Mark your calendars! There are lots of fun things happening around Greece during the month of December. Here are some of the most exciting upcoming events.
SNFCC Christmas World
December 1 – January 6 | Athens
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center will open Chrismas World on the first day of this month, which will last until the end of the holiday season. As of December 10th, the SNCFF ice rink will open on the canal for skaters.
The Christmas Factory
December 2 – January 6 | Athens
The Christmas Factory in Gazi is an extremely festive place to be during this time of year. Stop by the seasonal shops or try out the carousel ride and Ferris wheel. Adults can come to attend daily music and theatre performances while children here have the chance to meet Santa and explore his toy workshop.
Tribute to Asian Cinema
December 5 & 12 | Crete
A cultural association called ‘Friends of Literature and the Arts’ has organized a film screening event in Chania, to pay tribute to Asian Cinema. If you’re a film lover who finds yourself visiting Crete during this time, make sure to stop by one of the showings (starting at either 19:00 or 21:30). This event will take place in the main hall of Chania’s Cultural Center.
Feast of Saint Nicholas
December 6 | All of Greece
The Feast of St. Nicholas (or Saint Nicholas day) is meant for honoring the patron saint of sailors. Decorated boats are a traditional holiday symbol in Greece to pay tribute to him. It’s typical of Greek families to decorate a ship at their house on December 6th in order to ensure their beloved sailor would make it home safely, and in time for Christmas.
Athens International Boat Show
December 8 – 12 | Athens
The Athens International Boat Show is an event held at the Metropolitan Expo for professionals and amateurs that share a love for the sea as well as extreme water sports and tourism. Additionally, this event is open to all those who are interested in boating, sailing, fishing, and diving.
12 Nautical Miles Photo Exhibition
December 11 – 19 | Syros
At the Cultural Center of Ermoupolis on the Cycladic island of Syros, there will be an exhibition by photographer Dimitrios Krabovitis. Called ’12 Nautical Miles’ (because of the distance between the port of Syros and Tinos), it consists of 28 photos focused on these two unique landscapes.
Eve of Saint Spyridon’s Day
December 11 – 12 | Corfu
Considered the protector of this island, the holy day of Saint Spyridon is celebrated annually. Each year on the night before, all of the kitchens around Corfu are full of fragrant smells from locals making their traditional doughnuts (called loukoumades) which are soaked in honey or chocolate. This is also the time when all of Corfu’s Christmas decor gets switched on.
Good Evening Mr. Iakovos
December 29 & 30 | Syros
A musical-theatrical performance, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth and the 10th anniversary of the death of the playwright Iakovos Kampanellis will be presented at the Apollon Theater of Syros. The show will include popular songs with lyrics by Kampanellis as well as excerpts from some of his plays.
Chios Ship Model Competition
December 31 | Chios
During the month of December in Chios, shipbuilding and decorating become a big event. As an island with long maritime history and tradition, the custom of making model ships started at the beginning of the 20th century. Since the 1970s the Tourist Club of Chios transformed this pastime into an annual competition. Now on the last day of every year, the community gathers to distribute prizes and select the winner.
While visiting Greece to just relax on the beach is never a bad idea, there are also lots of exciting (and unique!) things you can do during your trip. After browsing this list and deciding where to go during December, head to the Ferryscanner website to find and book your ferry tickets.