This December, a new seasonal attraction will brighten the coastal town of Peyia. A five-star hotel, the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, is working with the local community to create a large Christmas village. They will transform the historic square next to the Church of Saint George into a busy center for holiday shopping and entertainment. The village will open on December 6th as the main part of a larger "Winter Fest 2025" program. The goal is to attract both international tourists and local visitors during the holiday season.
This project is a strategic move to improve winter tourism in Cyprus, especially in the Paphos region. This area usually becomes much quieter after the summer. By organizing a special, large-scale Christmas event, the planners hope to boost the local economy and make the tourist season longer. Choosing a traditional village square, instead of the hotel's own land, shows a clear intention to connect this commercial project with local culture. This should create a more authentic experience and involve the community.
The Christmas village is designed to be a complete festive destination. Its heart will be a lively market selling many handmade gifts and local products, giving craftspeople a place to sell their work. For food and drink, there will be not only typical market stalls but also a special restaurant and other outlets serving seasonal treats. The program also includes live entertainment and family-friendly games, offering activities that continue into the evening. The resort is promoting the village together with special holiday stay packages, creating a complete vacation offer.
The expected benefits are wide-ranging. Hotels should see more guests during a normally quiet period, increasing their business. Shops and other businesses in Peyia and the wider Paphos area will also likely gain from the extra visitors and attention. For everyone, the village fills a gap in Cyprus's holiday events, providing a central, immersive place to celebrate that didn't exist before.
If this first event is successful, it could start an important new tradition for western Cyprus. The Christmas village might become a yearly event and encourage similar tourism projects across the island. The long-term aim is to develop a well-known winter destination, using the mild Mediterranean weather and curated cultural experiences to compete with famous European Christmas markets. This season will be the first test for this ambitious mix of luxury, community, and holiday spirit.