Greece is a summer paradise for tourists from around the world. 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 about 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
Traditions and customs are crucial to Greeks’ everyday lives. 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 days of Christmas.
On the Epiphany, the local priest sprinkles the blessed waters and closes the doors for the visit of the kallikantzaroi until next year. Epiphany is celebrated with equal warmth as Christmas when young men swim through the cold waters of Greece to retrieve the cross that the priest had thrown 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; thus, not much of the Western decorations style can be seen around 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 family member sprinkles water from that bowl all around the house once a day to drive away evil spirits.
Apart from this, Greeks hung pomegranates and trimmed them over the front doors of their homes. The dried fruit was then thrown on the ground, and they stomped their foot on it until it broke the house, which signified prosperity and good luck.
Christmas In Athens: A Western Influence
The Syntagma Square in Athens and the Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki host huge Christmas trees and displays like karakia 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. Young children often sing kalanda or Christmas carols along the streets while playing the drums and triangle and carrying boats decorated with nuts as part of their Greek tradition. A fireworks display can be observed during New Year’s.
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Christmas Delicacies: Savour The Delicious Treats
Christmas holidays in Greece, like any other country, are all about feasting with 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 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 are eaten on Christmas Day. Vasilopita, or St. Basil’s pie, is eaten on New Year’s Day and is baked with a coin inside, and whoever finds it first is believed to have good luck 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 a 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 you can travel to Crete. The weather here is about 15-17oC, and the people of Crete have their own Christmas tradition. The Cretans participate in the Santa Run, where people dress up like Santa Claus and run for charity.
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Things To Do For Christmas In Greece
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!
1. Skiing
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When considering vacationing in Greece, one usually envisions sun-kissed beaches and historic sites. Skiing in Greece is an exciting experience because of the country’s fantastic ski resorts.
Greece has many ski resorts, making it an excellent place for winter activities. It’s not just islands and beaches. From December to March, skiers can discover different slopes and have a distinctive skiing experience in a nation renowned for its rich cultural heritage.
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Price: INR 3500 onwards
Best Ski Resorts: Parnassos Ski Resort, Karpenisi Ski Resort, Vasilitsa Ski Resort
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2. Evzones Show
The Greek Presidential guard is known as the Evzones, and the changing-of-guard ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a must-see. The guards change every hour in front of the parliament building in Syntagma Square. Every Sunday, the tomb hosts a changing-of-guard ceremony, which has become essential to Athens’ customs.
Visitors can observe the accuracy of the guard-changing ceremony every hour. The elite ceremonial guards, the Evzones, lead the carefully planned performance, which is renowned for its accuracy and traditional aspects. The grave is marked with several inscriptions, one dedicated “to the Unknown Soldier.” It combines Art Deco modernism with traditional French urban architecture.
Best Time To Visit: All year round
Price: INR 3000 onwards
Timings: Open 24 hours
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3. Ancient Ruins Of Greece
With fewer tourists blocking the view of the ancient structures, Christmas vacations in Greece are the best time to enjoy the undisturbed air around the ruins. Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, is known for its historical significance and is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The glorious past can be seen in the ruins of historical masterpieces like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis in Athens. The nation is home to several ancient sites that tell stories of heroic heroes, philosophers, and gods.
Best Time To Visit: All year round
Entry Fee: INR 2000 onwards
Best Places To Visit: Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Olympia, Ancient Mycenae
4. Shopping
Shopping in Greece is a must-do for any traveller since it offers a beautiful fusion of heritage and contemporary. Greece is a veritable gold mine of unusual finds and premium goods, from the vibrant markets of Athens to the little shops on the islands. Shopping in Greece is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, whether looking for luxury apparel or genuine Greek souvenirs.
With delicious food carts to binge on, these Christmas markets offer ample shopping choices. Many local artisans gather during Christmas to display their articles, such as handmade soaps, jewellery, and more. These markets are the perfect place to spend money on gifts for the near and dear ones.
Best Time To Visit: September to December
Price: INR 1500 onwards
Best Places To Shop: Kolonaki, Laiki Agora, Rhodes Old Town
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5. Nightlife In Greece
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for DepositPhotos
Christmas in cities is a bit different from the traditional Christmas in Greece. The streets offer carousels, music, and theatre performances. The bars and taverns are open until late at night and present laika (traditional Greek music) or bouzouki live music. Enjoy a glass of Greek wine while grooving to the music.
During busy times, Athens, the Greek capital, and several Greek islands come alive with various dance and music performances. Several beach clubs hold both beach parties and pool parties. These are a few well-known locations and the areas around them; you should experience Greece nightlife.
Best Time To Visit: All year round
Price: INR 4000 onwards
Best Places To Party: Athens, Mykonos, Thessaloniki
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Greece offers a unique experience during the winter days. Be it food, customs, traditions, or a relaxing environment, if you are looking for a unique way of spending the Christmas holidays, book a trip to Greece. Whether you are travelling with your friends or your family, a Christmas celebration in Greece is the ultimate year-ending vacation that can rejuvenate your soul!
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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.
How is Christmas celebrated in Greece?
In Greece, families and friends get together on Christmas Eve to eat classic Greek fare like roasted pork or stuffed turkey, potatoes, and other side dishes. The Greeks' favourite beverage, wine, is a must-have for each Christmas feast!
Do Greeks celebrate Christmas on the 24th?
Does it snow in Greece?
Between November and April, snowfall is possible, with the Northern areas getting the majority of it.
How cold is Greece in December?
Greece's average daily temperature in December is about 12°C (54°F). Nonetheless, daytime highs of 8°C (46°F) and nighttime lows of 4°C (39°F) are possible. Temperatures in northern and mountainous regions may be lower, frequently falling below freezing.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
