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Christmas and New Year in Athens: What to Do, What's Open, Weather
By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-10 · 2 sources listed below
Quick answer
Athens is festive from late November, when the Christmas tree in Syntagma Square is lit, until Epiphany on 6 January. Ermou Street and the central avenues are lit up, and the city holds a free New Year's Eve party in the centre with concerts and fireworks or a drone show. Expect about 14°C by day. Museums and sites close on 25–26 December and 1 January, and many shops close too.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Late November | Syntagma Square Christmas tree lighting |
| Through December | Lights on Ermou, Stadiou and the central avenues; nativity scene in Mitropoleos Square |
| 24–26 December | Christmas Eve and Christmas; 25–26 are public holidays |
| 31 December | Free New Year's Eve concert and midnight fireworks or drone show in the centre |
| 1 January | Public holiday; most things closed |
| 6 January | Epiphany: blessing of the waters at Piraeus and the coast |
What's open and closed
- State sites and museums, including the Acropolis, close on 25–26 December and 1 January; check holiday hours on hhticket.gr.
- Restaurants and bars are busy on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve; book ahead.
- Metro and buses run on holidays with reduced service, and late on New Year's Eve.
Things to do
- Walk the lit-up centre from Syntagma down Ermou to Monastiraki.
- Eat melomakarona and kourabiedes; on 1 January, try vasilopita.
- Visit the Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum when they're quiet.
- Take a day trip to Delphi and snowy Arachova.
Weather
- About 14°C by day and 7°C at night in December, 12°C and 5°C in January.
- Rain on about 8–10 days a month; bring a waterproof layer.
FAQ
Is Athens good for Christmas?
Yes: the centre is decorated, sights are quiet and the weather is mild compared with northern Europe.
Is the Acropolis open on Christmas Day?
No. State sites close on 25 and 26 December and on 1 January.
Where do you watch New Year's fireworks in Athens?
The city's free party is held in central Athens, around Syntagma Square; check the municipality's programme in December.
Sources
Related guides
- Greece in December: Weather, Christmas, What's Open and Where to Go
- Greece in January: Weather, Skiing, Free Museums and Is It Worth It?
- Athens Airport to Piraeus Port: Metro, X96 Bus or Taxi?
- Greece in November: Weather, Sea, What's Open and Is It Worth It?
- Crete in October and November: Weather, Sea Temperature and What's Open
- Where to Stay in Athens for 1–3 Nights
Updated 2026-10. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.