In winter, Cyprus is transformed into an island of Christmas lights, the aroma of spices, and traditional music. One of the most significant events of the festive season is the “Christmas Villages” project, which annually unites the island’s traditional settlements into a unified cultural program. From November 22, 2025, to January 6, 2026, eight Cypriot villages will officially receive Christmas village status, offering visitors an authentic immersion in the atmosphere of a Cypriot Christmas.
The project is developing with the support of tourism authorities and is expanding each year, becoming more than just a seasonal decoration, but a significant cultural event of national significance. The main idea is for each village to preserve its own identity, making the festival a part of the daily life of the local community.
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Atmosphere and design
The decoration of Christmas villages is distinguished by attention to detail. The central squares are decorated with Christmas trees, light installations, garlands, and decorative figures. Natural materials such as wood, fabric, and ceramics are used, emphasizing the connection to traditional ways of life. In the evening, lighting creates a soft and warm atmosphere, which is especially appreciated by visitors. Musical accompaniment typically includes Christmas melodies, folk songs, and live performances.
Christmas villages are open on weekends and public holidays, as well as daily from 22 December 2025 to 6 January 2026 inclusive.
Crafts and fairs
Wooden houses and market stalls are among the main features of Christmas villages. Here you can buy traditional Cypriot products, seasonal sweets, homemade pastries, honey, jams, spices, cheeses, and drinks.
Much attention is paid to handicrafts: embroidery, ceramics, wood carvings, jewelry, and decorative elements. Purchasing such souvenirs not only adds to the festive spirit but also serves as a way to support local producers and artisans.
Many artisans work on-site, demonstrating traditional techniques and sharing the creation process. This transforms the ordinary souvenir shopping into an educational cultural experience and helps maintain interest in folk crafts.
Christmas food and treats
Gastronomy plays a key role in the life of Christmas villages. Visitors are offered traditional Cypriot sweets, pastries, hot drinks, and seasonal dishes. Particularly popular are Christmas desserts prepared according to family recipes, as well as dishes rarely found during normal times of year. The aromas of cinnamon, honey, and baked goods create a festive atmosphere and attract guests even in cool weather.
Entertainment for children and families
Christmas villages in Cyprus are designed not only for contemplation but also for active participation. The program includes master classes in crafts and traditional cooking, where visitors can learn about the process of creating festive dishes and products. Visitors have the opportunity to try their hand at making Christmas decorations, baked goods, and folk art, a particularly popular activity for families with children.
Play areas, workshops, encounters with Christmas characters, and theatrical performances are organized for children. Some villages also offer small attractions, postal houses for letters, and interactive areas. All this creates an environment in which children become active participants in the festivities, not just spectators.
Cultural events and excursions
Throughout the Christmas villages’ opening period, cultural events, performances, and themed tours of the villages and their picturesque surroundings are held. Visitors can explore the architecture, history, and everyday life of Cyprus’s mountainous and rural areas, which are typically off-the-beaten-path.
Geography of Christmas villages
Most Christmas villages are located in the mountainous and foothill areas of the island, where the December climate is noticeably cooler than on the coast. Stone houses, narrow streets, and traditional architecture create a natural backdrop for the festive decorations. Each year, Christmas villages open in several locations, each with its own concept and theme. This avoids monotony and makes visiting several villages especially interesting.
Agros
Agros is known as a center of traditional rural production and rose gardens. During the Christmas season, the village transforms into a culinary destination, with a special focus on local sweets, jams, liqueurs, and meat delicacies. The festive program includes tastings, cooking classes, and village tours. Agros is especially popular with families and connoisseurs of traditional Cypriot cuisine.
Derynia
Deryneia emphasizes craft traditions and family-friendly celebrations. Here you can see handicraft demonstrations, participate in master classes, and learn about local customs. The Christmas atmosphere in Deryneia is intimate and tranquil, attracting visitors seeking a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.
Kakopetria
Kakopetria is one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Cyprus. Christmas decorations highlight the stone architecture and narrow streets. The program includes walks through the historic quarters, cultural events, and gastronomic evenings at local taverns. Excursions to the surrounding nature trails are especially popular.
Kalopanayiotis
Kalopanayiotis combines Christmas traditions with elements of wellness and cultural tourism. The village offers themed tours, craft workshops, and tastings of local products. The village is known for its relaxed atmosphere and the high level of festive events it organizes.
Kiperunta
Kyperounta stands out for its outdoor activities. In addition to fairs and gastronomy, there are organized walks and events dedicated to the region’s natural landscape. Christmas events in Kyperounta are suitable for active holidaymakers and families with children.
Lefkara
Lefkara is traditionally associated with lace and silverware. During the Christmas season, the village becomes a center of artistic crafts. Visitors can watch artisans at work, participate in creative workshops, and purchase unique handicrafts. The festive atmosphere harmoniously blends with the village’s historical character.
Statos – Ayos Photios
In Statos – Agios Fotios offers tourists a rich cultural program with an emphasis on local history and traditions. Christmas events here often include tours, stories about the village’s past, and presentations of regional cuisine. This destination is especially interesting for those seeking a deeper understanding of Cypriot culture.
Ficcardo
Fikardou is a cultural heritage site and preserves the authentic character of a traditional Cypriot village. The Christmas program is built around the historical environment, crafts, and traditional festivals. The village is laid back, and the festive atmosphere emphasizes the connection between past and present.
Christmas villages serve an important social function. They become gathering places for local residents, support small businesses, and promote domestic tourism. For many Cypriots, visiting a Christmas village is an annual tradition marking the start of the festive season. Such events strengthen a sense of community and preserve cultural identity.
According to tourism officials, the project’s main goal is to transform each Christmas village into a unique cultural center, where the holiday becomes part of the daily life of the local community. This approach preserves traditions, supports the rural economy, and offers tourists a high-quality cultural experience.
Christmas villages have already become a kind of winter tourism magnet, attracting both foreign visitors and Cypriots themselves, who are rediscovering the richness of their own culture.
Practical recommendations for visiting
When planning your trip, consider the mountainous terrain and cooler weather. Warm clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended for walking along the cobbled streets. It’s best to set aside a separate day or even a weekend to visit several villages so you can take your time and soak up the atmosphere of each place. A car remains the most convenient way to travel, as public transportation in the mountainous areas is limited.
Why Christmas villages are worth considering
Christmas villages in Cyprus offer a different perspective on the island than the beach. They showcase traditions, seasonal cuisine, and a relaxed way of life, creating a truly festive atmosphere. This is a holiday format suitable for those who value atmosphere, culture, and lively interaction over noisy, crowded events.
Christmas villages are an important part of Cyprus’s winter cultural life. They combine traditions, gastronomy, crafts, and family values in a single space, creating a unique festive environment. Visiting these villages allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the island’s culture and experience the Christmas spirit in its calm and warm interpretation.
