7 Ways Greece Celebrates Christmas

Christmas in Greece is a magical time, filled with rich traditions, delicious food, and joyful celebrations. As the festive season approaches, the country comes alive with a unique blend of Orthodox Christian customs and modern revelry. Here are 7 ways Greece celebrates Christmas:

Greece's Christmas celebrations begin on December 6th, St. Nicholas Day, and continue until January 6th, Epiphany. During this period, the country is filled with festive decorations, including Christmas trees, lights, and wreaths made of evergreen branches and decorated with ribbons and ornaments.

1. Traditional Christmas Food

Greek Christmas cuisine is a highlight of the festive season. Traditional dishes include roasted lamb or goat, accompanied by sides such as roasted potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Christmas sweets, like melomakarona (honey cookies) and kourabiedes (shortbread-like cookies), are also a staple. On Christmas Day, families gather together to share a festive meal and exchange gifts.

2. Christmas Caroling

Christmas caroling is a beloved tradition in Greece. On Christmas Eve, groups of people, often dressed in traditional clothing, go from house to house singing Christmas carols, known as "kalanda." These carols are an integral part of Greek Christmas folklore and are sung to the accompaniment of traditional instruments, such as the lyra and the bouzouki.

3. Christmas Tree Decorations

While Christmas trees are not as deeply rooted in Greek tradition as in some other countries, they have become increasingly popular in recent years. Greeks decorate their trees with ornaments, lights, and garlands, often adding a traditional touch with handmade decorations made of natural materials like wood and straw.

4. New Year's Eve (St. Basil's Day)

In Greece, New Year's Eve is also celebrated as St. Basil's Day, in honor of the country's patron saint. On this day, families gather together to share a traditional meal, often featuring a sweet bread called "vasilopita," which contains a hidden coin. Whoever gets the piece with the coin is said to have good luck for the coming year.

5. Epiphany (Theophany)

On January 6th, Greeks celebrate Epiphany, also known as Theophany, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ. On this day, priests perform a ceremonial blessing of the waters, and people take a dip in the sea or a nearby body of water to cleanse themselves and bring good luck.

6. Traditional Christmas Games

Greeks have a long tradition of playing games during the Christmas season. One popular game is "krikoi," a type of hide-and-seek, while another is "storoi," a type of tag. These games are played by both children and adults, adding to the festive atmosphere.

7. Midnight Mass

For many Greeks, attending midnight mass on Christmas Eve is an essential part of the festive celebrations. The service is often attended by large crowds, and the atmosphere is filled with candlelight, incense, and traditional hymns.

As the festive season comes to a close, Greeks reflect on the values of family, friendship, and community that make Christmas so special. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Greece's unique Christmas traditions are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

We'd love to hear about your favorite Greek Christmas traditions or experiences! Share your stories and photos with us in the comments below.