New Year’s Eve in Athens: Fireworks, Metro Hours and 1 January
Where the city counts down, why the metro will not take you home after midnight, and what happens on New Year's Day and at Epiphany.
On New Year’s Eve, Athens holds its official countdown in Syntagma Square, with a free concert organised by the City of Athens and fireworks at midnight, usually visible over the Acropolis. The metro and tram have stopped running at about 23:00 on 31 December in recent years, so plan how you will get home before you go.
The city confirms the line-up, timings and road closures in December each year. The details below describe the usual pattern as of November 2026; check the City of Athens website and the transport operators closer to the date.
Where are the countdown and fireworks?
The main public event is in Syntagma Square in front of Parliament. A stage goes up for a concert by Greek artists from the late evening, a countdown leads into midnight, and the music usually continues for an hour or two after. Entry is free and there are no tickets.
Fireworks are typically set off from the Acropolis area and can be seen from many parts of the centre. Good viewing spots away from the Syntagma crowd include:
- Filopappou Hill and the pedestrian streets of Dionysiou Areopagitou and Apostolou Pavlou;
- the slopes of Lycabettus Hill;
- rooftop bars in Plaka, Monastiraki and Koukaki, which sell tickets or set menus for the night and fill up early.
Some municipalities on the coast and in the suburbs, as well as Piraeus, run their own celebrations.
Does the metro run all night on New Year’s Eve?
No. In recent years STASY, which runs the metro and tram, has ended service on Lines 1, 2 and 3 and the tram at about 23:00 on 31 December, so that staff can be home at midnight. Last departures from the ends of the lines leave earlier, around 22:00 to 22:30. Buses and trolleys have also finished by around 23:00.
| Service | Usual pattern on 31 December | 1 January |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Lines 1, 2, 3 | Last trains around 22:00 to 23:00 | Holiday timetable from the morning |
| Tram | Ends around 23:00 | Holiday timetable |
| Buses and trolleys | Routes completed by about 23:00 | Holiday timetable |
| Taxis | Running, but in high demand after midnight | Running |
STASY and OASA announce exact last departures a few days before 31 December on their websites, such as stasy.gr. Read the notice for this year, because times vary. If you are going home by taxi, book through an app well before midnight or walk a few blocks away from Syntagma to find a free car. Our guide to taxis in Athens explains night fares and apps.
What happens on 1 January?
New Year’s Day is a public holiday and also the feast of St Basil (Agios Vasilis), the Greek figure who brings children presents. Two customs mark the day:
- Vasilopita. Families cut a sweet bread or cake with a coin hidden inside. The first slices go to Christ, the house and sometimes St Basil, then to each person by age. Whoever finds the coin has good luck for the year. Offices, schools and associations hold their own cutting through January.
- Podariko. The first person to step into the home in the new year is thought to bring the year’s luck, so families sometimes choose who comes in first.
Shops, banks and offices are closed on 1 January. Cafes and restaurants open, many of them from late morning. Archaeological sites and many museums are closed. In 2027, 1 January falls on a Friday.
What is open on 6 January, Epiphany?
Epiphany (Theofania or ta Fota) on 6 January is a public holiday that closes the 12 days of Christmas. In 2027 it falls on a Wednesday. Shops and banks close, and public transport runs a holiday timetable.
The main custom is the blessing of the waters. After the morning church service, a priest throws a cross into the sea, a river or a lake, and swimmers dive in to retrieve it. In Attica the best-known ceremony is at the port of Piraeus, with others along the coast at Faliro and in the southern suburbs. The water is cold, around 15°C, and the ceremony takes place whatever the weather.
For the full list of 2027 dates, see our Greek public holidays in 2027 page.
How busy and safe is Syntagma on New Year’s Eve?
Syntagma gets very crowded from about 22:00, and police set up checkpoints and close surrounding roads to traffic. A few practical points:
- Pickpockets work big crowds, so keep phones and wallets in front pockets or a closed bag.
- Firecrackers are common in the streets on the night, and they are dangerous at close range. Keep children back.
- Glass bottles may be banned in the square; check the police announcement.
- Agree a meeting point with your group, because phone networks can slow down after midnight.
- In an emergency, call 112, which answers in English.
Bottom line
If you want to see the fireworks and get home without a long walk, watch from a spot near where you live or book a restaurant within walking distance. If you go to Syntagma, plan the walk or taxi home before you leave, because no train will be waiting.
FAQ
Are there tickets for the Syntagma concert?
No. The city’s New Year’s Eve event is free and open to everyone, subject to space and security checks.
Are restaurants open on New Year’s Eve?
Many restaurants and bars open with special menus, and the popular ones are booked weeks ahead. Some close because staff celebrate with family.
Can I see the fireworks from the Acropolis itself?
No. The archaeological site closes in the afternoon and is not open at night on 31 December.
Is 2 January a working day?
Yes. Shops, banks and offices reopen on 2 January, although some businesses take extra days off.
