Type to Search
December in Athens:
4 Reasons why you Should Choose this Month for your Greek Getaway

Things to do in Athens in December

Date
30 November 2019

In Greece, when we hear the word 'December' we imagine snow and Christmas! December is definitely the most festive month of the year. Christmas is all around! Fairy lights are everywhere; cafés are decorated with huge nutcrackers; the smell of the upcoming snow is in the air and smiles that warm your heart are seen in the streets! December in Athens is just magical! Here are four reasons why Athens is a great destination in this month:

Image after introtext
Snowy Athens - Credits: Giorgos S. Pantelakis

1. Athens transforms into a Winter Wonderland! 

Coming December, Athens becomes the heart of winter festivities and celebrations in Greece! Ice-skating rinks are popping up everywhere. From Syntagma square to Gazi, children of all ages are living their dream on the ice! Athens' largest cultural jewel, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), is having the biggest ice-skating rink and it is free for everyone. So, take the whole family and ice-skate away! The Christmas Theater is Athens' largest theater. Every year it hosts performances that aspire to travel us to the most beautiful Christmas destinations of the world. Outside the Christmas Theater you will find a unique “village” with wooden houses offering sweet and savory flavors. Technopolis in Gazi district is the biggest themed park in Athens this time of the year! The elves never sit quietly... They work non-stop for a whole year, making toys and crafting surprises, to spread love and joy to all children and parents! 

Tip: if you wish to visit the SNFCC for ice-skating, make sure to register online in advance via their website. Registration is free but mandatory.

Ice-skating in SNFCC

2. Christmas is all around! 

December is equivalent to Christmas and Athens has a vast tradition regarding Christmas holidays! If you see little children running around with triangles signing on Christmas Eve, it is because they were waiting all year for this day! In Greece, children sing the Christmas carols accompanied by their little iron triangles. On December 24th, early in the morning, they go door to door asking "Shall we?". If your answer is yes, then they will sing the carols for you and you will give them a small gift (usually some coins and chocolates or sweets). Don’t be surprised if walking down the Syntagma Square find yourselves in front of a large boat made of fairy lights! The decoration of the Christmas tree was not a Greek custom. It is said that the first Christmas tree in Greece was decorated by the Bavarian King Otto in 1833. Today, most Greeks decorate a tree, but the traditional Christmas decoration is a boat, something you will still find in the Greek islands. The boat symbolizes the maritime identity of the country. The Greeks, as seafaring people, certainly combined Christmas celebration with the sea! A not-to-miss experience this time of year is the special food… Melomakarona is a sweet made from flour, olive oil and honey. It is a traditional sweet made mainly before and during Christmas. Kourabiedes are traditional pastries made during holiday season in Greece. They are buttered cookies with almonds, covered with powdered sugar. And of course, in New Year’s Eve we have the Vasilopita, which is a word meaning the cake of Vasilis (the Greek Santa). We cut and serve it with the New Year, and whoever finds the hidden coin inside will have luck for the whole new year!

Little Kook café

3. Enjoy the authentic, local character of the city

If you ever visited Athens during summer, you may have noticed the lack of the locals, especially in August. It’s not because you are visiting touristic areas, it is because all Greeks are taking their vacation leave during summer and the few who stay in the city don’t like wandering around its streets in the heat. By choosing to visit Athens in December though, you will have the opportunity to know the real vibrant rhythm of the Greek capital, with the locals all around you. After your sightseeing or shopping is done, relax with a steaming cup of coffee, beautiful music, warm atmosphere, raindrops on the glazed windows; enjoy your beverage at the local hangouts, be cheerful and cold no more! Eat a warm traditional winter dinner at the local taverns called “mageiria” and feel the local vibes. Follow the pulse of music, dance, hang out with many owners and enjoy the music! You will find locals dressed in warm clothes sitting at a few tables left outside or inside the cozy bars for after-work drinks. The many bars in the narrow alleys of Kolokotroni street will surprise you with the energy of the locals enjoying their cocktails, socializing, singing and - not a few times - dancing! All you have to do is blend in! 

Narrow alley in Kolokotroni Street

4. Winter not-to-miss destinations from Athens

Winter is here and Parnitha is the best choice for hiking if you are seeking for a short day trip from Athens! The forest of Parnitha will enchant you with its beauty and give you countless moments with unforgettable captions. At the end of the stroll visit the Bafi Shelter for handmade rustic pies, home-cooked food and hot drinks. Going a little further away, less than 3 hours away from Athens you will find the magical mountain villages of Dimitsana and Vytina. Old stone mansions, distinctive architecture, with the region's famous black marble dominating, with lovely and lively cafés, bars and shops with local products. And last but not least, the favorite winter destination for Athenians - the so called “Mykonos” of winter time – Arachova! It is a traditional mountain village with beautiful stone houses, narrow alleys, springs and fresh air just 10 minutes away from the famous Oracle of Delphi! Walk through the city and admire the architecture of the old houses with stone walls and traditional tiled roofs. On the main street of Arachova you will find many shops with winter clothes and ski equipment since the winter ski resort of Mount Parnassus is located close. You will also discover little shops with local products (formela cheese, handmade noodles, local sausages, local honey, tsipouro and brass wine), cafés, bars and traditional taverns. 

Delphi

We are romantics and we have already started counting down to Christmas, looking for cozy hangouts with Christmas atmosphere. A glass of hot wine or brandy, a mug of hot chocolate, a warm taste of rakomelo, a plate of hot soup and freshly baked buns are few of the reasons that put us in this December’s mood! Ho ho ho!

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
3 Dec 2019
Christmas in Athens: Top Things to Do and Know
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