Christmas Day
Nationwide public holiday in Greece · Χριστούγεννα
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25 December | Friday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 25 December | Saturday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Greece.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Fri 25 Dec – Sun 27 Dec is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed.
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Athens around 25 December: high 14°C (58°F), low 8°C (47°F), rain on 27% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Athens. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Friday 25 December in Athens: (MET Norway)
About Christmas Day
In Greece, Christmas, Christougenna, is celebrated on 25 December, as the Church of Greece follows the Revised Julian calendar for fixed feasts. It is preceded by a forty-day fast and followed on 26 December by the Synaxis of the Mother of God, which is also a public holiday.
Traditions
On Christmas Eve children go from house to house singing the kalanda, carols, often accompanied by triangles, and receive sweets or money. Typical festive sweets include melomakarona, honey and walnut biscuits, and kourabiedes, almond shortbread dusted with icing sugar. Some families bake christopsomo, a decorated Christmas bread. Many towns also display decorated boats alongside Christmas trees.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Greece
Saturday, 26 December 2026
Christmas Day in other countries
More for Greece
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.