December may not be the most popular month to visit Greece, but there are some advantages to visiting during the off-season. While December is the rainiest month of the year, and you should bring a raincoat, the weather is normally mild, just a little unpredictable.
If you plan a trip to Greece in December, tourist destinations will be less crowded, allowing you to visit the more popular attractions without having to wait in long lines. If you don’t mind the rain and cold temperatures, Greece in December is a fantastic winter destination.
Spending Christmas in Greece is an excellent choice for anyone intrigued about cultural traditions and extraordinary cuisine, like during this 11-Day Athens, Naxos & Santorini Foodie Delights Trip. You can listen to Greek Christmas carols and admire the decorations, which include lit-up ships honouring the Greek Saint Basil and take in the festive local traditions of whichever city or village you’re visiting.
Post Contents
- Where to Go in Greece in December
- What to Do / Best Places to Visit
- Athens
- Thessaloniki
- Crete
- Santorini
- Festivals / Special Events in Greece in December
- The Thessaloniki International Film Festival.
- Christmas in Athens
- New Year’s Eve
- Weather in Greece in December
- Things to Know Before You Go
- FAQs
Where to Go in Greece in December
There is so much to do in Greece, and December is no exception. Winter in Greece has some distinctive attractions and activities that make it a perfect time to explore, despite a bit colder weather.
If you prefer city adventures to outdoor activities, you will for sure enjoy December in the Greek cities. December is an excellent month to visit Athens. The Greek capital becomes more magical than ever during the holiday season. Twinkling Christmas lights line Ermou Street and Syntagma Square in the city centre, and a massive tree stands near Syntagma Station. On multiple occasions every week, free live performances with music are held in the square. You can visit Athens during our 4-Day Escape to Athens tour.
Skiing in Karpenisi will be at the top of your list of things to do in Greece in December if you are the outdoors type. Starting from the Velouchi Ski Centre, you can enjoy impressive snow-covered landscapes as well as activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, caving, and much more. Karpenisi is a lovely town in Central Greece’s Evritania region. Because of its breathtaking natural scenery, this region is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Greece.”
You will quickly fall in love with quaint stone villages surrounded by lush forests, dramatic rock formations, and winding roads hugging the sides of cliffs here. This is one of the best places in Greece to go hiking, with many incredible footpaths and cycle trails winding through the woods.
Choose a woodland cabin or a picturesque cottage in central Karpenisi as your base.There is no better winter experience than staying somewhere with your own wooden log fireplace and views of snow-capped mountains out your window.
Trips you may like
If you are looking for a relaxing honeymoon in Greece and to get a taste of Athens and some of the most popular islands of the Cyclades, this eleven-day Greek island hopping honeymoon is for you! After beginning in the ancient city of Athens, you will visit the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, the enchanting island of Paros and the incredibly romantic island of Santorini. This wonderful trip will be punctuated with unique, special experiences that you can enjoy with your loved one whilst staying in beautiful high-end hotels.
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from USD 5,155
This 12-day Greece cruise provides you with a great taste of this fascinating country! Staying in four- and five-star luxury hotels, this package includes a five-day coach tour of some of Greece’s most spectacular sites on the Greek Mainland and a four-day cruise roaming around the Aegean Sea. It is the perfect mix of relaxation and touring! Beginning in Athens, you’ll tour classical Greece including Corinth, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi, Thermopylae and Meteora. For the latter half of your trip, you’ll jump on a cruise and head to Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos, Crete and Rhodes before once again returning to Athens!
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Your eight-day Athens to Santorini trip takes you from the most important ancient sites in Greece that are found in Athens and Delphi to the stunning beaches and serene vistas of two of Greece’s most famous islands, Mykonos and Santorini. Your itinerary in Greece strikes a balance between informative tours and relaxation as your time in Athens and Delphi lays ancient Greek history in front of you. When you make it to the islands, you’ll spend your days on beautiful beaches with the option to visit the birthplace of Apollo, Delos. Finish your time in Greece with a stunning 5-hour catamaran cruise where your time will be concluded with the sun disappearing from the horizon.
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from USD 6,880
Surround yourself with beautiful beaches with clear waters, taste the beloved Mediterranean cuisine, and get to know the history of each island on this 13-day trip island-hopping from Athens! Start in the picturesque streets of Plaka and in the second most popular sightseeing trip from Athens, Cape Sounio, where you can drink your coffee near the sea, and enjoy the spectacular sunsets! Next is the most popular island in Greece, Mykonos! Its sandy beaches with the crystal clear waters, beach bars and nightlife make Mykonos the most popular destination for celebrities from across the world! Then there is Santorini, considered to be the most romantic destination in Greece, offers you the ultimate sunset! A day cruise to the volcano comes highly recommended because it ends with a visit to Oia – a sunset-lovers paradise! Crete is the next destination, the birthplace of the oldest civilisation in Europe! Visit Knossos, Europe’s oldest city, and the archaeological museum of Crete, one of the most important museums in Europe. Tour in the old cities of Chania and Rethymnon, two of the most beautiful and romantic in Crete; walk at their narrow streets and taste the famous Cretan cuisine at one of the traditional tavernas. Finish your travels on Rhodes Island will leave you feeling like you are living in another era! Let the cobblestoned Street of the Knights, the most beautiful street in Rhodes, fascinate you!
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from USD 4,378
Explore the capital of Athens and two of the most authentically beautiful Cyclades islands on this seven-day Greece tour! Beginning in the capital, you’ll spend a day exploring the key sights of the city including the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch and the Acropolis. In the afternoon, you’ll catch the ferry to Paros, where you’ll spend the day couple of days enjoying the fabulous beaches, the picturesque architecture and the lounge nightlife. Moving on, you’ll head over to Naxos for a few days before heading back to Athens for your final night. Naxos is a wonderful island with long sandy beaches, traditional villages and interesting historical sites.
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from USD 1,307
What to Do / Best Places to Visit
Greece is a beautiful country with many interesting places to visit. Some of the best places to visit in Greece in December include
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and one of the oldest cities in the world. The city is home to many famous historical and cultural attractions, such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora. In December, the weather in Athens is mild, with average temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (10-18 degrees Celsius). The city is less crowded than during the peak tourist season, making it a great time to visit and explore the city’s many attractions. If you are a history fan, then you will love our 7-Day Athens and Beyond Trip.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and is located in the northern part of the country. The city has a rich history and a vibrant arts scene, with a number of museums, galleries, and theatres. In December, the city hosts a number of events and festivals, including the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. The weather in Thessaloniki is mild in December, with average temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit (5-13 degrees Celsius). Uncover the history of Ancient Greece in a week trip that takes you to three of Greece’s largest cities, including Thessaloniki.
Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece and is located in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, and ancient ruins. In December, the weather in Crete is mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (12-18 degrees Celsius). The beaches are less crowded than in the summer, making December a great time to visit and enjoy the island’s natural beauty. Discover Crete during our 12-Day Greek Land and Sea trip.
Santorini
Santorini is a beautiful island in the Aegean Sea known for its stunning views and whitewashed houses. In December, the weather in Santorini is mild, with average temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (10-18 degrees Celsius). The island is less crowded than in the summer, making it a great time to visit and explore the island’s many attractions. Visitors can enjoy hiking, sightseeing, and dining at the many restaurants and cafes on the island. Plus, it is a perfect time to take those perfect Instagram photos without the crowds. Explore Santorini and Athens on our 8-Day Athens and Santorini Experience
