Discover what to do in Thessaloniki in December – the best restaurants, holiday shopping, museums, and walks. Plan the perfect holiday visit and enjoy the December magic of Thessaloniki!

December in Thessaloniki brings a special holiday atmosphere, a blend of Christmas spirit, Mediterranean charm, and a rich gastronomic offer. Whether you enjoy walks by the coast, exploring museums, indulging in traditional restaurants, or holiday shopping, Thessaloniki offers plenty of activities that will make your stay unforgettable. In this guide, you will find the best restaurants, pastry shops, shopping locations, and attractions not to be missed during the holidays.

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 waterfront

The winter sun and sea views 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 most beautifully designed along the entire Balkan Peninsula. Thessaloniki Promenade.

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:
Stores and shopping malls in Thessaloniki
Discounts and sales in Greece

And there is also a large thrift/second-hand and vintage clothing bazaar:

December 12–14, 2025 – Thrift Festival Thessaloniki: Christmas Edition
Description: Holiday edition of the famous thrift festival - second-hand fashion brands, designers, handmade products.
Location: Apothiki Γ′, Thessaloniki port.
Time: during the day.

Where to eat in Thessaloniki – 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 selected by our colleagues living in Thessaloniki.

Best gyros, souvlaki, and other grilled meats

Being in Thessaloniki and not trying traditional Greek fast food and grilled specialties is a shame. So check out our brief recommendations:

Gyros:

  • Diagonios (the most famous place we recommend)
  • Giros Aristotelus (popular spot for gyros)
  • Katsamaka (homemade gyros in the city center)
  • Diavasi (gyros portions – tavern style)

Fast food and popular options:

  • Burgers (best: Burgeri Pax, Tarantino)

Other variations of gyros/fast food mentioned:

  • Souvlaki (Derlikatesen, 22 Souvlakia)
  • Bifteki (burger, within fast food)
  • Sucukaki (Greek kebabs)

Check here for more details on where to find the best gyros in Thessaloniki?

Best pastry shops

1. Estia

  • Chocolate heart
  • Various cakes with hazelnuts, chocolate, and pistachios
  • Other cakes from the display (recommended to try different ones based on preference)

2. Freggio

  • The best ice cream in town (various flavors)
  • “Funtelina” in a cup (hazelnut, chocolate, and other flavors)
  • Fresh waffle with ice cream

3. Terkenlis

  • “Cureki” (sweet bread; favorite with white chocolate and chestnut puree, but also chocolate)
  • Souffle
  • Macarons (especially hazelnut)
  • Baklava (on offer)

4. Konstantinidis

  • “Milfej” (classic cake with crispy crust and cream)
  • Other oriental cakes (e.g., ekmek kadaifi with ice cream or clotted cream, trigona)

5. Choureal pastry shop

  • Profiterole (with ice cream or cream and a choice of chocolate toppings)
  • Additional cakes (if you want to try more)

Check here for more details on where to try cakes and ice cream in Thessaloniki?

Traditional restaurants and taverns

Recommended restaurants and what to try at each one

1. Sempriko meze taverna

  • Rib steak (rib steak)
  • Greek, homemade pasta hilopite with kavurma
  • Risotto with mushrooms and truffles
  • Various types of cheese
  • Seafood and fish
  • Salads and daily specials from the menu

2. Maitr & Margarita

  • Various cheeses with wine
  • Pork neck cutlets
  • Cretan pasta with lean pork meat (skioufichta with apaki)
  • Various salads (including fruit options)
  • Dessert: kunefe (oriental specialty with vanilla cream and sugar syrup)

3. Taverna Stou Mitsou

  • Various meze dishes
  • Vine leaf-wrapped rice (meatless)
  • Cherry tomato salad
  • Various meatballs (e.g., tomato and zucchini)
  • Greek cheeses with protected geographical indication
  • Craft beers from Greek islands

4. Deka Trapezia

  • Croustade (special dessert/restaurant specialty)
  • Shrimp in rice (paf rice with shrimp)
  • Grilled beans
  • Other modern Greek specialties and combinations in meze style

5. Uzeri Lola

  • Thin spinach pie
  • Various appetizers and seafood
  • Wide selection of Greek brandies, uza, and tsipuro with food

Check out the best restaurants in Thessaloniki that we recommend with addresses.

Check out the complete New Year’s Eve event program in Thessaloniki here: What to do in Thessaloniki for Christmas and New Year – best events, restaurants, and activities.

Holiday store opening hours (Greece) - December 2025 and January 2026

Sunday, 14.12. from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

Monday, 15.12. from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tuesday, 16.12. from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Wednesday, 17.12. from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Thursday, 18.12. from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday, 19.12. from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday, 20.12. from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday, 21.12. from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Monday, 22.12. from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tuesday, 23.12. from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Wednesday, 24.12. — Christmas Eve (Paravoní Christougénnon) from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thursday, 25.12. — Christmas CLOSED
Friday, 26.12. CLOSED
Saturday, 27.12. from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday, 28.12. from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Monday, 29.12. from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tuesday, 30.12. from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Wednesday, 31.12. — New Year’s Eve (Paravoní Protochroniás) from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thursday, 1.1. — New Year’s Day CLOSED
Friday, 2.1. CLOSED

  • The union recommendation and tradition is for January 2nd to remain a non-working day.

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

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 decorations and a rich holiday program – from illuminated streets to central squares.
  • Family attractions, ice skating rink, and various events for all generations.
  • Top-notch gastronomic scene – Greek specialties, desserts, and holiday flavors.
  • Easy access – quick arrival by car or bus, without stress.
  • Affordable prices compared to other European destinations.
  • Safety, warmth, and Mediterranean charm at every step.
  • 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 as a family, a couple, or with friends, December in Thessaloniki promises an unforgettable holiday experience, full of light, music, and holiday spirit.

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