11 Things to Do in Greece This Christmas

Known as one of the most romantic and picturesque towns in Greece, Nafplio is located in Peloponnese and boasts charming little streets, lively squares bordered with coffee shops and restaurants, a few monuments worth visiting and a laid-back vibe. You may not see snow but you will definitely be able to sample the special way Greeks celebrate Christmas.

Every year on December 23rd, in Florina, locals light bonfires throughout the town, with the largest one set on the main square. Festivities start with the local brass band, playing music in the streets, inviting locals to join them in the square. The tradition, which takes place throughout the whole region, dates back to ancient times, when people lit fires to worship the sun god. Today, however, the church associates the practice with a celebration of the shepherds who lit fires to warm baby Jesus in the stable.

While Meteora is definitely a year-round destination, the Christmas season allows for a very special experience. First, since Meteora is considered a holy destination, with its plethora of pillar-perched monasteries, a Christmas service in one of them is definitely an experience to remember. Besides, you will enjoy the place all to yourself, since there should be very few tourists. Third, the region is known for its numerous Christmas traditions, delicious food and unspoiled nature.

The tradition of eating turkey on Christmas Day is recent in Greece, with pork dishes more the norm. But in Macedonia, Thrace and Thessaly as well as several regions across the country, locals take it up a notch with a pig feast known as gourounohara. Dating back from old times, the tradition includes each family buying a pig earlier in the year and feeding it up, ready to eat for Christmas. Since locals hate waste, every part of the animal is used to make sausages and other meat dishes. In the small village of Stanos, the tradition becomes a town-wide celebration, where, on the second day of the Christmas holidays, people get together, roast pigs and celebrate with eating and drinking. The local orchestra settles on the main square while people spontaneously burst into songs and dances.

If you plan on exploring the region of Pelion (or Pilio) this winter, you are in luck. In the Greek town of Volos, there is a beautiful custom that reminds visitors of the paper lantern celebrations in Asia. Every year on the 26th December, residents gather along the coastline and release fanaria, or paper lanterns, into the sky. This beautiful show was an idea of the municipality. Anyone who wishes to release a lantern, makes a small donation, which is donated to a local charity. Now, that’s a sweet way to spend your Christmas.

If you are a city addict, Athens and Thessaloniki offer plenty of seasonal fun, with countless open-air concerts on the main squares, Christmas villages, outdoor ice-skating rinks and numerous shopping options. In the capital, stay at Electra Metropolis, known for its bright and vibrant Christmas decorations, for an enjoyable stay. Should you be heading north, give Porto Palace Hotel a try and take advantage of its spa to spoil yourself at this lovely time of the year.

A village of snow and stone, Nymfaio is a favorite winter destination in Greece. This beautiful and charming village, set on the slopes of Mount Vernon, is perfect for those looking for long hikes in nature, stone-built guesthouses, tasty local delicacies and hopefully some snow. If the weather is favorable, you can also enjoy some outdoor activities such as kayaking, rock climbing or mountain biking.

If you want to avoid a cold winter, then Crete may just be what you need. With average December temperatures hovering between 14-17°C, Crete, with its many local Christmas traditions, is perfect for a typical Cretan Christmas. Go even further and take part in the Santa Run in Chania, where people dress up as Santa and run and have some fun, with the ultimate goal of raising money for charity. Afterwards, reward yourself with an ample serving of kourabiedes and melomakarona from the nearest pastry shop.