The Christmas Villages scheme serves a dual purpose: to offer momentum and support to communities located far from urban centres, and to enhance winter tourism, allowing Cypriot and foreign visitors to connect with Cypriot traditions and local customs.
The first organised Christmas activities in remote communities began about 15 years ago through initiatives by local authorities and cultural bodies. However, the model was first institutionalised in 2017 when the Deputy Ministry of Tourism took over the central coordination and official promotion of the Christmas Villages, as well as the overall state support, which now includes funding.
The institution did not remain on a symbolic level. Over the years, it evolved into an activity with a clear economic footprint, generating significant revenue for both the host communities and private individuals who undertake the operation of kiosks, offering food, drink, and various other services.
In 2025, eight Christmas Villages officially operated in Cyprus. They opened their doors on 22 November and will remain open until Epiphany on 6 January 2026. Specifically, Christmas Villages operated in Agros, Deryneia, Kakopetria, Kalopanagiotis, Kyperounta, Lefkara, Stato-Agios Fotios, and Fikardou.
Revenue Reaches Tens of Thousands
Each community or municipality selected by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism to host a Christmas Village sets its own criteria, regarding both the kiosk rental prices and the type of activities, services, and catering products offered to the public.
Revenue for the communities, from rentals alone, is estimated to be tens of thousands of euros. This figure takes into account that in some cases, the cost of renting a single kiosk for the entire duration of the Christmas Village operation can exceed €4,000.
Furthermore, the revenue is significant for those who ultimately operate the kiosks.
As a source who had previously been active in a Christmas Village told Phileleftheros, “the total revenue of their kiosk for the festive season could be compared to the takings of a small catering business for the entire year.”
It is noted, however, that according to the same reports, some communities that operated a Christmas Village had set a criterion for interested parties to “offer reasonable prices,” so that all citizens, regardless of financial status, could enjoy the experience and spend the day with their family in the village affordably.
Competition and Future Improvements
The significant economic benefits are accompanied by increased competition, as the number of kiosks is limited, while professional interest is clearly greater. Industry professionals who spoke to Phileleftheros stated that the selection processes could in some cases be more transparent, expressing concerns about the criteria and the decision-making process.
Speaking on RIK’s Trito radio station yesterday, Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis stated that the success of the institution is the basis for its continuation and also for continuous improvements. Specifically, he said discussions have already taken place to ensure that next year it will be mandatory for a continuous ambulance presence to be provided in every Christmas Village for emergency purposes.