Are you planning to spend Christmas and New Year in Greece?

In this text, you will find information about the celebration of Christmas and New Year in Athens and Thessaloniki, what is open from shops and shopping centers during the holidays, and how to have the most enjoyable time.

Greeks celebrate Christmas according to the revised old calendar - the so-called Milanković’s 25.12.

We have written about the fact that New Year’s Eve in Greece is not as emphasized as it is with us, and that traditionally midnight is celebrated within the family circle. A much more significant event and holiday than New Year’s in Greece is the Orthodox, religious holiday of Christmas. However, major cities in Greece such as Athens and Thessaloniki are full of tourists and are certainly a good choice to visit during New Year and Christmas.

If you are planning to visit Thessaloniki and Athens during the New Year and Christmas holidays, check out these tips that will help you. Also - with Nikana eSIM you can have internet as soon as you cross the border, without having to think about a Greek SIM card or which network to choose.

Non-working days during holidays in Greece

  • On 25th and 26th of December, shops and shopping centers are closed.
  • January 1st and 6th are non-working days.

Holiday schedule - working hours of shops (Greece) - December 2025 and January 2026.

Saturday – 13.12.2025 10:00–18:00
Sunday – 14.12.2025 11:00–18:00
Monday – 15.12.2025 10:00–21:00
Tuesday – 16.12.2025 10:00–21:00
Wednesday – 17.12.2025 10:00–21:00
Thursday – 18.12.2025 10:00–21:00
Friday – 19.12.2025 10:00–21:00
Saturday – 20.12.2025 10:00–18:00
Sunday – 21.12.2025 11:00–18:00
Monday – 22.12.2025 10:00–21:00
Tuesday – 23.12.2025 10:00–21:00
Wednesday – Christmas Eve (Paravoní Christougénnon) – 24.12.2025
10:00–18:00
Thursday – Christmas Day – 25.12.2025 CLOSED
Friday – 26.12.2025 CLOSED
Saturday – 27.12.2025 10:00–18:00
Sunday – 28.12.2025 11:00–18:00
Monday – 29.12.2025 10:00–21:00
Tuesday – 30.12.2025 10:00–21:00
Wednesday – New Year’s Eve (Paravoní Protochroniás) – 31.12.2025
10:00–18:00
Thursday – New Year’s Day – 1.1.2026 CLOSED
Friday – 2.1.2026 CLOSED*
* According to tradition and union recommendations, January 2nd is advised to remain a non-working day.

Some restaurants and cafes are open on Christmas Day and the next day, but not all, especially not on Christmas Day itself. On January 1st, in the center of Thessaloniki, some bakeries, cafes, and restaurants will be open.

When to visit Thessaloniki or Athens?

The ideal time to visit Thessaloniki and Athens is the period before Christmas itself, as about ten days before Christmas the cities are full of tourists, as well as restaurants, cafes, and squares - and everything is lively and with a good atmosphere. On the day of the holiday itself, things calm down a bit, there aren’t as many people on the streets because the shops are closed, and you can spend those two days just strolling by the sea, which isn’t bad, but the liveliness in the city that Thessaloniki and Athens are known for is definitely missing. New Year is celebrated within Greek families as part of the family and with some traditional customs we have written about, New Year and Vasilopita. After midnight, Greeks go out to cafes and into town.

In recent years, cities like Thessaloniki and Athens have been visited by a large number of tourists, so the streets and squares are full even on New Year’s Eve. Usually, a fireworks display (not too spectacular) and a few concerts are organized in the main squares, and then you can go to a cafe or club. It is not usually necessary to book places in cafes and restaurants in advance, but it is recommended to settle in one of them before midnight while there are still fewer people. Near Thessaloniki and Athens, there are winter resorts you can visit, and you can find out more about them in our text Which places to visit in Greece during winter?

New Year and Christmas in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is simply magical during the New Year holidays, as Greeks traditionally celebrate the New Year on the streets. The atmosphere that started during Christmas continues into the “wildest” night. Therefore, we believe that this unique experience should definitely be experienced.

A large Christmas tree and a Christmas village (full of wooden houses, decorations and music and of course with Santa Claus’ house) are traditionally set up on Aristotle Square. The lighting of the lanterns on the tree is an important event, usually attended by a famous singer. In 2025, it will be on December 3rd, and Antonis Remos will be the guest.

New Year’s Eve is organized at the White Tower, with a musical program (DJs, various music groups), but also in all the side streets (in the wider center, in front of many cafes, taverns, restaurants). At midnight, of course, spectacular fireworks are expected over the Thermae Gulf.
Christmas Fair at Thessaloniki International Fair – Asterokosmos is a long-standing holiday attraction, running from December 11 to January 7. The large exhibition space transforms into a festive wonderland for children — and for anyone young at heart.
Visitors can enjoy Greece’s largest indoor ice rink, a themed holiday play area inspired by fairy tales, and of course, Santa Claus and his elves. The fair also features live concerts, carousels, bumper cars, other fun rides, and a VR arena.
Opening hours: Weekdays (Dec 11–21): 4:00 PM – 10:00 PMDec 22 – Jan 7: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMWeekends: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Parking: Free

Suggestions for lesser-known “corners” where you can spend lovely New Year’s or Christmas holidays in Thessaloniki

There are a few key neighborhoods in the city center that you can visit during the New Year holidays in Thessaloniki and experience the authentic holiday atmosphere.

  • The most famous is the former Jewish quarter Ladadika. Close to the sea and full of restaurants and taverns, with characteristic buildings with colorful facades, cobbled and romantically lit streets. Whichever tavern you visit in Ladadika, you won’t go wrong.
  • Another neighborhood is also in the city center - Mpit Bazaar. It used to be home to antique shops, but today it is popular among young people for taverns that actually serve mezze and live music.
  • The third is Platia Athonos, located on Aristotelous Square. One of the smallest but very lively neighborhoods with taverns and mezedopolia (taverns serving meze) with a traditional menu.
  • One of the favorites among tourists is the so-called Luoloudadika district, known for the famous Jahunti hammam. This part of the city can give you a complete feel of the magic of celebrating New Year on the streets.

Read more about festive Thessaloniki and everything you can expect here: What to do in Thessaloniki for Christmas and New Year - the best events, restaurants and activities.

You can find information about what to visit in Thessaloniki with useful information in our GUIDE TO THESSALONIKI that we recommend you to check out. Check out our recommendation for the top five restaurants as well as where to try the best cakes in the city known for its gastronomy.

New Year and Christmas in Athens

Christmas and New Year in Athens

Festive Athens: Things to Do for Christmas and New Year

Athens transforms into a magical city during the festive season, where history and modern urban spirit create an unforgettable atmosphere. From late November to early January, streets, shopping centers, parks, and squares glow with lights, music, and festivals, offering endless options for entertainment and family activities.
Lights and Music in the City Center
In Syntagma Square, the main Christmas symbol is a 19-meter fir tree, surrounded by streets decorated like golden branches. The sounds of brass bands and jazz quartets fill the air, while neighborhood squares become open-air stages. This festive atmosphere continues through New Year’s Eve, when crowds gather at Syntagma for the official countdown, accompanied by the Athens Philharmonic Band and a spectacular fireworks display above the Parliament.
Christmas Markets and Festivals
Kotzia Square – Christmas Market
20 Dec 2025 – 6 Jan 2026
Athens’ main holiday market features wooden chalets, street food, gifts, a carousel, and a free kids’ corner, with live DJ and band performances throughout the season. Ideal for families, with creative workshops and daily concerts that turn Kotzia into the city’s holiday hub.
Meet Market Christmas Edition – OSY Depot Gazi
12–21 Dec 2025
The historic OSY Depot between Ermou and Pireos transforms into a vibrant indoor bazaar with Greek designers, artisan food, leather, textiles, and wood products. Music sets the festive mood, making it easy to find unique gifts.
Christmas Village – Pedion tou Areos
28 Nov 2025 – 7 Jan 2026
This large park becomes a glowing Christmas Village, open daily and free of charge. Visitors can enjoy interactive holiday activities in a magical atmosphere.
Christmas Factory – Technopolis
Until 22 Dec 2025
Technopolis turns into a winter wonderland with Santa, elves, workshops, performances, rides, carousel, slides, mirror maze, and a large ice rink. The market offers gifts, ornaments, and festive treats, making it perfect for families.
Concerts and Performances
The Nutcracker – Ballet by P. I. Tchaikovsky
20\, 22\, 23\, 27\, 29 Dec & 2\, 3 Jan | Olympia Municipal Music Theatre ‘Maria Kallas’
A new two-act staging with the Athens Municipal Symphony Orchestra, bringing classic Christmas magic with fresh costumes and choreography.
A Happy New Year – Athens Big Band
30 Dec 2025 | Maria Kallas Theatre
Swing, crooner classics, and big band energy with two outstanding vocalists and Athens’ own jazz orchestra – a perfect festive concert.
Street Jazz and Classical Music

  • Storyville Ragtimers – 20 Dec, Voukourestiou Street – New Orleans-style jazz on the streets of Athens.
  • De Profundis Ensemble – 20 Dec, Ermou at Kapnikarea – classical open-air concert for a peaceful moment in the heart of the city.

Street Parties and Open-Air Festivals

  • The Longest Night of the Year – City Festival | 20 Dec 2025 – Latin street feasts, block parties, Balkan brass parades, jazz sets, DJ performances, and park yoga.
  • Christmas in the City – Radio Street Parties | 20 & 27 Dec 2025 – pop-up radio studios, live sets, and all-day music in central squares.
  • Athens All Star Party – Kotzia Square | 30 Dec 2025 – open-air DJ sets and dancing under the Christmas Market lights.

Family and Kids Activities

  • Christmas Bubble Shows & Parades | Kotzia Square & Athens Book Space | 20\, 21\, 28 Dec – aerial artists, giant bubbles, and festive parades.
  • Christmas Mystery | Kypseli Market | 21 Dec – interactive treasure hunt game inside the historic market.
  • Salt-Dough & Festive Boat Workshops | Athens Children’s Museum | 27 Dec – hands-on holiday crafts for kids aged 3–12.
  • Wolf Zacharias & AI Santa – Interactive Play | Kalouta Cultural Centre | 27 Dec – modern theater-meets-tech performance for children.
  • Karagiozis Shadow Theatre | Melina Cultural Centre | 20 Dec & 3 Jan – Greece’s classic shadow theatre with festive editions.

Education, Community, and Learning

  • Astronomy Night | Parko Eleftherias | 21 Dec – winter stargazing with experts from the National Observatory.
  • Guided Tours – Municipal Library of Athens | 27 & 30 Dec – behind-the-scenes library tours.
  • Dickens: The Christmas Writer | Municipal Library | 31 Dec – literary session exploring Dickens’ Christmas legacy.

Winter Villages and Ice Rinks

  • SNFCC – Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center | Nov – Jan – ice rink, light installations, pop-up bar, concerts, and Makers’ Market.
  • M.E.C. Peania – Santa Claus Kingdom | 29 Nov – 6 Jan – Greece’s most ambitious Christmas realm with nonstop holiday activities.
  • Paradise Park – Acharnes | 6 Dec – 6 Jan – immersive Christmas and New Year villages with creative workshops and age-specific activities.
  • Marina Flisvos | December – waterfront Christmas village with rides, workshops, Santa visits, and family entertainment.

Why Visit Athens During the Holidays
Athens comes alive during the festive season with a wide range of activities, music, shows, Christmas markets, ice rinks, and open-air entertainment. Perfect for families, couples, or friends, the city combines Greek tradition with modern holiday magic in a safe and organized festive atmosphere. Each district and square offers a unique experience, making Athens a must-visit destination for Christmas and New Year.

Santa’s Village in Drama

In addition to Thessaloniki and Athens, a very popular place for the upcoming holidays is Drama, where the entire Santa’s Village is located with a range of wonderful events and attractions. Drama is also near ski resorts, so that’s another advantage.
Read also about how New Year is celebrated in Drama and why many families from all over Greece choose Drama to spend the holidays.

Entertainment and nightlife

If you want to enjoy the nightlife during the New Year and Christmas holidays, you can book a table in one of the Greek clubs in advance.
The most popular form of entertainment in Greece is the so-called “buzukia”. We have written more about it in this article Buzukia in Greece
It’s an expensive experience, but it should be experienced, and perhaps the New Year and Christmas holidays are the right opportunity for that. Check out the program and prices here.

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