Fireworks illuminate the sky over Greece's ancient Acropolis, welcoming in the New Year

Athens welcomed 2026 with a spectacular yet eco-friendly fireworks display over the Acropolis, lighting up the Parthenon while keeping celebrations quiet to protect animals and sensitive residents.

Stamos Prousalis and Reim Nahaboo

1 January 2026 at 02:31:34

Athens rings in 2026 with a dazzling yet eco-friendly fireworks display over the Acropolis, lighting up the Parthenon for a quiet, celebratory New Year’s Eve.

Stelios Misinas

Fireworks illuminated the sky over the ancient Acropolis hill in Athens on Wednesday night (December 31), welcoming in the new year.

A colourful fireworks display lit up the ancient monuments and Parthenon temple on the Acropolis, as thousands of people celebrated new year's eve in the Greek capital.

Greece's ancient Parthenon Temple on the Acropolis had a quiet New Year with limited fireworks to ring in 2026.

The mayor of Athens said the city would use silent, environmentally friendly fireworks, citing concerns over the distress caused by loud displays to pets, animals and people sensitive to noise.

-Stamos Prousalis and Reim Nahaboo