When we think about the Month of December in Greece, we usually think of winter and celebrations. Let’s learn more about a typical Greek December Month.
December is the first month of winter, which means you could say “kalo xeimona” – “Καλό χειμώνα”
However, usually Greeks say this wish much earlier, when they come back from their holidays, in September and October!
Just in case you first would like to remember how you say the 12 months in Greece, click here and listen to the video !
Name Days
December is the most festive month of the year in Greece! Apart from Christmas we also have many other religious feasts and important name days. In Greece, overall name days are more important than birthdays, so have a look if you have any Greek friends with the following name!
December 4: Barbara ‘s name day (protector of the army)
December 5: Savas’ name day (protector of the sick)
December 6: Nick, Nikki, Nicoleta, Nicholas’ name day (this day is very important to the Greeks, as St. Nicholas is the protector of sailors. )
Attention! Saint Nicholas does not bring gifts; children in Greece will have to wait till New Year’s Eve. Santa Claus or “Agios Vassilis” is honored on the 1st of January!.
December 9: Anna’s nameday. This day is also supposed to be a cold day.
Listen here to the Greek song: “ah annoula tou xionia” Αχ Αννούλα του χιονιά – Αντώνης Καλογιάννης
December 12: Spyros and Spyridoula’s name day.
December 15: Lefteris and Eleftheria’s name day.
December 25: Christos, Christina, Chrysa, Chrysoyla’s name day.
December 27: Stephanos, Stephania’s name day.
Do not forget to call your friends with those names and tell them “Chronia Polla”! Χρόνια Πολλά!
They will be honoured with your call and will definitely treat you a sweet 🙂
If you want to learn more Greek wishes, which you can use for a Name Day, or write on a card, then
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE eBook,
with English Translations and Audio for the correct pronunciation in Greek.
Celebrations
Christmas Traditions in Greece
Just like in many countries, Christmas is a special time in Greece. Families gather around festive tables, exchange wishes, enjoy good food, and keep alive a number of beautiful traditions. In the days leading up to Christmas, and on the day itself , you’ll often hear people saying “Καλά Χριστούγεννα” (Merry Christmas) and “Καλές Γιορτές” (Happy Holidays).
Let’s take a closer look at some much-loved Greek Christmas customs.
Trigona Kalanta – Christmas Carols the Greek Way
In Greece, Christmas morning begins with the sound of cheerful voices and the distinctive ring of metal triangles. On December 24th, early in the morning, children go door to door singing carols. Before they begin, they ask politely:
“Να τα πούμε;” — “Shall we sing for you?”
Once they finish their song, they receive small gifts: some coins, chocolates, or sweets. The children then wish everyone “Καλά Χριστούγεννα!”, and adults respond with “Και του χρόνου!” — literally “Next year again!”, meaning May we celebrate again next year in good health and happiness.
If you’d like to listen to a Greek Christmas song and learn its lyrics, click here to discover Trigona Kalanta, one of the most iconic carols.
click here and learn your first Christmas song: Trigona Kalanta.
The Christmas Boat – A Uniquely Greek Symbol
Contrary to what many believe, decorating a Christmas tree is not originally a Greek tradition. The very first Christmas tree in Greece was introduced in 1833 by King Otto of Bavaria. Today, of course, Christmas trees are everywhere — but Greece has its own beautiful symbol too: the Christmas boat.
Especially on the islands, families traditionally decorated a small boat to honor the country’s deep connection to the sea. As a seafaring nation, Greece naturally blended the Christmas spirit with maritime heritage.
In recent years, you’ll even see decorated boats appearing in Athens and other mainland towns, bringing this charming tradition back into the spotlight.
To learn more about the Christmas boat tradition, . click here.
New Year
New Year’s Traditions in Greece
Just like Christmas, New Year’s Eve is very much a family celebration in Greece. On the morning of December 31st, children once again go from door to door — this time singing the traditional New Year carols.
In the evening, families and friends gather around the table for a festive dinner, waiting for midnight to arrive. As the new year begins, everyone exchanges the classic wish: “Καλή Χρονιά!” — Happy New Year!
Of course, the celebration doesn’t end there. Many people head out afterward to clubs and music venues across the country, where the party continues well into the early hours.
On January 1st, families come together once more to cut the Vasilopita (see below), a beloved tradition that marks the official start of the year.
Sweets
If you’ve ever spent this season in Greece, you’ve surely noticed the irresistible display of cookies and pastries in every bakery window. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a wide variety of traditional Greek sweets — and there are plenty to choose from! Here are some favorites you’ll often find this time of year.
Melomakarona
The melomakarono (Greek: μελομακάρονο plural: μελομακάρονα, melomakarona) is an egg-shaped Greek dessert made mainly from flour,olive oil, and honey. It is a traditional sweet prepared primarily during the Christmas holiday season.
Kourabiedes
Together with Melomakarona, these are traditional cookies that are made during the Christmas period in Greece. Kourabiedes are almond butter biscuits, powdered with lots of icing sugar.
New Year Day: Vasilopita
The word Vasilopita is a compound Greek word which means the sweet bread of St. Basil the Great, the one that is cut at home on New Year’s eve or New Year’s day.
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Greek holiday traditions are full of warmth, music, and delicious treats — and we hope this article helped you experience a bit of that magic. If you’d love to keep discovering Greek culture and language throughout the year, don’t hesitate to explore our stories, podcasts, and online lessons.
From all of us at Omilo: Καλά Χριστούγεννα and a joyful Καλή Χρονιά!
