What to do in Thessaloniki for Christmas and New Year? Discover the events, attractions, restaurants, and clubs that will make your stay unforgettable.

If you want to combine the holiday spirit, the smell of the sea, and the top-notch atmosphere this winter, Thessaloniki is the perfect place.

  • Every year, the city transforms into a grand Christmas stage - from the first decorations in November\, through the traditional lighting of the lights at Aristotelous Square\, music and food at every corner\, spontaneous street parties\, to the spectacular fireworks from the sea.
  • As the gastronomic capital of Greece, Thessaloniki will surely not disappoint you. It always welcomes us with a rich, diverse, and delicious food offer.
  • With an excellent value for money and a rich holiday program, Thessaloniki becomes one of the most attractive winter destinations in Greece.
  • For tourists from the Balkans, Thessaloniki is easily accessible - you quickly arrive by car or bus, making holiday trip planning simple and stress-free.

If you are planning to visit Thessaloniki and Athens during the New Year’s and Christmas holidays - with Nikana eSIM, you will have internet as soon as you cross the border, without worrying about a Greek SIM card and which network to choose. Navigation, communication, reservations, and everything else you need during your journey become much simpler and stress-free. Choose your package here: Nikana eSIM

Christmas and New Year’s program in Thessaloniki 2025⁄2026.

During the holidays in Thessaloniki, you can expect:

  • December 3rd - lighting of lanterns with a concert featuring Antonis Remos. Location: Aristotelous Square. Starting at 20:30.
  • From December 7th to January 6th - Christmas Village - Santa’s house\, ice rink\, workshops for children... Location: Aristotelous Square. Opening hours: weekdays: 12:00–23:00\, weekends and holidays: 10:00–23:00.
  • December 21st - 50 Santas - a unique Christmas SUP ride in the sea in Santa Claus costumes! From the White Tower through the port to Kalamaria - with music and a festive atmosphere. After the ride\, there will be a Santa party on land with music. This event will delight children and those who feel like one!
  • December 31st - New Year’s Eve at the White Tower - music and entertainment outdoors\, by the sea - DJs\, concerts by local and guest bands...
  • December 31st - midnight - Fireworks - a spectacular fireworks display from the sea that will illuminate the city at midnight.
  • Concerts, parties, cultural programs throughout the city during December - some significant ones are highlighted below in the text.
  • Celebrations in hotels and restaurants - a large number of hotels and restaurants organize a festive dinner for New Year’s Eve\, we have selected only a few\, which you can see below in the text.

Festive decoration - Thessaloniki as a Mediterranean fairy tale

Every year, starting in early November, the city begins to light up! Everything starts pulsating to the rhythm of the holidays. The preparations are always met with great interest by the public and are welcomed with joy by both hosts and visitors.

The glowing lanterns spill over the streets, squares are filled with magnificent Christmas trees, and shop windows prepare their most beautiful decorations.

A particular pleasure, from our experience, is the glowing decorations in every shop window. Whether it is a café, restaurant, or shop, it seems as if there is an unspoken competition as to who will decorate better and more imaginatively. Every year, we ourselves pause and admire these glowing creations.
When we add traditional hospitality, excellent food, and the sea to that, we get a combination that can’t leave anyone indifferent.

To welcome the holiday with joy everywhere, the city is decorated even in the wider center. The focus, as in all of Greece, is on moments of anticipation of the holiday magic.
The festive atmosphere lasts until January 6th, so Thessaloniki in December looks like a big Mediterranean fairy tale.

Aristotle Square - the central stage of the holidays - event program

The most important symbol of the holiday season is Aristotle Square, which this year, 2025, has a thematic decoration: “Childhood Memories.” The concept brings a gentle, nostalgic atmosphere that further emphasizes the holiday spirit.

This year, the “steal the show” is once again the large Christmas tree placed in the central square. The 18-meter-high tree arrived from the village of Paleohori, in the region of Taksiarhis in Halkidiki, and is decorated with thousands of lights and impressive red balls.

The lighting of the lights on the tree in the Square marks the traditional beginning of the most beautiful period and is celebrated solemnly with a concert on the square.
In 2025, the lighting of the lights is scheduled for December 3rd, and the evening will be marked by the performance of the famous Antonis Remos.

Christmas Village - family magic in the heart of Thessaloniki

From December 7th to January 6th, the northern part of Aristotle Square transforms into a Christmas Village - the happiest part of the city during the holidays and a real little paradise for your little ones, where they will find:

  • 39 wooden houses with Christmas decorations, gifts, and handicrafts by local artisans.
  • Sweets, food, and hot drinks that tempt with the smell and taste of the holidays.
  • Amusement park: carousel, train, “cups,” mini cars - perfect for the little ones.
  • Ice rink in the center, where adults and children can enjoy winter joys.
  • Shows and workshops for children every day - from storytelling to interactive games.
  • Santa’s house where children can leave a letter and take photos.

Opening hours:
• weekdays: 12:00–23:00
• weekends and holidays: 10:00–23:00

Enjoy the sparkling lights, the smell of roasted almonds, and a warm drink while creating unforgettable holiday memories with your children.

New Year’s Eve 2026 - at the White Tower

Thessaloniki is once again organizing a grand New Year’s Eve celebration outdoors, in front of the White Tower - one of the city’s most beautiful panoramic spots. The countdown by the sea, music, and thousands of visitors create a special holiday magic that has become a trademark of winter Thessaloniki.
What to experience at the celebration:

  • Live music and Open-air fun by the sea - multiple stages with DJs\, bands\, lots of smiling people\, all in a great rhythm\, under the open sky with the sound of sparkling night waves!
  • Spectacular fireworks at midnight - be part of the moment when the sky above the bay and the city explodes with colors\, perfect for New Year’s photos and memories to carry with you.
  • Family and friendly atmosphere - the space is spacious enough for everyone to find their place to celebrate\, so everyone can relax and enjoy together.
  • Food and drinks - indulge in the scents and flavors from local stalls\, from hot drinks to Greek delicacies. Don’t forget to taste melomakarona and kurabiedes - traditional holiday flavors in Greece.

Capture unforgettable photos in the sparkling and enchanting Thessaloniki and share them with us on social media. We’re waiting :)

Concerts, parties, cultural events in Thessaloniki during the holidays

Confirmed events in Thessaloniki - December 2025.

December 13, 2025 - A TOUCH OF CHRISTMAS with THE ITALIAN TENORS
Description: A gala Christmas concert by a famous Italian tenor trio.
Location: Ioannis Vellidis Hall. Time: 21:00

December 12, 2025 - Candlelight Christmas Thessaloniki
Description: Christmas classical music in a candlelit ambiance - Candlelight Collective (instrumental)
Location: Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki. Time: around 19:00–20:00

December 12–14, 2025 - Thrift Festival Thessaloniki: Christmas Edition
Description: A holiday edition of the famous thrift festival - second-hand fashion brands, designers, handmade products.
Location: Apothiki Γ′, Thessaloniki port. Time: throughout the day (according to the festival schedule)

December 26, 2025 - DUB CLUB SKG: 4DUB Vibes Soundsystem Xmas Edition
Description: A Christmas reggae/dub party for underground sound lovers.
Location: Soul SKG. Time: from 21:00

December 27–28, 2025 - Comics After Christmas
Description: A two-day event dedicated to comics, illustration, pop culture.
Audience: families, youth, comic scene lovers
Location: Ladadika, Salaminos 6.

You can check the details of these programs HERE.

Recommendations for bouzoukia / nightclubs with Greek music in Thessaloniki

  • Barbarella Live Stage - a historic name in Thessaloniki’s nightlife\, with live music and Greek “bouzoukia” program. Located at 26ης Οκτωβρίου 27\, with a capacity of around 700 people.
  • Jangal Club and Casper Club are located in Ladadika (Ladadika) - clubs for live Greek music.
  • Mylos Club Thessaloniki for the nightlife and bouzoukia/club scene in Thessaloniki.
    Address: Andreou Georgiou 56, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
    Website: mylos.gr

Where to check the current program / make reservations

  • This guide specializes in bouzoukia: Mpouzoukia Thessaloniki - the website regularly updates clubs\, concerts\, contact phones\, and programs: Exodos.
  • The website OutNow.gr provides an overview of clubs, bouzoukia, and recommendations, useful for planning. OutNow.gr

Accommodation and prices during the holidays

Due to high demand, hotels fill up from October, and prices rise towards the end of the year.
According to the Hoteliers Association:

  • the average price per night is around €100,
  • double rooms can be found starting from €60–70.

Most guests come from Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria, while German guests traditionally return. Greeks themselves choose Thessaloniki in large numbers during the holidays.

Today, Thessaloniki offers one of the best values in the Balkans - many new hotels, and old properties have been thoroughly renovated.

If you are coming by car, you can choose accommodation in the vicinity of Thessaloniki and combine the winter sea with the city’s holiday mood.

Check for accommodation from our offer in Thessaloniki and the Thessaloniki region.

See our detailed guide through Thessaloniki.

What to do in Thessaloniki during the holidays?

In addition to the holiday program, Thessaloniki in December offers plenty of activities that set it apart from other cities.

1. Stroll along the new and old waterfronts

The winter sun and views of the sea create perfect conditions for a leisurely walk or a family bike ride (which will especially appeal to children). The new waterfront is particularly pleasant, with cafes, parks, and art installations, and is the best-maintained on the entire Balkan Peninsula.

2. Museums and indoor attractions

Ideal for colder days:

More details:
What to visit in Thessaloniki

3. Shopping

Thessaloniki is one of the best cities in Greece for shopping. Tsimiski, Mitropoleos, and Ermou offer everything from boutiques to international brands, and around the holidays, there are discounts and extended opening hours.
Get detailed information here:
Shops and shopping malls in Thessaloniki
Discounts and sales in Greece

Where to eat in Thessaloniki - Nikana’s recommendations

Thessaloniki is the most famous gastronomic city in Greece and one of the most attractive reasons to spend the holidays here. These recommendations are part of our food guides and are chosen by our colleagues who live in Thessaloniki.

Best gyros

• O Gyros tis Aristotelous (center)
• Savvikos (multiple locations)
• Ellinikon (Tsimiski)
See here: Where is the best gyros in Thessaloniki?

Best pastry shops

• Terkenlis - the most famous Christmas tsoureki tradition
• Ble - top cakes and savory specialties
• Konstantinidis - excellent baklava and eclairs
See here Where are the best sweets in Thessaloniki?

Traditional restaurants and taverns

• Diagonios - famous moussaka and homemade cuisine
• To Elliniko - ideal for the first visit
• Molyvos - quality Greek cuisine with excellent service
For more recommendations, see our guide “Best restaurants in Thessaloniki”

Why is Thessaloniki ideal for the holidays?

Thessaloniki is a city that combines Christmas magic, entertainment, and Mediterranean charm, all with a view of the beautiful Aegean Sea. Here you can expect:

  • Fantastic decoration and a rich holiday program - from glowing streets to central squares.
  • Family attractions, an ice rink, and various events for all generations.
  • Top-notch gastronomic scene - Greek specialties, desserts, and holiday flavors.
  • Easy accessibility - you quickly arrive by car or bus, without stress.
  • Affordable prices compared to other European destinations.
  • Safety, warmth, and Mediterranean charm at every step.
  • A wide range of accommodation and quality hotels, from boutique options to luxury properties.

Thessaloniki is large enough to provide all-day entertainment, yet compact and pleasant to explore. Whether you come with family, as a couple, or with friends, December Thessaloniki promises an unforgettable holiday experience, full of light, music, and holiday spirit.

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