Why Visit Greece?
Greek Christmas markets blend Orthodox Christian traditions with contemporary festive celebrations. Athens' markets are located at Omonoia and Syntagma Squares, featuring Christmas trees and German-style wooden chalets alongside distinctly Greek elements. The Christmas Factory at Technopolis in Gazi is described as Athens' most opulent Christmas market. Thessaloniki creates displays including a famous three-masted ship in Aristotelous Square. A unique Greek Christmas tradition is the karavaki (small decorated boat), which was the traditional yuletide centerpiece rather than Christmas trees. This custom began on Greek islands where sailors were often away from home, and locals decorated boats to celebrate the men's safe return. Greek Orthodox Christmas follows the Eastern Orthodox calendar, creating a festive season from December 6th through January 6th (Epiphany). Traditional customs include smashing pomegranates on doorsteps on New Year's Day for luck.
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Quick Facts
Tradition & History
Greek Christmas markets are a relatively modern phenomenon, emerging as Greece has embraced contemporary European festive traditions while maintaining Orthodox Christian customs. The Greek Orthodox Christmas follows the Eastern Orthodox calendar, extending from December 6th through January 6th. Traditional Greek Christmas symbols include the karavaki (decorated boat) rather than Christmas trees—a custom from Greek islands celebrating sailors' safe returns. The Athens Christmas Market has a history dating back centuries, originally as a gathering of local artisans.
Food & Drink
Melomakarona (honey cookies with nutmeg, allspice, cloves, cinnamon), Kourabiedes (almond cookies), Christopsomo (Christ's bread with nuts, orange, spices), Diples (fried pastries drizzled with honey), Vasilopita (New Year's cake with hidden coin for luck), Rakomelo (warm drink with raki/tsipouro and honey), Loukoumades (fried dough with honey)
Market Season
December through January 6 (Epiphany)
Getting Around
Athens has an efficient metro system connecting the airport to city center. Within Athens, metro, tram, and bus systems provide coverage. Thessaloniki is accessible from Athens by domestic flights or train. Christmas markets are typically located in central squares accessible by public transport.
Planning Your Trip
Greek Christmas celebrations extend through January 6th (Epiphany), providing a longer festive season than many European countries. The karavaki (boat decoration) is a unique Greek tradition distinct from Christmas trees. Traditional Christmas sweets like melomakarona and kourabiedes are found throughout markets and bakeries. New Year's Day features the tradition of smashing pomegranates on doorsteps for luck. January 6th Epiphany celebrations in port cities include priests blessing the waters and young men diving for crosses. Greek markets tend to be smaller and more intimate than major Central European markets. Weather is generally milder than Northern Europe during the festive season.