Merry Christmas at Hotel Grande Bretagne, in Athens

The Christmas season in Athens begins when the lights on the Christmas Tree of Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel are switched on. This year was no exception, and on Saturday, December 2nd, the festive season was welcomed with magical lights and sweet songs. But some people believe that it is Santa’s very own Christmas glitter which gives the lights their very sparkle.

It is said that Santa himself especially loves a Greek Christmas, and therefore it should come as no surprise that Hotel Grande Bretagne’s staff said that they have spotted him on occasion. Perhaps Santa knows that even the milk and cookies are utterly delectable at the Hotel Grande Bretagne? It seems as if Santa Claus is on a magical mission because housekeeping staff reported a trail of glitter all over the hotel. However, management reports the glitter leaves everyone in good cheer as spirits are lifted in anticipation for the lighting ceremony.

Awesome and majestic, the Christmas tree stands at an impressive seven metres in height, filling the lobby with its stately splendour. Lighting the hearts of children and adults alike, the tree is adorned with more than 5,000 lights and 300 exquisite ornaments. The Christmas lighting ceremony has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year, and has been going strong for five years now.

The Hotel staff made this one of the most unforgettable experiences yet. The tree showed off its dazzling ornaments while everyone waited with baited breath for the lights to be turned on. Festive cheer seemed to explode as the lights illuminated the room and lit the eyes of the spectators.

A choir of young children began to sing Carols warming hearts the same way festive music has done throughout the ages. Hotel Grande Bretagne and Santa have planted this tradition so firmly that the heart of Athens will continue to bear the fruit every festive season. Merry Christmas to everyone!