Christmas celebrations take over central Nicosia this weekend

Ready to celebrate the Christmas spirit? Nicosia Municipality certainly is and this weekend it is organising three days full of holiday cheer, music, dance and shows for the whole family. From today until Sunday, those in Nicosia can enjoy musicians, dancers, stilt-walkers and all kinds of entertainers dressed in red, green and white.

Santa Claus will roam the streets of the capital today with a motorcycle from the Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum. At Eleftheria Square’s lower ground, a Christmas market will operate from 10am to 8pm sharing all kinds of creations.

The real fun begins on Saturday. Santa will still be going around on his motorcycle and apart from the market in Eleftheria Square more will be set up in Ledra Street and Phaneromeni Square (10am-6pm). At 11am street music will sound at the junction of Ledra and Onasagorou Streets while at 2.30pm a treasure hunt will take place starting in Eleftheria Square. All day long there will be a Kids Fun Day at Spyridaki Square (10am-5pm) and as soon as it wraps up a big Children’s Parade will commence.

The parade will set off from the junction of Makarios and Spyrou Kyprianou Avenues at 5pm led by Batukinio Percussion Band, accompanied by stilt-walkers, mascots and Santas. Of course, children will join the parade which will cross Makarios Avenue, turning right onto Eleftheria Square where it will finish around 6pm. There, Batukinio will perform a show while Santas offer gifts to children.

Meanwhile, Kaimakli will have its own celebrations going on. Ayia Varvara Square will host a festive event at 6pm on Saturday with live singing from children’s choirs and dance shows from NDC Nicosia Centre and Choros. Hot chestnuts, zivania, loukoumades and more local delicacies will be sold at the square, adding to the festive spirit.

The events will continue on Sunday as well. The Christmas bazaars will still be open while at Eleftheria Square a series of educational events and performances will take place throughout the day. At Spyridaki Square, Christmas carols will sound at 11am and 12pm alongside magician shows and children’s creations. A DJ will up the mood between 3pm and 6pm while stalls with handmade items, food and drinks will also operate.

On Stasikratous Street, elves will roam around to be photographed with children while at 8pm, the Coca-Cola Christmas truck will return to Makarios Ave and Stasikratous Street. The festivities will continue at Phaneromeni Square as well with a market, carol singing by children and live street music in the morning, spreading the fun all around the capital’s centre.

Christmas Weekend

Parade, Christmas markets, kids shows and workshops, food and drink. Organised by the Nicosia Municipality. December 8-10. Around Nicosia. More on www.nicosia.org.cy