A Tale of Two Celebrations
While the heart of Nicosia is abuzz with merrymaking, Kaimakli will not be left out of the festive spirit. A separate celebration will grace Ayia Varvara Square at 6 pm on Saturday. This event will feature the angelic voices of children’s choirs, captivating dance performances, and the sale of local delights like hot chestnuts, zivania, and loukoumades. These traditional treats add a layer of Cypriot authenticity to the holiday atmosphere, warming the bodies and hearts of everyone present.
Continuation of Joy into Sunday
The merriment doesn’t stop there. As the weekend progresses, so does the festive spirit. The Christmas bazaars will open their stalls once more on Sunday, offering last-minute gifts and treats to passersby. At Eleftheria Square, the day will be filled with educational events and performances designed to entertain and inform. Spyridaki Square will resonate with Christmas carols at 11 am and 12 pm, alongside magician performances that are sure to captivate the audience. In the afternoon, a DJ will elevate the mood from 3 pm to 6 pm, while the handmade stalls continue to provide unique gifts and gastronomic delights.
Elsewhere, on Stasikratous Street, elves will be ready for photo opportunities with children, adding a playful touch to the holiday scene. The Coca-Cola Christmas truck will make a grand return to Makarios Ave and Stasikratous Street at 8 pm, a sight that has become synonymous with the season’s celebrations worldwide. The festivities will also extend back to Phaneromeni Square with more markets, carol singing, and live street music, ensuring that the cheerful atmosphere touches every part of central Nicosia’s heart.
What festive activities are happening in Central Nicosia during the Christmas season?
In Central Nicosia, there are several festive activities happening during the Christmas season. Some highlights include a Christmas market in Eleftheria Square, Santa’s motorcycle ride, artisan gifts, food, and a Children’s Parade. There will also be street music, treasure hunts, live performances, educational events, and traditional Cypriot treats available. Additionally, the Coca-Cola Christmas truck will be present to add to the merry atmosphere.
When and where is the Christmas market located in Central Nicosia?
The Christmas market in Central Nicosia is located in Eleftheria Square’s lower ground. It will be open from 10 am until 8 pm, starting today and continuing through Sunday. The market offers a treasure trove of Yuletide charm, showcasing the crafts and holiday creations of the local community.
What is the schedule for Santa’s motorcycle ride and the Children’s Parade?
Santa Claus will be riding a motorcycle from the Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum through the streets of Central Nicosia. The specific schedule for Santa’s motorcycle ride is not provided in the information given. However, the Children’s Parade will take place on Saturday, starting at 5 pm from the junction of Makarios and Spyrou Kyprianou Avenues. The parade will be led by the Batukinio Percussion Band and will culminate in a vibrant performance by Batukinio and a special gift-giving session by Santa to the children at Eleftheria Square around 6 pm.
Are there any other areas in Nicosia celebrating Christmas?
Yes, while the main festivities are happening in Central Nicosia, another celebration will take place in Kaimakli. This separate celebration will be held at Ayia Varvara Square at 6 pm on Saturday. It will feature children’s choirs, dance performances, and the sale of local delights like hot chestnuts, zivania, and loukoumades. This event aims to bring the festive spirit to Kaimakli and add a layer of Cypriot authenticity to the holiday atmosphere.
