Type to Search
Christmas in Athens:
Top Things to Do and Know

How to spend a magical Christmas in Athens

Date
03 December 2019

The festive season has already begun in Athens! Christmas trees and lights are being decorated in public squares and alleys, you can hear Christmas songs played by street performers, the little ones are looking forward to getting their gifts and everyone is enjoying the magical holiday atmosphere! Here are the top things you should know about Christmas in Athens, the best things you can do and of course the best things you should eat!

Image after introtext
Academy of Athens - Credits: Giorgos S. Pantelakis

1. The Christmas boat

People in Greece, especially in the islands, used to decorate a boat for Christmas, long before the Christmas tree became the norm. This was due to the relationship of Greeks with the sea. The Christmas tree is a foreign custom which was brought to Greece by Otto, the first Kind of the country, who was of Bavarian origin. Over the years, the Christmas tree became the first choice for decoration for most Greeks, but you can still find houses and shops with a Christmas boat decoration; if you wander enough in the streets of Athens, look inside little shops and traditional places and you will surely find one!

Christmas boat

2. The pomegranate tradition

The pomegranate has its ancient roots in Greek mythology and especially in the establishment of the Eleusinian Mysteries. It has been a symbol of fertility and good fortune since the ancient times. According to the tradition, you have to throw a pomegranate hard enough to break it at the first try and… you have to break it outside the front door of your house on New Year’s Day, to disperse all the good fortune in it and bring happiness, good health and abundance to the whole family.

3. St Basil’s cake

Another tradition in Greece is to cut the St Basil’s cake in New Year’s Day. This cake is dedicated to Saint Basil, the Santa Claus in Greek tradition, who brings the gifts the first night of the new year. Most families cut it right after the changing of the year or after lunch on the 1st of January. Traditionally, a coin is put inside the cake before it is baked. When it is time to cut it, everyone comes around the table and the householder starts assigning pieces to everyone. The first piece, traditionally, is for the Christ, the second for the Virgin Mary, the third for the house and the rest are for the members of the house by order of age. The person whose piece has the coin inside is considered lucky for the rest of the year! 

St Basil's cake

4. Have fun with the whole family

The largest Christmas village in the city comes every year in a specially designed space in Technopolis of Athens, in the area of Gazi. Young and old visit Santa Claus's headquarters, write their own letter, which can either be mailed via ELTA (post office) or delivered directly to the Elves, and of course play for free at the brand-new Sweet, Joy and Toy Factory. Also, everyone can participate in interactive workshops, escape rooms and countless events. And in case you get hungry, you can go through the Christmas Festival food market and try Christmas delicacies! This year, the Christmas village opens on November 25th.

Christmas Factory

Another option for fun with the whole family is the Christmas World of Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). Bright installations, a skating rink on the Canal, tall fir trees in the Market and ornate trees compose a unique Christmas setting that you can visit for free! Take a walk by the artificial canal and try your luck with ice skating; stroll through the interactive installations in the park, play and have fun. The park also hosts numerous workshops and games on Christmas and New Year!

Tip: if you wish to visit the SNFCC for ice skating, make sure to register online in advance via their website.

Ice skating in SNFCC

5. Enjoy the Christmas decorations on Syntagma square

Syntagma Square, located in the heart of Athens, transforms into a mesmerizing winter wonderland during the Christmas season. The square comes alive with the enchanting glow of thousands of twinkling lights, casting a warm and inviting atmosphere that draws visitors from near and far. Towering Christmas trees adorned with colorful ornaments and shimmering tinsel stand proudly, while decorative wreaths hang from lampposts, adding to the festive ambiance. The scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine fills the air as joyful carolers and street performers entertain the crowds. Syntagma Square's Christmas decorations create a magical setting that captures the spirit of the season, making it a cherished destination for locals and travelers alike to come together and celebrate the holidays.

6. Try the traditional Christmas delicacies 

When you see Melomakarona in pastry shops or bakeries, you know that Christmas is here. This beloved traditional dessert is produced only during this season, so make sure to try them! They are made with flour, sugar, orange, pure olive oil, walnuts, herbs (cinnamon, cloves) and of course good quality honey. In many parts of Greece, Melomakarona are regarded as a sweet treat that brings good luck for the New Year.

Melomakarona

If you try a Kourambie and want to hide it… well, let’s just say that it is impossible! This traditional Greek sweet -snowy- dessert is the embodiment of the festive season. They are made with almond and other nuts and dusted with icing sugar. This icing sugar is the one responsible for betraying you after you eat one. Melomakarona or Kourampie? Well, we cannot possibly choose, so we eat both! Try them and let us know which one you like the most. 

Kourampiedes

You may like: Athens Food Tour: Tastes and Stories of Greece (Christmas Edition)

7. Get warm at the most Christmassy cafés and bars in the city

With a purely Christmas name, Noel is one of the must-see destinations for this time of year. It has been decorating its walls with festive notes since late November! There, the city’s hustle pause and the festive climate thrills with unique Christmas-inspired dishes and many different theme nights. It is pure magic! For those of you who are drawn to the colorful lights and the golden dust, another destination is the street of Mantzarou, and in particular the neoclassical building at number 3 (Mantzarou 3). At first, you will be enthralled by the smell of hot wine and then pleasantly surprised by the delicious tastes. There, you will find everything you need to enjoy a chilly December afternoon: fire in the fireplace, warmth and tranquility, away from the downtown fever; still though, only a breath away from Syntagma square!

Noel

If you happen to wander the streets of Psyri, you will surely be drawn to the alley with the dozens of lamps leading to a magical corner. As you cross the threshold of Little Kook café, you will be transported to another world: the world as you saw it when you were little. You will meet old forgotten friends of your favorite fairy tales and you will surely be tempted to taste delicious drinks and sweets! Let the Christmas spirit in… Ho Ho Ho

Little Kook

8. Enjoy the Greek Christmas Carols

Carols for us Greeks are the sweetest Christmas memory of our childhood. We all remember the preparations we would make for the carols to come... From what we would wear to what instrument would accompany our song. Most of us made sure to get a good and loud "triangle", but those who chose melodic or harmonica were not missing out. After choosing the outfit, the instrument and, of course, the company, we would hurry off to the streets early in the morning, go door-to-door and ask “Shall we?” After the Christmas song, the smiley householder would give us the coveted coin to add to our collection inside the pocket money. We just hoped to be the first in that house, otherwise, we might hear the nightmare phrase “They have already told us the carols”.

 

Prev Article Next Article

Other articles you may like...

23 Jul 2024
Unveiling Paros: 4-Day Itinerary by Locals
15 May 2024
Unveiling Naxos: 4-Day Itinerary and Best Things to Do
24 Apr 2024
Unveiling Santorini: 3-Day Itinerary and Best Things to Do
19 Apr 2024
Easter in Greece: Traditions and Best Destinations
23 Feb 2024
Weather in Greece in June: Best Destinations and Tips
7 Feb 2024
Weather in Greece in May: Best Destinations and Tips
6 Sep 2023
All Percy Jackson Tours in Greece with Practical Info
23 Nov 2022
Athens Street Art Guide and Which Neighborhoods to Visit
19 Aug 2022
Women in ancient Greece: The role of women in the Classical Period
12 Jul 2022
Best Time to Visit the Acropolis and Why
6 Jun 2022
The Most Famous Greek Dances (video)
23 Mar 2022
One Day in Hydra: Best Things to Do (Insider Guide)
24 Feb 2022
Athens Airport to City Center: Transport Methods and Practical Info
17 Feb 2022
Travel to Greece from USA: All the Direct Flights to Start Off 2022
17 Jan 2022
Kallos: The Ancient Greek Ideal for Beauty
22 Nov 2021
Sparta: Things to do and see in the Greek city
3 Nov 2021
A Sightseeing Itinerary for your Holiday to Mykonos
26 Oct 2021
Things to Do in Athens: The ‘must-see’ and the local vibes
24 Sep 2021
Customs in Ancient Greece Associated with September
16 Aug 2021
Eat Like a Local in Athens: 5 Rules to Follow
24 Feb 2021
Greek Mythology Books you need to read (for adults & kids)
20 Jan 2021
Best Places to Eat in Athens - Food Guide (by Locals)
23 Dec 2020
Merry Belly! Authentic Greek Christmas Meal (with recipes)
18 Nov 2020
One day in Athens: How to make the most of it
1 Oct 2020
Athens in October: Reasons to Visit Athens This Month
16 Sep 2020
The Parthenon: 10 Surprising Facts about the Temple
2 Sep 2020
Creating your Dream Vacation with Tailor-made Tours in Greece
20 Aug 2020
Day Trips from Athens - Where the Locals Go
5 Aug 2020
Caryatids: The Daughters of Athens
22 Jul 2020
Monastiraki: Complete Guide and Things to Do
24 Jun 2020
Athens Cultural Highlights Off The Beaten Path
17 Jun 2020
Athens City Break For Foodies
10 Jun 2020
6 Greek Myths to Know Before Visiting Athens
3 Jun 2020
10 Landmarks and Monuments You Should Not Miss in Athens
27 May 2020
Greece from Home: 10 Ideas for a Virtual Athens Tour
20 May 2020
Books on Greek Food and Culture That We Love
6 May 2020
20 Most Famous Greek Mythology Movies
29 Apr 2020
The Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece
22 Apr 2020
Basic Greek Words to Know Before Traveling to Greece
15 Apr 2020
Interview With a Local: Ancient Greek Rituals and the Alternative Athens
8 Apr 2020
The Delphic Idea
1 Apr 2020
Meet the Olympian Gods
18 Mar 2020
Best Walking Tours in Athens, Magical Walking Routes
11 Mar 2020
Private Tours in Athens: The Benefits of Booking in Private
4 Mar 2020
Acropolis Tour: Why a Guided Tour is Necessary
26 Feb 2020
9 Things to Know About Eleusis The European Capital of Culture 2023
19 Feb 2020
Battles of Ancient Greeks That Shaped Western Civilization
12 Feb 2020
The Best Places to Enjoy Vegan Food in Athens
7 Feb 2020
9+1 Unique Things to Do in Athens this Summer for Free
4 Feb 2020
Interview With a Local: Athens Through the Prism of Art
28 Jan 2020
The Role of Greek Mythology in the Creation of Athenian Wonders
21 Jan 2020
10 Reasons Why You Should Join a Food Tour in Athens
18 Jan 2020
Athens for Instagrammers: The Top 30 Photo Locations in Athens
14 Jan 2020
Top 10 Alternative Destinations in Greece
8 Jan 2020
The 10 Best Places to Visit in Greece
4 Jan 2020
10 Sights to Tour in Athens and Bring Greek Mythology to Life
30 Dec 2019
Top 10 Tips to Know Before Traveling to Athens
27 Dec 2019
10 Things to Do in Delphi Home to the Oracle of Apollo
24 Dec 2019
Symposia in Ancient Greece: Reviving the Ancient Custom
19 Dec 2019
30 of the Most Famous Tales from Greek Mythology
17 Dec 2019
Interview with a Local: Greek Neoclassicism and the Unseen Athens
14 Dec 2019
10 Things you didn't Know about Ancient Greeks
12 Dec 2019
48 Hours in Athens: Full Itinerary by Locals - Greek TravelTellers
10 Dec 2019
10+1 Traditional Greek Foods and Drinks to Try when you Visit Greece
7 Dec 2019
10+3 Things to Do in Athens on a Rainy Day
5 Dec 2019
Alternative Things to Do in Athens: Getting Off the Beaten Path in the City of Wonders
30 Nov 2019
December in Athens: 4 Reasons why you Should Choose this Month for your Greek Getaway
28 Nov 2019
Interview with a Local: Greek Gastronomy and Athens for Foodies
26 Nov 2019
10+1 Things to Do in Athens to Time Travel to Ancient Greece
23 Nov 2019
How to Travel in Greece Differently: a Guide for Delving Deeper into the Greek Culture