Christmas in
Greece
Celebrated: December 25 through January 6 (Theophany)
Signature traditions
- 1.Decorating wooden boats (karavakia) instead of (or alongside) trees — a tradition from the country's seafaring heritage
- 2.Children singing kalanda (carols) door-to-door on Christmas Eve, accompanied by metal triangles
- 3.St. Basil — not Santa — delivers gifts on January 1
- 4.Sprinkling holy water from blessed basil branches around the house to ward off Kallikantzaroi (mischievous goblins) during the 12 days of Christmas
- 5.Cutting the vasilopita on January 1 — a sweet bread with a hidden coin; finder gets good luck for the year
What's on the table
Christopsomo and melomakarona
Christopsomo ('Christ's bread') is a sweet round loaf decorated with a cross. Melomakarona (honey-soaked cookies with walnuts) and kourabiedes (powdered-sugar shortbread) are the season's iconic treats.
The iconic decoration
The Christmas boat (karavaki)
Greeks traditionally decorated small wooden boats with lights to honor returning sailors. The custom is making a comeback — towns now display large lit boats in central squares alongside trees.
How gifts are given
Saint Basil delivers gifts on New Year's Day (January 1), not Christmas. Children open presents on January 1.
Did you know?
Greek folklore warns of Kallikantzaroi — mischievous goblins that emerge from the underworld during the 12 days from Christmas to Epiphany. Families burn old shoes, keep fires going, and sprinkle blessed water to keep them away.