Dive Into the Heart of Cyprus with the Spectacular Nicosia International Festival: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 13, 2025

The Nicosia International Festival 2025 is one of the most exciting cultural events in Cyprus. This vibrant festival brings together music, theatre, dance, and family-friendly performances. It’s an unmissable celebration of art, culture, and creativity that lasts all the way through December, culminating in an unforgettable finale on 30th December 2025. If you’re planning to be in Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus, this winter, the festival promises to be a fantastic experience that blends holiday cheer with artistic brilliance. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting event.

What Is the Nicosia International Festival?

The Nicosia International Festival is a long-running cultural event that brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy a diverse range of performances. It’s an annual festival that spans several months, and for 2025, it runs from 14th September to 30th December. The festival is free for many events and promises a rich cultural experience for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for something fun to do during the holidays, this festival offers something for everyone.

A Blend of Art Forms: Theatre, Music, and Dance

One of the highlights of the Nicosia International Festival is its diverse range of performances. The festival isn’t limited to one form of art – it brings together theatre, music, dance, and even multimedia performances. This blend of different art forms means there is always something new to discover. Whether you’re enjoying a powerful theatre performance or tapping your feet to live music, the festival creates an immersive experience.

Throughout December, the festival showcases an array of performances that highlight both traditional and modern artistic expressions. From classic plays to contemporary dance performances, the Nicosia International Festival offers an unforgettable cultural journey.

December Highlights at the Nicosia International Festival

As December approaches, the festival really starts to heat up. The last month of the festival is filled with special holiday-themed performances, Christmas concerts, and family-friendly events. Here are some of the key highlights:

Christmas Musical Magic with the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra

One of the most anticipated events of the festival is “Suzy and the Christmas of the World”, which takes place on 10th December 2025. This festive musical adventure features the renowned Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. The performance combines live music with narration and animated visuals, making it a perfect event for families. It’s a celebration of Christmas carols from around the world, offering a musical journey that will leave you in the holiday spirit. Whether you’re a young child or an adult, this performance is sure to delight everyone in the family.

Panayiotis Loizou’s “Two Worlds” – A Unique Music Experience

On 12th December 2025, another standout event is the music performance “Two Worlds” by Cypriot artist Panayiotis Loizou. This performance takes place at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre and is part of the festival’s #UNDER30 programme. This concert is perfect for music lovers who appreciate fresh and emerging talent. Loizou combines his unique songwriting style with powerful emotional resonance, creating a performance that is both intimate and exciting. If you enjoy new music that blends authentic storytelling with creative sounds, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Anna Avramidou’s Piano Recital

For fans of classical music, the festival offers a spectacular recital by the internationally recognised pianist Anna Avramidou on 16th December 2025. This solo piano performance promises to be a moving and elegant experience, as Avramidou showcases her skills and passion for music. If you’re looking for an event that highlights the beauty of classical music, this is one to mark on your calendar.

“My Grandmother Kyriakou” – A Heartfelt Theatre Production

The theatre plays an essential role in the Nicosia International Festival, and on 4th December 2025, the festival presents the emotional and thought-provoking play “My Grandmother Kyriakou”. This performance delves into themes of personal memory and collective storytelling, bringing both laughter and tears. Theatre lovers will find this a captivating production, as it offers a contemporary take on the traditional art form.

“The Nutcracker and I” – A Multimedia Spectacle

To close the festival’s December programming, the festival presents a thrilling multimedia performance called “The Nutcracker and I” on 28th December 2025. This performance combines dance, piano, and digital animation, offering a modern twist on the classic Nutcracker story. The fusion of traditional ballet with cutting-edge technology promises to create a truly unique experience, making it the perfect way to conclude the festival’s December celebrations.

Family-Friendly Events and Holiday Magic

One of the reasons the Nicosia International Festival is so special is its focus on creating family-friendly events. Whether you’re taking your children to the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra concert or enjoying the fun performances at the Municipal Theatre, there are plenty of activities that families can enjoy together.

For those who love the holiday season, the festival offers a perfect blend of Christmas cheer and artistic exploration. With events like “Suzy and the Christmas of the World” and performances designed to capture the magic of Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in the festive atmosphere. Families can look forward to musical concerts, lively theatre performances, and lots of fun surprises.

Nicosia’s Cultural Hub: Where the Festival Takes Place

The Nicosia International Festival takes place in the heart of Cyprus’s capital, Nicosia. The Nicosia Municipal Theatre serves as the primary venue for many of the festival’s performances. Located in central Nicosia, the theatre is a cultural hub where visitors and locals alike can immerse themselves in the world of art and culture. The venue itself is a stunning example of Cyprus’s architectural beauty and offers a comfortable and intimate setting for all performances.

In addition to the Municipal Theatre, some performances may take place in other parts of Nicosia, giving you the opportunity to explore the city while enjoying the festival’s offerings. Nicosia’s rich history and beautiful surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for this dynamic cultural celebration.

Free and Ticketed Events

One of the best things about the Nicosia International Festival is that it offers a range of free events. Many outdoor performances and opening acts are free to attend, allowing everyone to participate in the cultural festivities. However, some performances at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre and other venues require tickets. Tickets are typically available for purchase online, and it’s recommended to secure them in advance, especially for popular performances.

Why You Should Attend the Nicosia International Festival

The Nicosia International Festival is more than just a series of performances. It’s an immersive cultural experience that showcases the best of what Cyprus has to offer. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, the festival provides an opportunity to experience world-class theatre, music, and dance in a beautiful setting. Here are a few reasons why you should attend:

• Diverse Cultural Offerings: The festival features a wide range of performances, from classical music to contemporary theatre, making it a great experience for everyone.
• Family-Friendly Fun: With many performances designed for children and families, it’s the perfect holiday outing for all ages.
• Celebrating Local Talent: The festival showcases the incredible talent of local artists, giving you a chance to support Cypriot culture.
• A Festive Atmosphere: The holiday-themed events create a magical atmosphere that is perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.

If you’re in Cyprus this December, the Nicosia International Festival 2025 is an event you simply can’t miss. From incredible theatre performances to festive concerts and family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The festival not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus but also brings people together to appreciate the arts in all its forms. Whether you’re a music lover, a theatre enthusiast, or just looking for a fun way to spend time with your family, the Nicosia International Festival is the place to be this December. Make sure to mark your calendar and get ready to experience the magic of this cultural celebration.