Greece in December is not just a destination; it is the scent of cinnamon and honey in the squares, the sound of waves crashing against the shore while you sip warm chocolate, and a unique blend of Byzantine tradition and modern luxury. If you thought Greece was reserved only for summer, allow us to convince you otherwise.

In this guide, we reveal everything - from why Christmas is celebrated earlier, to the secrets of the Greek table, and all the way to the best places for a crazy New Year’s party and programs in the city.

This period brings families together from all over the world; while cities shine, roads and airports are full of Greeks rushing to spend the holidays with customs that have been passed down for generations.

When are the holidays in Greece?

In the Greek Orthodox tradition, holidays do not represent just one day, but a continuum of twelve days that begins on Christmas Eve and ends on Epiphany, January 6th.

  • Holiday cycle: During these 12 days, homes are open to guests, families gather, and cities and villages come alive through customs that make each day symbolic.


  • Significance of Epiphany: Although Christmas is a day of joy, throughout the centuries, Epiphany (January 6th) has been the central holiday of the Greek Church, as a day of spiritual enlightenment.


  • Calendar: Unlike Serbian tradition, the Greek Orthodox Church has adopted the revised Julian (Milanković) calendar, which is why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th.

Learn more about the new calendar and the deep significance of Epiphany in Greek tradition: Is Greece ortodox?

2. Did you know that in Greece Santa Claus is called Agios Vasilis?

Although at every turn you will see a plump old man with a white beard and a red cap, in Greece the main winter hero is Agios Vasilios (Saint Basil). He does not come from the North Pole, but from Caesarea, and he brings not only gifts but blessings for the home and family.

Unlike Western tradition, he does not distribute gifts for Christmas, but on New Year’s Eve, which is similar to our custom of waiting for Santa Claus at midnight. In his honor, every house in Greece prepares a special cake.
For more on this topic and why Saint Basil, not Santa Claus, is the central figure of Greek winter, see the articles below:

3. Scent of the holidays: Traditional feast and Vasilopita

The Greek holiday table follows a cycle of twelve days, with the menu changing depending on the significance of the date and the region you are in. Although unimaginable without pork and the famous sweets melomakarona and kurabiedes, the real experience lies in the local specialties.
Regional variations worth exploring:

  • Aspic with lemon and specific ways of preparing meat on the islands.
  • Babo - traditionally stuffed pig intestines that are a pride of Thrace.
  • Pork with celery - a classic that dominates tables in Crete.
  • Holiday pies of all kinds, from those with meat in Epirus to sweet variations.
  • Marinated wild boar and game dishes in the mountainous regions of northern Greece.

However, the true star of every celebration is Christopsomo (Christ’s bread) and the New Year’s Vasilopita with a hidden coin that brings luck.
Guide through tastes and customs:

4. Thessaloniki: The capital of holiday energy

If you want a city that truly “glows” with energy in December, Thessaloniki is the only answer. The capital of northern Greece transforms into a sparkling stage during the holidays, where the scent of the sea mixes with the aroma of warm chestnuts and cinnamon from street stands.

  • Holiday atmosphere and White Tower: The city shines with thousands of lights, and the central point is Aristotle Square with a magnificent Christmas tree and traditional illuminated boats. The New Year’s Eve celebration is spectacular - with a huge fireworks display above Thermaikos Gulf and free concerts of the most popular Greek stars near the White Tower, creating an atmosphere that is long remembered.
  • Christmas villages and fun: For families with children (and those who feel that way), there are themed Christmas villages with ice rinks, sweet stalls, and workshops of Saint Basil.
  • Shopping frenzy: December is the golden time for shopping. The main shopping street Tsimiski shines, and contrary to the usual rhythm, stores are open even on Sundays, making Thessaloniki the perfect “city break” destination.
  • Culture and classics: For those who prefer a quieter celebration, there is a rich program of classical music concerts at Megaron Mousikis and top-notch exhibitions in Thessaloniki’s museums that are an ideal refuge during cold afternoons.
  • Nightlife and restaurants: Thessaloniki is the city with the most cafes per capita, and during the holidays, there is a high demand for tickets to restaurants and clubs with live music. Whether you choose authentic taverns in Ladadika or glamorous bouzouki clubs, the party lasts until the early hours of the morning.
  • Stroll by the sea: Even if you don’t plan anything, a simple walk along the most beautiful promenade in the Balkans, with a sunset and a view of Mount Olympus, is enough to feel the magic of Thessaloniki in December.

Plan every detail of your stay:
December planner:
Best events:Detailed event program in Thessaloniki for the holidays
Contents: What to do in Thessaloniki: Museums, shopping, and walks
Nightlife: Where to go out: Bouzouki and live music
If you are planning Athens: Program for holidays in Athens

5. Outside the cities: Winter idyll\, ski resorts\, and snow bathing

For those seeking something different, Greece offers mountain resorts whose beauty rivals the Alps. From hot springs to top-notch ski slopes, Greece’s winter side is the best-kept secret of the Balkans.

  • Loutra Pozar (Pozar Baths): Imagine sitting in a pool with warm thermal water (37°C) while an icy mountain river flows just a meter away from you, with snow falling gently around you. This spa, just a few hours from Thessaloniki, offers a unique experience that combines relaxation and wild nature.
  • Skiing in Greece: Believe it or not, Greece has as many as 22 ski centers! Centers like Parnassos (near Arachova) or Kaimaktsalan offer top-notch skiing with views that sometimes stretch all the way to the sea.
  • Fairytale mountain villages: Metsovo: Located in the heart of Pindus, known for its specific architecture, top-notch cheeses, and wines.
    • Arachova: A cosmopolitan winter resort known as the “winter Mykonos.”
    • Tzoumerka: For lovers of untouched nature, stone bridges, and mystical landscapes.
  • Most Beautiful Christmas Villages: If you are traveling with children, you must not miss “Dreamland” in Drama or the famous “Elf Mill” in Trikala. These are the largest themed Christmas parks in the country where holiday magic becomes real.

Explore Greece’s winter side:

6. Service information: working and non-working days

Before you set off, it is important to know when stores are open and when cities quiet down.
Calendar: Non-working days and national holidays in Greece
Thessaloniki Shopping Guide: Shops and Shopping Malls in Thessaloniki

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Do stores in Greece work during Christmas and New Year?

No. In Greece, December 25th and 26th are official non-working days. Also, stores do not work on January 1st and 2nd. However, on January 2nd, some cafes, restaurants, and shops open their doors.

What is the most famous Greek Christmas cake?

The main rivals on the holiday table are Melomakarona and Kurabiedes (see recipes). Melomakarona are soft cookies with cinnamon and cloves, soaked in honey syrup and sprinkled with walnuts. Kurabiedes are crumbly white cookies with almonds, richly covered in powdered sugar, which melt in your mouth. The eternal dilemma of which is better, so it’s best to try both!

Where is the best New Year’s Eve celebration in Thessaloniki?

For a public celebration with a spectacular fireworks display above the sea and open-air concerts, the center of events is White Tower and Aristotle Square. If you are looking for an authentic celebration with food and music, the district of Ladadika is a must-visit, while bouzouki clubs and clubs near the airport and port are reserved for partying until morning.

Is it cold in Greece for Christmas?

Temperatures are usually pleasant, between 5°C and 15°C, which is ideal for strolling without summer heat. Snow is mostly only found in the mountains. The main advantage of visiting during this period is enjoying an authentic Greece without huge summer crowds.

Christmas and New Year in Greece are not just dates on the calendar. They are a combination of faith, history, mythology, and family values. In a country where Easter is the central holiday, the winter period represents a time of quiet joy, togetherness, and respect for traditions that have been passed down for centuries. That is why Greek holiday customs are different - and that is why they are so authentic.

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