Greece isn’t so big on Christmas – Easter is their big celebration. But Greece does do Christmas lights and every year, in some form or another, in Athens – Syntagma Square is the best place to see Christmas lights in Athens. Occasionally they’ll have live music to welcome in Christmas in Greece too.
Christmas lights in Athens
In the past, Greece decorated their squares throughout the country with boats to represent the strong seafaring nation that they are . It was particularly poignant in that year as the economy reached a crisis point – boats represent a meaning to the Greeks; hope. The symbol was that ‘Greece sails forever’. More can be read about the interesting message here.
There are also Christmas trees from time to time too – as you can see below:
The years have culminated for very harsh times for the Greek people. I know it’s a small gesture, but let’s hope the tree and beautiful way Syntagma has been lit up may at least go some way to giving some joy to the people – at least for a small period of time.
- Also read my Top things to eat and drink in Athens as well as my recommended small luxury hotel to stay in the city centre.
PIN for later
Christmas in Greece looks amazing. What I wouldn’t do for the cold and some sparkly Christmas lights as I sit here sweltering in Western Australia! Those trees look gorgeous and your pics are atmospheric (Thank you by the way for commenting on my post earlier today over at margaret river.com. Much appreciated x)
Hi Jo,
Yes! We’re excited to have such lovely decorations this year. It’s very atmospheric.
I’d love to make it to WA one day. The Margaret River looks amazing.
I’m glad to see that Greece had the heart to publicly celebrate Christmas this year with some shared bling. Hopefully, it’s a harbinger of turning the corner for the economy.