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Athens always has a grand welcome in store at Christmas-time. The illuminated central squares and streets ring with music and merriment and all corners of the city – hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants – are bedecked with thousands of twinkling fairy lights. Syntagma Square is the heart of the celebrations, with its gleaming Christmas tree, confectionary stalls and numerous events putting the whole city into the holiday mood. It’s a time of year when there are countless opportunities for recreation and entertainment in cultural hubs like Technopolis and other such venues. Theatrical performances, music concerts, outdoor events, charity bazaars and, of course, the famous Athenian nightlife – whatever you choose, it will have that special Christmas sparkle. Kalavryta Hopping on the famous rack-and-pinion railway, walking the town’s alleyways while taking great refreshing gulps of mountain air, visiting the Monastery of Agia Lavra and, of course, skiing or riding snowmobiles down the slopes of Helmos are just a few of the things you can do in this historic town during the winter. Metsovo Traditional and unpretentious, mountainous Metsovo enchants its visitors at Christmas with its authentic atmosphere and copious amounts of the white fluffy stuff! Thessaloniki Illuminations twinkle through the misty air; wonderful aromas have you yearning for all the Christmas treats; the traditional decorated ship takes pride of place in Aristotelous square; groups of friends gallivant around town in high spirits and restaurants overflow with customers. Thessaloniki pulls out all the stops at this most wonderful time of the year. Everyone and everything skips to the festive beat in Greece’s second city and a relaxed, joyful demeanour will unlock all the magic for you. Arahova Whether your intention is to head for the ski slopes by day and the village bars and clubs by night, or simply take relaxing strolls through magnificent countryside, Arahova guarantees an unforgettable Christmas. Christmas customs in Greece After Best of Text On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, up and down the country, neighbourhoods harken to the voices of children singing carols, heralding the happy news of Christ’s birth. In Greek homes, a flurry of baking means that delicious aromas hang permanently in the air. The Christopsomo, blessed bread, is prepared for Christmas and Vasilopita, a special pie with a lucky coin hidden inside, for New Year’s Day. And no dining room would be complete without a bowl of icing-sugar dusted kourambies and honey-and-orange scented melomakarona biscuits, traditional Christmas treats. Finally, what better way to invoke the season’s spirit than watching children hanging baubles on the tree and then shrieking with delight when the lights are turned on for the first time. It has been known for some Greek families to get their tree up and decorated by the middle of November, such is their enthusiasm to get the celebrations underway.