A Chic Riviera Christmas at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Modern style. Timeless traditions. And a setting as sleek and chic as the celebrity guests of its storied past. A glittering program of holiday celebrations awaits on the Athenian Riviera this year at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. From Avra Bar's cutting-edge cocktails and Pelagos' Michelin-star magic to a pop-up cinema, live music and perfect pastry gifts, the Hotel treats couples, families and groups alike to a bold celebration of joy and connection.

The Gift of Gastronomy

From December 15, 2024 to January 10, 2025, Taverna 37 showcases a Traditional Game and Poultry Menu of classic Greek recipes crafted using time-honoured techniques, from Roasted Quail to Deer Tenderloin. Fashion-forward Astron is the destination for sweet holiday treats – to eat in or to take-away: Tsoureki with Chestnut and White Chocolate Glaze, Vasilopita (New Year's Day bread) and Greek Christmas honey cookies, Melomakarona, among many others. Avra Bar is open every night throughout the season shaking up trailblazing mixology in a dazzling winter wonderland setting beneath a giant sparkling tree. On December 8, it will host its last Great Sunday Club of 2024, partnering with some of Europe's most iconic bar teams for an epic celebration.

The Night Before, and the Big Day

At Michelin-starred Pelagos, caviar pasta and steak au poivre are among the highlights of Chef Luca Piscazzi's divine five-course Christmas Eve dinner, served with optional wine pairing. Christmas Eve at Mercato brings an Italian touch to the season with an exclusive set menu of Italian specialities including polenta e funghi and battuta di manzo, plus holiday classics such as cappelletti in brodo and sweet Cipriani cake. On Christmas Day, Mercato opens its doors and arms to groups of family and friends for a vibrant brunch brimming with a Seafood and Raw Bar, live Pasta and Carving Stations, a 100-Layer Lasagne, a 60 kg Mortadella Bologna and much more.

A Riviera New Year

Mercato ushers in 2025 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve dinner featuring seafood, black truffle, wagyu beef and Pastry Chef Michalis Chatzikalimeris' signature Mont Blanc dessert (trust us, you won't want to miss it!). At Pelagos, Chef Luca Piscazzi presents an exquisite seven-course end-of-year spread sparkling with the finesse of everything from langoustine tartare to turbot with sage, Padron peppers, raspberries and champagne sauce – complete with optional wine pairings. Meanwhile, Avra Bar offers a buzzing backdrop to see in 2025 with all-night DJs, a live band, fireworks and two package options of unlimited cocktails or Champagne alongside shareable bites.

New Year’s Day plays out in elegant fashion at Astron with Afternoon Tea showcasing freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches and classic pastries, while brunch at Mercato sings with fresh seafood, Italian cold cuts and cheeses, bright salads and grilled specialities. At Taverna 37, a New Year’s Day lunch menu showcases traditional Greek flavours, from veal soup with orzo pasta to beef tenderloin with quince, served in heartfelt celebratory style.

All the Holiday Trimmings

Shopping, fitness and spa treats are just some of the trimmings that guests can look forward to this season at Four Seasons Astir Palace. Nafiska Lobby will place host to a Festive Boutique, selling delicacies and pampering experiences alongside other stylish gifts, while the designer boutiques and exclusive personal shopping of the new Astir Marina are just a couple of minutes' walk away.

At the Hotel’s Fitness Centre, a high-energy HIIT workout sparks the festive spirit by infusing every move with a holiday twist. Seasonal specials continue at the Hippocrates-inspired Spa via the Giosi Foot Ritual, perfect for restoring tired tootsies after festive dancing; a Rhythmos Signature Facial, with aloe and cold-pressed wild rose oil to decrease fine lines for picture-perfect skin; and the Sinansi treatment for two, a romantic combo of an aromatherapy bath and side-by-side massage.

There's plenty to keep the wee ones entertained too. From December 1, 2024, an on-site cinema will show daily holiday movies, meanwhile kids can also take part in Christmas card crafting, storytelling, a festive treasure hunt and letter-writing to Santa at the Hotel's Kids Club.

A Suite Seasonal Treat

For unparalleled luxury and value-added sparkle this festive season, guests can book a Specialty Suite Package: a minimum of three nights in the elegant Riviera Suite or the lavish Presidential Suite combined with up to three Arion Sea-View or Pine-View rooms and a host of special perks.

The package includes daily breakfast prepared in-suite by a dedicated chef; a personal assistant (from 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight); daytime use of a Nafsika Pool cabana; an Airport Meet and Greet Service with transportation booked through the Hotel; curbside check-in; complimentary use of the Hotel’s helipad; a dedicated guest experience agent and an Astir Marina personal shopper.

For further details about the festive experiences at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, contact reservations.athens@fourseasons.com.