1. In Greece, children receive Christmas presents on New Year’s Day instead of Christmas.
This tradition stems from the celebration of St. Basil on January 1st. St. Basil is believed to bring toys and festive treats to children. In certain regions of Greece, such as Crete, it is customary to give money instead of physical gifts. This practice, known as “Kali Hera” (meaning Good Hand), involves giving money to nieces and nephews who visit on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.
2. A special New Year’s cake called Vasilopita is enjoyed on St. Basil’s Day, January 1st.
Vasilopita (pronounced vah-see-LO-pee-tah) is a traditional cake that contains a hidden coin inside. In some regions of Greece, it is a light and sweet sponge cake, while in others it resembles more of a festive bread. The person who finds the coin in their slice is believed to be blessed with good luck for the entire year.
3. Children sing traditional Greek Christmas carols, or Kalanda, on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and the Eve of Epiphany.
Very early in the morning, children visit neighbors to sing kalanda, bringing wishes of good luck, happiness, and health. They go from house to house, often accompanied by a triangle, and in return, they hope to receive coins or small treats. They begin by knocking on doors and asking, “Na ta poume?”, meaning “Shall we sing?”—one of the most heartwarming holiday customs in Greece.
4. One of the most meaningful New Year traditions in Greece is the Podariko.
This custom dictates that the first person to enter a house in the new year—ideally the head of the household—must do so with their right foot to bring good luck for the coming year. In some regions, the person also holds a pomegranate and smashes it at the doorstep. The scattering seeds symbolize happiness and prosperity, with more seeds meaning greater blessings for the home.
5. January 6th marks the celebration of Epiphany with the ‘Blessing of the Waters’ ceremony.
Across Greece, Greek Orthodox priests perform the Great Blessing of the Waters to commemorate the baptism of Christ. A special cross is thrown into the sea, river, or lake, and young men dive into the cold water to retrieve it. The one who successfully recovers the cross receives a special blessing for the year.
6. Greece’s favorite Christmas desserts are melomakarona and kourabiedes.
These two iconic cookies often split opinions—most people strongly prefer one over the other!
Melomakarona are soft, syrup-soaked biscuits flavored with orange, honey, and walnuts.
Kourabiedes are buttery, crumbly cookies made with almonds and topped with icing sugar.
Both are staples on every Greek Christmas table!
7. In Thessaly, Central Greece, the ‘Rougkatsia’ is a lively Epiphany Eve tradition.
Groups of 10–15 people dress in festive costumes and go door to door singing carols and receiving small gifts or donations. Each group includes symbolic characters such as a bride and groom, a priest, a grandfather, a doctor, and the “arkoudiarides” (bear tamers). Similar variations of this ancient custom are practiced in many other parts of Greece, with local twists.
8. Greeks decorate boats instead of Christmas trees—a unique maritime tradition.
This tradition, still alive on many Greek islands, honors St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. Historically, fishing and seafaring were vital occupations, and decorated boats symbolized safe voyages and new beginnings. The Christmas tree only became widely popular in Greece after World War II, making karavakia (decorated boats) a cherished and distinctive custom tied to Greek identity and island life.
Photo Credit: mpephotos
