December in Cyprus: A festive guide to Christmas villages, markets & seasonal events

December is one of the most magical times to explore Cyprus. From mountain villages wrapped in twinkling lights to vibrant city markets, family-friendly parks, and traditional celebrations, the island offers an abundance of festive charm. Whether you're seeking scenic winter escapes, cultural experiences, or fun-filled holiday outings, this guide highlights the best Christmas events across Cyprus in 2025–2026.

Christmas Villages in Cyprus

Every year, eight picturesque villages across Cyprus are selected to host Christmas in an extra festive way, featuring beautiful decorations, local crafts, food stalls, performances, and family activities. For 2025–2026, the official Christmas Villages are:

• Agros
• Deryneia
• Kakopetria
• Kalopanagiotis
• Kyperounta
• Lefkara
• Statos-Agios Fotios
• Fikardou

The Christmas Villages operate from 22 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, and daily from 22 December to 6 January.

Below is a closer look at some of these enchanting villages:

Agros

A beautiful village tucked into the Troodos Mountains, Agros is famous for its rose products, traditional jams, and artisan sausages. Its peaceful atmosphere and stunning mountain views make it a wonderful winter retreat. The village is about a one-hour drive from Nicosia or Limassol.

Deryneia

Situated near Famagusta, Deryneia is well-known for its strawberry fields and the annual Strawberry Festival. Visitors can enjoy small museums, historical sites, and a laid-back rural charm. The easiest access is from Larnaca or Protaras, roughly 40 minutes away.

Kakopetria

One of the most picturesque villages in Troodos, Kakopetria features flowing rivers, old watermills, and impressive Byzantine churches. It’s ideal for nature lovers and hikers. You can reach it in 55 minutes from Nicosia or about one hour from Limassol.

Kalopanagiotis

Resting in the lush Stiris River Valley, Kalopanagiotis is known for its Byzantine monasteries, healing springs, and atmospheric stone alleys. It’s a romantic and scenic village reachable in about 1 hour 15 minutes from Nicosia or Limassol.

Kyperounta

Set at a high altitude and surrounded by vineyards and dense pine forests, Kyperounta is a classic Troodos wine village known for its celebrated wineries and agricultural festivals. It offers fresh mountain air, scenic landscapes, and a welcoming rural vibe. The village is most easily reached from Limassol, about 50 minutes away.

Lefkara

Famous for its intricate lacework (Lefkaritika) and beautifully crafted silverware, Lefkara is one of Cyprus’s most culturally rich villages. Its stone-paved alleys, traditional architecture, and historic charm make it a delightful place to explore. It is conveniently located about 35 minutes from Larnaca or Limassol. Lefkara was also selected as one of the official Christmas Villages last year, and people who visited spoke very highly of the festive atmosphere and events.

Statos-Agios Fotios

Formed by the merging of two small communities, Stato-Agio Fotio is a peaceful mountain village ideal for travellers seeking an authentic rural experience. With its agricultural traditions and quiet natural surroundings, it provides a relaxing escape from the busier coastal towns. The easiest access is from Paphos, approximately a 50-minute drive.

Fikardou

A tiny mountain village frozen in time, Fikardou preserves its 18th-century stone-and-wood architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Cypriot life. It is located about 50 minutes from Nicosia.

Christmas in Larnaca

Larnaca becomes wonderfully festive in December, with Christmas markets, themed parks, and special events for all ages.

Larnaca Christmas Market

Held annually from December 5–7, 2024, the Larnaca Christmas Market features over 200 stalls around St. Lazarus Square, offering souvenirs, crafts, street food, and festive lights. The market is open Friday 17:00–22:00 and Saturday–Sunday 15:00–22:00. Entry costs €2.50 (free for children under 12), with photos with Santa available for €5.

Christmas Wonderland – Europe Square

On October 25, Larnaca opened its charming Christmas Wonderland in Europe Square along the Finikoudes Promenade. Designed especially for families, it features rides, sweet treats, live performances, games, and Christmas music—great for children aged 3–8.

Christmas in Limassol

Limassol celebrates Christmas with lively events, festive markets, and sparkling seaside lights. The highlight is the Limassol Marina Lighting Ceremony, where a 12-meter Christmas tree is illuminated to mark the start of the season (2025 date TBA). Starting around 16:00, the celebration includes a Christmas market, children’s craft workshops, choir and dance performances, and Santa’s arrival with gifts.

Limassol Christmas Show – The Magic of Christmas

The Limassol Christmas Show – The Magic of Christmas takes place on 13–14 & 20–21 December 2025 from 11:00–21:00 at Aphrodite Amathusia Public Parking, Agios Tychonas. Now in its third year, the event is divided into two main sections: The Magic of Christmas, showcasing decorations, gifts, handcrafted items, and Christmas tree designs from local and international creators, and Limassol Christmas Show, a family-friendly area with Santa photos, choir performances, magicians, face painting, craft workshops, and other festive surprises.

Limassol Mall & Anexartisias Street

Starting November 25, Limassol Mall will host Christmas activities for children, while Anexartisias Street transforms into a festive hub featuring decorations, a Christmas tree, market stalls, mulled wine, waffles, and a kids’ train ride.

Christmas Festival at CyHerbia Botanical Park

On December 13–14, CyHerbia Botanical Park hosts a magical Christmas Festival from 9:00–17:00, featuring a festive maze, elf games, magic shows, and appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch. Visitors can enjoy a Christmas market with unique gifts and winter treats, as well as creative workshops making ornaments, candles, soaps, and more. Entry tickets include all activities and a complimentary cup of warming winter tea.

Ayia Napa Marina – Christmas Village 2025

Ayia Napa Marina opens its Christmas Village on Saturday, 29 November 2025, with a dazzling Lighting Ceremony to kick off the festive season. The village operates on weekends, Christmas Eve, and the second day of Christmas until 28 December 2025, from 11:00–20:00. The opening ceremony at 17:00 features fireworks, dance performances, rhythmic gymnastics, and a live concert by Stavros Konstantinou. Spread across four themed areas, the village offers an Event Plaza with food, drinks, and a bouncy castle; an Event Center with Christmas films, magic shows, theatre, and storytelling; a Creative Workshop Area for wreaths, cards, scented candles, and face painting; plus strolling entertainment with stilt walkers, dancers, Mickey & Minnie, and Santa & his elves. Ayia Napa Marina combines seaside charm, festive warmth, and magical holiday experiences for visitors of all ages.

Christmas in Paphos

Paphos kicks off its festive season on Friday, 28 November 2025, at Kennedy Square with a Christmas tree and city lights lighting ceremony starting at 18:30. The evening begins with a Christmas Parade featuring the Municipal Band, majorettes, dance schools, the Paphos Music School, antique cars, and Santa Claus. The tree will be lit by Mayor Phedonas Phedonos and the Municipal Council, followed by a special performance from Cyprus’s Junior Eurovision 2025 representatives, Christos Georgiou and Rafaella Panteli, and a concert by the 17-member Cyprus Collective Big Band performing jazz and classic Christmas songs. Hosted by Ilias Chaldoupis and Georgia Panagi, the event also offers festive stalls with traditional treats and mulled wine, ending with an After Party by Dee Jay Radio until 1:00 a.m.