Filenews 3 January 2026 - by Charalambos Zakos
The institution of Christmas Villages has a double goal. On the one hand, to provide impetus and support to communities far from urban centers and on the other hand, to strengthen winter tourism, while enabling Cypriot and foreign visitors to come into contact with Cypriot tradition and local customs.
The first organized Christmas activities in remote communities began about 15 years ago, through initiatives of local authorities and cultural institutions. The model, however, was first established in 2017, when the Deputy Ministry of Tourism undertook the central coordination and official promotion of the Christmas Villages, as well as the overall support of the institution by the state, which now also provides funding.
The institution did not remain on a symbolic level. Over the years, it has evolved into an activity with a clear economic footprint, generating significant revenues both to the communities that host them and to individuals who undertake the operation of kiosks, offering food, drink and various other services.
In 2025, eight Christmas Villages officially opened in Cyprus, which opened their gates on November 22 and will remain in operation until Epiphany, on January 6, 2026. Specifically, Christmas Villages operated in Agros, Deryneia, Kakopetria, Kalopanagiotis, Kyperounta, Lefkara, Statos-Agios Fotios and Fikardou.
Many thousands of euros in revenue
Each community or municipality selected by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism to operate a Christmas Village determines its own criteria, both in relation to the amount of kiosk rents and the type of activities, services and catering products that will be offered to the public.
The income for the communities, from rents alone, is estimated at tens of thousands of euros, taking into account that in some cases the cost of renting a kiosk, for the entire duration of the Christmas Village's operation, can exceed €4,000.
At the same time, the revenues are also significant for those who eventually take over the operation of the kiosks.
As a person who had previously been active in a Christmas Village told "F", the total revenue of his kiosk for the festive season could be compared to the receipts of a small catering business for the whole year.
It is noted, however, that according to the same reports, some communities that operated a Christmas Village had set as a criterion for those interested to offer reasonable prices, so that all citizens, regardless of financial status, could enjoy the experience in the area and be able to visit the village with their family and spend their day in an "economical" way.
Battle for a place
The significant economic benefits are also accompanied by increased competition, as the number of kiosks is limited, while the interest from professionals is clearly greater. People in the field who spoke to "F" said that the selection procedures could in some cases be more transparent, expressing concerns about the criteria and the way decisions are made.
Yesterday, speaking to RIK's Third Channel, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, stated that the success of the institution is the basis for its continuation but also for continuous improvements. He said, in particular, that from now on there has been a discussion so that next year provision will be taken in every Christmas Village for the continuous presence of an ambulance, in time of need.
