Best Christmas Destinations in Greece

Greece is an all year round destination. We have asked members of Travel Bloggers Greece to share their favorite Christmas destinations in Greece. We hope that this post inspires you to visit Greece off-season too.  

Best Christmas Destinations in Greece

Trikala during Christmas

Katerina of Limitlesstravelling

Trikala, in the heart of Thessaly in Greece, is a city surprisingly combining the heritage of its history with the modern European lifestyle.  During the Christmas holidays, Trikala transforms into a fabulous destination with the most largest and famous Christmas theme park in Greece – the Mill of the Elves.

This place offers everything to ensure a great time for both adults and children. At the Christmas park you can see the house of Agios Vasilis (the Greek Santa Claus), the mushroom museum, the post house on the Olympus tree, learn to skate on ice or explore the elves’ flour mill, try your hand at a climbing workshop, have fun at the FunPark or the Playmobil Magic, ride the toy train express, draw yourself a mask and much more.  Visit the magic Mill to buy the elves souvenirs for good luck and taste various goodies freshly prepared from fabulous Christmas recipes.

This year, the Christmas Park is open from November 29 to January 6, every day from 10:00 until 22:00.

Christmas in Thessaloniki

Amber of Provocolate

Greece’s second largest city is a wonderful place to spend the holidays. Thessaloniki is full of both cozy, old-fashioned charm, and cosmopolitan glamour – an ideal mix for getting into the Christmas mood.

Curved around the bay of Thermaikos, Thessaloniki has glorious Mt. Olympus defining the horizon, just 60 km away. Its sugary snow-topped peaks are clearly visible on a crisp day. Elegant Aristotle plaza opens directly onto the Thermailkos, framing a picture-postcard view of Mt. Olympus. The plaza, with the city’s Christmas tree and Nativity scene, is the center of holiday cheer. For the best view in town, visit the restaurant and safe bar on the roof of the  Electra Palace hotel, which curves around the square. You can enjoy the view of the square from above, and sweeping vistas of the bay with a Christmas drink.

Thessaloniki also has plenty of old-fashioned tradition. Visit the cheerful hubbub of the central Kapai Market, where people stock the meats, cheeses, and other delicacies they will need for traditional holiday feasts. Warm up with a cup of hot “Salepi” from a street vendor, and nibble on chestnuts roast over the coals- the street vendors are easy to find- just follow the delicious scent. 

For entertainment, you’ll have groups of carolling youngsters and a huge group of drummers stirring up plenty of excitement and good cheer.

 

Dimitsana

Tzina of Love for Travel

When you will find yourself in Dimitsana you’ll see a magical scenery filled with fir trees. You can imagine how beautiful the place will look covered with snow during the winter and specially during Christmas!

As Dimitsana is a winter destination most of the hotels and Guest Houses have fireplaces in their rooms so it is a pleasure to sit in front of the fire looking the snow outside the window.

In the main road you will find taverns that offer a variety of dishes with local ingredients like meat, cheese and traditional mezedes.

If you decide to leave the main road behind and follow one of the narrow cobblestone alleys you will find yourself in the highest point of the village. From there you will see the breathtaking view of the valley traversed by the river Lousios.

Also, there are still some pretty villages near Dimitsana that you can visit as Stemnitsa and Vitina. 

P.s You can read the whole article about Dimitsana in English and Greek

Athens for Christmas 

Elena of Passion for Greece

The Greek capital is a wonderful place to celebrate the holidays. Over the past couple of years Athens is welcoming more and more visitors for the Christmas holidays. The mild weather and the vibrant atmosphere guarantee an unforgettable experience – from sightseeing to endless culinary delights and shopping. 

Enjoy a festive drink with the view of the Acropolis from numerous locations across the city like the Galaxy Bar & Restaurant at the Hilton Athens or A for Athens. Join a food tour and learn all about Athens’ rich culinary traditions. Don’t forget to try the famous Greek cookies — kourabiedes and melomakarona. 

For those who wish to spend the day by the sea, head towards the south of Athens, the Athenian Riviera where you can shop, soak in the suns ray’s by the sea and witness the magical sunset at the Temple of Poseidon. So how about planning a Christmas escape to Athens this year? 

Zagorohoria

Callie & Kathy of Anthomeli

Are you looking for a place to spend your Christmas holidays in Greece in the heart of nature; Then, Zagorohoria is the answer. More than 40 villages in the mountainous area of Epirus (north of Ioannina) are waiting for you. Villages hidden in the mountains, among gorges and rivers. The architecture of the houses is also marvelous as stone has been combined perfectly with the natural scenery. Traditional squares, churches, cobblestone alleys and a lot of incredible bridges are only some of the things you are going to be amazed of. During the Christmas period you will have the chance to find beautifully decorated guesthouses and hotels and to eat traditional festive dishes and delicious “pitas” (pies filled with cheese of vegetables).

Holidays in Pelion

Chrysoula of Travelpassionate

If you love Christmas but don’t fancy staying at home this year, why not head to Pelion near Volos, Greece for a festive trip of a lifetime?

While Pelion is a relatively unknown tourist destination, it is a fantastic place to spend the festive period thanks to the small ski resort in the nearby town of Chania. Temperatures in Pelion over Christmas sit in the low teens which makes it much warmer than some other destinations in Europe in winter and you should receive some sunny days on the slopes.

When you’re not enjoying Greece’s winter wonderland, head over to the town of Volos where the bars and boats along the harbor are lit up with blue Christmas lights and the smell of roasting chestnuts wafts through the air to get you into the winter mood. The town also features a traditional nativity scene set up at the Church of Agios Nikolaos and the Argo ship is taken out of the water for both locals and visitors to admire. Other festive treats include the light festival on the 26th December when thousands of lanterns are released into the air as well as ice skating on the rink outside of the Town Hall.

Christmas in Athens with Kids 

Celeste of Family Experiences in Greece

Are you in Athens this Christmas and do you need inspiration for your Christmas family outings? On my blog I have listed my favorite things to do in Athens this Christmas with kids, all up to date activities and tried and tested by my family and myself! To truly enjoy Athens during Christmas, I recommend to just venture out into the street. Because The Municipality of Athens launches this Christmas 2019 a program called “Adopt your city”, aiming for more street lighting and a brighter, happier, more hospitable Athens. Starting this year, Athens is being lit not only by the municipality, but also by all those who want to adopt their street, sidewalks or neighbourhoods. Residents, associations, businesses, agencies can take upon the illumination project of the area they want and join in the fun. I am sure that this year, Athens will be the brightest of all!

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