When December rolls around in Greece, a profound sense of tranquility envelops the towns and villages, adorned with twinkling lights and garlands that celebrate the spirit of Christmas. The air is filled with contagious excitement as families come together to uphold time-honored traditions rooted in rich history and deep religious beliefs.
Festive Foods: A Feast for the Senses
Central to Christmas celebrations in Greece is the exquisite array of food that pays homage to both festive cheer and the country’s agricultural bounty. One of the star attractions is Christopsomo, or Christ’s bread, a beautifully braided loaf sprinkled with sesame seeds, symbolizing the body of Christ. Each family has its own recipe, often passed down through generations, with intricate patterns etched into the golden crust. (more…)
The holiday countdown has already begun all over Greece. Christmas decorations adorn the cities and villages, ready to welcome you for this special season. Countless ornaments, traditional Christmas boats, and lights decorate public streets, squares, and private properties. Let your childhood fantasies about Christmas come true in numerous cities around Greece, where events such as long-established festivities, outdoor concerts with bands, and children’s choirs singing Christmas carols promise you a magical atmosphere.(more…)
Greece, endowed with beauty and a rich tradition, invites you to go on a special Christmas journey through all the senses; to taste, smell, see, and feel the authentic Yuletide spirit through a plethora of seasonal delights.
The first snows of the winter transform mountain villages, their traditional dwellings, and spiraling peaks, into a scene fit for a Christmas card. Icing sugar-dusted fir trees; crisp, clear air; smoke wafting gently out of chimney tops from the roaring log fires in every heart; the smell of sweetmeats and pastries; rosy faces lit up in anticipation of the coming festivities and time-honored customs. On top of this, the mild winter in our country guarantees a generous helping of sunshine to accompany you on countryside walks and to add that extra touch of joie de vivre to the celebrations in cities, villages, and islands all over Greece.
Athens Athens always has a grand welcome in store for Christmas. The illuminated central squares and streets ring with music and merriment. All corners of the city- its hotels, shops, cafes, and restaurants- are bedecked with thousands of twinkling fairy lights. Syntagma Square with its gleaming Christmas tree, carousel, and other children’s rides, confectionary stalls, and numerous events leads the whole city into the holiday mood. The National Garden is transformed into a dreamland of discovery that enchants both young and old alike.You’ll be carried away by the intoxicating, fairytale atmosphere and as a visitor, you’ll soon find yourself immersed in the jollities, with the same verve and enthusiasm as the Athenians around you. There are countless opportunities for recreation and entertainment in cultural hubs like Technopolis and other such venues. Theatrical performances, music concerts, outdoor events, charity bazaars as well as the nightlife; whatever you choose has that special Christmas sparkle.
