Surprise Yourself with a Magical Mediterranean Greek Holiday
When most people think of Greece they think of the Greek islands under the hot summer sun full of traditional cycladic architecture of white and blue homes. Although we at Eyia Retreats love that particular Greece, there is so much more that Greece has to offer outside of summer on the islands. Greece is actually an amazing year-round European destination. Experiencing the holiday season in Greece – December and January – is truly special. The holiday season in Greece is festive and full of warm spirits and traditions you won’t find anywhere else.
During the holiday season, Greece offers a blend of winter and Mediterranean charm. The southern parts of Greece offer pleasant winter weather, while northern Greece and the mountain towns are colder and usually full of snow. Yes, that’s right, we get snow in Greece, even on some rare occasions in Athens! The air is clean and crisp, the towns are cozy and there are far fewer crowds. In the holiday season in Greece you can explore ancient sites, stroll through old towns and enjoy museums without the summer rush or crowds.
Greece Offers Beautiful Holiday Experiences in the City, Mountains and Islands
Greek cities and villages transform with lights, markets and winter events during the holiday season. If you are visiting Athens during the holidays, you will find many light displays, concerts and events, especially in Syntagma and Stavros Niarchos Center. If you are in Thessaloniki during the holidays, you will find street markets, vibrant nightlife and waterfront celebrations. Many villages transform into winter wonderlands. It is a quaint, cozy, beautiful scene.
If you are looking for a snowy holiday, Greece delivers with beautiful snowcapped mountains. You can check out Zagorohoria, Pelion, Metsovo, Arachova or other alpine villages that offer stone houses, fireplaces, winter hiking, skiing and other outdoor winter activities. If you want a mild Mediterranean Christmas, Greece also delivers. You can visit islands that are open year-round like Crete, Rhodes or Corfu. They all offer pleasant winter weather perfect for scenic walks, local festivals and quiet beach sunsets.
Ancient Greek Holiday Traditions
Greece has beautiful, rich, deeply rooted holiday traditions. Good old Saint Nicholas whom we know as Santa Claus in the western world originated from the Greek Saint Nicholas who was a 4th-century Greek Bishop. Saint Nicholas was known for his secret gift-giving and generosity, particularly towards the poor, children and sailors. He was kind, thoughtful and pious, and ultimately was persecuted for his Christian faith. Stories of his generosity spread through Europe, and Holland named him “Sinterklaas.” Dutch settlers brought Sinterklaas to America, where he eventually evolved into the English “Santa Claus.” So, we have the Greeks to thank for Santa Claus, along with many other things.
During the holiday season in Greece you will find “karavaki,” decorated boats. Instead of just Christmas trees, towns and homes decorate boats to symbolize seafarers safe return home. On Christmas Eve you will hear “kalanda,” children going door to door singing traditional carols accompanied by triangles.
Delicious Traditional Greek Holiday Sweets
Greece has some incredible holiday food that you must try when you visit during the holiday season. The most famous of the holiday foods are two desserts: Melomakarona and Kourabiedes. Melomakarona are small, oval shaped honey cookies, and kourabiedes are small almond sugar cookies covered in powdered sugar. If you are visiting someone’s home during the holidays, these are a great gift to bring.
On New Year’s Day you will find “vasilopita” in all the homes and bakeries. Vasilopita is a traditional Greek New Year cake with a coin wrapped in foil hidden inside. Whoever gets the piece of cake with the coin in it is believed to have good luck for the year ahead. Whatever the Greeks are eating during the holiday season, you can be sure it is homemade, aromatic and comforting.
The Last Holiday Hurray
Greece’s holiday season continues through January 6th for the Epiphany holiday. On Epiphany day you will see “agiasmos,” the blessing of waters. You can also check out The Cross Dive, where swimmers retrieve a cross from the water for blessings for the year. These are unforgettable cultural experiences. It is after Epiphany Day when children go back to school and adults go back to work… with bellies and hearts full.
How You Can Experience Greece
If you are looking for a holiday season that blends warm hospitality, deep traditions and stunning scenery, then Greece is one of the best destinations in Europe to spend the season. If you want to experience Greece during the holidays, reach out to Eyia Retreats and we will happily plan your next holiday vacation to Greece.
Not convinced to visit Greece during the holidays? That’s okay – whatever Greek season floats your boat. If you want to visit Greece this summer, you can check out Eyia Retreats’ travel planning services and signature itineraries. We will book your dream Greek vacation for you while you sit back, relax and dream of Greece.
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