Weekend events at Laiki Yitonia Christmas village

With the first Nicosia Christmas village operating this year, the heart of the capital city has come to life. Twinkling lights and cheery festive music surround the streets of Laiki Yitonia and Nicosia Municipality has planned a rich programme of events for this Christmas season.

“Laiki Yitonia revitalised by the Nicosia Municipality,” say organisers, “has become the nucleus of this city’s Christmas celebrations, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the nostalgia of another era, cobbled streets, and the beautiful architecture of the houses. Explore the old mansions hosting craft shops, experiential workshops, and traditional product stalls, while enjoying live music, warm wine and other beverages. This enchanting family stroll promises entertainment, fun and an immersive experience with the arts, folklore and culture of Cyprus.”

This weekend there will be plenty to do in Nicosia’s historical centre starting with an early afternoon live link from Love FM on Friday at 4pm. Then a stand-up comedy and open mic night will take place between 8pm and 9.30pm before Giannis Andreou takes over the DJ decks.

Saturday will begin with a contemporary shadow theatre performance and pumpkin creations workshop at 11am. Around noon, a Cypriot products demonstration will take place before Santa and his elves roam the streets between 3pm and 6pm. The live performances of the day will include shows by the Musica Mundana School of Music, Pyhagoreia Music School and Andre Chris Ban.

On Sunday, Santa will visit the old town once more while crafty sessions happen throughout the day. Musica Mundana will perform again at 12pm while the Charisma Choir performs at 5pm and the vocal ensemble Performers Voice & Music Studio takes the floor an hour later. Throughout December, all sorts of workshops, pop-ups and live performances for old and young will take place as the Christmas Village operates.

Laiki Yitonia Christmas village

Workshops, pop-ups and live performances. December 15-17. Laiki Geitonia, Nicosia. Various times. www.nicosia.org.cy