Nicosia, December 2025 – The island of Cyprus will be awash with festive spirit this coming weekend as three distinct Christmas events, each with a unique character and purpose, are scheduled to take place simultaneously. From the rustic charm of a mountain village bazaar to the stately grounds of the Presidential Palace and a heartwarming urban gathering for pets and their owners, communities across the Larnaca and Nicosia districts will have ample opportunity to engage in seasonal merriment. These concurrent happenings, all slated for December 13th and 14th, underscore a concerted effort to blend tradition, charity, and community engagement within the framework of Christmas celebrations.
The weekend’s festivities offer a geographical and thematic spread catering to diverse interests. In the picturesque village of Vavla, nestled in the Larnaca highlands, a traditional Christmas Bazaar will animate the central square and surrounding lanes. Organized by the local development association with municipal backing, the event will showcase handmade crafts and regional delicacies, accompanied by the sounds of carols and the scent of warm seasonal wine. Notably, the bazaar will feature a series of meticulously curated workshops focusing on indigenous arts, requiring prior registration for those wishing to secure a place.
Meanwhile, in the capital, the imposing Presidential Palace will open its gates to the public for its annual Christmas Village, an initiative supported by the First Lady and several government bodies. This prestigious event, running from late morning until evening, transforms the grounds into a hub of Cypriot creativity, with stalls operated by local artisans and producers. A significant charitable dimension underpins the occasion, as a percentage of vendor proceeds will be directed to the Welfare Fund of the School for the Deaf, thereby channeling festive commerce toward a tangible social benefit.
Simultaneously, a short distance away at Eleftherias Square, a more contemporary and niche-focused event will unfold. Orchestrated by COSMOS Insurance in collaboration with Nicosia Municipality, “Xmas Santa Paws” is designed to integrate family pets into the holiday experience. The gathering will include dedicated photographic sessions with Saint Nicholas, storytelling for children, and an awareness campaign spearheaded by the Paws for Homes Foundation, which will promote responsible animal adoption alongside the distribution of treats.
The logistical planning for these events reflects their expected popularity and specific audiences. Access to the Presidential Palace, for instance, will be managed via a park-and-ride system from the English School, with vehicle access restricted on-site to ensure safety and flow. In Vavla, the intimate nature of the craft workshops necessitates advance booking, highlighting the demand for authentic cultural immersion. The Eleftherias Square initiative, by creating a dedicated and welcoming space for pets, acknowledges the growing consideration of animals within family and community life.
Collectively, these parallel celebrations represent more than mere seasonal entertainment; they embody multifaceted societal values. They function as platforms for economic support for local craftspeople and small-scale producers, mechanisms for philanthropic contribution, and vehicles for raising awareness on social issues such as disability support and animal welfare. Furthermore, by hosting a major public event at the Presidential Palace, the occasion fosters a sense of civic inclusion and accessibility to national institutions. As Cyprus prepares for this festive weekend, the concurrent events promise to enrich the holiday season through a blend of joy, tradition, and conscientious community spirit.