7 Excellent Places in Greece to Celebrate Christmas

While many people think of Greece as a summertime destination, the country also has a lot to offer tourists during the winter months. Greece is a particularly great place to celebrate Christmas. The various regions throughout Greece each have their own unique ways of celebrating the holiday. In Greece, Christmas remains a solemn and meaningful occasion that does not have the same commercialism it does in Western European countries. The season commences with the feast of St. Nikoloas on December 6 and continues throughout the month. Most of the events place a heavy emphasis on family and faith, making these celebrations truly moving to see. Some of the top Christmas destinations in Greece include:

 

1. Drama

A small town in Macedonia, Drama maintains a theme park inspired by Christmas throughout the month of December, a tradition that began in 2004. Known as Oneiroupoli, the park is built within Drama’s Municipal Garden. The festival includes Christmas light displays, as well as small wooden houses that serve local delicacies and sell handmade crafts. Oneiroupoli also hosts outdoor concerts and live performances. Additionally, there are small trains that guests can ride, an attraction that is especially fun for families traveling with young children.

Image by Mike Dirhalidis | Flickr

 

2. Stanos

Throughout Macedonia, Thrace, and Thessaly, locals celebrate with a pig feast known as gourounohara. This custom involves buying a pig early in the year and raising it for a Christmas meal. Pork is the traditional Christmas dinner in many parts of Greece. The small village of Stanos turns gourounohara into a celebration for the whole town. At the start of the Christmas season, the community gathers to roast pigs and drink. The festival also features a local orchestra performing on the main square. During this occasion, residents frequently break out into spontaneous song and dance.

 

3. Florina

On the day before Christmas Eve, Florina residents light bonfires throughout the town, and the largest one is set in the main square. During the festivities, a local brass band plays in the streets to call residents out to the square. This practice also takes place in other towns, and its roots go back to ancient times when lighting a fire was a way to worship the sun god. Today, churches in the area connect the bonfires to the shepherds who lit fires to keep baby Jesus warm in the stable. The event is a way to commemorate the nativity in a fun and unique way.

 

4. Trikala Korinthias

One of the most well-known Christmas destinations in the Peloponnese, Trikala Korinthias consists of three distinct villages: Kato, Mesi, and Ano Synoikia. Mesi Synoikia offers tourists numerous traditional taverns that serve local food and beverages, and people will enjoy the hospitality of the region. The area, which is set in the breathtaking Ziria Mountain range, provides visitors with easy access to Ziria’s small ski space, as well as Lake Doxa. Individuals who want a classical snow-covered scene for Christmas will definitely enjoy this part of the country.

Image by trikelef | Flickr

 

5. Elati and Pertouli

Also located in the Trikala region, Elati and Pertouli are two of the more famous Christmas destinations. Here, travelers will find the awe-inspiring Koziakas mountains, which present a fairy-tale scene. Built along the mountainside, the towns’ landscape features a natural elegance intertwined with Thessaly’s traditional mountain architecture. The area always has plenty of snow, and the fog often freeze on the trees to create a whimsical look along forest paths.

 

6. Athens

Of course, Greece’s capital offers visitors a lot of seasonal fun during Christmas. Travelers should check the local schedules to find out when concerts and other recreational events are occurring in the various squares. In particular, Syntagma Square has a large Christmas tree and a carousel, along with other children’s rides. Additionally, Athens boasts Christmas villages and outdoor ice-skating rinks. People can also stop by Electra Metropolis, a hotel that is well-known for its stunning Christmas decorations.

Image by Dario Sušanj | Flickr

 

7. Chania

Crete is the perfect destination for individuals who want to celebrate Christmas somewhere where it remains warm. The Cretans have their own range of unique traditions that travelers can discover. One of the newer ones is the Santa Run in Chania. During the event, people dress in Santa costumes and race to raise money for charity. Those who visit Crete during the holiday season can also try some of the local delicacies, including kourabiedes and melomakarona. The former are shortbread cookies usually flavored with rose or orange blossom, while the latter are cinnamon and clove cookies dipped in syrup and covered with nuts.

5 of the Best Destinations for Wintertime Travelers in Greece

Most people associate Greece with beaches, islands, and sunshine. However, the country does experience winter. Travelers should not feel discouraged from visiting during the colder months, when individuals can head to ski slopes, mountains, and other attractions.

Greece provides a radically different experience during the winter months. For example, new seasonal produce is available, including chestnuts, wild mushrooms, and oranges. These lend themselves to a variety of traditional dishes. In the winter, hearty stews replace the lighter salads served during the summer.

People generally put their sandals away and get out the hiking boots to explore nature. Outdoors enthusiasts should definitely plan a trip during this period.

Some of the best spots to check out for winter fun in Greece include:

 

1. Kalavryta

Located a few hours from Athens, Kalavryta provides travelers with a whole host of activities in the heart of the Peloponnese. The town sits on the slopes of Mount Helmos and offers easy access to a number of winter sports. Hikers will be in heaven here.

Image by Hellas Holiday | Flickr

Within a small area, individuals will find open caves, alpine lakes, and different types of evergreen forests. In nearby Planitero, travelers will find picturesque forests and bubbling springs. This area is known for its trout fishing.

Visitors will find a number of hotels and spas, as well as charming guest houses. For a more immersive experience, individuals can stay in one of the small surrounding villages. Some of the other attractions in Kalavryta include a World War II museum and gorgeous monasteries, as well as railway that connects to Diakofto on the coast.

 

2. Zagori

This is one of the most breathtaking mountainous regions in all of Europe. Zagori offers waterfalls, caves, and rivers nestled among densely forested mountains. Additionally, it is home to the Zagorohoria, more than 45 small villages constructed from stone and slate.

There are hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails that cross over stone bridges and around historic monasteries. Many of these trails offer incredible vantage points of the nearby ridges. Plus, visitors can jump onto an organized hiking group to see the most the area has to offer.

Mountaineers are often attracted to Zagori because of the many peaks that they can climb. A number of companies cater to individuals who want to whitewater raft or backcountry ski. Travelers should check out as many villages as they can, as each has its own unique culture and exceptional architecture. Nearby to this area is Ioannina, another city worth a day trip.

 

3. Tzoumerka

In the northwestern part of Greece is the large Pindos mountain range. The lower part of this range is known as the Tzoumerka mountain chain, which creates a massive ridge dividing Ioannina from Arta. Like many of the other areas listed, Tzoumerka has crystalline springs and waterfalls feeding into rushing rivers. The National Park of Tzoumerka boasts a wide range of wildlife.

Like Zagori, the area has more than 45 villages. However, this area has undergone much less tourist development. This means that it is a fantastic option for experiencing untamed Greek countryside. Two villages that visitors should make sure to explore are Syrrako and Kalarrites. Another prime option is Melissourgi, which has various outdoors activities, including whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

To get the most out of this region, travelers should have a vehicle. They should also be aware that the roads can be very narrow and winding.

 

4. Loutraki Pella

For a more relaxed experience, visitors can turn to Loutraki Pella, known for its natural thermal spring. This particular spring is at the base of Mount Voras in Macedonia, not far from Thessaloniki.

The massive facility here takes advantage of the Toplitsa River gushing out of the springs. This enables it to offer 48 private baths as well as multiple indoor pools and a hydrotherapy center. Along the river, there are also thermal waterfalls that guests can explore at their leisure.

The village of Loutraki has a wide range of accommodations for people who want to stay in the area for a few days. Also, not far from the springs is Kaimaktsalan, a great ski resort.

 

5. Metsovo

People who want to split their time between exploring the Greek wilderness and the country’s culture should check out Metsovo in Epirus. Historically, this town emerged as a major military post and trading town. Much of the trade with other European nations went through Metsovo in the 18th and 19th centuries.

After that, the grandeur of the town began to deteriorate until, in the 1940s, Evangelos Averoff developed a foundation to keep the town thriving. The foundation has supported the development of wineries and a cheesemaking industry as a means to promote tourism.

This investment worked. Metsovo has become a prime attraction for Greeks and foreigners alike, especially those who enjoy wine and food. However, the town also has three small ski resorts nearby as well as a great folk museum and an art gallery.