Why is spending your Christmas holiday in Athens cool? First of all, it is a unique experience you’ll love! Forget snowy landscapes and roaring fireplaces. Athens offers a vibrant alternative, blending old traditions with modern festivities under the Mediterranean sun.

This holiday season, explore ancient wonders by day and immerse yourself in the twinkling Christmas lights and festive cheer by night. From indulging in delicious Greek holiday treats to experiencing the lively Kalanda carols, Athens offers a Christmas experience like no other.

Start with a Christmas food tour!

Sweets you must try!

Greek Christmas is synonymous with traditional sweets. So, a culinary adventure is the best way to experience the Greek holidays! You can start from the places on our list by combining a visit with your downtown walks.

1. The king of Greek Christmas: Melomakarona 

These honey-walnut cookies, spiced with cinnamon and cloves, are a Christmas staple. Find the best melomakarona at these bakeries and thank us later for the flavor trip.

• Afoi Asimakopouloi (Charilaou Trikoupi 82, Exarcheia) 

A historic bakery since 1915, their melomakarona are made with fragrant thyme honey and flavorful walnuts.

• Fournos tou Remoundou (Kypselis 37, Athens) 

This old-school bakery, operating since 1953, offers traditionally made melomakarona with coarsely ground walnuts and the rich aroma of sheep's butter.

• Desiré (Dimokritou 6, Athens)

This retro-chic patisserie offers perfectly balanced, bite-sized melomakarona with a touch of French finesse.

Read also: Best Traditional Greek Desserts and Where to Try Them in Athens (Part 1)

• Pastry Family (Rizari 19 & Kifisias Ave. 244, Athens) 

One of the oldest pastry shops in Athens, known for their mille-feuille, their melomakarona also shine with a pronounced orange aroma.

Read also: Where to Find the Most Traditional Pies in Athens and the City’s Best Bakeries

2. Kourabiedes: The biggest competitors of Melomakarona

These almond shortbread cookies dusted with powdered sugar, will melt in your mouth from the first bite. Another Greek traditional holiday favorite treat you must taste! Of course, we made the proper list of places where you should try the best kourabiedes in Athens:

• Tsirou (Sevastoupoleos 26 & Fokidos, Ampelokipoi):

This vintage bakery offers crescent-shaped mini kourabiedes, made with unpeeled, roasted almonds and high-quality butter.

• Papaspyrou (Panormou 19, Ampelokipoi)

Their fluffy, classic kourabiedes are generously coated in powdered sugar and packed with almond flavor.

Read also: The Athens Local Food Travel Guide

• Stani (Marika Kotopouli 10, Athens)

Using an 80-year-old recipe and their own homemade sheep's butter, Stani's kourabiedes are a traditional delight.

• Kora (Anagnostopoulou 44, Athens)

And for those looking for something modern, Kora is the place to be. Its bite-sized "Kora-biedes" are crispy and fluffy, bursting with almond, butter, and vanilla flavors.

Enjoy the most declicious traditional Greek delicacies in a Food Tour

3. A Greek holiday without tsoureki is not a Greek holiday!

This sweet, braided bread is typically enjoyed at Easter. But it’s also a beloved treat at Christmas. You can find it filled with chocolate or with other interesting twists to try. Read below and see where you can find the best tsoureki in Athens!

• Madame Fraise Bakery (Ymittou 225, Pangrati)

For something different, Madame Fraise suggests a Brioche Vanille, filled with smooth vanilla cream and crunchy hazelnut praline, decorated on top with almond.

Read also: A Day in Pangrati Neighborhood of Athens: How to Spend it Like a Local

• Antonis Selekos (Erifylis 2, Pangrati)

Here you can get handmade tsoureki with mandarin, orange, and Chios mastic, along with a salted caramel spread for the perfect combination.

• Lido (Chremonidou 35, Pangrati)

Lido's tsoureki is legendary, made since 1967 with the same recipe and therefore the same result! Chewy, with the aroma of orange and mahlab, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Read also: 12 Places to Enjoy the Best Hot Chocolate in Athens

Festive fun in Athens

Athens transforms into a festive wonderland during the Christmas season, offering diverse activities beyond the delicious treats. From ice skating to a Christmas running marathon, you can find numerous ways to spend your time around the city and explore it the festive way!

• Ice Skating at SNFCC

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) hosts a large ice rink every year, offering a fun activity for all ages. Enjoy gliding across the ice under the festive lights with a stunning view of SNFCC architecture. Check here for opening hours and ticket prices.

• Christmas Factory

This immersive Christmas experience is a must-visit for families. Explore a magical world filled with impressive decorations, interactive workshops for children, festive performances, and plenty of opportunities for photos with Santa. Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues.

Snap the perfect photos in festive Athens

• Christmas Village at Pedion tou Areos

This annual Christmas village transforms Pedion tou Areos Park into a festive wonderland. Enjoy carnival rides, games, food stalls, live performances, ice skating, and a joyful atmosphere perfect for families and children.

Read also: Top 5 Things to Do in Athens on a Rainy Day

• Syntagma Square Winter Wonderland 

Syntagma Square, the heart of Athens, gets decked out in twinkling lights and Christmas decorations, creating a magical scenery. Stroll through the square, admire the Christmas tree, and soak in the holiday spirit.

Read also: Day and Weekend Trips from Athens for a Winter Getaway

• SNFCC’s Christmas World

The SNFCC offers a range of Christmas events starting Sunday, December 1. From concerts and performances to workshops and festive installations, you can attend numerous events for free!

Check the official website for the full program of activities and schedule.

• Kalanda: Traditional Greek Carols

Experience the heartwarming tradition of Kalanda, where children go door-to-door singing carols and playing triangles. They are often rewarded with a small amount of money and sweets. Where to find them? Just stroll around the city, in the shops or cafes on the morning of Christmas Eve and you’ll see them passing by and singing in groups of two or more.

Read also: The 12 Favorite Athens Neighborhoods of the Greek Olympian Gods

• Performances and Ballet at the Athens Concert Hall

The Athens Concert Hall a.k.a. Athens Megaron hosts a series of festive performances during the Christmas season. Experience the magic of the traditional holidays with the famous Greek “Shadows Theater” and the play “The Christmas of Karagiozis in Egypt”, as well as enchanting ballet performances like “The Ice Queen” and “Don Quixote”.

Check the official website for the full program, dates, and ticket information. Don’t forget to book tickets well in advance, especially for popular performances.

• New Year’s Eve fireworks

Ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display over the illuminated Acropolis. Secure a prime viewing spot near the Acropolis, such as Areopagus Hill (free but gets crowded) or Philopappos Hill, for a breathtaking view of the fireworks. Lycabettus Hill also offers panoramic views of the city and the fireworks but requires a funicular ride or a steep climb.

Read also: The Do's and Don'ts When Traveling in Greece

For a more luxurious experience, book a table at a rooftop bar or restaurant with Acropolis views. These venues often offer special New Year's Eve menus and celebrations. Make your reservations fast though. These places get fully booked quickly. Some popular choices include the A for Athens (Miaouli 2-4, Monastiraki) cocktail bar and the Couleur Locale rooftop bar (Normanou 3, Monastiraki).

See all the major attractions of the Greek capital

Last but not least, the big open New Year’s Eve Party in Syntagma Square!

Don't forget the massive New Year's Eve bash in Syntagma Square! Join the crowds in front of the Parliament building for a night of music, dancing, and fireworks as Athens rings in the new year. It's the biggest celebration in the city, a vibrant and unforgettable way to welcome a fresh start.

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Is Athens in your bucket list this holiday season? Let us know in the Comments section below!

Words: Nellie Stathakidou