Celebrating Christmas in Greece with kids might not include the renowned mulled wine found in European Christmas markets. However, it’s a unique family holiday experience. The choices are plentiful and cater to each family’s budget and preferences. You can choose destinations near or far, based on your available days. Here is a list of rewarding options that are consistently popular for Christmas holidays with children.
Three crowd-free destinations for the Christmas holidays in Greece
Christmas travel with children in Greece
Travel to Drama City
Drama and Christmas are a perfect match for children, especially with Oneiroupoli (Dream City in Greek). Oneiroupoli in Drama has been a constant favorite for families with children for many years. It offers a Christmas environment filled with decorations, lights, and a festive atmosphere. During Christmas, Drama transforms into a city bursting with color, flavors, and music, exciting both young and old. There’s no shortage of fun activities for children.
An added advantage is the reasonable prices for both accommodation and kid-friendly restaurants during the season. It’s fair to say that it’s a “Budget destination for families with children”. You’ll find a variety of traditional flavors and budget-friendly options to suit all budgets.
However, Drama is a bit further than Athens, so it’s good to have a few days at your disposal. You could also consider an overnight stop in Thessaloniki, which also puts on its best for Christmas and is sure to excite both young and old. If you’re planning a trip to Drama, don’t miss the 10+1 stops in one of Greece’s most historic cities.
Christmas at Kalavrita
At first glance, you might question why Kalavryta, one of the most scenic routes in Greece, would be a good idea for a Christmas family vacation. But once you’re there, you’ll undoubtedly find it enchanting and plan to return for future holidays. Kalavryta is generally considered one of the top winter destinations in Greece, making it an excellent choice for a holiday with children.
The landscape is dotted with quaint, traditional guesthouses complete with fireplaces and homemade breakfasts, and there’s a high chance of snowfall outside. Christmas family holidays in Greece can sometimes be filled with colorful lights and festivities, and other times, they’re about cozy moments by the fire in a warm, relaxing atmosphere.
Kalavryta might be a better fit for this kind of holiday experience. If you’re looking to enjoy nature, children will be delighted with the famous rack railway. This train traverses the Vouraikos gorge and there’s also a nearby ski resort for additional fun. If you’re staying in Kalavryta, consider planning a day trip to Mega Spilaio, the oldest monastery in Greece.
Christmas photos of old Athens
Christmas with children at Ioannina City
Another destination that captivates both young and old, and is ideal throughout the year, especially at Christmas, is Ioannina. The city is adorned with lights and at least one Christmas park is set up every year. However, these are not the only reasons to choose this location. Family holidays in Greece during Christmas can be centered around Ioannina for many other reasons. The city offers numerous attractions that are perfect for children, such as the island and the boat ride.
Ioannina is also known for its excellent and affordable food, with a multitude of kid-friendly options. The city is renowned for its amazing sweets. You’ll find pastry shops and sweet shops on every street, offering both traditional and modern flavors.
Furthermore, Ioannina can serve as your base for nearby excursions. For instance, the ski resort of Anilio in Metsovo is sure to thrill the children. You can also visit the picturesque Zagorochoria, which is nestled in nature. And of course, don’t forget to taste the famous baklava of Ioannina. It’s a culinary experience not to be missed!
Little Kook: a fairy-tale nook in the city centre
Travel for Christmas to Trikala
Trikala, a perennial favorite destination for Christmas family holidays in Greece, is worth considering. In recent years, the Mill of Elves Park has become an epicenter, attracting thousands of people from all over Greece. This large Christmas village park, filled with surprises, excites children and puts Trikala in a festive mood. Even if you book a 5-day stay, there’s plenty to do beyond visiting the Christmas park. However, it’s advisable to book your stay a bit early, not in the last week, as demand is high and occupancy is often at 100%.
In Trikala, the Christmas holidays are unforgettable for both young and old, who rediscover their inner child. The catering standard is also quite high, with shops catering to all tastes. Remember to pack warm clothing, as the nights can be particularly chilly. Enjoy your holiday!
There are plenty of budget-friendly destinations in Greece for families with children during the Christmas period. You just need to follow a few steps, such as opting for smaller hostels instead of luxury hotels. You can even find quaint villages near Athens that offer the tranquility and warmth you need for the holidays, and perhaps even a few snowflakes outside your window.
A trip to Trikala, on the other hand, offers a unique experience as it’s known as the most technologically “smart” city in Greece. This makes it an interesting and educational destination for the whole family. Enjoy your holiday planning!
A tip during the Christmas holidays
Most accommodations provide a festive menu during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It’s important to inquire about this while making your reservation. Many families who haven’t pre-booked their meals often face the challenge of finding a place to dine at the last minute. So, remember to plan to avoid any holiday meal mishaps! Enjoy your festive season.
