Part of the city’s official festive programme "Christmas in the City 2025", these events are designed to bring the community and visitors closer to one of the most iconic monuments in Heraklion — blending tradition, culture and celebration.

Highlights of the Programme

Friday 19/12: Agios Georgios Gate Reopens – Photo Exhibition: 100 Years of OFI

After years of restoration, the Gate of Agios Georgios once again becomes the passage linking Ikarou Avenue with Eleftherias Square. Its reopening is marked by two key elements: a photo exhibition dedicated to the 100-year history of OFI (the local football club), and the display of informative material about the future of the city’s Venetian Walls.

The exhibition, a collaboration with the OFI Amateur Sports Club, features rare images of early training sessions and matches held right on the Walls and moat — a tribute to the team’s deep roots in the city.

The gate will be open to the public every day of the week and secured.

Sunday 21/12, 09:00 | Jesus Gate Bastion: First Parkrun Heraklion

A free 5km run for all ages and levels, officially timed. Everyone is welcome — from beginners to seasoned runners.

Sign up here

Monday 22/12, 19:30 | Jesus Gate: Loopia Christmas Live Concert 2025 

Loopia meets The "Brass Section Project" — a unique live performance featuring live looping, brass instruments, and a mix of jazz, funk, pop and soul. Expect innovative Christmas tunes and reworked international hits.

Wednesday 24/12, 11:00 | Jesus Gate: Nikos Kazantzakis Museum Workshop for Children (10–15 years)

A hands-on Christmas workshop inspired by the letters of Nikos Kazantzakis. Children explore his newly digitised collection and write their own postcards — just as Kazantzakis did during the holidays.

Free entry – reservation required:
📞 2810741689 | 📧 edu@kazantzaki.gr

Thursday 25/12, 19:30 | Jesus Gate: Manos Papadakis Live – “Ta Aparaetita”

Cretan singer-songwriter Manos Papadakis returns with "The Essentials", a concert featuring his most beloved tracks, new releases from his upcoming 2026 vinyl album "Labyrinth", and stories that take you on a musical journey through time.

Friday 26/12, 18:30 | Venetian Walls: Heraklion’s First-Ever Drone Show

Hundreds of drones will light up the sky in a synchronised aerial spectacle, celebrating the festive season and Heraklion’s rich history — with the Venetian Walls as the central stage.

Friday 26/12, 19:00 | “Mikis Theodorakis” Open-Air Theatre (Bethlehem Gate): Thodoris Voutsikakis Live – “Festival Lights”

With direction by Lina Nikolakopoulou, Thodoris Voutsikakis and a top-class band deliver a heartwarming concert that spans Sinatra to Kazantzidis, Balkan rhythms and festive melodies.
In case of rain, concert moves to Jesus Gate.

Saturday 27/12, 11:30 | Nikos Kazantzakis Garden Theatre Entrance (Playground): Meet the Disney Heroes

A magical meet-and-greet with your favourite Disney characters for the little ones — right next to the Venetian Walls.

Saturday 27/12, 18:00 | Jesus Gate: Cretan Winds – “10 Tales of the Kalikantzaroi”

A family-friendly theatre show with traditional Greek stories about the mischievous Christmas goblins, brought to life with live folk music from all corners of Greece.

Sunday 28/12, 12:00 | Jesus Bastion Square: Stilt Show by OMMA Studio

A spectacular open-air performance with stilt walkers for kids and adults alike, bringing colour and fun to the city’s festive spirit.

A Living Gallery on the Walls

Throughout the year, the Municipal Art Gallery of Heraklion will install high-resolution reproductions of key artworks from its collection along the walking routes and inside the Gates of the Venetian Walls.

With QR codes and themed signage, these open-air exhibitions transform a stroll into a cultural experience, where art, history and architecture come together in one of the city’s most treasured landmarks.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the Venetian Walls like never before – alive, festive and full of surprises.