Each country worldwide has its own ways of welcoming the fresh year and celebrating these moments. Likewise, New Year in Greece is celebrated as a grand festival with family gatherings, fireworks, and parties in every corner. So, if you are planning on enjoying this New Year, you will be captivated by the glamour, loveliness, and beauty of the revealing new year. No matter the person you are, there is something for every type of traveller in you.
8 Things To Do During New Year In Greece
Locals perform many unique and interesting cultures during Greek New Year and New Year’s Eve. Some of them are noted below so that you can familiarize yourself with the culture there.
- Vasilopita – Greek New Year Cake
- Kali Hera – Exchanging gifts and singing carols
- Hanging pomergranate
- Hanging onions
- Playing cards
- Camping in Mani
- Fireworks display
- New Year Countdown
1. Vasilopita – the cutting of new year cake
The first day of January is for New Year celebration and Saint Basil’s Day. These are the very few primordial practices in Greece that are still continuing. The cake is first baked for the ceremonies with a coin hidden inside. Later, the first slice is served to Jesus, the second to the home and the rest to the family. The person who gets the slice with a coin is said to be the lucky one of the year. It is believed to bless your house for a year and is a sign of good omen. Sounds exciting. It is an essential part of Greek New Year traditions. The restaurants in Greece also serve special Greek New Year meals if you are up for it.
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2. Kali Hera – Gifts giving and Singing carols
There are plenty of ways in which the Greek New Year celebration takes place, but this one’ is special and very widespread among children. The children of close family members are given some money as a gift. However, nowadays, some prefer to give toys and other suitable stuff as toy shops can be easily found across Greece. This custom also allows families to exchange their gifts. Also, It is a popular Greek tradition to sing carols. Children visit neighbour’s homes, play triangles and Sing “New Year’s Kalanda”. The neighbours give money to the children as a gift.
3. Hanging Pomegranate
It is a Greek ritual to hang a pomegranate on the house’s front door at night on New Year’s Eve in Greece. At midnight, the family moves away from the house, and after midnight, one lucky member (mostly a child) re-enters the house, stepping on the right foot. It is believed that the first person to step inside the house will bring good luck to everyone there. During the first person entry after midnight, another member smashes the pomegranate. Tradition says that the more the seeds fall on the ground, the more fortune and luck will enter the house.
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4. Hanging Onions
People in Greece engage in many rituals that are thought to bring luck and prosperity throughout the year. Hanging onions on the door in every family is among them. After the family attends the day church service on New Year’s Eve in Greece, they bring an onion home and hang it at the house door. The onion, as per Greek mythology, represents growth and rebirth as it is highly fertile and productive. This feeling of kindness and generosity is said to endorse success, prosperity, and luck.
5. Playing Cards
Greek people believe the New Year brings luck and fortune. Many people play cards and enjoy their time with family and friends during the Greek New Year. The tradition of playing cards lasts until the early morning hours. Board games, dice, and the State lottery are also played as a symbol of luck. If the cultures there make you want to pack up your stuff and fly to be a part of Athens, Greece, New Year’s Eve 2024 or any other part of the country.
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6. Camping In Mani
If you are not a party person, you could go camping in Greece on New Year. The beach in Mani calls out all the hipsters and camping lovers to spend the last night of the year by lighting a bonfire and singing with close friends and new Greek friends. It is one of the most unique ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Greece. Winters are mild in Greece. So you don’t have to worry about freezing to death at night. Mani Beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
Location: Mani, Greece
7. Firework Demonstrations
Once midnight approaches, the most awaited moment for many children and adults approaches, thousands of fireworks light up the entire sky of Greece to bring a beautiful view and bright lights all over. This will bring you awe; the shows are all different from city to city and glorious to watch. If you are in Athens, New Year’s Eve is just as happening. However, If you are looking for something entertaining and lively for the entire family, this would be what you are looking for.
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8. New Year Countdown
The official countdown of Athens New Year’s Eve, organized by the Municipality of Athens, with the support of Athens Culture Net and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, takes place in Thiseio. The programme will be hosted by some of Greece’s most renowned and notable singers, actors, TV personalities and celebrities. Multiple musical/orchestra bands, including the Circus School of Athens and the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra, will perform that day.
4 Places To Visit In Greece During New Year
Here are some of the options to consider for this year’s new year in Greece 2023 for moments filled with utmost joy and excitement which can be treasured forever:
- Parnassos Ski Resort
- Athens
- Syntagma Square
- Thessaloniki
1. Parnassos Ski Resort
Among hundreds of ways to celebrate the day, the most unusual but exciting one is skiing at the Parnassos Ski Resort. The resort is about two hours away from the capital, Athens, and opens at night on the 31st. They host free activities, including a mini carousel, games, a play park, and a theatre. It is perfect for couples to step aside from the crowd and enjoy peaceful nature on New Year.
How to reach: Book a taxi from Athens to Mount Parnassos. The nearest train station is Amfiklia.
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2. Athens
The capital is said to be Europe’s most ancient and romantic city. It’s the largest city in Greece and dominates the Attica region with a recorded history of around 3400 years. Athens New Year’s Eve is fascinating in many ways as it is grand and has a variety of celebrations all around the city. For those who wish to celebrate Athens New Year’s Eve 2024 by avoiding crowds and traffic jams, try the local food taste, Mezedopoleio – a Greek cuisine expert restaurant would be an option. Small and traditional establishments across the city offer a very informal combination of Greek appetizers – wine or spirits and live music—Experience Greece’s nightlife at its best.
Best spots: The Parthenon, Plaka and Anafiotika, Syntagma Square
Where to stay: Wyndham Grand Athens, Royal Olympic Hotel
How to reach: Athens has direct flights from New Delhi and other cities in India.
3. Syntagma
At the end of the day, as the sun sets and the moon blooms, go for a walk and wander around Syntagma Square. And if you feel like giving a new kickstart to the year by having a luxurious start to 2023, then consider visiting Grande Bretagne, where you can choose between Tudor Hall, Roof Garden, or Winter Garden. Your choice might depend on whether you favour DJ sets, String quartets, or live jazz music. You could also head to other streets to go shopping in Greece.
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4. Thessaloniki
If you want to spend New Year’s Eve in Greece by partying all night, heading to Thessaloniki is a great idea. It is the second most vibrant city after Athens, with fantastic nightlife. So, we don’t see why you should not celebrate Greek New Year here. You will find several brilliant spots to enjoy with your friends in the evening. Some of them are open all night so that you can party till the dawn breaks.
Best spots in town: Goldfish, Eightball, Tokyo City Bar
Where to stay: Egnatia Hotel, Electra Palace, Holiday Inn
How to reach: Thessaloniki has an airport with direct flights from Athens. You could also take a train, which takes about four hours to reach.
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It’s time to pack your bags, get your New Year vibes going, and prepare yourself to begin a New Year in Greece with all the sparkle and sparks the country offers. The countdown has started for planning your trip to Greece. I hope it brings you happy holidays and an even better New Year!
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Frequently Asked Questions About New Year In Greece
How does Greece celebrate the new year?
On New Year’s Day in Greece, families get together for a big feast, and it is on this day that St. Basil or Agios Vasilis deliver his gifts to children. It is the day that the traditional ‘Vasilopita’ is cut – a celebratory cake dedicated to St. Basil that is cut for good fortune.
What is the weather in Greece in December?
The average temperature in December is 12°C (54°F), while the average low is 9°C (48°F). The average high is 14°C (57°F).
What New Year’s tradition started in Greece around 600 BC?
In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon, after the Vernal Equinox, which is the first day of spring.
What time is New Year in Greece?
New Year in Greece is celebrated on the night of December 31st. When the clock strikes midnight, it is the beginning of a new day and new year.
What is the traditional New Year meal in Greece?
Greeks prepare reddened beef stew, tomato and orzo soup, Vasilopita, and Greek cabbage salad.
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Anjana is a writer, journalist, and a full-time wallflower. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Mass Communication and firmly believes that travel blogging is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for globetrotting, she brings to you some amazing tips on traveling perfectly, be it any season of the year! In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to obscure indie bands, and writing poetry – all of this while being a crazy dog lady.
