Cities and towns doing their bit to spread the holiday spirit

Back at the beginning of March, few would have thought that terms like "restrictions," "without friends," "only at home" and "no hugs or kisses" would be a part of any discussion about the Christmas and New Year's holidays this year.

Yet here we are, in these gloomy and uncertain times. But the holidays will come nonetheless and many municipal authorities, both big and small, across Greece are doing their best to put on a good show and make them as sparkly as possible.

Athens: Bright lights

The Municipality of Athens has pulled out all the stops with its Christmas lights around the center, living up to its pledge for a holiday show equal to Europe's biggest cities. 

The lights on the main Christmas tree in Syntagma Square - a real fir - were switched on in a simple yet dignified ceremony that was broadcast live on television, while key...