Christmas and New Year 2026 in Mainland Greece: 7 Winter Escapes

Greek Christmas is quieter than in much of Europe and all the more charming for it: carols sung door to door on Christmas Eve, the vasilopita cake with a hidden coin on New Year’s Day, and the blessing of the waters at Epiphany on 6 January. On the mainland it is also the start of the snow season, when stone villages light their fireplaces and the ski centres open. Here are seven winter escapes we love, with the partner hotels we book for our guests.

Key dates 2026–27

• 24 December – Christmas Eve, children sing the kalanta (carols).
• 25–26 December – Christmas Day and Synaxis of the Theotokos (public holidays).
• 31 December – 1 January – New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, cutting the vasilopita.
• 6 January – Epiphany (Theofania), blessing of the waters by the sea, rivers and lakes.
• 6–8 January – the Ragoutsaria carnival in Kastoria.

1. The mountain villages of Arcadia

Vytina, Dimitsana, Stemnitsa and Levidi are our home ground: stone villages in the fir forests of Mount Mainalo, two hours from Athens, with tavernas serving slow-cooked meat and wild greens and the Mainalo ski centre close by. Read our full guide to Christmas in the Arcadian mountain villages or see our ready-made 3-day Christmas in Vytina.

2. Arachova and Mount Parnassos

Arachova is the liveliest winter village in Greece, on the slopes of Parnassos above Delphi. Ski by day on Parnassos, walk the cobbled lanes and the stone clock tower in the evening, and visit Delphi without the summer crowds. See where to stay in Delphi and Arachova.

3. Karpenisi and Evrytania

In the green heart of Central Greece, Karpenisi sits below Mount Velouchi and its ski centre. Fir forests, rivers and stone villages such as Megalo and Mikro Chorio make it a classic snowy escape with fireplaces and mountain food.

4. Metsovo and Ioannina

Metsovo, high in the Pindus, is famous for its stone mansions, cheese and wine, and the small Anilio ski centre is right next to it. Combine it with Ioannina, the lakeside capital of Epirus, for a city-and-mountain Christmas.

5. Zagori

The 46 stone villages of Zagori, with their arched bridges and slate roofs, are magical in winter. Short walks on the old mule paths, a view into the Vikos Gorge and long evenings by the fire – see our Zagori in 3 days.

6. Kastoria and the Ragoutsaria

Kastoria, on its peninsula in Lake Orestiada, keeps one of the oldest winter carnivals in Greece. From 6 to 8 January the Ragoutsaria fill the streets with masked groups and brass bands playing day and night – a unique way to end the festive season.

7. Nafplio by the sea

If you prefer the sea to the snow, Nafplio is lovely at Christmas: festive lights in the old town, mild sunny days, walks along the Arvanitia promenade and the fortress of Palamidi above. See where to stay in Nafplio.

Our partner hotels for a winter stay

We work directly with these properties. All prices on request – we send you a personal offer.

Getting there in winter

Mountain roads can be icy or snowy between December and February, so many of our guests prefer not to drive themselves. Our private transfers go door to door from Athens, Athens airport, Thessaloniki and the regional airports, with drivers who know these roads and keep an eye on the weather for you. See all our transfer routes.

Frequently asked questions

Is there snow in Greece at Christmas?

Often, but not always. The best chances are in the mountains – Parnassos, Velouchi, Pindus and Zagori – especially from late December to February. Nafplio and the coast stay mild.

Are shops and restaurants open over Christmas?

Yes. Mountain villages are busiest over Christmas and New Year, and most hotels, tavernas and cafés stay open. On 25 December and 1 January some shops close.

How early should I book a Christmas stay?

As early as possible. Mountain villages fill up over Christmas, New Year and Epiphany, and the best rooms with fireplaces go first.