As the holiday season unfolds, the spirit of Christmas continues to spread throughout the landscapes of Cyprus. City centres and rural locations host festive events celebrating not only the holiday season but also the local creativity of the island’s many artists.

Besides the big Christmas markets that are taking place this month, several weekend pop-ups and mini-festivals are approaching to enrich the What’s On agenda. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Altar and Actina Jewelry joins forces to host a festive pop-up in downtown Nicosia. Hosted at the Actina Jewelry workshop, the three-day event will feature locally-made jewellery, candle holders and scented candles, woven baskets, Japanese incense sticks and more.

Also happening in Nicosia this weekend is the Holly Jolly event at Archive Artspace. On Saturday and Sunday, more than 20 artists and designers will showcase their creations which span from handmade ceramics and illustrations to clothing, bags and home décor. The shop will serve warm Masala chai throughout the day to keep shoppers warm.

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In Kalavasos village, Gaia Olea will host a Christmas market with a few other local makers. From 11am to 6pm the market will be open for visitors to buy unique Christmas gifts, and enjoy a cup of mulled wine and sweet treats while children join a series of games and activities. Twelve local artists and brands will join the village market showcasing their work.

The Forest School in Korvos will host a one-day Christmas Festival this Sunday, welcoming children and adults for a day of outdoor fun. Several activities will make up the event including teepee tent building, nature walks, seasonal crafts, a mud kitchen, Christmas ornaments-making, archery and letter-writing to Santa. A market will also operate with festive treats while a cartoon session will also take place.

Many, many more markets and festive events will take place this month. At CyHerbia, a Christmas Fairytale Festival will happen on the weekends of December 16-17 and 23-24 with crafty workshops and a bazaar while in Limassol, Roots – the Space will host another festive pop-up this weekend.

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Also coming up very soon is a market in Larnaca, at Kleidi Bar on Friday from 6.30pm onwards. In Nicosia, the Misfit Sundays Xmas Market and Street Party will add colour and rhythm to Engomi this Sunday while next Saturday the Sustainable Bazaar vol.3 will take place at New Division in a total Christmas mood.

Altar x Actina Jewelry Christmas Pop-Up

Festive pop-up event by two local brands. December 15-17. Actina Jewelry, Nicosia. Friday: 5pm-9pm. Saturday: 11am – 1pm, 3pm – 9pm. Sunday: 11am – 1pm, 3 – 7pm. Facebook event: Altar x Actina Jewelry Christmas Pop-Up

Holly Jolly

Pop-up with over 20 artists. December 16-17. Archive artspace, Nicosia. 11am-6pm. Facebook event: Holly Jolly

Christmas Market in Kalavasos

Festive market with Gaia Olea and Friends. December 16. Gaia Olea, Kalavasos village. 11am-6pm. Facebook event: Christmas Market in Kalavasos

Forest School Christmas Festival

Outdoor festive activities for children and adults. December 17. Forest School, Korvos. 10am-1pm. Facebook event: Forest School Christmas Festival