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10 Best Places to Spend Christmas in Greece

Posted on December 20, 2020 September 21, 2022 Author Priya Leave a comment

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Greece isn’t just a beach destination. It’s also an upcoming winter destination. If you are looking for a place where you want to spend Christmas, you should consider going to Greece (in 2022). There are some great Christmas destinations in Greece – so many unique traditions to observe and festive food to be had, the winter snow transforms mountain villages into Christmas card postcard scenes, and the mild winter in Greece still offers some sunshine. Spending Christmas in Greece deserves to be on our travel wishlist.

Christmas is a holiday that people celebrate all over the world. not just Christians. If you want to enjoy Christmas differently, you might want to try spending it in a different country. In the past we have spent Christmas browsing Christmas markets in Italy , enjoying the colorful LED lights in Japan , mesmerized by the melancholic Fado performance in Lisbon .

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Christmas traditions in Greece

Christmas celebrations in Greece have gotten glamorous over the years and the Christmas holiday period lasts 12 days in Greece and includes Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany.

From decorating their boats and trees, the Greeks follow many Christmas traditions. This dates back to a time when Greek wives and children would decorate wooden boats to welcome their husbands and sons back from the sea, safe from harm. Today, the tradition is still followed.

On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, many neighborhoods in Greece are filled with happy voices of children singing carols, heralding the happy news of Christ’s birth.

A fun Greek folk tradition has it that little mischievous kallikantzari , (much like goblins), would rise from underground to wreak havoc during the 12 days of Christmas. To make them disappear, priests would travel to homes on the day of the Epiphany, which is on January 6, and bless them with holy water. How fun would that be to watch the kallikantzari in action!

In Greek homes, a flurry of baking takes place during the Christmas season. The  Christopsomo , blessed bread, is prepared during the holiday season. Vasilopita  (pronounced vah-see-LO-pee-tah) is another special pie with a lucky coin hidden inside, that is made for New Year’s Day to bring luck. And no holiday table would be complete without a bowl of sugar-dusted  kourambies  and honey and orange scented  melomakarona  biscuits, which are traditional treats made in Greece for Christmas.

You might also like: 10 Greek foods you MUST try in Greece

While many Greek islands shut down in late October or early November, Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes operate year-round, offering cultural and culinary experiences and festivities in the winter months. Early winter would still be a nice time to visit.

If you want a perfect itinerary and a well-organized trip, you can join some of the escorted tours of Greece and have a hustle-free holiday.

  10 Best Places to Spend Christmas in Greece

The Greek Islands can be cold, windy, and wet during the Christmas holidays but still can be quiet and beautiful but there are few other top Christmas destinations in Greece. To help you find out where to go in Greece, here are the ten best places to spend Christmas in Greece.

There are plenty of things to do for Christmas if you visit Athens during the holiday season. It’s becoming a more popular holiday destination if you’re looking for a Christmas getaway. It might not be the first place you’d think to go to when you’re looking for a Christmas vacation, but there’s so much that you can do there during the Christmas season.

The city enjoys a mild winter and you can still all the sights and ancient temples in Athens. You can visit the National Archaeological Musuem that houses the world’s finest collection of Greek antiquities. Don’t miss the dazzling Acropolis museum situated at the foot of the Acropolis. The museum’s crowning glory,   Parthenon Gallery , located on the top floor, it has a glass atrium housing the temple’s 160m-long frieze as it once was.

A popular destination to feel the Christmas spirit in Athens is Noel , a popular venue in downtown Athens. There are decorations everywhere to help you get into that festive spirit. This place is the best area to dine in and enjoy an equally festive meal to get you in the warm mood of Christmas. However, since it can get quite crowded, make sure you have reservations.

Where to stay: You have the best view at this Palace Hotel which sits just below the Acropolis, moments away from Plaka, the new archaeological museum and the Herodian theatre. 

2. Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is another Christmas wonderland in Greece that you can plan a trip for the holidays. There are several areas and activities that you can indulge in while in the city. When it comes to any festivities in Thessaloniki, Aristotelous Square is the place to check out. During the Christmas season, the Aristotelous Square will be decorated with a huge Christmas tree. There will be an official lighting ceremony with music, sparkles, and sounds of the Symphony.

Aside from the Square itself, you can enjoy the Christmas market and get some baked goods and other knick-knacks. Then hop on the  Christmas Train  and ride the carousel with the kids!

Where to stay: Stay at the stylish Excelsior , an elegant property with a chic, modern interior located in the heart of Thessaloniki, close to Aristotelous Square and the seafront promenade, 

When you think of going to Mykonos island, you think of the beach and the bright blue waters. However, you can also enjoy a quaint but still lively Christmas when you’re on Mykonos island.

Aside from enjoying the gorgeous views around you, you can also admire the Christmas decorations. You can even take part or observe the Christmas caroling tradition that’s still present on the island.

You can also enjoy a feast on the 27th of December in the Agios Stefanos church where everyone gathers. The feast itself happens in the night and goes deep until the early mornings.

Where to stay: Built into an impressive natural cliffside, Cavo Tagoo is a unique luxury hotel near Mykonos town known for its luxurious barefoot chic aesthetic.

Patras is not the most touristy destination in Greece, but it’s still a wonderful place to enjoy a quiet Christmas. If you are visiting Greece with kids, they will certainly enjoy Patras during the Christmas season. That’s because this area transforms itself into a fairytale village during the season of Christmas. They will enjoy all the Christmas magic at the port.

Although it’s not as booming and busy as the other places on this list of Christmas-y places in Greece, you can still enjoy feeling the holiday season. The streets are decorated with Christmas lights and there is always good shopping.

Where to stay: Vacation rentals are your best bet in Patras.

5. Kalavryta

Kalavryta looks like a Christmas postcard, which is why you should consider this a must-visit spot when celebrating the holiday season in Greece. On the mountain resort, you can try out snow activities, like skiing and even riding snowmobiles for a modern version of a Christmas sleigh.

You can go on a gorgeous train ride through a nearby canyon on the famous rack-and-pinion railway . You can enjoy the views while still being warm and cozy on the train. You can visit the Monastery of Agia Lavra .

Or stay cozy in your chalet and just admire the snow while drinking a mug of hot chocolate to make you feel warm and comfortable.

Where to stay: Stay in one of the chalets in town for a unique Greek Christmas holiday.

6. Agios Athanasios

Another mountain resort area you can enjoy is Agios Athanasios, located around the north of Greece, near Mount Vorras. The village has traditional architecture, making it feel more quaint and inviting. Aside from that, you can enjoy skiing at Kaimaktsalan if you want a more active Greek Holiday.

You can also enjoy the many bars and restaurants open during this time of the year in Agios Athanasios. There are even spas in the area so that you can relax and stay warm while you’re there. Check out DaNala Beach if it’s something that interests you despite the cold weather.

7. Elatochori

If you want to get away from everything, you should stop by Elatochori and spend some time around nature. It is located 105km away from Thessaloniki and 460km from Athens. Elatochori is a village located inside the forest. The snow resting atop the trees in the woods undoubtedly gives the perfect atmosphere for a Christmas getaway.

The  Kremaston Waterfalls  situated at an altitude of 1000m., offer a spectacular view. At the ski center of Elatochori  you can enjoy doing some winter sports activities. They have ski schools, 3 lifts and 5 tracks. You should try some local delicacies. Their traditional marmalade is excellent, especially when you get some warm chocolate drinks to go with it.

Volos is a popular Christmas destination in Greece, so you can’t go wrong by staying here for your short Christmas holiday. One thing special about Volos is the incredible festive lighting that spans a good part of the city. The festive lighting is blue in Volos and it feels like you are walking under a sparkling blue sky.

When in Volos, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Volos seafront . In the center of the beach looms the mythical Argo, the ship-symbol of the city. Dimitriados Street, Iasonos Street, Eirinis Avenue, vertical and parallel to the main beach roads are the ones usually covered by blue lights . Then walk around the city to enjoy the many Christmas offerings available, like roasted chestnuts, special Christmas treats, and all the Christmas decorations.

It is a beautiful combination of urban life and traditional living in Larisa, which is half an hour away from Volos when you go by car. During the Christmas season, a popular spot in Larisa is the Alcazar Natural Park , which they turn into a park of Christmas wishes. The Fun Park will have a North Pole-Train, the House of Santa Claus, the Workshop of the elves, the Sugar House, the Fairy tale Land, the Palace of the Queen of the Ice, and more.

Aside from that, you can also admire the lake of Christmas. Near the lake, you can go skating in the 600-sq. Ft. skating rink.

If Pelion sounds familiar to you, that’s because it’s the setting for Centaurus’s exciting legend. Centaurs are thought of in many Greek myths as untamed horses, half-man, half-animal, that were said to have inhabited Mount Pelion. Legends aside, Pelion transforms into a wonderland during Christmas, which makes it a great place in Greece to visiting during the Christmas holidays.

From gorgeous villages blanketed in snow to traditional home-baked goodies, you can enjoy cocooning yourself in Pelion for the holidays.

There are plenty of Christmas destinations in Greece where you can enjoy the season’s festivities. Greece might not be your first choice for a Christmas holiday destination, but once you visit, you’re going to love it, so try some of these places out for your next Christmas getaway.

Featured Image of Sunrise in Santorini by Klaus Stebani from Pixabay

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Effective Greece Travel

Travel to Greece with the best possible information

Spending Christmas in Greece: Where To Go, What To See

Your Guide To Greece

February 19, 2020

If your winter travel plans include visiting Greece during the Christmas season, you’re in for a magical trip. From brightly-decorated trees and miniature Christmas ships to charming seasonal traditions, your holiday in Greece may be the most memorable and festive Christmas of your lifetime.

Christmas in Greece is a multifaceted celebration, rich in both religious meaning and secular traditions. The season begins on December 6, St. Nicholas Day, who is not only the saint most closely associated with Christmas, but also the patron saint of sailors—a cherished figure in this nation of more than 6,000 islands. The Christmas season officially ends on January 6 with the Feast of the Epiphany, although festivities may stretch into the middle of January in some areas.

Christmas in Greece – Traditions

Christmas boats.

In honor of St. Nicholas, the protector of sailors, boats called “karavakia” are commonly incorporated into Christmas decorations and are often just as visible as the traditional Christmas tree. Model boats of all sizes pop up across the country, usually festooned with twinkling blue and white lights.

Christmas Caroling

Christmas caroling is a popular holiday activity in Greece, with roving bands of singers primarily concentrating their activity on three significant dates: Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and the Eve of the Epiphany (January 5). Traditionally, groups of children will visit houses in their neighborhoods singing holiday tunes accompanied only by a triangle; they are often rewarded with a small sum of money from the residents of each home.

12 Days of Christmas Goblins

According to legend, the 12 days of Christmas—in Greece, the period from December 25 to January 6—draw out naughty goblins called “kallikantzari” who roam Greek towns playing tricks on people—typically overturning furniture and stealing their food. As the story goes, these ugly but harmless creatures enter homes via their chimneys, which is why many Greeks keep their fireplaces continually lit during this period. Some people will even sprinkle holy water throughout their homes to drive the goblins out.

Christmas Pomegranate

During the Christmas season, you may see a pomegranate mounted above the front doors of some homes. At the start of the new year, the fruit has dried; residents then hurl it to the ground and step over the smashed fruit and into their homes to start the new year on the right foot. This tradition is said to bring good luck in the year ahead.

Opening Christmas Presents

In Greece, children have to wait an extra-long time to open their presents. Gifts are distributed on New Year’s Day in honor of St. Basil (“Father Christmas”), and everyone named Vassilis (the Greek translation of the name Basil) or Vassiliki (the feminine version) gets to celebrate his or her “name day” as well.

Christmas in Greece – Religious Observances

If you’re religious—or simply enjoy experiencing different religious traditions—you’ll be right at home in Greece during the Christmas season. Greek Orthodox churches, which are beautiful and fascinating to visit at any time of year, are filled with light, life and music during the holidays. The faithful mark the start of the season on December 6 with St. Nicholas Day and honor multiple other saints through Christmas Day, when many Orthodox Christians attend a morning mass.

The religious Christmas season ends on January 6 with Theophania, the Feast of the Epiphany, when bodies of water throughout Greece are blessed and a cross is cast into the waters. You may see crowds of brave souls dive in after it, since the person who pulls it from the water and returns it to the priest is said to receive extra blessings in the year ahead. The following day is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, with feasts to celebrate the saint (as well as anyone named John, Joan or Joanna).

Christmas In Greece – All About the Food

In Greece, religious holidays are traditionally marked with a celebratory feast, and Christmas is one of the biggest feasts of all. The main dish is usually lamb or pork roasted on an open spit or in the oven. Popular side dishes include spinach and cheese pies, salads and other vegetables. Baklava, a pastry made of honey-soaked phyllo dough studded with nuts and cinnamon, also makes frequent appearances during the season.

In addition to the Christmas meal, Greeks enjoy a variety of special baked goods during the holidays:

• Melomakarona: These hearty, oval-shaped cookies are made from semolina flour, olive oil, orange juice, nuts and honey and are spiced with cinnamon, clove and nutmeg.
• Christopsomo: This special bread is prepared on Christmas Eve, with the baker carving a cross into the top of the loaf before putting it into the oven. On Christmas Day, the head of the household makes the sign of the cross over the bread, slices it and gives a piece to everyone present.
• Kourabiedes: These rosewater and butter-flavored cookies are dusted with powdered sugar and enjoyed on New Year’s Day.
• Vassilopita: This cake eaten on New Year’s Day honors St. Basil. Before baking, a coin is placed into the batter and the year is written on top with almonds. When the cake is eaten, the person serving it makes the sign of the cross over it three times and then slices a piece for Christ, the Virgin Mary and St. Basil before distributing slices to the other members of the family. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will have good luck throughout the new year.

Christmas in Greece – Top Destinations

While Christmas is celebrated energetically throughout the country, certain cities are well-known for their unique and extravagant holiday festivities.

With the mild Athenian climate, open-air performances and markets are near-constant occurrences during the holiday season. Watch for free concerts in Syntagma Square, street performances in Ermou, Monastiraki and Kolonaki and various bazaars throughout the city.

The arts also play a major role in commemorating the Christmas holidays, with seasonal performances of Christmas carols and ballet at the Athens Concert Hall and special exhibitions at the Cultural Center Hellenic Cosmos.

Special Christmas displays will also pop up at various venues around the city. Be sure to make time for a visit to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, famous for its holiday light displays and outdoor ice rink as well as free holiday concerts and performances. The Christmas factory at Technopolis—a former gas factory that was converted into a museum and cultural center—features a bazaar selling crafts and other gifts as well as themed play spaces and activities for children.

Of course, no Christmas would be complete without a visit with Santa; the Christmas Kids Festival in Spata and the Santa Claus Kingdom in the Mediterranean Exhibition Center in Paiania are two magical opportunities to see the man in red.

Thessaloniki

In the heart of this port city, Aristotelous Square will be decked out in Christmas lights, decorated trees, a miniature Christmas village and ice-skating rink. Each district within the city has its own Christmas market, with activities reaching their peak in the last few days before Christmas. In the Neapolis neighborhood, the “Village of Love” is designed to impart the true meaning of Christmas through creativity and humor. In the nearby suburb of Lagkadas, street entertainers like stilt walkers, clowns and elves will be out in full force to spread holiday levity.

The Christmas spirit takes the form of dancing flames in Kranohori village, located near Kanava in northern Greece. Villagers build massive pyramid-shaped bonfires around the town and come together around the “boubounes” for music, dancing and feasting.

In the northern Greek village of Drama, the town hosts a spectacular festival called “ Oniroupolis ,” or “Dreamland.” The seasonal celebration features a large carousel, ice-skating rink, fairground rides, a Christmas village and a huge hanging boat decorated for the holiday.

In the central city of Trikala, the “Magical Mill of the Elves” is a delightful Christmas village that includes Santa’s House, the Elves’ Post Office, Chocolate Factory, play castle and other attractions to delight visitors of all ages.

In the Macedonian region of northern Greece, residents of the town of Kastoria recreate an ancient Dionysian ritual known as “ragoutsaria.” Held from January 6-8, this feast requires celebrants to wear disguises and masks designed to scare away evil spirits. They go from house to house, knocking on doors and requesting a reward from the residents in return for cleansing the home of evil. The people of the town also come together in the streets and squares to eat, drink, dance and listen to live folk music.

Other Areas

Even if they don’t host an extravagant Christmas festival, the small villages and hamlets of Greece are at their most picturesque and charming during the holiday season. With snow-capped mountains and verdant evergreen forests as a backdrop, many villages’ quaint stone houses, narrow cobblestone streets and local shops look like a scene straight from a Christmas card.

No matter where in Greece you choose to spend your Christmas season, you’re guaranteed to be immersed in the holiday spirit thanks to the fascinating traditions, rich food and warm hospitality that overwhelm the country during this special time of year.

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Christmas in Greece

I love returning to Greece at Christmas time, almost as much as I love returning to the Greek Islands for summer! I’ve put together this guide on Greek Christmas essentials to help you navigate Greek Christmas traditions, food, decorations, and expressions, what to do in Greece for Christmas, and where to go to experience the uniqueness of Christmas in Greece.

Experiencing a Greek Christmas might not be the first thing to think of when it comes to the holiday season, but Christmas in Greece is actually a whole month of wonderful festivities, filled with wintery tastes, smells, and activities; the whole country looks much like a giant Santa Claus factory – open-fire chestnuts, sugary treats, smoky chimneys and tons of presents.

Things to know about a Greek Christmas

The Greeks love winter and the festive season as the weather is mild and the whole sentiment is family-oriented – tourism season has finally ended and people have time for themselves and their loved ones.

And it’s not freezing cold, so most of it is spent outdoors – this alone makes it a different kind of Christmas for Northern Hemisphere visitors!

Christmas in Greece is one of many religious events in a month-long festive season that starts on December 6th with the day of Saint Nicholas and continues until the celebration of Epiphany on January 6th.

During this month, the country definitely has the Christmas spirit – streets are lined with Christmas lights, shops adorned with festive decorations, and people are out and about shopping, drinking, and having fun.

Things are a bit different in Greece than they are in the rest of Europe. St Nicholas is celebrated as the patron saint and protector of the sailors, navy, and maritime activities, but he is not a Greek Santa who brings gifts to Greek children.

That role fell upon Saint Basil (Agios Vassilis) whose day is celebrated on January the 1st, together with the New Year’s celebration.

Like everything else in Greece, the experience of Christmas will be different in big cities than in the islands or villages.

As much as Easter is the time to celebrate away from the urban crowds, Christmas is best experienced in Athens, Thessaloniki, or another big city in Greece.

Christmas Decorations

Greeks love to decorate their homes, shops, and streets and Christmas is when they overdo it, in a good way though.

Orange trees illuminated with lights, balconies with wreaths and your local corner shop will look fancier than the Harrods itself. 

Instead of the Christmas tree, the Greeks traditionally decorate a small boat or karavaki . Once a centerpiece of festive activities, a karavaki symbolized the return of the sailors from the open seas, so small wooden boats were decorated in the harbors and tiny replicas at home.

Nowadays, centrally placed karavaki will be lit up in every city in Greece, next to the Christmas tree, which is seen as an imported tradition brought to Greece by the formal Royal family that is German in origin.

Christmas trees decorated in homes and gardens are slowly replacing the traditional Christmas boat.    

Christmas Eve – singing, baking, and a party

Christmas Eve is the day the festive spirit really kicks in.

The day starts with groups of children roaming their neighborhoods singing Greek Christmas carols (called kalanda in Greek), expecting pocket change in return.

They ring the front door and in the city center, they enter shops and small businesses to sing.

The day continues at home with baking the Christopsomo – Christ’s bread – that is used on Christmas Day.

It is a ceremonial loaf of sweet bread different as the regions in Greece change, each having its own version, taste, and decorations.

It may range from a simple round loaf with a cross made of two stripes of dough over it, to those elaborate ones that indicate the identity of the family – fisherman or baker or something similar.

In cities, Christmas Eve is usually spent in bar crawls, and nobody does it better than Thessaloniki. Friends, young and old, gather for an afternoon snack, only to drink the early evening away in cafes and bars.

The faithful will attend the evening service in the Greek Orthodox Church of their neighborhood and in case they adhered to the 40-day long Advent fast, a post-midnight snack will follow.  

Christmas Day in Greece – family and friends

Christmas dinner is a home-oriented celebration where a Christmas table is prepared and enjoyed during the day.

Much less elaborate than the Easter feast, the Christmas feast will still include a pork roast, cheese pie, sweet treats, Christopsomo with nuts symbolizing prosperity, and wine.

During the afternoon, people will gather outdoors, in one of the Christmas open-air markets, or visit a cultural center for an event, go ice skating, or just for a mulled wine or honey raki in a bar.

New Year’s Eve – formal and elegant

Days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve are full of public concerts, theatre performances, workshops, and quality time spent outdoors with family and friends.

It is time for buying Christmas gifts, window-shopping along the fancy central avenues, and eating out with friends.

New Year’s Eve is an important celebration for the Greeks and the people here dress elegantly, treat themselves to a pricey meal, and party in one of the fine-dining restaurants, 5-star hotel roof gardens, or sea-view restaurants.

If at home, finest attire and champagne are unavoidable, with one addition – Vassilopita.

Vassilopita is a ceremonial pie shared right after the midnight fireworks among the people invited to honor Agios Vassilis whose day is January the 1st. (St Basil’s Day).

Sweet pie, often elaborately decorated and filled with chocolate, hides a coin and whoever gets a piece with the lucky coin inside is considered fortunate in the New Year.

Epiphany – the end of the festive season

Another important religious holiday that is also a bank holiday is Epiphany (also called Ta Fota – the Light), a day when Eastern Orthodox tradition commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ.

The day is famous for an early morning service happening all around the country in which the Great Sanctification of Water occurs.

This is followed by an event in which a local priest throws a cross in the water (sea, river, or lake), for the faithful strong young men to compete in finding it and bringing it back.  

Hundreds participate despite the freezing water temperatures, as the prize is the priest’s blessing lasting a whole year.

Greek Christmas food and festive treats

The scents, tastes, and smells of festive food and drinks are one of the main reasons people here love the Christmas season.

Here are the basics any Greek Christmas experience should include:

🎅 Melomakarona – semolina and olive-oil-based soft cookie, full of clove and honey scents and toppled with grounded nuts.

This king of Greek Christmas sweets is sold all around town, so try a different one every day.

🎅 Kourampiedes – hard vanilla cookies with almonds, coated in powdered sugar. Honorable No. 2 among the traditional Christmas sweets, kourampiedes are great with tea or morning coffee.

🎅 Rakomelo – honey-based raki (Greek Grappa), usually drank warm during the cold days of Christmas.

🎅 Salepi – Hot sweet drink made with orchid root.

Sold outdoors by street vendors, salepi is a locals’ favorite during the festive season and almost impossible to find outside Greece and the Balkan countries.

Christmas markets and fairs

Another imported Greek tradition is Christmas villages, markets, and fairs .

From the nation’s biggest market called Christmas Factory at Technopolis in Athens, to the nation’ s cutest in the city of Trikala to all those small neighborhood Christmas stalls, Greece is crazy about its Christmas markets .

Selling everything – from French cheese to the farmers’ prosciutto, chestnuts, and marzipan – these pop-up winter fairylands usually feature huge Christmas trees and entertainment for the kids too.  

What to do in Greece for Xmas

Greece is wonderful during the festive period – the summertime and tourist season are gone and the locals are relaxed and immersed in their activities and errands.

You will experience a different country than that during the summer.

Visit Athens

The capital of Greek Christmas, Athens is home to the majority of Christmas villages, concerts, ice-rings, cultural programs, and shopping.

Take a week-long Christmas holiday and celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Athens.

Further Reading: Athens Christmas 2023 – 21 Best Things to Do in Athens at Christmas

Visit Crete

Chania is the jewel of Crete (the biggest of the Greek islands) that puts its festive mask on during December to become one of the best seaside places to experience a Greek Christmas.

Visit Thessaloniki and Trikala

The second capital and the place known for the Christmas afternoon party that spills all over the streets of the city center is Thessaloniki.

A visit to Thessaloniki can easily be coupled with an excursion to Trikala for its Christmas village and to Meteora – the out-of-this-world monastery area, with buildings set on top of rocks, suspended in mid-air.

Visit Pelion and Volos

Half peninsula and half ancestral home of the mythical centaurs, Pelion is one of the most magical forest-covered areas in Greece and a place with the cutest stone houses with fireplaces.

Plus, Volos, the hometown of Tsipouro, is right next to it.

Forests, mythical creatures, and beautiful houses – what more do you need for a romantic Greek Christmas?

Visit Arachova and the Parnassos Ski Center

The Aspen of Greece, Arachova is where the Who’s Who of Athens goes to be seen during the winter months.

The Parnassos Ski Center is only a 5-minute drive away.

Easy Greek Christmas expressions to learn

• Kala Christougenna – Merry Christmas
• Kali Chronia – Happy New Year
• Kales Giortes – Happy Holidays
• Xronia Polla – Many happy returns
• Na ta Poume – “Shall we say it?” (meaning – can we sing you Christmas carols?)

Weather in Greece during Christmas

• Weather during the holiday season is mild in Athens, where you can expect temperatures between 5°C/41°F and 15°C/33.8°F
• The further north you go, the colder it gets, especially in the mountains.
• The Greek Islands can be rainy and windy.

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• Christmas In Greece In 2024: A Guide For The Lovers Of Christmas Festivities!

Greece is a summer paradise for tourists from around the world. With its clear blue skies, sandy white beaches, crystal waters and luscious greenery along the countryside, it sure gives a fairy-tale vibe. However, Greece is worth a visit during the colder months if one wants to experience the snow-capped mountains, sugar-dusted treetops, smoke wafting from the village chimneys, the sweet smell of Christmas delicacies and unique Christmas traditions pertaining to each region of the Greek Islands. Though not a popular Christmas destination, Greece has much to offer during the festivities. So, here’s why one should spend this Christmas in Greece.

Christmas Traditions In Greece: A Unique Affair

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Traditions and customs are a very crucial part of the everyday lives to Greeks. Greeks believe that goblins/bad spirits or kallikantzaroi as they call them, appear during the 12- day celebrations of Christmas until the day they observe Epiphany which generally falls on January 6th. They are believed to enter the house through chimneys. Hence, the Greeks burn the Yule log, which is nothing but a huge log set that is burned all through the 12- day period of Christmas. On the Epiphany, the sprinkle of the blessed waters by the local priest closes the doors for the visit of the kallikantzaroi until next year. Epiphany is celebrated with equal warmth as Christmas where young men swim through the cold waters of Greece to retrieve the cross that the priest had threw into the waters. Whoever retrieves it is believed to enjoy good luck for the rest of the year.

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The Christmas Displays: Lightens Up The Streets

Greek Christmas is a traditional holiday and thus not much of western style of decorations can be seen around in the houses. Instead of the shiny bright ornaments and lights dangling from the Christmas trees, traditional Greeks dangle a cross covered with a sprig of basil leaves. A shallow bowl is attached to it with some water to keep the basil fresh and a member from the family sprinkles water from that bowl all around the house once a day to drive away bad spirits. Apart from this, Greeks hang pomegranate and kremmeda over the front door of their homes. The dried fruit is then thrown on the ground and stomp their foot on it until it breaks and then enter the house which signifies prosperity and good luck.

Christmas In Athens: A Western Influence

The Syntagma square in Athens and Aristotelous square in Thessaloniki host huge Christmas trees and displays like karavakia or Christmas ships adorned in blue and white lights in the streets and events like outdoor skating, shopping,music and theatre festivals are organised. One can unwind in the relaxing atmosphere here enjoying the street performances, delicious food stalls or dancing. One often finds young children singing kalanda or Christmas carols along the streets whilst playing the drums, triangle and carrying boats decorated with nuts as part of their Greek tradition. Fireworks display can be observed during the New Year’s.

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Christmas Delicacies: Savour The Delicious Treats

Christmas holidays in Greece like any other country is all about feasting with the loved ones. The traditional Greek Christmas food mainly consists of roast lamb or pork served with a spinach and cheese pie and salads/vegetables on the side. Over the years, Greeks have included turkey in their Christmas meal. The Greeks bake a lot of sweet filo pastry dishes like baklava, kataifi and theeples. Spiced cookies like melomakarona and fresh butter cookies called kourabiedes are very popular during the Christmas and the New Year. Apart from these, a traditional Christmas table is decorated with christopsomos (sweet bread) which are laced with a cross sign on the top and is eaten on Christmas Day. Vasilopita or the St. Basil’s pie is eaten on the New Year’s Day and is baked with a coin inside and whoever finds it first is believed to have good luck all throughout the year.

Weather In Greece During Christmas: Enjoy In The Serenity

Weather in Greece on Christmas varies within regions of the islands. The mainland weather is generally cold with cloudy sky, rain and snow in the mountains. The average temperature is about 13oC. However, the island weather varies and is noticeably warmer than the mainland. The larger islands like Crete are quite sunny but windy. Island hopping is limited during these seasons but can travel to Crete. The weather here about 15-17oC and the people of Crete have their own Christmas tradition. The Cretans takes part in Santa run where people dress up like Santa Claus and run for charity.

15 Greek Islands That Must Figure In Your Greece Travel Itinerary

How To Spend Christmas In Greece In 2022?

Here is the list of things to do in Greece while you are celebrating Christmas with your friends and family. Keep scrolling down to know more!

The most popular snow centre is in mount Parnassos near Arachova. Arachova is set at an altitude of 980 metres, this town has many beautiful winter resorts and it is often referred to as the ‘winter Mykonos’. The shops and bars are often open till late in the night.

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2. Evzones Show

The Greek’s Presidential guard is known as the Evzones and the changing of the guard ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a must watch. The change of guards happens every hour in front of the parliament building in the Syntagma square.

10 Castles In Greece That Testify The Country’s Glorious Past

3. Ancient Ruins Of Greece

With fewer tourists around blocking the view of the ancient structures, Christmas vacations in Greece are the best time to cache up on the undisturbed air around the ruins.

12 Best Resorts In Greece That Make You Feel Like Royalty

4. Shopping

With delicious food carts to binge on, these Christmas markets offer ample choices for shopping. Many local artisans get together during Christmas to display their articles such as handmade soaps, jewellery and many more. These markets are the perfect place to spend money on gifts for the near and dear ones.

10 Hotels in Greece That Are A Treat For The Senses!

5. Nightlife In Greece

Christmas in cities are bit different from the traditional Christmas in Greece. The streets offer carousels, music and theatre performances. The bars and taverns are open till late in the night and present laika (traditional Greek music) or bouzouki live music. Enjoy a glass of Greek wine while grooving to the music.

A Greece Honeymoon In 2022 Is All You Need For A Perfect Beginning Of Your Married Life

Greece definitely offers a one of a kind experience during the winter days. Be it food, customs, traditions or a relaxing environment, if one is looking for a unique way of spending holidays this Christmas, one should definitely travel to Greece this Christmas with TravelTriangle .

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Greece

Is December a good time to go to Greece?

Yes, December is a good time to go to Greece.

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Christmas in Greece: The Definitive Guide

Key Takeaways

• Christmas in Greece is celebrated with enthusiasm. Cities and homes are adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees .
• Religious services , including Midnight Mass, are an integral part of the Christmas celebrations .
• The traditional Greek Christmas treats are not only delicious but also carry cultural significance, bringing families and communities together during the holiday season.
• In some coastal towns and islands, it is a tradition to decorate a small boat instead of a Christmas tree . The boat symbolizes Greece's strong maritime heritage and is often adorned with lights.
• One day before Christmas and New Year's, children in Greece go door to door singing Christmas carols , known as 'kalanta.

Greece . Evocative of baking heat, the Greek islands and a shimmering coastline lined with beach bars. Hardly the premier choice for a mild winter or Christmas destination? Think again.

Ever agile, visiting Greece is just as captivating in the winter as it is in the summer. From decorations to shopping, concerts to play parks, food, food, and more food, Greece is, quite simply, the one place you should be this Christmas! 

For that reason, here is a definitive guide to spending Christmas in Greece , to make the most wonderful time of the year the most magical one as well. 

Things to Do During Christmas in Greece

Visit a christmas park.

Visiting a Greek Christmas Park is always a good way to get in the festive mood, and in the center of Athens , you can find one of the best Christmas Parks in Europe , the Christmas Factory.

There, you and your kids will have the opportunity to, among others, enjoy the great Christmas market situated in magnificent wooden houses, ride the carousel, the impressive Christmas wheel , and the eco-train, and watch numerous children's performances, concerts, choirs, and interactive workshops.

If you are planning your trip to Athens and Christmas Parks tickle your fancy, you can have an unforgettable time by visiting the Christmas Factory that will not disappoint you! 

Embrace the Magic of Nafplio

Another excellent choice, if you want to spend Christmas in Greece , is to visit the magnificent coastal town of Nafplio.

Located only 2 hours away from Athens, Nafplio , which is a striking town year-round, becomes simply enchanting under the Christmas lights.

The Old Town of Nafplio is captivatingly charming due to the cobbled streets lined with Greece Christmas decorations, and it is the ideal place to take a stroll in order to find hidden gems and shop unique memorabilia.

There are countless things to do in Nafplio . In the heart of Nafplion lies the impressive Syntagma Square, full of monuments and historic buildings, and at Christmas, boasts an impressive, huge Christmas tree.

If you are up for some exercise, you can try climbing up the legendary 999 stairs that lead to the Palamidi Castle , 216 meters above the city, in order to enjoy the breathtaking view.

Nafplio is frequently described as the cultural capital of Greece . Therefore, at Christmas, you can expect to find a variety of festive happenings, performances, and events, in order to enrich your stay. 

Sing the Carols in Arachova

At around the same distance away from Athens, Arachova is another town, perfect for a Christmas adventure , which is waiting to be explored!

The Christmas things to do in Arachova have an undeniable element of Christmas magic. It is arguably a visually attractive and popular Christmas destination in Greece.

Visitors are offered the opportunity to go skiing in the morning and enjoy a little après ski at the picturesque bars of Arachova in the evening. With the ski center minutes away in a breathtaking landscape, it is glamorous and elegant while staying true to its traditional roots.

At Christmas, it is truly an idyllic site with snow-capped mountains, log fires, and the sounds of festivity echoing through the cobbled streets. A golden glow effuses from the windows of small tavernas serving local red wine and warming traditional fare.

On Christmas day, you can watch, along with the locals, the Christmas traditions at the Byzantine church of St.George and admire the snowy slopes of Mount Parnassus .

Also, if you want to explore the surrounding villages, you can combine your stay at Arachova with a day trip to the spiritual heart of ancient Greece, Delphi . We promise that discovering wonders such as the Temple of Apollo, once home to a legendary Oracle, is only one of the many  things to do in Delphi that will make your Christmas memorable! 

Play With the Elves in Trikala

No post on Christmas would be complete without mentioning a Christmas village . About 4 hours away from Athens, at the scenic town of Trikala , Mylos ton Ksotikon -The Elves’ Mills- opens its gates every year to reveal Greek Santa’s village, should we say a magical world?

There, from 10 am to 10 pm, you can have all the fun in the world through original games to keep the children busy and delicious local food to keep the parents going!

Rumour has it that the famous Elves’ Mills work in order to produce the coveted material for all the tasty Christmas creations. In this magical village, Santa and his innumerable helpers are waiting to offer you a unique Christmas experience. 

The Fun Parks, the Christmas decorations, and the abundance of free activities will excite you whether you’re young or young at heart! 

Christmas in Athens

Athens is an ever-popular destination for history and archaeology, and Christmas is no exception. The scenic areas of genteel Plaka and Cycladic Anafiotika are given a festive turn with Christmas decorations adorning the streets and local establishments.

From the hills of Athens and the majestic Acropolis itself, the views of the city are truly stunning, and the milder winter weather provides perhaps a more comfortable temperature in which to walk the many archaeological sites that Athens holds.

Though famous for her sites of antiquity, Athens also displays remnants of the many civilizations that have laid claim to her walls.

From Ottoman and Frankish to Byzantine and Venetian , the city is a fascinating mix of architectural styles, much of which is beautifully framed with Christmas lights during December.

In addition to the impressive sites and landmarks, many of which have reduced rates of entry during the winter, are an impressive choice of museums, art galleries, and exhibitions. Always true to her reputation for freedom of expression, Athens holds neighborhoods that are art galleries in and of themselves.

With our talented guide and street artist, discover the works of art that adorn lesser-known streets as well as the social commentary and political messages behind them.

Whatever your interest, giving context and meaning to the history that surrounds you are our very own accomplished guides who will give you an understanding and appreciation of what an interesting city Athens really is. 

Athens for Christmas Retail Therapy

Shopping in Athens is an experience that should please just about anyone. Whether you're after department stores and brand names or quirky boutiques and antique markets, the city has plenty of opportunities for retail therapy.

Known as the busiest shopping street in the city is Ermou Street running from Monastiraki Square to Syntagma Square , which are the main Athens neighborhoods .

Hosting well-known high street brands as well as national gems such as Le Chocolat, Greece's 'temple of authentic chocolate,' it is a good place to start if you're staying in central Athens.

Monastiraki offers a lively market experience with everything from tourist wares, books, music, antiques, and a general array of trinkets that you probably will never need but can't resist buying.

The cobbled esplanade of Dionysiou Areopagitou Street offers local vendors selling handmade wares and second-hand collectibles with handy cafes nearby in which to take a rest from the shopping and take in wintery views of the Ancient Agora of Athens.

For those willing to travel a little further, the northern neighborhood of Kifisia and the southern area of Glyfada (both easily reachable with the metro) offer more luxury brands and boutique stores. 

If you're traveling with children, Damigos Toy Store (in Omonia and Koukaki) is sure to be a hit. As well as modern toys, they also offer a range of vintage toys and games, so it's quite possibly an opportunity for nostalgia for the adults too! 

All in all, the best places to get your Christmas shopping on, are the following:

• Ermou Street
• Monastiraki
• Dionysiou Areopagitou Street

Christmas in Greece - Markets & Fairs

Athens is certainly not short of Christmas attractions . Whether you are visiting for some family time, a romantic couple getaway, or an intrepid solo flyer, there are some wonderfully festive spirit-infused happenings across the city in which to get into the Christmas spirit.

In Syntagma Square, you will find small stalls filled with colorful confectionery and arts and crafts.

In the National Gardens of Athens and Kotzia Square , which are some of our favorite Athens walks , there are Christmas-themed events and workshops, many of which are perfect for young families.

The crowning jewel of Athens' Christmas events, however, has to be the Christmas Factory situated in Technopolis, Gazi.

Easily accessible from the center by metro (look for Kerameikos Station, green line), the Christmas Factory is the very center of the city's Christmas celebration. 

With everything from live shows, workshops, foodie stalls, carousels, Christmas gifts, and Santa's Grotto- the lineup is ever-changing, but every year it never fails to amaze.

A veritable favorite with Athenians, it's your chance to experience Christmas in Athens like a local! 

Traditional Delicacies During Christmas in Greece

Who doesn’t want an excuse to stuff their face with delicious treats? And what could possibly be a better excuse than Christmas ?

Greece is known for its magnificent food, and the festive season presents itself as another opportunity to explore the Greek cuisine that is guaranteed to -once again- impress you.

Here you will find the list of our favorite Christmas treats that you should absolutely try while visiting Greece during Christmas!

Kourabiedes: The "Snow-Covered" Cuffs

Kourabiedes are sweet Christmas cookies made from toast, butter, and almonds, all sprinkled with powdered sugar.

These traditional Greek sweets that characterize  Christmas in Greece are said to have originated from Persia (first appearing in the 7th century when sugar was brought to the region) and are widespread in Greece, Turkey, and the rest of the Balkan countries.

Analyzing the Turkish word 'kurabiye,' its roots can be found in the words kuru, which means dry, and 'biye' which is a loan from the Latin word for 'biscuit.'

Biscuits are produced through a method of double baking, which has been in practice since ancient times. This allows for excess moisture to be expelled, which therefore makes the biscuit last even longer. 

The Greek kourabiedes are quite similar to the Scottish shortbread in taste and are one part sugar, two parts butter, and three parts flour.

The oriental origin of kourabiedes , however, requires sheep and goat butter along with almonds, which makes it particularly distinct from the European cookies of the same family.

Although kourabiedes may not be the healthiest of the options, they are loved by many due to their rich taste and unique, crumbly texture.

Melomakarona: The Sticky Goodness

This sticky goodness was, is, and always will be our favorite Christmas treat . In Greece, the taste of melomakarona is directly connected to the joy of the  Christmas holidays; however, their past is quite unexpectedly morbid. A Greek pastry made mainly from flour, semolina, olive oil, orange juice, and honey, it is one of the healthier options as it is the lowest in calories.

Melomakarona, along with kourabiedes are the traditional Greek treats that are considered indispensable in every home, mainly during the Christmas period, and in English, this sweet treat can be found under the name of the small honey cake.

Although the first thought that comes to mind is the Italian word macaroni, the name  melomakarona actually comes from ancient Greece ! Specifically, macaroni comes from the ancient Greek word 'macarias', which was a piece of bread in the shape of the modern melomakarona which was offered after funerals. 

Later, the bread was dipped in honey syrup, got renamed  melomakarono , and established as a 12-day confection. The Latins and, later the Italians used the word 'macarone' as 'maccarone,' which eventually ended up meaning spaghetti.

Finally, in France and England, a kind of almond biscuit was called macaroon (the well-known macaron). Putting their morbid history aside, the modern melomakarona are healthy and unique Christmas treats that everyone should try!

Diples: Tradition Doused in Honey

Diples (which can be translated as folds) is a Greek Christmas dessert , believed to come from the Peloponnese, in which the main ingredient is thin dough.

Not impressive, is it? Well, the thin dough may not be the most impressive of ingredients; diples, however, are arguably one of the most delicious and traditional desserts Greece has to offer.

The dough is folded into various shapes, fried in hot oil, doused in syrup or, more traditionally, honey, and finally sprinkled with cinnamon and chopped nuts. The folds can have various shapes, but they are most commonly shaped like spirals, bowls, and flowers. 

Diples are usually served on New Year's Eve , but sometimes they are offered at weddings as well! The folds of diples are said to symbolize the infancy of Christ, while honey symbolizes the welfare and creativity that we want the New Year to bring us.

Xerotigana: The Cretan Diples

However, if you are visiting Crete during Christmas , then you may as well try the Cretan version of Diples, Xerotigana .

Despite the only difference lies in the shape and the folding of the dough, which requires a lot of skill and experience, Cretans take great pride in their version of the Christmas dessert .

As they should, this crispy, syrupy fried dough, sprinkled with walnuts, sesame seeds, and cinnamon, makes the perfect Christmas delicacy .

Lalagia: A Christmas treat from Mani 

Considering that the Peloponnese is a magical peninsula in Southern Greece, filled with local villages to uphold traditions and Christmas customs , it is only natural to present a unique Christmas treat for you to try.

In Mani and the Messinia region, Lalagia is a must during the Christmas season .

Much like loukoumades , Lalagia will remind you of a Greek version of donuts since they are oval-shaped fried dough, served either sweet or savory, with feta cheese!

The traditional Christmas version is the one where the fried dough is sprinkled with honey and walnuts or powdered sugar. 

Klostari 

You’ve probably heard of Baklavas before, a traditional Greek dessert much loved ever since the Ottoman Empire, but did you know that in the Epirus region there’s a festive version of Baklavas, so they can celebrate Christmas in the sweetest way possible?

Klostari , as this traditional Christmas treat is called, is made with a crust sheet and filled with plenty of grated walnuts, honey, and cinnamon. Its name comes from the way it is made, as the walnut filling and the sheets are "spun" and strained like a thread.

If you find yourself in the beautiful city of Ioannina, you should definitely try it.  

Vasilopita: The New Year’s First Taste

Vasilopita is the pie made in some, mostly Christian, countries on New Year’s Eve and is cut shortly after the year changes. As it is the first thing we taste, it is very important to be as good as we want the whole of the following year to be.

In Athens, it is made mainly of flour, eggs, sugar, and milk. It can come in various sizes and types but is usually fluffy and sweet.

In Western Macedonia , vasilopita is often made with cheese or even parsley. Also, on the vasilopita, the New Year's number is often written with either some type of marmalade, rows of peeled almonds, or powdered sugar.

Regardless of whether they are sweet or savory, they all have one thing in common: an unusual New Year’s Eve custom according to which, inside the pie, one should place a gold or silver coin.

With the coming of the New Year , the mother of the family cuts the pie into triangles; a slice is then offered to each person except for three pieces which are dedicated to Christ, the Virgin & the home.

These slices are then eaten on the following days. The one who finds the hidden coin in their piece is believed to be rewarded with good luck for the rest of the New Year!

You would be lying if you claimed that all this talk about Christmas treats hasn't left you craving all the Christmas goodies you can find. We apologize in advance for having wrecked your diet.

However, we do not apologize for the opportunity that we gave you to get to know the Christmas treats of Greece because the Greek Christmas experience cannot be considered complete without them.

Remember, Greece isn’t just sunny days and endless beaches! Figure out all the reasons why you will visit Greece in winter and fall in love with Greece in the off-season!

Christmas in Greece Traditions - How Does Greece Celebrate Christmas?

The kallikantzaroi.

According to the Greek folklore tradition, there is only one thing to be afraid of during Christmas, the Kallikantzaroi . This magical beast varies in appearance from place to place and can be found in the tradition of other countries too.

For the Greeks, a Kallikantzaros is a creature of the night, sometimes tall as a human or a dwarf with a weird posture and long limbs.

During the whole year, these demons have only one job: to slowly saw down the primal trunk of the tree of life that supports the Earth from falling into the Underworld.

By the time of the winter solstice, much of their job is done, and terrified that the world will collapse upon them, they sneak into burrows to find their way to the world of the living.

For almost a fortnight, and as long the sun is not moving from its position in the skies, they are free to roam the earth and fling themselves into every mischief and deviltry they can think of.

From the 25th of December to the 6th of January, the Kallikantzaroi spread terror to the world. They come in packs, but they can easily be tricked due to their very low intelligence. One way to protect from them is to put a colander on your doorstep .

The creature will start counting the holes, and since it is not able to count over the number two, it will eventually get distracted by something else and leave you safe and sound.

The two days when it is safe to walk outside of your place unprotected are Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Since baby Jesus is born on Christmas, all the angels and saints are attesting to his birth, and the world is safe from any evil.

On New Year’s Eve, Saint Basil the Great, the Greek Santa Claus , walks on earth and keeps the evil spirits away while offering his gifts and help to those in need. This is why kids are allowed to wander the neighborhoods and sing the carols collecting candy and delicious treats! 

On January the 6th, the day of Epiphany , the priests are purifying the waters of the world on the occasion of the Baptism of Jesus , and the sun starts moving again in the sky.

Terrified by those events, the Kallikantzaroi scream to each other to return to the bowels of the earth only to discover that the holy water has regenerated the tree of life. This will keep them busy for the year to come.

The 'Gourounohara' and the 'Marriage of Fire'

In Thessaly, one of the most famous Christmas customs  and traditions in Greece is the slaughter of the pig or, in other words, the ' gourounohara. '

On Christmas Eve, in many parts of Greece , it is customary to "marry" the fire. This presupposes the marriage of a 'female' wood (e.g., cherry) and a 'male' (e.g., cedar).

The girls of the family put twigs from the 'male," and the boys put twigs from the 'female' next to the lit fireplace.

The 'Lit Holly'

In Epirus , people usually hold a holly branch in their hand when visiting friends or neighbors during Christmas, which they light on the street and fill the dark paths or alleys with light.

This custom is based on an old eastern Orthodox tradition that wants the shepherds who visited the manger of Christ to worship, to light oaks, to find their way through the dark mountain.

Ragoutsaria in Kastoria

In the heart of winter and during the last hours of the twelve days, the city of Kastoria surrenders to a unique three-day feast of joy and spree, which is spontaneously born in the countless groups of young and old who take part.

On January 6, 7, and 8, the streets and alleys of the city are filled with disguised people who rejoice, party, and dance, spreading joy and fun all around.

The Lucky Onion on the Door

An integral part of decorating for Christmas is putting a Christmas wreath on your door. Now, take down that wreath and make some space to put your jolly, Christmasy squill!

This bizarre custom of hanging uprooted onions on their doors is something that Greeks have done for centuries during the Christmas season .

This type of squill, scientifically named Drimia Maritima, can be found throughout the Mediterranean region and almost everywhere in Greece.

According to tradition, every New Year’s Eve , a member of each family uproots this bulb from the soil and hangs it on the door.

The reason? This bulb is so resistant to any conditions that -even uprooted- it still continues to grow large spear-like leaves and a white flower.

Therefore, it was and still is considered a symbol of fertility and immortality, two things necessary for the New Year to come.

The Greek Christmas Eve Dinner

Who does not know the famous Nat King Cole song? "Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe help make the season bright."

And surely they do! But how about replacing the roasted turkey with some pork stew? Despite the fact most people can not think of a Christmas table without a stuffed turkey, Greece says otherwise.

Turkey is not indigenous to the Greek region, therefore, there it is not included in typical Greek cuisine , something you can easily discover in our Greek food guide . Hence, for centuries, the warming Christmas dish that everyone was waiting for was a plate of hot pork stew with celery and herbs, always alongside Greek spirits , of course, that go beyond Greek wine culture!

In other Greek provinces, the custom dictated roasted pork with vegetables, but everyone agrees on the fact that Christopsomo is a must-have addition to their Christmas table . 

Christopsomo is a type of blessed bread that Greek people prepare deliberately for Christmas days, and it is often decorated with elaborate patterns on its upper surface. 

How Do They Celebrate Christmas in Greece?

Every corner of Greece, from one end to the other, has Greek Christmas traditions and customs that have their roots deep in time.

Each region has its own special customs on Christmas day. However, some are common for everyone, such as the decoration of the Christmas tree, the carol-singing the day before singing, and the big family dinners full of delicious food on Christmas day.

Children from all over Greece go from door to door, singing cheerful Greek Christmas carols . This custom resembles the trick-or-treat-ing of Halloween but is a lot less gruesome. 

The carols have a mixture of religious and secular content. In the beginning, the religious event is announced and described, and then, the praises for the different members of the family follow depending on their talents, their age, their profession, or their social position. 

What is Santa Claus Called in Greece?

In Greece, Santa is not coming on Christmas Eve but on New Year’s Eve. Why? Because the Greek Santa is rather different from the known one.

His name is Agios Vasilis, and he is one of the Three Holy Hierarchs of Christianity . He lived in the 4th century and was the bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, nowadays Turkey.

One of the most influential hierarchs of early Christianity, he shaped the newly-born Christian Church through his pluralistic knowledge of theology, philosophy, and politics.

During his studying years, he moved to Athens, the most prestigious academic environment of that time, and got befriended Gregory of Nazianzus (the second Holy Hierarch) and even the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate.

According to legend, St. Basil the Great led a virtuous life, having at the center of his focus the benefaction of the poor ones and especially young kids. One event of his life, though, is commemorated every New Year’s Eve in every Greek household.

During his office as a bishop of Caesarea, Saint Basil had to deal with a siege from an enemy army. In order to keep everyone safe, he asked the wealthy citizens of Caesarea to collect as much money as possible to pay a ransom for the protection of the city.

St. Basil handed the money to the invader only after scolding him about the injustice of his acts. Persuaded that his actions were against the word of God, the leader of the enemy army ordered the withdrawal of his men and left the city unharmed.

The next day, St. Basil had to confront the following situation: he had to return the money to the citizens, but he did not know how much money each person had contributed to the cause. Instead, he came up with another solution.

He prepared batches of Christmas bread, and inside each loaf, he placed a golden coin. By sharing them in the morning mass, he made sure that all the money was returned to the city but this time, it was redistributed to everyone.

The custom of re-enacting this event is honored every year with the preparation of Vasilopita , a pie that bears the name of the saint. Every household hides a golden coin in the pie, and then it is shared with all the family members. 

The person to find the lucky coin hidden inside is the winner of the night, and he is granted the blessings of a year of luck and prosperity. 

What is the Main Symbol of Christmas in Greece? (Spoiler Alert: it's not the Christmas tree)

The centerpiece of every household during the Christmas season is the adorned Christmas tree . Putting up a tree inside your home never crossed the mind of the Greeks, and therefore, this custom was completely alien in Greece until the end of the 19th century.

Truth is, it really started catching up only after the 1950s. Traditionally, Greeks decorate wooden boats in their houses and decorate it with colorful sails and candy. Well, this totally crazy idea has a very good reason behind it.

Just by looking at the map, one can see that the country is literally surrounded by water, and consequently, one of the most popular professions were sailors, fishermen, or captains.

A large amount of the Greek population used to make their living out in the sea, and most of the time, they remained separated from their families for quite some time.

On Christmas Eve, young children used to fashion small Christmas boats out of perishable materials, and with the company of musical instruments and their friends, they used to wander the neighborhoods singing Christmas carols.

In this Greek version of trick or treating , the children used to collect many candies and holiday treats on this small boat while searching for the next door to knock on.

Eventually, through the passing of centuries, the custom of putting up a small Christmas boat came to be the true Greek tradition.

The first time a Christmas tree was decorated in Greece was in 1833 when King Otto , following his traditions, put up a tree in his palace. At that time, the Greeks that saw that spectacle considered the fact that maybe their king was out of his mind.

After the middle of the 20th century, more and more houses started buying Christmas trees resulting in the prevalence of this tradition instead of the humble boat. 

Today, not a single Greek home misses its Christmas tree, but there is always a place for the small boat nearby. 

Why Has the Greek Orthodox Church Picked December 25 for celebrating Christmas? When is Christmas in Greece?

Today, we take it for granted that Christ was born on December 25th. In the early Christian centuries, however, Christ's birth was the subject of endless debate.

The decision for December 25 was taken in 336 AD, and the reason was that an important celebration of the Greeks and Latins had to be replaced.

Believers of the former religion celebrated in those days the great feast of the birth of the Sun (Dies Solis Invectis Natalis). In astronomy, December 23-25 ​​is also the day of the winter solstice. 

Final Thoughts

Christmas in Greece is a wonderful experience whether you choose to spend it by the sea or in the mountains. Here, you can visit Christmas Villages and Christmas Parks and enjoy scenic landscapes in Athens and out in the countryside.

The fairy tale holiday season charms locals and visitors alike, offering countless entertainment options. Theatrical performances, music concerts, outdoor meetings, and Christmas bazaars, all contribute to the Christmas glee! We hope you liked our Greece Christmas guide and are ready to make the winter trip a reality by booking one of Greece vacation packages !

Happy Greecemass, everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is greece cheap in december.

While the holiday season is known to make all destinations more costly, Greece, because it is more known as a summer destination, is actually rather affordable at Christmas. A trip to Greece during Christmas is, without a doubt, a much more cost-efficient choice than, let's say, visiting Greece in the middle of the summer.

Is Greece cold at Christmas?

If you're worried about how cold Greece is in December, please know that in general, Greece is known for having mild winters. However, depending on where you choose to spend your Christmas, it can get pretty cold and snow, reaching below-zero temperatures.

If you want to spend Christmas in Athens or one of the big and beautiful cities in Greece , you will come upon moderately cold weather that is around 50°F.

If, however, you want to explore the country's northern or mountainous regions, then be prepared to face extreme cold and snow. It will be perfect for enjoying the ski resorts in Greece and a truly white Christmas!

Can you go to Santorini in December?

Although the bigger islands, like Crete , are gorgeous to visit all year round, most Greek islands , especially the Cyclades and Santorini , get deserted in wintertime. Therefore, it wouldn't be a great idea to visit Santorini in December. It will be too cold and windy, and there will be nothing for you to do there. Those parts of Greece at Christmas are empty, cold, and uninviting.

Who celebrates Christmas on January 7? 

Orthodox Christmas day occurs every January 7 because the Orthodox Church still chooses to celebrate the birth of Jesus as per the Julian calendar.

However, although that is what the Greek religion typically follows, there is no single person in Greece that celebrates Christmas on January 7. It is a mere formality most people don't even know about.

Is Christmas big in Greece?

Oh yes! Christmas is as big in Greece as in any other part of the Western world. The locals love to decorate their homes from the beginning of December and revel in the Christmas spirit. In a country that is looking for reasons to celebrate any chance they can, Christmas is (literally) God's gift!

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Best Christmas Destinations in Greece

Greece is an all year round destination. We have asked members of Travel Bloggers Greece to share their favorite Christmas destinations in Greece. We hope that this post inspires you to visit Greece off-season too.  

Trikala during Christmas

Katerina of Limitlesstravelling

Trikala, in the heart of Thessaly in Greece, is a city surprisingly combining the heritage of its history with the modern European lifestyle.  During the Christmas holidays, Trikala transforms into a fabulous destination with the most largest and famous Christmas theme park in Greece – the Mill of the Elves.

This place offers everything to ensure a great time for both adults and children. At the Christmas park you can see the house of Agios Vasilis (the Greek Santa Claus), the mushroom museum, the post house on the Olympus tree, learn to skate on ice or explore the elves’ flour mill, try your hand at a climbing workshop, have fun at the FunPark or the Playmobil Magic, ride the toy train express, draw yourself a mask and much more.  Visit the magic Mill to buy the elves souvenirs for good luck and taste various goodies freshly prepared from fabulous Christmas recipes.

This year, the Christmas Park is open from November 29 to January 6, every day from 10:00 until 22:00.

Christmas in Thessaloniki

Amber of Provocolate

Greece’s second largest city is a wonderful place to spend the holidays. Thessaloniki is full of both cozy, old-fashioned charm, and cosmopolitan glamour – an ideal mix for getting into the Christmas mood.

Curved around the bay of Thermaikos, Thessaloniki has glorious Mt. Olympus defining the horizon, just 60 km away. Its sugary snow-topped peaks are clearly visible on a crisp day. Elegant Aristotle plaza opens directly onto the Thermailkos, framing a picture-postcard view of Mt. Olympus. The plaza, with the city’s Christmas tree and Nativity scene, is the center of holiday cheer. For the best view in town, visit the restaurant and safe bar on the roof of the  Electra Palace hotel, which curves around the square. You can enjoy the view of the square from above, and sweeping vistas of the bay with a Christmas drink.

Thessaloniki also has plenty of old-fashioned tradition. Visit the cheerful hubbub of the central Kapai Market, where people stock the meats, cheeses, and other delicacies they will need for traditional holiday feasts. Warm up with a cup of hot “Salepi” from a street vendor, and nibble on chestnuts roast over the coals- the street vendors are easy to find- just follow the delicious scent. 

For entertainment, you’ll have groups of carolling youngsters and a huge group of drummers stirring up plenty of excitement and good cheer.

Tzina of Love for Travel

When you will find yourself in Dimitsana you’ll see a magical scenery filled with fir trees. You can imagine how beautiful the place will look covered with snow during the winter and specially during Christmas!

As Dimitsana is a winter destination most of the hotels and Guest Houses have fireplaces in their rooms so it is a pleasure to sit in front of the fire looking the snow outside the window.

In the main road you will find taverns that offer a variety of dishes with local ingredients like meat, cheese and traditional mezedes.

If you decide to leave the main road behind and follow one of the narrow cobblestone alleys you will find yourself in the highest point of the village. From there you will see the breathtaking view of the valley traversed by the river Lousios.

Also, there are still some pretty villages near Dimitsana that you can visit as Stemnitsa and Vitina.  

P.s You can read the whole article about Dimitsana in English and Greek

Athens for Christmas  

Elena of Passion for Greece

The Greek capital is a wonderful place to celebrate the holidays. Over the past couple of years Athens is welcoming more and more visitors for the Christmas holidays. The mild weather and the vibrant atmosphere guarantee an unforgettable experience – from sightseeing to endless culinary delights and shopping.  

Enjoy a festive drink with the view of the Acropolis from numerous locations across the city like the Galaxy Bar & Restaurant at the Hilton Athens or A for Athens. Join a food tour and learn all about Athens’ rich culinary traditions. Don’t forget to try the famous Greek cookies — kourabiedes and melomakarona.  

For those who wish to spend the day by the sea, head towards the south of Athens, the Athenian Riviera where you can shop, soak in the suns ray’s by the sea and witness the magical sunset at the Temple of Poseidon. So how about planning a Christmas escape to Athens this year?  

Zagorohoria

Callie & Kathy of Anthomeli

Are you looking for a place to spend your Christmas holidays in Greece in the heart of nature; Then, Zagorohoria is the answer. More than 40 villages in the mountainous area of Epirus (north of Ioannina) are waiting for you. Villages hidden in the mountains, among gorges and rivers. The architecture of the houses is also marvelous as stone has been combined perfectly with the natural scenery. Traditional squares, churches, cobblestone alleys and a lot of incredible bridges are only some of the things you are going to be amazed of. During the Christmas period you will have the chance to find beautifully decorated guesthouses and hotels and to eat traditional festive dishes and delicious “pitas” (pies filled with cheese of vegetables).

Holidays in Pelion

Chrysoula of Travelpassionate

If you love Christmas but don’t fancy staying at home this year, why not head to Pelion near Volos, Greece for a festive trip of a lifetime?

While Pelion is a relatively unknown tourist destination, it is a fantastic place to spend the festive period thanks to the small ski resort in the nearby town of Chania. Temperatures in Pelion over Christmas sit in the low teens which makes it much warmer than some other destinations in Europe in winter and you should receive some sunny days on the slopes.

When you’re not enjoying Greece’s winter wonderland, head over to the town of Volos where the bars and boats along the harbor are lit up with blue Christmas lights and the smell of roasting chestnuts wafts through the air to get you into the winter mood. The town also features a traditional nativity scene set up at the Church of Agios Nikolaos and the Argo ship is taken out of the water for both locals and visitors to admire. Other festive treats include the light festival on the 26th December when thousands of lanterns are released into the air as well as ice skating on the rink outside of the Town Hall.

Christmas in Athens with Kids  

Celeste of Family Experiences in Greece

Are you in Athens this Christmas and do you need inspiration for your Christmas family outings? On my blog I have listed my favorite things to do in Athens this Christmas with kids , all up to date activities and tried and tested by my family and myself! To truly enjoy Athens during Christmas, I recommend to just venture out into the street. Because The Municipality of Athens launches this Christmas 2019 a program called “Adopt your city”, aiming for more street lighting and a brighter, happier, more hospitable Athens. Starting this year, Athens is being lit not only by the municipality, but also by all those who want to adopt their street, sidewalks or neighbourhoods. Residents, associations, businesses, agencies can take upon the illumination project of the area they want and join in the fun. I am sure that this year, Athens will be the brightest of all!

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Greece in December: 6 Best Things to Do

Greece in December is a popular European winter getaway, especially with the Christmas celebrations in every city, village, or island. But if you are expecting warm weather and endless hours chilling at the beach, you will be very disappointed (and get really cold if you try it!). In December, Greeks take out all their woolen wintry clothes, go about their usual businesses, and decorate everything in a festive Christmasy way.

If you consider yourself a traveler, then you will find a wealth of exciting and interesting things to do in Greece in December. Here’s a  guide to visiting Greece in winter , an extensive list of things to do in December, what to wear, as well as information about the weather and day trips you can take.

Some of the best things to do while visiting Greece in December are:

• Enjoy Greek traditional Christmas celebrations in Athens or Thessaloniki
• Discover Prespes Lakes in Northern Greece
• Explore Greece’s gorgeous mountainous villages of Zagori (Zagorochoria)
• Go on a 3-day trip to Delphi, Meteora, Thermopylae
• Venture on Argosaronic island hopping (Hydra, Poros, Aegina)

*Some of the links below are affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you click and buy. The commission comes at no additional cost to you.

6 Awesome Things to Do in Greece in Winter!

1. explore athens, the ancient capital.

I love Athens because I can find everything I need in a modern city plus wherever I go, there is some historical monument with centuries or millennia of history behind it. And if this is not the first post of mine you are reading, then you already know what a history buff I am 😀

During Christmas, Athens is in its ‘most wonderful time of the year!’ transformed into a gigantic Christmas Park. The public spaces have impressive decorations, songs, and Greek Christmas cookies available at every bakery and cafe (I always get a couple of extra kilos on Christmas).

This is the best time to see Athens at its liveliest with sidewalk cafes full of people, restaurants with live music, and a club life that rivals any city in Europe and beyond. And of course, visit the numerous archaeological sites (half-price tickets until late March) and museums. This is a great time to take a private full-day tour of Athens’ most important sites and enjoy your day without the summer crowds.

Other great tours that I recommend while you are in Athens:

• Gourmet Food Walking Tour in Athens
• Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day
• Private Biblical Tour of Ancient Corinth
• Nemea Wine Tour with Oenologists

Where to Stay in Athens

Athens has great public transit so you can stay in just about any central area and be well-connected. I personally recommend, the centrally located but also quiet spot Tripodon Plaka In the shade of Acropolis by GHH (Self-catering). This is ideal for a group of people up to 6, in the heart of old Athens, Plaka.

I wouldn’t procrastinate booking your Athens accommodation in the last 10 days of December, no matter where you decide to stay. Athens is a popular place to be for the holiday season, and you’ll soon see why!

Would you like more information on Athens sites and hotels? Check out my dedicated posts:

• How Best to Spend Christmas in Athens
• 16 Things to Know Before You Visit Acropolis
• Where to Stay in Plaka Athens (Hotels and Apartments)

You are reading about the best things to do in Greece in December.

2. Discover Northern Greece’s Largest City

Thessaloniki (northern greece in december).

I would be lying if I said that Thessaloniki isn’t among my top three favorite cities in Greece. This stunning ancient city, built around the Thermaikos Gulf, is undoubtedly even more beautiful in December and during Christmas.

Landmarks such will be covered in Christmas lights, or have lights projected on them. There will be art, music, and dance performances during December that will cheer you up and put you into the festive mood of Thessaloniki.

Some of the best things to do in Thessaloniki are:

• Treat yourself to some of the best food in Greece by heading to the Thessaloniki port. Check out one of the many tsipouradika, where you can enjoy delicious traditional dishes with a glass of tsipouro or ouzo. It’s bound to be one of the most memorable meals you’ll ever have! If you would like to combine sightseeing with food, book this 6-hour food and culture tour

• Walk by the beautiful long promenade by the sea, stop at the umbrellas site and the 15th century White Tower
• Go to Ladadika area, a bustling and trendy part of town, close to the port, with gorgeous bars and clubs overlooking the water
• While you’re in Thessaloniki, you can’t miss the famous  Rotonda one of the oldest and most important buildings of the Roman period (late 3rd and early 4th century AD)

Where to Stay in Thessaloniki

Electra Palace is the best hotel in Thessaloniki. It is a beautiful waterfront location overlooking Aristotelous Square and surrounded by trendy bars and restaurants. 

Amazing Day Trips from Thessaloniki are:

• Travel to Chalkidiki, to Ouranoupoli, and take a cruise around the Holy Mount Athos .
• Visit Vergina, the site of ancient  Aigai  the first capital of Macedon.

3. Get Amazed at Prespes Lakes

248 km west of Thessaloniki, in the mountainous northwestern Macedonia part of Greece, is located in the National Park of the spectacular 2 Prespes lakes. The Large Prespa Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans, is divided between Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia.

Prespes Lakes is a virgin natural paradise, a beautiful wetland with snow-covered mountain peaks in December and beech forests. There is a wild abundance of fauna with 260 species of birds and 23 species of fish. Moreover, the coast of the lakes is dotted with gorgeous small settlements and historical monuments of archaeological interest.

Some of the best points of interest in Prespes Lake are:

• Vidronissi island, with one of the largest cormorant colonies in Greece. Access is prohibited, as is any kind of sound. Even the chapel of Agios Georgios remains closed to avoid any disturbance to the cormorants and the silver pelicans
• Walk across the 650-meter footbridge to the tiny inhabited islet in Small Prespa. Visit the Basilica of Agios Achilleios, of the 10th century

• Walk around the village of Psarades. Here people will tell you that they were born on boats. Fishing and the lake are their life. When I was last in Psarades, it was crispy cold but there was no wind, and that made walking around pleasant. I wandered around the pier and looked into the crystal clear lake where huge fish were swimming. I so look forward to going back to this incredible place!
• Go to Florina town for its nightlife
• Drive to Pisoderi ski resort, drink hot chocolate, and ski on its great slopes. Pisoderi is of the 19 organized ski resorts in Greece
• Discover the traditional Nymfaio village and visit the Arcturos bear sanctuary

Where Best to Stay in Prespes Lakes:

Dora’s House at Agios Germanos (budget, family, and pet-friendly) is a beautiful traditional mansion in Prespes Lakes.

White Mountain is a traditional chalet in Pisoderi, close to the ski center (self-catering breakfast materials provided, great for a group of people, mid-range, family and pet-friendly)).

How to reach Prespes Lakes

You can fly to Kastoria airport, which is 65 km from Prespes. Or you can fly to Thessaloniki, and rent a car . Drive from Thessaloniki to Prespes and explore all the beautiful villages in between. Buses connect every corner of Greece and trains from Athens to Thessaloniki. Check at the end of this post about buses and trains in Greece.

4. Discover the Magical Zagorochoria

Zagorochoria or Zagori may sound like it is one place but actually, it is a cluster of 46 lovely villages! One of my favorite Zagori villages is Monodendri . It is located in the northwestern region of Greece amidst the mountains of Pindus in Epirus. Zagorochoria is one of the favorite winter destinations among Greeks and gets busy in December, especially during Christmas.

There is definitely something magical about spending the Christmas season here. Not only are there  things you can only do in Winter in Zagor i, such as tasting the local Christmas pies, but the landscape looks absolutely gorgeous once fresh snow has fallen.

Zagori is surrounded by Mount Mitsikeli, the Aoos River, and Mount Tymfi on all four sides making hiking one of the best things to do in the area. Honestly, I can’t imagine myself going to this stunning place and not hiking!

Must-do Experiences in Zagorochoria

• Walk the cobblestone villages full of traditional stone mansions. The most popular villages are Mikro and Megalo Papigko.
• Hiking at Aoos National Park
• Hike at the Dragonlake of Tymfi or Smolikas .
• Try the local cuisine and the famous milk, cheese, pumpkin, or sweet pies.

Where to Stay in Zagorochoria

This can be a difficult decision to make but with Papigko you can’t be wrong. One of the best hotels in Megalo Papigko is the Pantheon  with stunning views of Mount Astraka.

Aristi village is another gorgeous option to choose as your base and one of the most developed villages in Zagorochoria. It offers everything the visitor will need and perhaps the best accommodation for someone looking for luxury on their trip! One good example of luxury with stunning views is Aberratio Boutique Hotel .

How To Reach Zagorochoria:  The closest airport to Zagori is that of Ioannina which is located at a distance of about 64 kilometers and takes 1 hour to cover the whole distance. From Ioannina, you should definitely rent a car and drive to Zagori through a picturesque and impressive landscape.

You are reading about what to do in Greece in December.

5. Go to Delphi, Meteora & Thermopylae

If you are planning to visit Greece in December then you must visit the UNESCO sites of Delphi and Meteora , so beautiful in winter , especially if you happen to see them covered in snow. Delphi and Meteora involve uphill walking and stair climbing with no trees or shade, so it is much easier to do so in the cold weather rather than at 35 C during summer.

If you will be traveling from Athens with a rental car then you can make this a fantastic road trip with stops along the way:

Some of the must-sees in your road trip are:

• Livadia town and the area with the small waterfalls (Krya Nera) for a morning coffee.
• The UNESCO Monastery of Hosios Loukas near Distomo.
• Arachova village, 10 km from Delphi Archaeological site.
• You can go skiing at the largest and best-organized ski resort in Greece, Parnassos Mt (where Delphi lies).
• Stop at Thermopylae, the strategic place where in 480 BC Thermopylae was the place where the Greek army defeated the huge Persian army. Visit the Thermopylae’s Innovative Centre of Historical Information .
• Drive to Kalambaka and Meteora Monasteries.

If you don’t like driving in winter you should book one of the best-reviewed tours in GetYourGuide like a 2-day tour to Delphi and Meteora or Delphi and Meteora: 3-Day Tour from Athens .

For more in-depth posts about what to do and see in Delphi and Meteora click on those related articles:

A trip to the Delphi Archaeological Site

Travel Guide to Meteora Monasteries

6. Indulge in Argosaronic Island-Hopping

Winter is the best time to really discover the Greek islands, experiencing the true magic behind the hustle and bustle of summer. The Argosaronic islands are perfect for a getaway from wintry Athens as they are so close and lively, especially on weekends. There are seven islands in the Argosaronic group but the most vibrant ones are Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.

Tip: Book your ferries at the last minute, to make sure that the weather allows the ferries to run to the islands

Hydra Island

Hydra Island in winter will have a rough sea, impressive winter landscapes, and few inhabitants who retreat to their homes as time passes. But you should not be discouraged. This is your chance to stroll through its magnificent alleys in peace, take photos of the many stray cats (neutered mainly by the local group), enter a traditional cafe (Kafenio), and socialize with the locals drinking Greek coffee.

I always take Greek coffee with some sugar as it is a bit strong, although I drink my filter coffee black. Go to the taverns that only the locals eat and feel like a real Greek. The ferry to Hydra will take you in about 1.5-2 hours, depending on the boat you will book.

Want to know more about Hydra? Read here a detailed post on what to do on Hydra Island .

Poros Island

Poros is another favorite island of mine. You can hike the route that leads to the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, to the remains of the Poseidon Sanctuary, or any of the countless paths to discover nature. Don’t miss climbing the Clock Tower in Poros town to see a panoramic view of Poros island.

Poros in winter can be toured in a day. So if you have time left, it’s worth stopping by Galatas to visit the famous Lemon Forest. It may not have the colors of spring, but the walk will certainly fascinate you. The ferry to Poros will take you in about 1- 2,5 hours, depending on the boat you will book.

Read here my detailed post on Poros Island.

Aegina Island

Aegina is an island so close to Piraeus ( ferries take you there in 40 minutes) that you can visit it even every weekend in December and it is quite lively in winter for exactly that reason. This means you have options for coffee, food, and shopping from traditional grocery stores.

Aegina is an amazing island for hiking to areas with great archaeological interest (Temple of Athena Aphaia, site of Kolona, Paleochora), large Greek Orthodox monasteries, and centuries-old olive groves. You may also have heard that Aegina produces very tasty pistachios that you can buy from any of the shops on the island.

Want to find more details? Read here my detailed post on Aegina Island.

You are reading about the top things to do in Greece in December.

Weather in Greece in December

Generally speaking, December will be cold with rainy and dark grey days. The northern you go to Greece the colder it will be, with some snow on the highest mountains and villages. Northern Greece is significantly colder, requiring gloves and maybe even a woolen hat.

But not every day will be like that. We also get crisp sunny days that can be crystal clear, with blue skies, and delightfully mild temperatures. The temperatures in Athens reach an average high of 15 C while in Thessaloniki will be around 12C.

If you’re looking for deeper information, check out my in-depth  when is best to go to Greece  for a ton of details on traveling to Greece.

FAQ: How to Drive in Greece in Winter

• Always carry chains for your tires, you never know when the next crazy blizzard will find you
• Most of the country is connected by a highway system that uses tolls – open all year through. However, smaller roads in the mountains might be closed due to heavy snow
• Belts are mandatory and you get a huge fine if you haven’t fastened them up
• Young children should always be kept in their special seats, fastened, in the back seat. Children under 10 are not allowed in the front seat
• Driving and talking on the phone also can give you a gigantic fine, use hands-free options
• It’s illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.05%
• The middle lane of a 3-lane highway is used for overtaking – this is different from most places in the world where it is the outside lane 
• The high-speed roads are in excellent condition. When you get off the main highways, the roads get significantly smaller, and as all the ski resorts are on mountains, they may look a tad intimidating
• All the ski resorts in Greece have parking places and they keep the roads clear from too much snow or add some salt to make them less slippery
• Read here some regulations about vehicles in Greece .

FAQ: What to wear in Greece in December

• Good walking shoes for exploring ruins and walking along cobblestone streets (spike heels at historic sites are forbidden because they can damage the ancient areas)
• Appropriate thick socks
• Scarf, knit hat , and gloves
• Layers: a long-sleeved shirt, jumpers, and a medium-sized winter coat will suffice unless you go hiking in the mountains with a lot of snow and ice. Then you will need a good hiking parka.

Plan My Trip to Greece

Do you need a custom travel itinerary or a transfer within Greece ? Are you traveling solo, with your family or friends and need a tailor-made multi-day tour or a transfer?

If yes, please visit my dedicated Plan My Trip Page for a personalized itinerary!

Would you come to Greece in Winter?

I’d love to hear where you’re spending the holiday season this year, especially if you have any exciting Winter travel plans! Till next time ❤️

Months and Traveling to Greece

• Greece in March
• Greece in April
• Greece in May
• Greece in September
• Greece in October
• Greece in November

Essential Travel Resources for Greece

• ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Ya sou” and “Efharisto”
• Booking.com : I use Booking.com mostly for Europe.
• Expedia : I use Expedia for the rest of the world.
• All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece
• FerryScanner to book f erries to the Greek Islands
• Rent an Affordable Car in Greece
• Athens Metro Website (timetables and ticket info)
• Trains (Hellenic Train)
• Public Buses KTEL
• Get Your Guide : For all your day or multi-day tours and city guide needs, I use Get Your Guide
• Emergency Numbers Anywhere in Greece: AMBULANCE 166 – FIRE 199 – POLICE 100 – EMERGENCY NUMBER 112

Evgenia Mataragka

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What Is Christmas In Greece Like?

Everything you need to know about Christmas in Greece. Includes information about Greek Christmas traditions, winter weather, where to go, what to do, what clothes to pack, and what to eat!

Celebrate the Christmas season in Greece

Here in Greece, Christmas is an enchanting and festive event. Along with Greek Easter , it’s the most important holiday of the year for Greek people. In fact, the twelve-day Christmas celebrations in Greece last until the Epiphany day, which is on the 6th of January.

All around Greece, people celebrate the Christmas holiday with outdoor festivities, gatherings, elaborate meals and big family dinners, Christmas decorations, and plenty of local traditions. If you are thinking to spend Christmas in Greece, read on!

Christmas traditions in Greece

There are many Christmas traditions in Greece. Some of them go well back in time, long before the Greek Orthodox religion appeared. Others are newer, and they’ve only been around for a few decades.

Here are some of the traditions that Greeks follow for Christmas:

Decorating the Christmas tree

Have you ever wondered how people started decorating a Christmas tree? Well, this has nothing to do with the Eastern Orthodox tradition. It goes back to pre-Christian times, when pagans used evergreen trees, garlands and wreaths to symbolize eternal life.

In more recent times, it was the Germans who began decorating Christmas trees, during the 16th century. Rather than shiny ornaments, the first pieces of decoration were useful items, like food or clothes. This tradition spread out in Northern Europe, and reached the US in the 17th century.

The Christmas tree custom didn’t make it to Greece until after the Greek Independence War . It was King Otto from Bavaria who first decorated a Christmas tree in Greece, in 1834.

Still, the new practice didn’t spread out immediately. It took well over a century, from the 1950s – 1960s onwards, for Christmas trees in Greece to come into fashion. Many people decorate them on 6th December, St Nicholas day, but others put them up in late November.

Some Greeks decorate a traditional Christmas boat

So, didn’t the Greeks have Christmas decorations before King Otto? Sure they did, but they weren’t Christmas trees.

Until after WWII, most Greek people used to decorate wooden boats for Christmas ! The boat is a symbol of Greece’s rich maritime tradition, but also a symbol of man’s new voyage in life, following the birth of Christ.

Today, Christmas trees have mostly taken over. You will see them in most houses, office spaces, shops, malls, hospitals, and major squares in the country. However, some people, especially on the Greek islands, may still decorate Christmas model boats – and you might see them in public spaces as well.

Traditional Christmas carols

On Christmas Eve, children everywhere in Greece sing the Christmas carols, or k á landa in Greek. Following a long-standing tradition, they go from house to house knocking on doors and asking permission to sing the carols. Homeowners typically reward them with some pocket money, and maybe sweets.

Here is what the best known version of Greek Christmas carols sounds like: Kalin Esperan Archontes . It describes how baby Jesus was born and how this event brought joy to the world.

Depending on the region you are visiting in Greece, there are many different variations of k á landa . If you want to dive further into Greek culture and music, have a look at this video , with Christmas carols from all around Greece!

Saint Basil the Great – The Greek version of Santa Claus

In most countries where Christmas is celebrated, people exchange gifts either on Christmas Eve, or on Christmas Day itself. The legendary person who brings gifts to children is Santa Claus, who is associated with the christian Saint Nicholas.

Greece follows this tradition, only a little different! Over here, we have Saint Basil, or Agios Vassilis in Greek. Traditionally, he brings Christmas gifts to the children on the night between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Yep, Greek kids have to wait for a few extra days to get their presents!

Photo: Courtesy of Milos ton Xotikon

Just like Santa, Saint Basil is usually depicted as an old, stout man with a long white beard and red clothes, carrying a heavy bag full of presents. And even if the house doesn’t have a chimney, he always finds his way in.

The Epiphany celebration

The Epiphany, known is Greek as Theof á nia , is observed on the 6th of January every year. It’s the date when the Greek Orthodox church commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by St John the Baptist.

The Epiphany is celebrated everywhere in Greece, and especially the coastal areas. Priests throw a cross in the sea, and young men (and some women) dive to retrieve it. Whoever manages to find it and bring it back, is blessed for the New Year.

So, when someone asks if you can swim in Greece in winter, there’s no right or wrong answer. While most people wouldn’t, some people do!

Special Christmas food traditions in Greece

And now on to everyone’s favourite subject… food! If you spend Christmas in Greece, you will get to try some local delicacies and treats which are specially prepared for the Christmas holidays.

Melomakárona

Melomakárona are delicious Greek Christmas biscuits – or Christmas cookies, if you prefer. The main ingredients are flour, sugar and olive oil, and there’s a hint of orange, cinnamon and clove.

After they’ve been baked, the crunchy cookies are dipped in a light syrup made out of honey and water, and sprinkled with chopped walnuts. The final texture is soft and the melomakárona literally melt in your mouth.

Everyone loves them, and if you are invited to a Greek house for Christmas, you will probably find a few different versions. If you are vegan, you can look out for versions where honey has been substituted.

Kourabiedes

Kourabiedes (also kourambiedes / kourampiedes ) are one of the most popular Christmas treats. They are crunchy, crumbly cookies consisting mainly of flour, sugar, butter and almonds. Some recipes call for eggs as well.

You can recognize them easily wherever you go, as they are covered with stacks of icing sugar. Watch out, as they are incredibly messy to eat 🙂

Vasil ó pita – Christmas sweet bread

Remember Saint Basil, the Greek Santa Claus? Greeks bake a special Christmas bread / cake in his honor. Its name is vasil ó pita , and it contains eggs, milk, flour, sugar, butter, and possibly walnuts.

According to this unique tradition, there’s a lucky coin hidden inside the cake. After midnight on NYE, people celebrating the New Year together cut their vasil ó pita . The person who gets the piece with the coin, gets all the good luck for the year to follow.

You can easily buy this Christmas cake at most bakeries and even supermarkets, but there’s nothing like making your own. Here is my dad preparing our vasil ó pita last year!

Tip: Vassil ó pita tastes great with a cup of coffee , milk, or hot chocolate.

Greek Christmas dishes

Some of the staple dishes prepared for Christmas day in Greece are stuffed turkey and roasted pork, usually served with potatoes and salad. There will typically be various starters like tiropita , cheese pie, or spanakopita , spinach pie.

Like in many other countries, lunches around the Christmas table are long and merry. It’s a good opportunity for family and friends to get together, catch up and celebrate.

Fasting for Christmas

For the Greek Orthodox church, the 40 days leading up to Christmas in Greece are known as the “period of fasting for Christmas”.

Starting on 15th November, religious Greeks observe certain dietary restrictions, such as not eating meat, dairy products or eggs. They also abstain from other foods, like olive oil and wine, on Wednesdays and Fridays.

These days, not so many people fast for the whole pre-Christmas period. Yet, it’s a great time of year to taste amazing Greek vegan dishes such as vegetable and legume soups. Here are 50 iconic Greek dishes , including several vegan ones.

These are just some of the things you should expect to see if you visit Greece for Christmas. And now, let’s look at another important factor: the weather.

Christmas Weather in Greece

If you’ve never been to Greece before, you might be surprised to hear that we have four seasons. Sure, winters in North Europe are colder, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t get cold in the Mediterranean!

Depending on where in Greece you go, the weather during the Christmas holiday season will vary. In Athens, we usually get mild temperatures, that could range between 15 C (59 F) during the day, and 5 C (41 F) in the evening.

In the northern regions of Greece, like Macedonia or Epirus, the temperatures are lower, and snow is not uncommon.

Speaking of which, did you know that Greece has several ski resorts? They all fully operate during the Christmas break, and there are plenty of outdoor sports, like skiing and snowboarding, to enjoy if you want an activity holiday!

In terms of packing, bring some warmer clothes that you can layer, and don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes. If you are going to any of the mountain villages or ski resorts, bring appropriate clothes, like you would in any country.

Here’s a guide with what to pack for Greece for every season .

Best Christmas destinations in Greece

So, where are the best places to celebrate Christmas in Greece? This depends on what you want to do. Whether you are interested in city festivities, regional Christmas celebrations or skiing and exploring the outdoors, Greece has you covered!

1. Christmas in Athens

The Greek capital offers plenty of Christmas festivities. There are decorations and Christmas lights everywhere, especially in areas like Plaka , Psiri , Monastiraki, Syntagma Square and Omonia.

As you walk around the streets of Athens, you will come across Christmas markets, bazaars and street vendors selling handmade creations.

Every year, a huge Christmas tree is set up in the middle of Syntagma Square , and there are various events during the festive period. This is also where Athenians celebrate NYE with music concerts, live performances and fireworks.

Afterwards, there is a NYE party inside the Varvakios food market , which goes on until the early morning.

If you like shopping, you will love Christmas in Athens! Beginning around mid-end November, all stores put Christmas decorations up, and there’s an overall festive atmosphere. Here’s where to go shopping in Athens Greece .

Before you plan your shopping spree, check out the Athens Christmas opening hours for commercial stores .

Note that ancient sites and museums are closed on 25-26 December, and also on 1 January. The Athens metro system runs as normal, though services are less frequent.

On those days, you could see if any alternative tours are running, such as this Athens bike tour . I’ve actually taken this myself and it was HEAPS of fun – and not too challenging either! 

Christmas in Athens with kids

Christmas is a lovely time to visit Athens for a family holiday. The mild weather, festive events and half-price entrance to the ancient sites in Athens are all great reasons to visit Athens in December.

Families will love the Christmas Factory , a colorful Christmas park at Technopolis, next to Kerameikos metro station. Among others, you will find a large ice-skating ring, a carousel, and a Christmas market. There are also various activities, such as face painting and theatrical shows.

A short walk away, you will find the popular Little Kook cafe , with its seasonal decorations. They might be a bit over the top… which is probably why everyone wants to take a photo here!

Many of the museums in Athens offer special events for kids during the holiday period – so check them out. And don’t miss the Museum of Illusions , which will appeal to all children, teenagers, and in fact the whole family.

For more information, have a look at this guide for Christmas events, markets and parties in Athens .

2. Christmas in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is one of the liveliest cities in Greece. You will absolutely love celebrating Christmas here! The city is full of lights and decorations, starting with the festive boat in Aristotelous Square, the main square in Thessaloniki, and sprawling out on the main shopping avenue, Tsimiski.

The vibrant markets, cozy cafes and lovely smells from the bakeries and patisserie shops create an unforgettable ambiance. Children sing the carols on the streets, and the lovely coastal city is full of events.

If you’ve never heard of Thessaloniki before, don’t worry – you are not alone. I’m lucky to have family living there, so I visit now and then. Here are some of the reasons why Thessaloniki is totally worth visiting .

If you go, it’s a good idea to take a food tour . Thessaloniki has some of the best food in the whole of Greece – and that’s no small feat! 

3. Christmas in Arachova

Arachova is a small mountain village, about three hours out of Athens. It is located at the foot of Mt Parnassos, close to the archaeological site of Ancient Delphi .

There are public buses going there, but it’s best to hire a car and make your own way there, then you can explore the whole area. Here’s some information about driving in Greece .

Given its proximity to Athens, Arachova is a popular Christmas destination for Athenians. The ski resort on Parnassos is one of the most famous in Greece. Many celebrities and outdoors lovers meet there during Christmas, and continue their evening in the village’s numerous tavernas, bars and nightclubs.

Despite its popularity and the bustling Christmas ambiance, Arachova remains quite authentic. You will love the traditional mountain houses, which are so different from the blue and white houses on the Cyclades islands .

Tip: If you like cheeses, try the unique local formaella . Also, make sure you taste the local fir honey, in my opinion the best in Greece.

4. Christmas at the Meteora Monasteries

A magical place to spend Christmas in Greece is the area of Kalambaka and the Meteora monasteries . Along with the surrounding landscapes, these famous monasteries are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and look even more majestic during the winter months.

There are six functioning monasteries which you can visit, and each of them has its own unique architecture and history. If you like art, make sure you check out the magnificent frescoes, which are truly out of this world.

You can visit Meteora to admire the incredible scenery, and go on hikes in the surrounding area. In addition, you can attend the special Greek Christmas services and masses held in the monasteries.

You can reach Meteora on the train from either Athens or Thessaloniki, or hire a car and drive there yourself. Many people prefer to take an organized tour .

5. Christmas at Trikala – Elati – Pertouli

Only a half hour’s drive from the famous Meteora, you will find the lovely, pedestrian-friendly town of Trikala. The small town is home to one of the best Christmas parks in Greece, which is called Milos ton Xotikon .

Offering free entrance, this is a fantastic, fairy-tale place to bring young kids. You will find the largest ice-skating ring in Greece, plenty of fun activities, and a selection of Christmas events suitable for everyone.

The popular villages of Elati and Pertouli are a short drive away. Built at an altitude of over 1,000 m, they are both full of stone houses, cozy cafes and tavernas, and shops with traditional products. The ski resort of Pertouli is compact, but it’s well organized and the slopes are very child friendly.

How to get to Trikala: You can get to Trikala by train or bus from Athens. It only takes 20 minutes to go from Kalambaka to Trikala on the train. However, if you want to explore the area, it’s best to hire a car .

6. Christmas in Ioannina – Metsovo

Not many foreign visitors have heard of a town called Ioannina, located in the Greek region of Epirus, to the north-west of Greece. Yet, this is one of the most special cities in Greece. Built right on Ioannina Lake, it combines rich history, breathtaking scenery and a winter ambiance.

Ioannina is a great place to spend Christmas in Greece. Take a stroll around its cobblestone streets, hire a bike to cycle around the lake, and stop for a break at one of the vibrant cafes and tavernas. You can also visit the Ancient Dodoni theater , which is only a 30-minute drive away.

It’s also worth taking a day trip to a village called Metsovo, one of the most popular winter destinations in Greece. The traditional stone houses, cobbled streets and backdrop of fir trees dressed in white make it a postcard-perfect destination for your Christmas vacation in Greece.

How to get to Ioannina: Ioannina has a domestic airport to which you can fly from Athens. Alternatively, you can drive (or take a bus) from Athens or Thessaloniki.

7. Christmas in Ioannina – Zagorohoria

Another beautiful winter destination in the Epirus region is the cluster of mountain villages known in Greek as “Zagorohoria”. These are no less than 46 (!) traditional villages, built at various altitudes.

Some of the best known and most beautiful villages in this group are Aristi, Mikro Papingo, Megalo Papingo, Vikos, Vitsa, Monodendri and Kapesovo. Each of them has their own unique character and traditional architecture.

As for the landscapes? The amazing lakes, gorges, rivers and lush forest will absolutely take you by surprise. The incredible Vikos gorge is one of the most beautiful places in Greece ! Not to mention the impressive stone bridges of Epirus, which are famous throughout Greece.

If you are after activity holidays in Greece, you will find many activities in the Zagori area. There’s plenty of opportunity for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horse-riding, and white water rafting.

How to get to Zagorohoria: The Zagori villages are located 64 km (40 miles) from the city of Ioannina. You can either hire a car and explore the area at your own pace, or take a day trip from Ioannina .

8. Christmas at Kaimaktsalan – Agios Athanasios

This unique place with the strange name is located in northern Greece, close to the border with North Macedonia. While it’s popular with visitors living close by, it remains under the tourist radar.

The traditional village of Agios Athanasios sits at an altitude of 1,200 meters, at the foot of Mount Voras, best known as Kaimaktsalan. Abandoned until recently, it has become a popular winter destination in northern Greece. Among others, the village is known for its stone houses and impressive churches.

The ski center of Kaimaktsalan, which lies at an altitude over 2,000 metres, is only a short drive away. Nearby, you can also visit the majestic Vegoritida Lake, and the Pozar thermal baths , where you can pamper yourself.

Just a couple of days after the winter solstice, on 23 December, the locals light large log fires in the main square. In typical Greek fashion, they eat, drink and dance like there’s no tomorrow. No better place to enjoy the Greek Christmas spirit!

How to get to Kaimaktsalan: Agios Athanasios is located 123 km (76 miles), a 2-hour drive from Thessaloniki. You will need to hire a car in order to explore this beautiful area of Greece.

…and that’s just the beginning! Other beautiful places to spend Christmas in Greece include Mt Pelion, Kastoria, Kalavryta, Nafpaktia, Nymfaio, Karpenisi, Trikala Korinthias… the list is endless!

FAQs about Christmas celebrations in Greece

Here are a few questions about Christmas customs in Greece:

Do they celebrate Christmas in Greece?

Christmas is celebrated everywhere in Greece! Whether you are going to the bigger cities, like Athens and Thessaloniki, or one of the Greek mountain villages, you will experience some unique Christmas traditions.

What are some Greek Christmas traditions?

Some of the most popular traditions in Greece include singing the Christmas carols, decorating the Christmas tree or a small Christmas boat, and eating special seasonal cookies, melomakarona and kourabiedes .

What is Christmas in Greece called?

In Greek, the word for Christmas is Christougenna , literally meaning Christ’s birth.

How long is Christmas in Greece?

In Greece, Christmas is celebrated for a couple of weeks. The festive celebrations begin on 24th December, and end on 6th January, the Epiphany day. During that time, schools and universities remain closed, and you can feel the Christmas magic all around the country.

Is Greece cold at Christmas?

Compared to other European capitals, Christmas weather in Athens is usually mild. On the Greek mountain villages however, the weather is much colder, and snow is very likely!

Can I go scuba diving in Greece around Christmas time?

During Christmas time, the sea in Greece is not that warm. Temperatures in the Aegean Sea usually range between 14 – 20 C (57 – 68 F).  

Enjoy Christmas in Greece

That’s it for my overview of Christmas in Greece. I hope you enjoyed reading about this merry time of year in the country of myths, Greek traditions and festive food. Here are a few more articles about Greece:

• Greek celebrations and festivals
• The OXI day in Greece
• Celebrating Independence Day in Greece
• Kathara Deftera in Greece
• Useful Greek words

2 thoughts on “What Is Christmas In Greece Like?”

Hi, Vanessa Thank you so much for this precious information. I really appreciate all your messages about Greece. ” Best Holiday Greetings ” Χρόνια πολλά from Montreal, Canada Michèle.

Thank you so much Michele!!! Happy New Year!

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Christmas in Athens: Weather – Tips – Where to Go and What to Do

• Last Updated on: Jan 16, 2024
• Read Time 14 mins
• Published: Dec 16, 2019

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If you’re considering spending Christmas in Athens as an idea for an upcoming trip, you’re in the right place. This article will present you with useful tips, provide local insight, and give you all the information you need to spend a magnificent Christmas vacation in Athens.

From mid-December, Athens is glimmering with Christmas lights and ornaments, local people get into the festive mood, and smells of traditional sweets linger in the air.

As Christmas day approaches, several events and markets start taking place all over the city, boosting the already joyful atmosphere.

Athenians start shopping for the festive table, wishing Kala Hristougenna (Merry Christmas) to one another. Here are our tips and recommendations on how to spend Christmas in Athens.

What is Christmas Like in Greece?

Being quite a religious country, Christmas is probably Greece’s most widely celebrated holiday. Locals are always happy to uphold traditions that have been around for decades or even centuries.

Christougenna, as Christmas is called in Greek, is celebrated on December 25. Typically, the holiday is a time when families come together for a celebratory dinner with traditional roasted stuffed turkey often being on the menu.

The Christmas festive period in Greece typically lasts for 14 days, starting from Christmas Eve and ending on January 6, the day of the Feast of the Epiphany.

Much like most of the world, Greeks exchange presents on Christmas day and during the festive period and decorate their houses with Christmas trees and lights.

There’s also the Greek version of Santa Claus called Ayios Vasilis or Saint Bill who delivers gifts to children through the chimney on Christmas Eve.

Is December a Good Time To Visit Athens?

Yes. December is actually a great time to visit Athens.

There is a reason that Athens sees so many visitors all year round, and that is because the city is truly magnificent no matter what time of the year or month you choose to visit.

Athens is especially impressive in December as its city center is decorated with Christmas lights and teems with various events, outdoor markets, and festivities.

Furthermore, there aren’t as many tourists as in summertime, meaning that popular attractions are far less busy and much more enjoyable.

Discover the Best: Top 10 Attractions to Visit in Athens

Weather in athens in december.

Athens boasts a mild Mediterranean climate that makes it ideal for a Christmas trip compared to all the other major European destinations.

The average temperatures in December in Athens range from 5 degrees Celsius to 15 Degrees Celsius.

That doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that you should expect a lot of sunshine on your Christmas trip to Athens or that you should pack light. There’s a fair amount of rainfall in December and a bit of snow on very rare occasions. 

Nevertheless, you can expect to feel quite comfortable walking around the city in a plain winter jacket.

The Best Things To Do in Athens at Christmas

Below are some suggestions about what to do in Athens at Christmas.

Visit Syntagma Square

Syntagma square is the perfect starting point to set you in a festive mood.

Every year, at the beginning of December, the city’s largest Christmas tree is set at Syntagma square, and the whole place brightens up with ornaments and lights decorating the square.

Mimes, street artists, and street vendors roasting chestnuts and corn add their own touch to Athens’ main square, perking up the atmosphere.

Throughout the Christmas season, Syntagma Square hosts several events and live concerts, while usually an ice skating rink or a carousel is placed in the middle of the square.

Savor hot chocolate in one of the decorated cafés

Every neighborhood around Athens is decorated with Christmas trees, wreaths, and illuminating lights but the city center stands out.

Dotted with cafés, scenic squares, and narrow alleys, the center of Athens is twice as charming.

And while every café-bar and restaurant is embellished with Christmas trinkets, some places look like they are straight out of a fairytale.

Little Kook in the area of Psirri is widely known for its extravagant theme decorations.

In December, star-shaped lights, Christmas mistletoes, huge red-and-white lollipops, and every item that comes to mind when you think of Christmas adorn the café both outdoors and indoors.

Pittaki, the street where you’ll find Little Kook ( map ) gleams with myriads of lights and gold Christmas knickknacks.

Noel Holiday Bar in Kolokotroni street ( map ) should definitely be on your list if you spend Christmas in Athens.

The bar’s name already gives you a hint that the people behind it love Christmas time, a fact proven by the place’s festive decoration all year round.

When December kicks in, they go wild with the Christmas ornaments, placing fir garlands, lights, Christmas balls, you name it, all over the place, creating majestic scenery.

Explore the Christmas markets of Athens

One of the best things about Christmas in Athens is the Christmas market.

Not only can you indulge in endless shopping but also because their jolly atmosphere guarantees to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Athens features several pop-up markets that take place in cafés and cultural spaces.

The most popular is The Christmas Factory, which takes place every year in Technopolis from the end of November until the beginning of January.

Featuring Santa’s house, a toy factory, and over 25 stalls packed with items, The Christmas Factory is every kid’s Merryland.

Another favorite Christmas market that takes place on selected dates is the Meet Market. Make sure to keep an eye out on their Facebook page for this year’s dates because it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

Go Christmas shopping

Aside from the numerous fashionable markets, Athens provides plenty of opportunities for shopping.

Ermou is the city’s most popular shopping street , brimming with year-round life. When Christmas arrives, the pedestrianized street gets jam-packed as most locals head here to buy gifts for their loved ones.

If Ermou feels too overcrowded, walk towards Syntagma square and enter the refined Attica department store. From here, Voukourestiou street is just a short jaunt.

Being Kolonaki’s most expensive shopping street, Voukourestiou features only designer boutiques and high-end jewelry stores.

Even if you can’t afford to buy your Christmas gifts here, take the time to take a stroll, as it’s one of the most beautifully decorated streets in Athens.

Visit the city’s Ice skating rinks

Ice rinks are set up all around Athens throughout the winter months, bringing a piece of the snowy sceneries into the sunlit Greek capital.

The 1,000 square meter ice rink in Athens Heart Mall in Pireos street is the city’s largest indoor ice rink and operates from September until May.

The ice rink of the Municipality of Athens is located in Kotzia Square, opposite the City Hall, and has a free entrance.

The Municipality of Athens usually sets up the ice rink in Kotzia Square for the Christmas holidays until January 6. The entrance to the ice rink is free; however, it requires electronic pre-booking of seats through the platform: pagodromio.christmasinathens.gr

Finally, close to the metro station Eleonas you’ll find Icenskate , an ice skating rink operating all year round.

Taste the traditional Greek Christmas delicacies

Christmas in Athens has the smell of melomakarona and kourabiedes.

It’s a tradition to make mouthwatering traditional sweets around December and they never miss local people’s festive tables.

Melomakarona are cookies made with honey and other spices and kourabiedes are butter cookies topped with icing sugar.

Aside from these two typical Greek sweets, you’ll find an abundance of Christmas delicacies that are customary for Greeks to make only during this time of the year.

The Greek honey rolls, known as diples, the Saint Basil’s Cake (Vasilopita) that local people eat on New Year’s Day, and Christ’s bread (Christopsomo) are the most known.

Where to Stay in Athens at Christmas

Most of the events and Christmas festivities in Athens take place downtown.

With that in mind, we recommend choosing a hotel in the center of Athens so that you can always be close to the action.

Moreover, most of the hotels feature festive menus in their restaurants specially designed for the Christmas period which are absolutely worth a try.

Besides, by booking a stay downtown, for example, at a hotel in Plaka or Syntagma, you will also be right next to the city’s most popular attractions like the Acropolis museum and the Panathenaic Stadium .

Below you will find our top picks among the hotels in Athens that are located in the city center and which would make for an unforgettable Christmas trip in Athens.

Grande Bretagne Hotel

The Grande Bretagne hotel enjoys one of the most privileged locations in Athens, just across Syntagma square and the House of Parliament as well as the popular shopping street called Ermou.

It’s one of the most famous 5-star luxury hotels in Athens, offering a rooftop restaurant, a spa, and multiple types of rooms and suites to accommodate individuals or families.

Check the availability of the Grande Bretagne Hotel and plan your stay on Booking.com

King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Presenting a unique and distinct neoclassical style that makes it stand out among the rest of the hotels in Athens, King George Hotel is situated in a very sought-after location, right between the Parliament building on Syntagma Square and Voulourestiou street.

This luxurious hotel features a restaurant with astonishing panoramic views over the city, a fitness center, and lavish rooms with balconies that open up to breathtaking views of the Acropolis.

See the King George Hotel on Booking.com

Hotel Coco-Mat Athens

Located in the upscale area of Kolonaki, just a few minutes away from Syntagma square, Hotel Coco-Mat Athens is one of the most popular and modern hotels in Athens.

Its contemporary chic design, luxurious amenities, and elegant rooms with balconies that offer views of the Acropolis rightfully make it one of the top hotels in Athens.

Book your stay with Hotel Coco-Mat Athens on Booking.com

If you like to check some more accommodation options in Athens, read the article below.

Discover the Best Hotels in Athens: A Guide to the Best Areas to Stay

Where to eat in athens at christmas.

If you’re lucky enough to spend Christmas in Athens, you will -literally- be in for a treat. The choices for where to eat in Athens at Christmas are countless.

Of course, there are many Christmas delicacies to try, such as the melomakarona and the honey rolls, and all the famous Greek cuisine dishes that you should not miss out on.

Nevertheless, remember that Christmas is a very traditional holiday in Greece and that most of the restaurants in the city might be closed down on Christmas day.

The rest are -naturally- extremely busy. It’s always best to make restaurant reservations well in advance.

Below are our recommendations for the best places to eat in Athens at Christmas.

2Mazi Restaurant

2Mazi restaurant is housed in a magnificent neoclassical building that is situated in the famous area of Plaka, just a few minutes away from Syntagma Square. It offers traditional Greek cuisine with a creative twist that will surely make your Christmas dinner memorable.

• Address : Nikis 48 Plaka, Athens 105 58 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0322 2839

Spondi Restaurant

Spondi restaurant is probably the most well-known gourmet restaurant in Athens and the first one to receive a Michelin star back in 2002. It wasn’t much later that its second star followed suit, establishing it as the spearhead of Greek gastronomy.

It’s located in a charming neoclassical building in the neighborhood of Pangrati.

• Address : 5 Pyrronos, Pangrati, 116 36, Athens, Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 210 756 4021

If you want to check out more places to eat in Athens, please read the article below.

Restaurants in Athens: A Local’s Guide on Where to Eat in the Greek Capital

Tips, suggestions, and recommendations on how to spend christmas in athens.

Although spending Christmas in Athens has been gaining popularity as a vacation idea in recent years, you may find that there are limited resources online to help you prepare for the trip.

Luckily for you, in this section, we will answer some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions to help you plan the most amazing Christmas trip to Athens.

What do people wear in Athens in December?

Most of the locals dress quite lightly in December compared to other northern countries since the weather usually allows for it. A couple of normal winter outfits and a plain winter jacket will be more than enough for your jaunts around Athens. However, to be extra safe, we recommend you also pack a pair of gloves and a scarf in case it rains during your visit.

What do Greeks eat for Christmas?

There is really no such thing as a quintessentially traditional Greek recipe for Christmas that you will see everywhere around you if you visit Athens at Christmas. Some locals have stuffed turkey, while others prefer oven-baked meat, usually lamb or pork as the main course on the Christmas table. Whatever the case, you will find that locals go all out with their dinner menus that include many traditional Greek dishes, salads, and, of course, the typical Christmas sweets called melomakarona and kourabiedes.

What is Santa Claus called in Greece?

Santa Claus is actually called Ayios Vasilis in Greece. However, apart from the name, the concept remains the same. Ayios Vasilis is a cheerful old man with a long white beard who generously places gifts under the Christmas tree for young kids on Christmas Eve.

How long does Christmas last in Greece?

Traditionally, the Christmas festive season in Greece lasts for 14 straight days. It starts on Christmas Eve and ends on the Day of the Epiphany’s Feast, January 6. Remember that since Greece is one of the countries that follow the Gregorian Calendar, Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25.

Why do Greeks decorate boats for Christmas?

Instead of a Christmas tree, you may see some houses decorated with the traditional Christmas boat during your Christmas trip to Athens. This was used to express gratitude towards the sailors who devoted their lives to the sea and as a token of remembrance of those family members who were far away from home on Christmas day. Sadly, this tradition is slowly vanishing, and decorative Christmas boats are becoming rarer by the year.

How do you say Merry Christmas in Greek?

Kala Christougenna. If you decide to spend Christmas in Athens, make sure to try and wish Merry Christmas to locals in their native tongue. They’ll surely love it and you’ll get to socialize and laugh about it.

Does it snow in Athens Greece?

During the past few years, seeing snow in Athens is not terribly uncommon, even if it is for only a few days. On average, Athens sees approximately 4.5 days of snow each year. However, do not expect to find Athens covered in a white cloak upon your arrival. It’s highly improbable that the streets will snow long enough to turn white.

Even though Athens city doesn’t look like a typical winter destination of Northern Europe, it won’t fall short of your expectations if you decide to spend Christmas here.

The Greek capital wears its festive costume from early December, with myriads of lights and festive ornaments decorating the streets around the city center.

Even though chances are you won’t be surrounded by a snowy landscape, the Greek capital will reward you with the smells of traditional sweets, the sound of Christmas carols, and the vibrant Christmas markets.

A Quick Reminder:

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11 Things to Do in Greece This Christmas

Greece isn’t just a summer destination. With its different regions, each with unique Christmas traditions , Greece is definitely worth discovering during the colder months. From the slopes of the north to the rugged plains of central Greece, through the shores of sunny Crete, here is a list of things to do at this festive time of year.

Feel the christmas vibes in nafplio.

Known as one of the most romantic and picturesque towns in Greece, Nafplio is located in Peloponnese and boasts charming little streets, lively squares bordered with coffee shops and restaurants, a few monuments worth visiting and a laid-back vibe. You may not see snow but you will definitely be able to sample the special way Greeks celebrate Christmas.

Rent a cabin in the woods

Get in the mood in oneiroupoli, take part in town-wide bonfire celebrations in florina.

Every year on December 23rd, in Florina , locals light bonfires throughout the town, with the largest one set on the main square. Festivities start with the local brass band, playing music in the streets, inviting locals to join them in the square. The tradition, which takes place throughout the whole region, dates back to ancient times, when people lit fires to worship the sun god. Today, however, the church associates the practice with a celebration of the shepherds who lit fires to warm baby Jesus in the stable.

Visit Meteora

While Meteora is definitely a year-round destination, the Christmas season allows for a very special experience. First, since Meteora is considered a holy destination, with its plethora of pillar-perched monasteries, a Christmas service in one of them is definitely an experience to remember. Besides, you will enjoy the place all to yourself, since there should be very few tourists. Third, the region is known for its numerous Christmas traditions, delicious food and unspoiled nature.

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Stock up on some pork meat in Stanos

The tradition of eating turkey on Christmas Day is recent in Greece, with pork dishes more the norm. But in Macedonia, Thrace and Thessaly as well as several regions across the country, locals take it up a notch with a pig feast known as gourounohara . Dating back from old times, the tradition includes each family buying a pig earlier in the year and feeding it up, ready to eat for Christmas. Since locals hate waste, every part of the animal is used to make sausages and other meat dishes. In the small village of Stanos, the tradition becomes a town-wide celebration, where, on the second day of the Christmas holidays, people get together, roast pigs and celebrate with eating and drinking. The local orchestra settles on the main square while people spontaneously burst into songs and dances.

Watch a thousand lanterns released in the sky in Volos

If you plan on exploring the region of Pelion (or Pilio) this winter, you are in luck. In the Greek town of Volos, there is a beautiful custom that reminds visitors of the paper lantern celebrations in Asia. Every year on the 26th December, residents gather along the coastline and release fanaria , or paper lanterns, into the sky. This beautiful show was an idea of the municipality. Anyone who wishes to release a lantern, makes a small donation, which is donated to a local charity. Now, that’s a sweet way to spend your Christmas.

Spend Christmas by the slopes

Celebrate christmas in the city.

If you are a city addict, Athens and Thessaloniki offer plenty of seasonal fun, with countless open-air concerts on the main squares, Christmas villages, outdoor ice-skating rinks and numerous shopping options. In the capital, stay at Electra Metropolis , known for its bright and vibrant Christmas decorations, for an enjoyable stay. Should you be heading north, give Porto Palace Hotel a try and take advantage of its spa to spoil yourself at this lovely time of the year.

Visit the charming village of Nymfaio

A village of snow and stone, Nymfaio is a favorite winter destination in Greece. This beautiful and charming village, set on the slopes of Mount Vernon, is perfect for those looking for long hikes in nature, stone-built guesthouses, tasty local delicacies and hopefully some snow. If the weather is favorable, you can also enjoy some outdoor activities such as kayaking, rock climbing or mountain biking.

Join the fun, the Cretan way

If you want to avoid a cold winter, then Crete may just be what you need. With average December temperatures hovering between 14-17°C, Crete, with its many local Christmas traditions, is perfect for a typical Cretan Christmas. Go even further and take part in the Santa Run in Chania, where people dress up as Santa and run and have some fun, with the ultimate goal of raising money for charity. Afterwards, reward yourself with an ample serving of kourabiedes and melomakarona from the nearest pastry shop.

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Christmas in Greece: Festive Traditions and Celebrations

Greek Christmas Traditions

Christmas in Greece is a lovely mix of old traditions and religious celebrations. Although shiny Christmas trees are common now, you can still see the old practice of decorating boats (Karavaki). This honors Greece’s deep connection to the sea and Saint Nicholas, the saint who protects sailors.

Children go door-to-door singing Kalanda. These are traditional Christmas songs. They fill the air with happy tunes and stories about Christ’s birth. This practice comes from Greek culture. It shows the warmth and community feel that fills the Christmas season.

The Importance of Agios Vasilis – Greece’s Take on Santa Claus

In Greece, the cheerful character spreading Christmas joy is Agios Vasilis, the Greek version of Santa Claus. He looks like Santa Claus from the North Pole, but Agios Vasilis, also called Saint Basil the Great, is special in Greek culture. He is known for his kindness and is celebrated on January 1st. This is why many Greek kids get their gifts on New Year’s Day.

This tradition comes from the Orthodox calendar and the importance of Saint Basil’s Day. In recent years, many families have chosen to exchange gifts on December 25th. This aligns with how people celebrate Christmas around the world.

Many lucky children in Greece get to feel the joy of receiving gifts on Christmas Day and Saint Basil’s Day!

The Special Tradition of Karavaki – Christmas Decorations by the Sea

One of the best parts of a Greek Christmas is the tradition of Karavaki, the lovely decorated Christmas boats. These small boat decorations, often lit up with blinking lights, can be seen in Greek homes and public areas during the holidays. Unlike the newer trend of using Christmas trees, Karavaki have strong ties to Greek culture. They represent the rich history of the sea and the country’s close ties to it.

The tradition of decorating boats for Christmas goes back several centuries. It shows how important the sea has been in Greek life. People thought that this practice would bring good luck to sailors and fishermen. This would help them return home safely for the holidays.

Today, Karavaki is still a cherished symbol of Christmas in Greece. It stands for hope, good luck, and the lasting link between the Greek people and the sea.

Kalanda: The Heartwarming Greek Christmas Carols

As the Christmas season brings joy, the sound of Kalanda, the traditional Greek Christmas songs, fills the streets and homes in Greece. Early in the morning, groups of kids often hold triangles and tambourines. They take part in a warm tradition of singing carols and spreading happiness. They go from door to door, singing Kalanda, which talks about Christ’s birth and other Christmas stories.

The tradition of Kalanda is important in Greek culture. It brings people together during Christmas time. It’s exciting to see the happiness and energy coming from the young carolers. They share their joyful spirit with every home they visit.

Homeowners often show their thanks for the children’s joyful songs. They usually give them sweets, small gifts, or even some money. This makes the Greek Christmas tradition feel even more special.

Greek Christmas Food

Christmas in Greece is a time to enjoy many traditional dishes. These meals often include tasty meats, fragrant bread, and sweets that just melt in your mouth. The holiday table is filled with items like tender roast pork, flavorful stuffed turkey, and Christopsomo, which is a sweet bread. This bread means good luck and wealth.

But no Greek Christmas feast is complete without a big mix of sweets. Enjoy the honey-soaked Melomakarona cookies topped with lots of nuts. Or try the soft Kourabiedes almond cookies covered in powdered sugar.

Christopsomo: The Sacred Bread of Christmas

No Greek Christmas table is complete without Christopsomo. This sweet bread is very important during the holiday season. The name means “Christ’s bread,” which shows how special it is for Christmas. Made carefully, Christopsomo is not only a tasty treat. It also stands for good luck, thriving, and the blessings that come with the birth of Jesus.

This round loaf is easy to spot because of its special design. A cross made from dough is usually in the middle. Sometimes, nuts or almonds sit on top, showing wealth and plenty. As Christopsomo bakes in the oven, its smell makes homes feel warm and helps people look forward to the coming celebrations.

During Christmas Eve dinner, the head of the family usually cuts the Christopsomo. This bread is then shared among family and friends. It shows unity, blessings, and gratitude during this special time.

Melomakarona and Kourabiedes: Important Greek Christmas Treats

Get ready for the sweet taste of Melomakarona and Kourabiedes. These are two famous Greek Christmas treats that have the rich flavors of the holiday. Melomakarona are soft, chewy cookies soaked in honey syrup. They are a true treat for anyone who loves sweets. They usually have great spices like cinnamon and cloves. Many times, they are topped with chopped walnuts or sprinkled with sesame seeds, giving a nice crunch to each bite.

On the other hand, Kourabiedes give you a delightful feel as they melt in your mouth. These buttery almond cookies are soft and crumbly. They almost vanish on your tongue, leaving a sweet taste of tradition and the warm smell of toasted almonds. Usually, they are shaped like crescent moons or stars, and they are covered in powdered sugar, making them look fancy and special.

No matter which tempting treat you choose, Melomakarona and Kourabiedes will satisfy your sweet cravings. They will bring you the true flavors of a Greek Christmas celebration.

Vasilopita: How to win the lucky coin on New Year’s Day

As the clock ticks midnight on New Year’s Eve, Greek families come together to enjoy a special tradition. This tradition focuses on Vasilopita, a cake that brings good luck for the new year. Vasilopita is not just a tasty dessert; it has a rich flavor from citrus and spices. Inside this soft cake, there is a coin or a small trinket. Whoever finds this treasure in their slice is believed to have good luck for the whole year.

The cutting of the Vasilopita is a special tradition. It is usually done by the head of the family. They carefully cut the cake and share it with family members. Every slice is for someone special. The first slice is for Jesus. Then, the head shares the other slices with family members. Sometimes, there is even a slice set aside for the house.

The tradition of Vasilopita brings excitement and hope to New Year’s celebrations in Greece . It symbolizes the wishes for a good and lucky year ahead.

The Feast of the Twelve Dishes on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve in Greece means gathering with family and enjoying a big feast that excites the taste buds. One important tradition for this evening is the “Twelve Dishes” meal. This meal shows the richness and joys of the season. As the name tells us, it usually includes twelve different dishes. Each dish stands for one apostle and symbolizes hope and good fortune for the next year.

From tasty meat meals to fresh salads, flavorful dips, and sweet treats, the Twelve Dishes feast is a wonderful celebration of Greek food. Some common items on the menu are stuffed grape leaves, savory pies, roasted lamb or pork, and the well-known Christopsomo bread.

This traditional feast is more than just enjoying tasty food. It is a time for families and friends to gather. They can share stories and make lasting memories. They will also celebrate the true spirit of Christmas in a cozy and welcoming setting.

Celebrating Christmas in Greece: Things to Do and Places to Visit

From lively city events to lovely village getaways, Greece has many choices for people who want to enjoy the joy of Christmas. If you like busy city life, Athens is a great place to start. You can check out its wonderful Christmas markets, admire the bright lights on historic buildings, and feel the cheerful spirit all around you.

For a peaceful getaway, think about visiting beautiful towns like Nafplio or Arachova. These places have a nice mix of local celebrations, great winter views, and plenty of chances to enjoy the warm feel of the season.

Athens Lights Up: Christmas Markets and City Decorations

As the heart of Greece, Athens changes into a beautiful winter wonderland at Christmas. It attracts visitors with its charming feel. The city lights up with bright Christmas lights on its streets, squares, and old buildings. This creates a magical feel that is both lovely and welcoming.

One of the best things about Christmas in Athens is the lively Christmas markets. From Syntagma Square, the main area, to other parts of the city, these busy markets provide a great mix of tasty snacks, special gifts, and happy holiday spirit. You can look at stalls full of handmade decorations, try local foods like roasted chestnuts and warm spiced wine, and enjoy the joyful atmosphere all around you.

Take some time to explore the lovely streets of Athens after visiting the markets. You can enjoy the sparkling lights that brighten the Acropolis, making an amazing view. You can also walk in the beautiful area of Plaka, where you will find traditional shops and tavernas that feel warm and welcoming.

Nafplio and Arachova: Winter Getaways in Greece

If you want a quiet break from the city noise, think about visiting beautiful towns like Nafplio or Arachova in Greece for a winter getaway. Nafplio is on the Peloponnese peninsula. Its charming old town, Venetian buildings, and romantic feel make it special. During the holiday season, it becomes a lovely Christmas village. You can walk across cobblestone streets with shiny lights, enjoy warm drinks in cozy cafes, and visit the town’s old fortresses that give great views of the winter scenery.

For those who want a mountain getaway, Arachova is a true winter wonderland. It sits on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Arachova is known for its old stone houses and pretty squares. It is close to top ski resorts, and has a mix of fun activities and cheerful days. You can ski or snowboard down the snowy hills, relax with a hot chocolate by a warm fire, and feel the real charm of a Greek mountain village.

Whether you pick the romantic feel of Nafplio or the snowy beauty of Arachova, these winter trips in Greece promise a Christmas that you will never forget. You will enjoy the charm, beauty, and warmth of the Greek people.

Epiphany in Greece: A January Celebration You Shouldn’t Miss

While Christmas celebrations might be ending in many places, Greece keeps the joy going in January with Epiphany. Epiphany is an important religious holiday celebrated on January 6th. It remembers the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River and is very meaningful for Greek Christians.

One of the most interesting traditions connected to Epiphany in Greece is the “Blessing of the Waters” ceremony. This special ritual usually happens near water, like the sea, rivers, or lakes. A priest throws a cross into the water. Young men then jump into the cold water to get the cross. The person who returns it to the priest is thought to be lucky for the whole year.

Epiphany celebrations go on all day with big meals, family gatherings, and a happy feel that keeps the Christmas joy alive. Taking part in this special celebration lets you feel the deep religious customs of Greece and enjoy a truly great event that happens in January.

Greek Christmas Decorations and Symbols

Christmas decorations in Greece are more than just Christmas trees and bright lights. While these are popular now, there are also traditional symbols like the Karavaki boat. People also use natural items like olive branches and pomegranates. These decorations bring a special feel to the holiday season. They show Greece’s rich history, culture, and the meanings connected to this time of year.

From the careful details of a Karavaki to the bright red colors of pomegranates that stand for good luck and wealth, each decoration shares a story. They bring a piece of Greek tradition to Christmas celebrations. Looking into these special symbols helps us understand the meaning of Christmas in Greece better.

To Karavaki: Sailing into the Holiday Spirit

Among the many beautiful Christmas decorations in Greece, the Karavaki stands out. This is a traditional wooden boat that has lovely decorations. It represents the country’s strong connection to the sea and the holiday spirit. The Karavaki is often lit up with bright lights. It can have ornaments and sometimes even tiny sailors or a figure of Saint Nicholas steering the boat. The Karavaki is a sign of hope, good luck, and the safe return of family and friends.

In a country closely tied to the sea, it is not surprising that the Karavaki has become a big part of Christmas traditions in Greece. This special decoration reminds people of how important seafaring is in Greek culture. It also shows the hope that those out at sea will come back home safely for the holidays.

Whether it is shown in homes, stores, or public squares, the Karavaki brings feelings of tradition, warmth, and the magic of Christmas. It reminds everyone of the lasting bond between Greek people and the sea.

The Christmas Wreath

The Christmas wreath is important in Greek homes. It brings joy and good luck. Many families hang it on their doors. It is usually made of fresh greens, like pine or cedar. The wreath is a symbol of love and family. It also shows a tradition that lasts for many years. In Greece, people believe that it helps protect their home and brings happiness. This simple decoration is a big part of their holiday spirit.

The smell of fresh pine needles and the view of beautiful Christmas wreaths on front doors are common in many places during the holiday season, and Greece is one of them. In Greek homes, the Christmas wreath is special. It stands for the circle of life, lasting love, and bringing good luck into the home.

Greek Christmas wreaths are often made by hand with love. They usually have a base made of evergreen branches. This shows lasting life and good rewards. These wreaths are then decorated with different items, like pinecones, dried fruits, ribbons, and small ornaments. Each decoration brings its own feel and meaning to the whole wreath.

The Christmas wreath hangs on the front door. It welcomes guests and invites them to feel the warmth and joy of the holiday season. This simple decoration brings a bit of cheer to Greek homes. It reminds everyone of the beauty and meaning of this special time of year.

Smashing the Pomegranate

In Greek culture, the pomegranate stands out with its bright red color and many seeds. It means things like fertility, prosperity, and good luck. However, t is not surprising that this special fruit is important in New Year’s celebrations in Greece. It brings tradition and joy to the party.

One of the most interesting customs with pomegranates is the practice of smashing them on the ground for good luck. Just before midnight on New Year’s Eve, families come together outside their homes. The head of the household throws a pomegranate hard onto the ground. They hope it will break open and spread its seeds far and wide.

This act is seen as a way to bring good luck, wealth, and plenty for the new year. The more seeds you scatter, the more good fortune is thought to come to your family. It’s a happy tradition that adds fun and hope to New Year’s celebrations in Greece.

The Front Door Onion

Amid the cheerful decorations and happy traditions of Christmas and New Year’s in Greece, hanging an onion on the front door might look strange at first. Yet, this simple vegetable has a strong meaning. It stands for new beginnings, growth, and the hope for a good year ahead.

On New Year’s Eve, families in some areas of Greece hang an onion on their front doors. They often decorate it with ribbons or other elements. This practice comes from the fact that onions can sprout even in tough conditions. It stands for strength, determination, and the hope of new beginnings.

As the new year starts, the onion reminds us of growth, success, and good luck. It shows our strong belief in new beginnings and the hope for a better future that comes with a new year.

Learning Greek Holiday Greetings

One great thing about celebrating Christmas in Greece is enjoying the local language and traditions. Learning some Greek holiday greetings helps you connect with the locals. It adds a special feel to your festive greetings. Start by saying “Καλά Χριστούγεννα” (Kala Christougenna), which means “Merry Christmas.” Also, wish them a great new year with “Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος” (Eftihismeno to Neo Etos), meaning “Happy New Year.”

Don’t worry about trying these greetings. A simple effort will bring smiles and thanks. It shows respect for the culture and is a good way to enjoy the holiday spirit while sharing joy.

How to Say “Merry Christmas” in Greek

As you get involved in the cheerful feel of a Greek Christmas, saying “Merry Christmas” to your friends and family in Greek is a nice way to spread the joy of the season. It also shows that you appreciate Greek culture. The most popular way to share this warm wish is by using the phrase “Καλά Χριστούγεννα” (pronounced “Kala Christougenna”).

“Kala” means “good” or “well.” It shows wishes for a happy and joyful Christmas. “Christougenna” refers to the holiday and means “Christ’s Birth.” Together, these words express the meaning of the season. They highlight the need to celebrate the birth of Christ and wish happiness and good health to everyone around you.

As you spend time with family and friends, give gifts, and enjoy tasty meals, pause for a moment to share the joy of the season. You can say “Kala Christougenna.” This simple phrase shows how much you value Greek traditions and the spirit of Christmas.

New Year and Epiphany Greetings in Greek

As the joy of Christmas moves into the hope of a new year, the chance to share warm wishes and cheerful greetings stays alive in Greece. Once the clock hits midnight on New Year’s Eve, it’s time to lift a glass and tell everyone around you “Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος” (Eftihismeno to Neo Etos), which means “Happy New Year.” This greeting shows wishes for a happy, successful, and satisfying year to come.

And as the Christmas cheer stays, don’t forget about Epiphany . It is celebrated on January 6th and marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas. On this special day, you remember the baptism of Jesus. You can say “Χρόνια Πολλά” (Chronia Polla) to people. This phrase means “Many Years” and can be used for many celebrations, like birthdays and name days.

From the busy streets of Athens to the sunny Greek Islands, learning and using these greetings is a great way to meet the locals. You can share in their customs and feel the real spirit of the holiday season in Greece.

Celebrate Christmas in Greece by enjoying the rich traditions and joys the country offers. From the lovely carols of Kalanda to special decorations like Karavaki, Greece shows the feel of Christmas. Treat yourself to Christopsomo, Melomakarona, and Kourabiedes to taste the season’s flavors. Visit the lively markets in Athens, warm winter spots in Nafplio and Arachova, and celebrate the happy gatherings of Epiphany. Join in the Greek holiday greetings and feel the warmth of their Christmas traditions. Merry Christmas – Kala Christougenna!

Feeling Ready?

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What to do in Greece in December

Getting the most out of your trip but with lesser crowds has seldom been more true than in Greece! Here’s your December guide.

It’s hard to picture Greece without imagining scorching summer days, postcard-perfect islands, and stunning stretches of sandy coastline. This Mediterranean destination is undoubtedly a favorite with summer holidaymakers, but it has a whole lot to offer in the winter, too. 

If you like the idea of swapping your shorts and light shirts for cozy layers — and having the country’s most iconic historic sites almost entirely to yourself — you’ll love Greece in winter.

So, go ahead and book that discounted off-season flight, fill your bags with comfy cardigans, and start planning your Mediterranean getaway — here are the best things to do in Greece in December.

Travel to: Greece

Explore mainland Greece

So many visitors spend an all-too-brief day or two in Athens before moving onto the islands, but winter is a fantastic time to explore mainland Greece — especially the country’s modern capital. 

With its pleasant winter weather, alluring ancient ruins, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Athens is a destination that wows visitors year-round, December included! You can spend your time here visiting archaeological treasures, dining at renowned restaurants, and shopping at colorful street markets and chic designer shops. And if the weather takes a turn for the worse, you’re never too far from a world-class museum. 

From Athens, you can plan day trips to historically significant destinations like Delphi or Mycenae and Epidaurus. Further north, the seaside city of Thessaloniki and the mesmerizing monasteries of Meteora are well worth a visit in winter, too.

Visit iconic ancient sites (without the tourist hordes)

Want to get stellar photos of Athens’ spectacular ancient ruins without any people around? If you visit in December, that’s actually possible!

While the high season sees the city’s most popular attractions engulfed by a never-ending stream of people, visiting in winter is the complete opposite. This means you won’t have to wait in frustrating queues or fight your way through crowds of tourists and throngs of selfie sticks to get a glimpse of the Parthenon. Enjoyable sightseeing experiences and tourist-free photos are essentially a given!

Fill up on hearty Greek winter staples

Another benefit of visiting Greece in winter? You can try a range of traditional dishes you wouldn’t usually find in the summertime. Much like the country’s most celebrated foods, Greece’s hearty winter staples are fresh, delicious, and big on flavor. 

Get your Greek comfort food fix with lahanodolmades (stuffed cabbage leaves served with an egg and lemon sauce), fasolada (bean soup), or giouvarlakia (meatball soup featuring a creamy egg-lemon sauce). Then, wash it all down with the Greek equivalent of mulled wine — AKA rakomelo, a potent drink made with a mix of raki, spices, and honey.

See Also: 2 Weeks in Greece For Every Budget

See a different side of the Greek Islands

We’ve all seen photos of the Greek Islands in the height of summer: the sun is always shining, the whitewashed villages are always swoon-worthy, and the beaches always look impossibly idyllic. That’s not quite what the Greek Islands look like in December, but they’re still spectacular nonetheless. 

Yes, it’ll be cooler, windier, and much, much quieter compared to the summer months, but if your perfect holiday involves loads of walking and hiking by day and cozying up to a good book and a glass of wine by night, you might just fall in love with the Greek Islands in winter.

Larger islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu are great options for a Greece winter getaway since they’re more likely to retain some life throughout the off-season months. If you’re hoping for sunny weather and pleasant temperatures, Crete is probably your best bet; winters are warmer here due to its southerly location.

Get into the festive spirit, Greek style

If you’re visiting Greece near the Christmas holidays, you’re in for a treat! Cities across the mainland and the islands will be decked out in dazzling decorations, but Athens is an especially festive destination during the most wonderful time of the year. 

To get into the holiday spirit in Greece’s capital, admire the giant Christmas tree in Syntagma Square, visit one of the city’s many ice skating rinks, or grab a hot chocolate at Little Kook, a cafe in Psyrri that looks like a Christmas fairy-tale come to life in December. 

All the sightseeing and festive fun will probably leave you feeling peckish, so head to the nearest bakery to fill up on traditional Greek holiday sweets. Melomakarona (biscuits flavored with honey, cinnamon, orange, and clove) and kourabiedes (buttery shortbread-type biscuits coated in powdered sugar) are two of the most popular desserts — and they’re both delightfully delicious.

Hit the slopes

Greece is synonymous with sun, sea, and sand, but a large portion of the country is mountainous — which means it’s also a great destination for a ski holiday. 

You’ll find top-quality ski facilities throughout Central and Northern Greece , but Parnassos Ski Resort — located two hours north of Athens and near Delphi — is a favorite among winter enthusiasts. The resort offers an impressive network of cross-country trails, 13 lifts, and more than 20 ski runs for all abilities.

See Also: 5 Simple Ways to Get Excited for a Trip to Greece

Visiting Greece in December: A few things to keep in mind

• Traveling between the Greek Islands can be trickier in the winter due to reduced ferry services. To avoid any hassle or disappointment, consider sticking to one island rather than island-hopping between two or three.
• Finding accommodations on the islands can be tricky, too. Many hotels shut down over winter, so be sure to reserve your accommodations in advance (and double-check the heating situation before booking).
• Athens’ archaeological sites have shorter opening hours in winter. Some of the major attractions may close as early as 3 PM in the off-season, so be sure to plan your sightseeing accordingly.
• Pack warm layers. The winter weather is typically mild in Greece, but it’s also changeable. Windy, rainy (and sometimes even snowy) conditions are possible, so remember to pack for all seasons.
• Keep your expectations in check. If you’re hoping to sunbathe and hit all the hottest restaurants and nightlife spots in the Greek Islands in December, you’ll likely end up disappointed. If, on the other hand, you’re prepared for finicky weather, and you’re keen to get a glimpse of authentic Greek life when the tourists have dispersed, you’ll have a fabulous time.

Ashley Nitransky

Ashley is a Content Editor at TourRadar. When she’s not writing, travelling, or obsessively checking flight prices on Skyscanner, you can find her attempting to fine-tune her photography skills or watching a shark documentary.

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Editor's Pick

One of the stunning monasteries of the UNESCO World Heritage center of Meteora.

© Shutterstock

The Top 10 Places to Visit in Greece in the Winter

As the weather cools, our gaze turns to the mountains, ski slopes rivers and stone-built villages of greece's top wintertime destinations..

By Pavlos Zafiropoulos, Paulina Kapsali | October 6th, 2017

So, just in case there is any confusion, yes, Greece does have a winter. The dry-baked Cycladic islands turn green as the rains arrive; their inhabitants bundle up against temperatures that can sink to the low single digits when biting northerlies whip through the Aegean.

On the mainland, mountain villages are frequently covered in blankets of snow. Many of the peaks above are dressed in white from November to April.

In fact, it’s pretty great.

Winter is the time to swap the sandals for hiking boots , and the cold beachside beer for a brandy or warm rakomelo by the fireplace. Hearty, slow-cooked stews replace light summertime salads, and a whole host of different seasonal products begin to appear: wild mushrooms , juicy oranges, fat chestnuts .

This is a time to experience a different sort of Greece – one of rivers , mountains and glorious natural landscapes as yet undiscovered by mass tourism. One that is emptier, wilder but also comforting in its own way, insulated from the rush and chaos of the modern world.

Of course, that doesn’t mean one needs to rough it. Accommodation options range from tidy bed-and-(excellent)-breakfasts to 5-star luxury spa resorts . And with a range of well-run companies offering organized activities from trekking to ski touring to mountain biking , there has never been a better time to discover Greece in the wintertime.

Below we’ve put together a list of Greece’s top winter destinations . It is by no means exhaustive, but a selection of great entry point to Greece’s mountainous winter wonderlands:

© Yannis Larios

1. Zagori – Pure Mountain Magic

When it comes to Zagori, superlatives fail. Across 1000 sq km of densely forested, mountainous landscape punctuated by deep gorges, pristine rivers , waterfalls , caves and more, 46 stone-and-slate built villages (the  Zagorohoria ) complete what can only be called a mountain paradise.

Nature-loving hikers will struggle to choose from the hundreds of kilometers of well-marked trails that run over old stone bridges, past monasteries inhabited and not, through protected forests teeming with life and across ridges with views that are heartbreaking.

More experienced mountaineers can challenge themselves by tackling the alpine territory of the surrounding peaks, while a number of companies offer dozens of activities from backcountry skiing to whitewater rafting to organized hikes, making the natural wonders of the area accessible to all.

Each of the villages is prettier than the last – the legacy of master masons considered to be the greatest in the country – and the accommodation options are many and of exceptional quality. And when you feel you need to dip back into civilization, the cultured city of Ioannina is a short drive away and a destination in its own right.

Simply a must-visit.

Good For : Nature lovers, hikers, whitewater rafters, adventurers, anyone with a pulse.

Bad For : People who hate mountains, I guess.

Read more  about  Zagorohoria here .

Getting There:

500 km from Athens (a 6 hour drive). 300 km from Thessaloniki (3 hour drive). One can also fly to the airport of Ioannina – 1 hour’s drive from the first village. A car to get around is a must (equipped with snow chains in the winter).

© Perikles Merakos

2. Arachova – Skiing and Cocktails

The village of Arachova has long been dubbed the ‘ Mykonos of the Winter ‘, being the hotspot that attracts more visitors than probably any other single winter destination.

The nearest village to Greece’s biggest ski resort on Mount Parnassos , and a mere 3 hours from Athens, Arachova becomes a fully-fledged cosmopolitan hangout in the cold months, complete with high-end shops, ski rental outlets, luxury hotels and spas, gourmet and traditional restaurants and plenty of bars and nightlife.

In terms of the skiing , while no Greek resort comes close to the size of the major centers in the Alps and elsewhere, Parnassos does offer some great slopes of all difficulty levels, as well as access to back-country runs for the more adventurous. While on sunny weekends it can get very crowded, during the week the resort can offer some very satisfying skiing with zero lift lines.

Beyond the slopes, the mountain offers plenty more – most notably the archaeological site of Delphi , the onetime seat of the famed oracle, which is only a short drive from Arachova. There are plenty of satisfying hikes through the mountain’s forests as well, including one that takes you to the archaeological site, with breathtaking views over the valley deep below.

Good For : Skiers, snowboarders, nature-lovers, archaeology buffs, people who want to show off their expensive new snow boots.

Bad For : Agoraphobes.

Read more  about  Arachova here.

 A 2.5 – 3 hour drive from Athens . Alternatively you can also get there by KTEL intercity buses from Athens, or by privately run ski buses from Athens which will also take you to the ski resort.

See here for details.

3. Kalavryta – Peloponnesian Adventureland

If Arachova is the Mykonos of the winter, then one could say that Kalavryta is the season’s Naxos – offering perhaps even more variety than its more famous counterpart, but with a slightly less frenetic atmosphere.

Built on the slopes of Mount Helmos (meaning snowy mountain) in the Peloponnese , Kalavryta is a small town that is a perfect jumping off point for enjoying winter sports and activities in the area. Located only 2.5 – 3 hours from Athens, the mountain condenses a boggling diversity of landscapes in a relatively small area – from pine and fir forests and alpine lakes to extensive, visitable caves, to the fairytale plane tree forests in Planitero  below where you can enjoy fresh trout next to bubbling crystal springs.

But the area is probably best known for its ski resort which is a close rival to that of Parnassos, with ski runs for all abilities, although slightly less modern lifts. The town has well-developed tourism infrastructure with numerous hotels, spas and guesthouses. Many of the pretty, surrounding villages also offer great accommodation options.

Aside from nature-loving activities, the town and surrounding area also packs in plenty of culture and history, including a WWII museum , spectacular monasteries and a unique railway line that connects Kalavryta with the coastal village of Diakofto and is simply one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Good For : Skiers, snowboarders, nature-lovers, history buffs, families, train enthusiasts.

Bad For : Those who prefer the confines of a dull, gray, monotone world.

Read more  about   Kalavryta and Helmos here.

Getting there:

A 2.5 – 3hr drive from Athens , also accessible by intercity bus and from Diakofto via the rack railway line.

4. Meteora – Beyond Unique

A true bucket-list destination , the first sight of the monasteries perched improbably on top of pillars of rock in this UNESCO World Heritage site is a take-your-breath-away moment. While many visit in the summer, the baking heat and large crowds can detract from the experience. The fall and winter, however, lend themselves to taking in the true majesty of the place.

Of the total of 24 monasteries that once formed this 1000-year-old community, 6 are still in operation and open to the public. Visiting them is to step into a world unto itself with wondrous examples of religious art on display in the churches and museums.

One can drive to the monasteries or hike up to them along a beautiful trail that winds between the pillars of rock. But for a truly out-of-this-world experience you can opt for a tour from above via hot air balloon .

The unique geological formations have also rendered the area a popular rock-climbing destination , while mountain biking , trekking and other activities are also on offer, plunging you into the surrounding nature. The neighboring town of Kalabaka offers plenty of high quality accommodation options and tourism services.

Good For : History buffs, religious tourists, hikers, nature lovers, hot air balloon enthusiasts, aspiring hermits.

Bad For : Bond villains. (See: For Your Eyes Only )

Read more  about   Meteora here . See a gallery of images here.

350 km north of Athens . The journey takes around four hours by car. Alternatively, Kalabaka , the city closest to Meteora, can be reached by train from Athens Railway Station. A return ticket costs around €30. Tickets can be booked online via www.trainose.gr.

5. Tzoumerka – Walk on the Wild Side

Forming the lower part of the huge Pindos range in northwestern Greece, the Tzoumerka mountain chain is a series of peaks that effectively form a giant ridge running roughly north to south along the boundary between the regions of Ioannina and Arta .

Tzoumerka comes with all of the trappings of the best of mountainous Greece; crystal springs and waterfalls feeding wide rivers, canyons, dense forests and plenty of wildlife make up the heart of the National Park of Tzoumerka. 47 villages dot the wild landscape which is reminiscent of Zagori  (see above).

However unlike Zagori, the region is overall much less developed touristically making this a good place to experience the Greek countryside at its wildest, and to really get away from it all. If you want to jump off the tourist bandwagon, there are plenty of places to do so here.

The prettiest (and most visited) villages are Syrrako and Kalarrites on the northwestern side, while a mountain refuge in the village of Melissourgi offers a range of activities. Whitewater rafting can be done on the River Arachthos all year round, while a number of companies also arrange a slew of other activities from mountain biking to horseback riding. Be advised though that a car is essential and the roads are long and winding between villages.

Good For : Adventurers, nature lovers, people seeking refuge from the apocalypse.

Bad For : People who want to show off their expensive new snow boots. No one will care. 

Read more  about   Tzoumerka here.  

Getting There

From Athens you can drive to Pramanta (418kms) which is the central village of Tzoumerka in about 6 hours via the Athens – Patras road and the Rio bridge (for a small car petrol and tolls will cost about 65 euros).

Alternatively, you can take a one-hour flight from Athens to Ioannina. From Ioannina Pramanta it is about a 1.5 hour drive (62 kilometers).

© Julia Klimi

6. Metsovo – Culture in the Mountains

To take your hit of the natural beauty of Epirus cut with a dose of well-mannered culture, the small and tidy stone-built town of Metsovo near the Tzoumerka mountain range may be more your speed. An important military and trading post in centuries past, Metsovo flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, developing trade links to key cities throughout Europe.

Metsovo’s grandeur might have subsequently faded were it not for a foundation established in the 1940s by Evangelos Averoff, a government minister who hailed from the town. Among other work, the Averoff Foundation has, over the decades, supported local wine, and cheesemaking industries and helped promote tourism in the area, making Metsovo today a top mainland destination.

Today visitors can enjoy wine and gastronomic tourism at the Katogi Averoff Hotel and Winery among other quality hotels, together with all of the many outdoor activities the wider area has to offer – including skiing and snowboarding at not one but three nearby small resorts . For culture hounds the well-put-together folk museum and art gallery are must visits.

Good For : Nature Lovers, oenophiles, food lovers, classy folk.

Bad For : Uncouth philistines, urban layabouts.

Read more  about   Metsovo here .

Metsovo is approximately a 4½ drive from Athens . A road trip including and fuel and tolls is about 115 euros. From Thessaloniki it is only 2.5 hours along a newly constructed highway.

© Clairy Moustafellou

7. Loutraki Pella – Ease Your Aches at Pozar Spa

In the depths of winter is there anything better than easing into the hot waters of a natural thermal spring? No, no, there is not.

While thermal springs exist in many parts of the country, one of the best places to take to Greece’s healing waters is in the Pozar Spa in the region of Pella in Macedonia in the north of Greece, at the foot of Mount Voras (aka Kaimaktsalan).

Here the thermal 37 C Toplitsa river gushes out of springs and through a ravine where, surrounded by trees and waterfalls, a facility has being created fed by the river including 48 private baths, two indoor pools and two small hamam facilities, as well as a modern hydrotherapy center with eight 6-person pools. A 50m swimming pool is also located on a specially designed plateau, while visitors may also enjoy the small thermal waterfalls along the river.

Accommodation options abound in the nearby village of Loutraki and the ski resort of Kaimaktsalan is only an hour away to get into the white stuff.

Good for : Aches and pains, skiers, skiers with aches and pains, your general sense of wellbeing

Bad for : Seriously, who doesn’t like a hot bath?

Read more  about   Pozar and more hot springs here.

Loutraki of Pella is located 120 km north of Thessaloniki, a roughly 1.5 – 2 hour drive.

8. The Mountains of Corinth – Natural Beauty With Easy Access

Driving up the serpetine roads and passing through the many stone-built villages into the mountains of Corinth, you’ll feel as though you’ve travelled back in time. If it weren’t for the odd visible electricity line and the cars parked at the edges of the villages, you would believe it.

Traditional tavernas with amazing views of the valleys below are surrounded by a constant lingering smell of wood fires, smoked meats, and hearty stews. The fact that these rustic little settlings of houses in the middle of nature exist so close to Athens might seem surprising, but they survive on tourism from the capital, and maintaining their traditional character is in everyone’s interest.

Opportunities for mountain biking , hiking and more abound, and the higher up the mountain you go, the smaller the villages get. What most of them have in abundance is good tavernas, shops selling locally produced spoon sweets, liqueurs, exceptional locally grown beans , and very nice hotels.

If you need a break from eating and watching the view, go see the Virgin of the Rock chape l, or drive to the marvelous Lake Doxa and the Saint George monastery above it. The view from here will bring tears to your eyes.

Good for : Hungry humans, people seeking to relax, last-minute planners.

Bad for : People who prefer inconvenient locations.

Read more  about   the mountains of Corinth here.

 About 140 km from Athens (a 1.5 hour drive ).

9. Pilio – Mythical Landscapes

In Pilio (aka Pelion), nature offers a smorgasbord of atmospheric surroundings.

The peninsula is covered by densely wooded, almost jungle-like, mountain slopes. Driving through it, every now and again there’s a clearing where the sun breaks through, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by apple groves. Far below you the sea glistens, and all you hear is birdsong. If you stop to pick a juicy apple from a tree, you’ll likely get a flash of an image of a talking snake. Don’t let it stop you.

While the beaches below are also dramatically beautiful, the many mountain villages are what calls for a visit during winter.

The villages are rustic, yet picturesque and tourist friendly, with cobblestoned streets and large paved central squares . Gigantic, age old plane trees creates a natural fairytale like roofs over your head. Shops sell homemade jams and spoon sweets, and the tavernas serve surprisingly contemporary versions of traditional Greek food .

Good for : Explorers, nature lovers, families, foodies.

Bad for : Loathers of the color green.

Read more about Pilio here .

460 km from Athens (a 4.5 hour drive ). You can also travel to Volos by train, bus or plane, but you will need to rent a car there to really explore Pilio.

10. The Mountains of Arcadia – A Real Utopia

Even in a land with as much natural beauty as Greece, the region of Arcadia has stood out since antiquity, with its name becoming a poet’s byword for paradise. It is little surprise. Today, while, this region in the central Peloponnese continues to be under the radar of many international travelers, Greek tourists have long been visiting the villages around the gorgeous and naturally rich mountain of Mainalos , and for good reason.

The most famous of the villages is the grand dame of Dimitsana : attractive, stone-built, with great food views and cafes at every turn. It is just one of a host of attractive mountain villages in an area packed with impressive historical sites to visit, both ancient and modern.

The nearby mountain of Mainalos is a protected natural park, through which the Lousios river runs through the gorge of the same name, forming rapids and waterfalls in places. Whitewater rafting trips are on offer throughout the colder months as are mountain biking trips, organized hikes and much more.

Fantastic local products to take home, incredible monasteries and more complete the almost utopian scene. And all of this just a 2.5 – 3 hour drive from Athens making it a perfect destination for a quick and easy getaway into the mountains.

Good for : Nature lovers, history buffs, weekenders, hikers, whitewater rafters, mountain bikers, fauns, satyrs and forest nymphs.

Bad For : Those who believe Arcadia isn’t a real place you can go to.

Read more about Arcadia here.

Getting There 

Dimitsana, located 203 kilometers from Athens , is roughly a 2½ hour drive from the city. The return trip costs roughly €60 for fuel and road tolls.

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Where To Go In Greece During Christmas

For a vast amount of people around the world, Christmas means lots of things. Indeed… Where to go in Greece during these heartwarming days of Christmas?

Christmas can mean kindness, love, compassion, giving, and receiving. It can also mean a new beginning according to many philosophical systems. Many things happen in space these days. No matter what or where someone chooses to believe, these days are charged with emotions.

Greece is another terrific place to be around Christmas, especially if you can spend a sufficient number of days to experience the different customs, tastes, and spirituality all over the country.

Here are some ideas and places to enjoy yourself with your family, your friends or even solo.

Table of Contents

Kaimaktsalan and Pozar Thermal Springs

This is a terrific combination. You may also want to read this article here too . One one day you can go skiing at the mountain of Voras ( Kaimaktsalan ). You can stay in the village of Old Agios Athanasios.

On the other (or same) day, you can visit the Thermal Springs of Pozar.

Plus, you can even go hiking (at Pozar) along the river. Greece has lots of Thermal Spas .

The ski center at Kaimaktsalan is enormous, well organized, and fun for the whole family. You may also want to rent a snow bike and ride covered with snow, and ice church stands at the top. This church was constructed by soldiers, entirely built from war material, even bombshells and barbwire.

Are you feeling a bit sore? At around 1 hour (could be 1.5 due to fog), you can soak your body into the hot healing waters of Pozar (with temperatures nearing zero degrees). Are you feeling a bit risky? Try the hot/cold combination. Next to the thermal pool, a frozen waterfall pours its waters. The brave ones (among them, us too) do the “switch” thing. The benefits for the body are allegedly superb. I didn’t feel any difference, to tell you the truth, except some boosting for my ego for being able to -still- do this.

The waterfalls of Edessa

As you leave from Kaimaktsalan, or on your way there (depends if you start from Athens or Thessaloniki), do not forget to pass through the city of Edessa.

The most favorite thing there are… the waterfalls of Edessa. These are located inside the city and are a magnificent spectacle. There is a narrow path to even go behind the waterfalls and take some great photos. Try to walk the way to the waterfall base (there are stone-carved steps). Then look up at the waterfall.

Find a Greek house to host you and feed you these days!

You may have read our Greek foods article here , but that was the Summer version. Every single area in Greece has its particular Christmas “yummy” sweets and roasts.

Greek Christmas foods include:

• Melomakarona
• Kourampiedes
• Orange Cake
• Koulourakia

Not to forget, lots of wine, tsipouro, raki!

Go to the islands

While all over the world, people tend to decorate the well-known Christmas tree (and in Greece too), the Greek original decoration “thing” was something else.

So, welcome the Greek Christmas Boat!

Greece is a country strongly related to the Navy and sailors. You can see many Christmas boats, mostly in islands or/and in some cases, both the Christmas tree and Christmas boat co-exist! Decorating the boat is associated with the coming back of sailors, who used to be absent from their homes for years—families were also filling these boats with specially made Christmas bread, sweets, and more.

The Dream City at Drama

This city inside a city is a dream place for all adults and young ones. Tenths of activities occur during the festive season of Christmas (3rd of December – 7th of January) in this special place.

The whole city of Drama is decorated during holidays to put a smile on the face of its visitors. This place is to spend not hours, but days.

Have a look, and feel free to dive into their website (Greek only, but you will figure it out with Google translate).

The program includes music events, workshops for face painting and chocolate making, pottery, and fairy tale-telling from amazing storytellers.

Drama is close to many other Greek cities, so that you can combine it with a ton more winter activities.

The Chocolate Factory of Athens

We don’t know if Johnny Depp (Charlie) will be there… Probably not, but you never know. Here is a small taste through photos (courtesy of Chocofactory Helexpo).

• Learn about the exotic cocoa tree and cocoa beans
• Find out what Aztec’s had to do with cocoa and chocolate
• Walk through an indoors jungle
• See the process of cocoa beans into chocolate
• Can participate in the chocolate production with other children
• Learn how to make chocolate biscuits
• Have the opportunity to play and experiment in the Factory’s chemistry lab
• Use the time machine to travel in different places and times.
• Be amazed by seeing the largest chocolate waterfall in Europe
• See how caramel is produced, and “have” to taste it
• Leave with lots of small gifts

And that’s just a part of the things you will experience. If chocolate is your “thing” or of your children, you have to “try” it.

The Μill of Elves

Sounds thrilling. This Christmas theme part is mentioned as one of the biggest ones in Greece. You can visit it from the 27th of November up until the 3rd of January! Too bad their website is in Greek only, but it is desirable. Just use Google translate and send them an email. They will help! Check these snapshots, courtesy of Mill of Elves.

Kids and those who feel like kids in their hearts will not get bored at all! Lots of events and activities to spend the whole day!

Starcity of Ioannina

Another Christmas theme park with tens of occasions every day, from 27th of November to 3rd of January 2016. I mean, check their actions here. Music festivals, Santa Clauss, themed events, great food, and more. We pasted here a few from their photos to take the first taste.

Well… how many things to do, right? Your kids will love this.

(Many thanks to our friend Iris Kouveli for “The Mill of Elves” and the “Starcity of Ioannina” hot tips).

If you snoop around our blog here, you will find tons of things to do in Greece . If you like something more specific, don’t be afraid to contact us . We help everybody!

Feel free to send us your ideas on where To Go In Greece during the Christmas season!

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Spend Christmas in Athens 2023 | Christmas Carnivals, Light Displays, Winter Wonderlands, and More!

Athens is the place to be at if you wish to celebrate a traditional White Christmas. With snowfall, brightly decorated streets, festive delicacies, and the sound of carols in the air – it paints the perfect picture of Christmas right out of a fairytale. Here are 12 festive things to do in Athens this Christmas season.

Why spend Christmas in Athens?

• Christmas celebrations in Athens begin with Saint Nicholas Day on the 6th of December and go on up to Epiphany on the 6th of January.
• A Greek Christmas is very traditional with festive lights decorating the streets, little stalls and cafes serving holiday delicacies, and children singing Christmas carols.
• The holiday season in Athens is spent pursuing winter activities such as snow sliding, ice skating, and skiing.
• Most public squares, halls, and parks in Athens turn into winter wonderlands with Christmas markets, carnivals, ice rinks, and more.
• December is off-peak tourist season in Athens, which lets you get great discounts on airfare, accommodation, and even entry tickets to certain landmarks.

Top experiences in Athens during Christmas

Top 12 things to do during christmas in athens.

1. Check out the festive light displays

Christmas in Athens is marked by brilliantly lit-up squares, streets, and cafes, with the sound of traditional carols wafting in the air. More than Christmas trees, you will find decorated boat-shaped light displays called Karavaki adorning these streets.

The best Christmas lights in Athens are seen at:

• The neighborhood of Psyrri | Find on map
• Little Kook | Find on map
• Korai Square | Find on map
• Monastiraki Square | Find on map

2. Visit the Winter Wonderland at Syntagma Square

Join the Christmas festivities at Syntagma Square where a winter wonderland awaits you. The city’s central square and the streets leading to it are decorated and set to welcome the holiday season with a variety of displays and activities.

Christmas festivities at Syntagma Square include:

• The lighting of a 19-meter high, heavily ornamented fir tree to welcome the festive season.
• Massive and marvelous light displays including a giant teddy bear, a Christmas train, and hot air balloons.
• Choreographed music and light show
• An ice skating rink

3. Try Skating on Ice

Athens is home to plenty of indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks, most of which stay decorated and host special events throughout the holidays. Visitors are sure to have fun at these rinks irrespective of their ages and experience levels.

Find the best ice skating rinks in Athens at:

• Village Shopping & More | Find on map
• Athens Heart Mall | Find on map
• Megaron Athens International Conference Centre and Music Hall | Find on map
• Kotzia Square | Find on map

4. Tour the Christmas Factory

The Christmas Factory at the Technopolis City of Athens is where all the festive magic is made! With a range of festivities for people of all ages, this is surely the most popular family holiday destination in Athens.

Here is what awaits you at the Christmas Factory:

• 8 different festive workshops with Santa and his elves.
• A theatrical performance of Elafontaine, Aesop in Another Way.
• A Christmas market for festive ornaments, gifts, holiday delicacies, and drinks.
• An ice rink, a dance floor, the elf band, and more!

5. Celebrate Christmas at Santa Claus Kingdom

Where better to celebrate Christmas in Athens than at the Santa Claus Kingdom? A festive special amusement and theme park, open only during the holidays to give you and your kids, a memorable and magical Christmas.

The Santa Claus Kingdom features:

• A dream of a carnival complete with a roller coaster and a Christmas train.
• Life-size figures of festive movie and fairy tale characters.
• Children’s Christmas plays.
• Largest indoor ice rink in Athens along with snow slides.

6. Experience SNFCC’s Christmas World

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) sets up a Christmas World every year where the holiday season is celebrated with decorated fir trees, dancing fountains, cultural shows, and a variety of festive activities.

Here’s what’s lined up for you at SNFCC’s Christmas World:

• Light Installations at the Stavros Niarchos Park.
• Music concerts every Sunday until Christmas at the Lighthouse.
• Enactment of the play The Suitcase of Ourania Celeste.
• A revamped ice skating rink.

7. Attend a show at the Christmas t heatre

Many Christmas special shows including plays, concerts, ballet performances, etc. take place at various indoor and outdoor venues across Athens. While some of these events may be free, others require you to buy your ticket before seats run out.

Some of the most popular Christmas shows in Athens are:

• Swinging Christmas With Ella And Frank! Featuring Steve Romanos & Jenny Kapadai , Olympia Munipicial Music Theatre “Maria Callas” | Find on map
• Kritikopoula - the swan song of Spyros Samaras Opera , Olympia Munipicial Music Theatre “Maria Callas” | Find on map
• Once Upon A Time Concert - a tribute to the ‘Archangel of Crete’ by Stavros Xarchakos , Christmas Theatre at Galatsi Olympic Hall | Find on map
• The Twelve Days of Christmas Choir , Olympia Munipicial Music Theatre “Maria Callas” | Find on map

8. Indulge in Greek festive food

Streets in Athens are fragrant around the festive season with the mouth-watering scents of Greek festive food, consisting of different kinds of bread, biscuits, and sweets. The distinct taste of each of these delicacies would surely make you want to try them all.

Some of the must-try Greek festive food are:

• Melomakarona – soft cookies dipped in honey syrup and covered with chopped walnuts
• Kourabiedes – vanilla almond cookies covered in powdered sugar
• Diples – a fried snack made from folded dough, drizzled with honey syrup, cinnamon, and chopped nuts
• Christopsomo (Bread of the Christ) – a special bread decorated with a cross on top, made on Christmas Day

9. Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day

Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on the 6th of December every year, marking the beginning of the holiday season in Greece. All major Christmas festivities start on this day and go on till the Day of Epiphany, observed on the 6th of January.

Here’s how Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated in Athens:

• Decorated boats (Karavaki) are kept on display at all main squares.
• Special ceremonies and prayers are held in churches.
• Children go around the neighborhood singing Christmas carols in exchange for treats.
• People eat a traditional dish of fried cod with garlic sauce.

10. Go skiing on the mountains

Skiing is one of the best things to do during a snowy Christmas season in Athens. Head to the ski resorts to have a memorable holiday experience as the mountains get covered in sheets of white.

Book your slot for skiing at these popular centers:

• Parnassos Ski Resort | Find on map
• Kalavrita Ski Center | Find on map
• Velouchi Ski Centre | Find on map
• Ziria Athletic Ski Resort | Find on map

11. Visit archaeological sites

The holiday season is the best time to visit historic monuments and archaeological sites in Athens owing to the fewer crowds. Moreover, the entry tickets to these tourist attractions are reduced to half during this time of the year.

The must-visit archaeological sites in Athens are:

• Acropolis and Parthenon
• Hadrian’s Library

12. Explore the museums in Athens

This festive season, visit any of the museums in Athens amidst half the usual crowds, at half the usual ticket price! Take your own time exploring the various exhibits and artifacts with a free downloadable audioguide.

Here are some of the important museums to visit in Athens:

• National Archaeological Museum
• Acropolis Museum
• National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens | Find on map
• Goulandris Museum | Find on map

Frequently asked questions about celebrating Christmas in Athens

Christmas is a great time to visit Athens since festive celebrations here go on for a month from Saint Nicholas Day on the 6th of December to Epiphany on the 6th of January. Moreover, December is off-peak tourist season in Athens, which lets you get great discounts on airfare, accommodation, and even entry tickets to certain landmarks.

Christmas in Athens is a traditional affair. People decorate Christmas trees, light up boat-shaped displays called Karavaki, go ice skating or skiing, enjoy Greek festive food, and share a hearty dinner with their families. On Christmas Eve, kids go door to door singing Christmas carols in exchange for candy and treats.

You can spend Christmas in Athens admiring the many light displays and decorated Karavaki, enjoying a day out at any of the winter wonderlands, ice skating, skiing, tasting Greek festive food, or attending a Christmas-themed play, concert, or other performance.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Athens at during Christmas are Athens Grand Suite , Hotel Grande Bretagne , Athens Ikon ,  Ava Hotel & Suites , Electra Metropolis Hotel , NJV Athens Plaza Hotel , Polis Grand Hotel , and A77 Suites by Andronis .

It is the winter season in Athens during Christmas. The average temperature in the city ranges from 6°C to 16°C in December with expected winds, rainfall, and snow.

Athens is comparatively less crowded around Christmas time as December is part of the low tourist season in Greece.

Although most tourist attractions such as historic monuments and museums remain closed on the 25th and 26th of December, most cafes, restaurants, and pubs remain open, especially in the city center.

Most restaurants, cafes, and pubs remain open on Christmas Day in Athens. They serve festive delicacies, have Christmas special menus, and host traditional Christmas dinners around the festival time.

Varsos Pasteries , Cycladic Cafe , Winter Garde City Lounge , The Brunch Factory , ERGON House , Hard Rock Cafe , and Noel are some of the popular restaurants that serve festive breakfasts and brunches on Christmas.

Little Kook , Petite Fleur , Little Tree Books & Coffee , and Fairytale are some of the popular and best-decorated cafes open on Christmas in Athens.

Popular bars and pubs open on Christmas in Athens include Bar 56 , Alexander’s Bar , GB Roof Bar , Half Note Jazz Club , Passepartout , The Clumsies , CV Distiller , and Barreldier .

Athens Grand Suite , Hotel Grande Bretagne , Athens Ikon ,  Ava Hotel & Suites , Electra Metropolis Hotel , NJV Athens Plaza Hotel , Polis Grand Hotel , and A77 Suites by Andronis are some of the best places to stay in Athens on Christmas.

A must-try is Christopsomo (Bread of the Christ), which is a  special type of fluffy bread decorated with a cross on top, made typically on Christmas Day in Athens. Melomakarona, Kourabiedes, Diples, and Tsoureki are some other festive delicacies you must try while in Athens during the holiday season. If you fancy a drink, do try out the whiskeys, beers, and wines at Athenian bars.

Varoulko Seaside Restaurant , Orizontes Lycabettus , Dionysos Zonars , Lycabettus Hill Restaurant , Tudor Hall Restaurant , Mayor , Electra Roof Garden , Hytra , TGI Fridays , Kuzina Greekooking , and nice n easy are some of the best restaurants in Athens that are open for Christmas, serving holiday special lunches, dinners, and buffets.

The best Christmas lighting displays in Athens can be seen around theneighborhood of Psyrri, Little Kook in Karaiskaki, Korai Square in Piraeus, and Monastiraki Square in Apollonos.

The oldest and most popular Christmas tradition in Athens is decorating boats and boat-shaped displays called Karavaki. Another tradition is for children to go door to door in their neighborhoods, singing carols in exchange for candy, on Christmas Eve.

The Christmas Factory, Syntagma Square, Santa Clause Kingdom, and Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)’s Christmas World are some of the most popular winter wonderlands in Athens this year.

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The 20 best places to go for Christmas

From classic festive getaways to Scrooge-friendly destinations to escape, these are the world’s greatest places to spend Christmas

The most magical time of the year has a habit of transforming destinations around the world: cities get decked out in dazzling decorations, streets teem with local traditions and squares are taken over by pop-up festive markets.

That said, some destinations are great to visit at Christmas for precisely the opposite reason: because you might not even realise it’s Christmas at all. Who hasn’t sometimes wanted to hibernate in the sun until the madness is over? 

And so, when considering the best destinations to visit at Christmas, we haven’t just included places with quirky traditions or an unmissable festive atmosphere - there's plenty of Scrooge-appropriate destinations on here too. Dive into our festive travel list below and you’re guaranteed to find somewhere great to spend the season. 

RECOMMENDED: 💝The best Christmas markets to visit in Europe and worldwide ❄️ The best places to travel in December 🎄The 50 best Christmas movies of all time 🎊The 65 best Christmas songs of all time

At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The best places to go for Christmas

1.  new york city, usa.

Best for:  shopaholics 

From the dreamy romance of ice skating at the Rockefeller to Broadway’s dazzling festive shows, there are plenty of reasons why the Big Apple has such a rep at Christmastime. NYC is a classic festive choice and, with its selection of department stores, markets and bazaars, there remains nowhere quite like it when it comes to shopping, either.

Read more: The best Christmas things to do in NYC

2.  Lapland, Finland

Best for: wannabe Santa elves 

There are few destinations as legendarily Christmassy as Rovaniemi, which, as the capital of Lapland, is also the official hometown of Santa Claus. But Rovaniemi isn’t all about Santa. Once you’re done exploring Santa Claus Village and getting reindeer rides about town, be sure to sweat out your worries with a festive sauna – a Finnish Christmas tradition.

3.  Edinburgh, Scotland

Best for: Christmas markets

Sure, each city centre twinkles with lights and exudes wafts of mulled wine throughout December, but few do it as well as Edinburgh. East Princes Street Gardens dazzles every year with a whole host of market stalls, festive food and fairground rides, plus plenty of whisky stands for a warming Christmassy bev. Sticking around for New Year's? The city's Hogmanay celebrations are a world-renowned way to launch 2024. 

4.  New Orleans, USA

Best for: an unconventional Christmas

New Orleans is packed full of alternative Christmas traditions, from its bonfires on the banks of the Mississippi and charmingly redecorated streetcars to its lively carol concerts and glam AF hotel lobby decorations. With daytime temperatures hitting about 17C, it’s also that bit warmer than much of the rest of the continental US at this time of year.

5.  Reykjavik, Iceland

Best for: the lads!

No, not those kinds of lads. We’re talking about the ‘Yule Lads’, 13 folkloric dudes who traditionally leave gifts in boots for Iceland ’s well-behaved kids. Christmastime is also just a rather lovely time to visit Reykjavik, with the city boasting markets and ice-skating – as well as, thanks to its extra-long nights, great opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights .

6.  London, UK

Best for: traditional romantics 

Festive cheer sweeps through London sometime in early November and doesn’t let up. By the time the end of December comes around, Christmas vibes hit a fever pitch: the already-very-romantic UK capital finds itself lined by fir trees, twinkling with Christmas lights and sound-tracked by jangly festive tunes. Aye, it’s exactly as magical as it sounds.

Read more: The best Christmas lights in London

7.  Nuremburg, Germany

Best for:  Weihnachtsmarkt fanatics

Germany ’s Weihnachtsmarkts (traditional Christmas markets) are famous the world over – and Nuremburg’s is one of the country’s oldest, biggest and best. Notes of gingerbread and mulled wine waft through a mini city of wooden stalls teeming with candy canes, scrummy lebkuchen and handmade decorations.

8.  Sydney, Australia

Best for: Christmas dinner on the barbie

Looking for somewhere that goes full-throttle for Chrimbo but isn’t so, erm, wintry ? Australia ’s likely your best bet. Sydney has all the festive lights, trees and even ice skating of a typical Christmas-celebrating city, but with toasty average temperature highs of 25C. Don’t knock an Xmas dinner cooked on a beachside barbeque until you’ve tried it.

9.  Bruges, Belgium

Best for: chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate

Turkey, mince pies, and pannetone are all the festive foods that might spring to mind at first, but it wouldn't be Christmas without chocolate. And where's the best place to go for that? Well, it has to be Bruges - from the divinely rich hot chocolates on offer at the market to the traditional Yule log, this little city has bags of Christmassy confection to fill those stockings, or to gorg on under the twinkly lights. 

10.  Tokyo, Japan

Best for: the culturally disconnected 

With no public holiday and everything open as usual, Japan doesn’t really celebrate Christmas – but that’s also its charm. The country is nicely disconnected from the rest of the world’s Xmas mania but still has tonnes of festive stuff to see and do, from Tokyo’s gorgeous winter illuminations to the annual Japanese tradition of getting KFC on Christmas day.

11.  Caracas, Venezuela

Best for: religious roller-skaters

Think you’ve got a neat ride when it comes to heading down to church (if that’s your jam, anyway) during the Christmas period? Check out the locals in Caracas. From December 16-24 before 8am, roads are closed in the Venezuelan capital so that churchgoers can roller-skate to mass. It’s also common for rollerbladers to dress up in Santa gear... does it get much cooler than that?

12.  Marrakech, Morocco

Best for: festive escapees 

Christmas isn’t celebrated by the vast majority of people in Marrakech, making it perfect for escaping conventional festive vibes. The Moroccan city also isn’t anywhere near as hot in December as it is in the summertime (hitting highs of 20C without dipping too low at night), so exploring its medina, souks, mosques and riads is even more pleasant.

13.  Greenland

Best for: adventurous eaters

The festive period in Greenland is best known for its food: specifically mattak (essentially a strip of whale skin) and kiviak (a kind of fermented seabird). Both are a delicacy to natives, but they’re likely a bit more, er, stomach-testing to the rest of us.

14.  Phuket, Thailand

Best for: clubbers and beachside chillers

Sure, if you really want to, you can have a perfectly Christmassy time in Phuket. The island has plenty of carol concerts and festive dinners if you so want them. However, it’s an ideal place to get away from all the usual festivities, too. As a largely Buddhist country, Thailand doesn’t really celebrate Christmas – leaving you free to chill out at a beachside bar or go clubbing as if it’s any normal day of the year.

15.  Prague, Czech Republic

Best for: aesthetes

With its awesome gothic churches and winding baroque streets, Prague is one of Europe’s most dazzlingly pretty cities at any time of the year. But at Christmastime? Well, the Czech capital somehow gets even prettier. The key attractions here are the markets, which take over the likes of Prague Castle and Wenceslas Square with local specialities such as medovina (honey wine), rybí polévka (traditional fish soup) and perníčky (spicy gingerbread).

16.  Vienna, Austria

Best for: total festive immersion

Whether you’re watching Krampuses (a sort of nightmarish Austrian anti-Santa) roam the streets, munching on toffee apples at one of the city’s many Christmas markets or simply soaking in the very, very pretty street decorations, we challenge you not to get totally swept up in Vienna’s all-encompassing Chrimbo vibes.

17.  Cape Town, South Africa

Best for: sun bunnies

The beauty of the southern hemisphere in December is that the climate is precisely the opposite of the chilly north. With its long days of uninterrupted sunshine and temperatures in the high 30Cs, Cape Town offers a totally different Chrimbo vibe. Festive picnic atop Table Mountain or in the lush Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, anyone?

18.  Singapore

Best for: light display fanatics

With main thoroughfare Orchard Road hosting a celebration on Xmas Eve complete with countdown and fireworks, Christmas in Singapore has a unique New Year’s Eve feel about it. Most legendary, however, are the city’s light displays. From the Christmas Wonderland in the Gardens by the Bay to the light shows at Vivocity, Singapore sure knows how to put on a mesmerising electrical show.  

19.  Guatemala City, Guatemala

Best for: demon banishers

There’s something very purifying about burning stuff – and Guatemalans know that so well that they’ve made a tradition out of it. Every year on December 7, Guatemala celebrates the ‘Día del Diablo’ (or ‘Day of the Devil’), kicking off the Christmas period by burning an effigy of the devil. The act is intended to symbolise the cleansing of bad spirits.

20.  Colmar, France

Best for: Christmas dreamers

Even in the height of summer, Colmar, a thirteenth-century town in the eastern French region of Alsace, looks rather a lot like it’s made out of gingerbread. Add a dusting of snow, some tasteful Christmas lights and a characterful festive market? You’ve got one of the world’s most picture-perfect Xmas destinations.

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