Cyprus warms up for Christmas

Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia and Geroskipou are setting up arts & crafts fairs and children’s workshops

With temperatures in the range of 22-24 °C, Cypriots find it hard to believe that Christmas is just 35 days away. To help them shake off the easygoing summer mood and get attuned to the upcoming Nativity season, artists, merchants and local authorities across the island are preparing various events replete with festive music, snacks, and handmade products that can be bought as mementos or gifts.

Pre-Christmas events

Here is a selection of events by location that will be taking place on the island in the build-up to Christmas.

Limassol

Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair in Limassol kick-starts the series of festive bazaars on 20 November. From 10 am to 10 pm Art Studio 55 will lure visitors with stalls selling unique arts and crafts, handmade gift items, and delicious sweets.

Limassol’s Christmas Avenue will make its comeback on the weekend of 27 and 28 November with a market, choirs singing Christmas carols, games and more. The fourth edition of the fair at the Catholic Church on Enoseos Street is all the more welcome, as it was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Larnaca

This Sunday, 21 November, Christmas Craft Fayre (no spelling mistake) will be set up in Larnaca’s Restolake. Handmade items, locally-made gifts and more will be put up for sale, and families can while away the hours or have lunch at the kid-friendly café.

Nicosia

Next week, on 25-27 November, creative artists Paintbrushinmytea and Zarburst will hold a Festive Pop-Up event at Prozak Café in Nicosia. They will be displaying their creations for the holiday season - Christmas cards, illustrations, drawings, stickers - on the café’s first floor while drinks and snacks can be ordered from the bar. 

Using your own hands instead of buying ready-made gifts and decorations deserves some encouragement. Working in this vein, the Art Hub Visual Arts Laboratories in Nicosia will teach children how to make their own clay Christmas ornaments in a couple of workshops (Christmas Decorations – Children’s Ceramics Workshop) on 27-28 November and 4-5 December. Participation comes with a EUR 50 fee, and to avoid family congregations, parents are advised to pre-book.  

Geroskipou

On Sunday, 28 November, Elea Christmas Craft market will be arranged at Elea Golf Club in Geroskipou village. Sellers will be displaying miscellaneous handmade and imported gift items, including candles, books, Christmas cards, jewellery, and ceramics. A DJ will be entertaining visitors who will also treat themselves to snacks and refreshments. Charity tombola will be organized on behalf of a local hospice.

If you happen to be around, Google or Facebook-search any of the above events and their page will show up with details.  Local artisans and businesses will receive a much needed boost from such visits and so will your mood.