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Christmas in Athens

Hello fellow travelers,

My wife and I, together with our two children ages 10 and 13, will be in Greece from December 16 until January 6. We are experienced travelers and our children are well rounded, easy and open minded to many travel experiences. We were in Greece four years ago and are eager to return. We have no family or friends there. That being said, even though they are excited about our upcoming trip, being away from our home (Roswell, Georgia) on Christmas is the one thing they are not looking forward to.

We realize that many things will be closed from 12/24 - 12/26 but we would like to hear of any traditional activities, parades, festivals or locations in Athens that may be open to us those few days as well as on New Year's Eve and day. We have complete flexibility and if someone has a family oriented suggestion outside of Athens we would consider that as well. Thanks in advance everyone. Your suggestions and time are appreciated!

Posted by
3396 posts

Hi Ed!
It sounds as if you may be in Greece for business reasons, and want to make the best of it. Yes, there ARE many wintertime events and activities to enjoy in Athens (and also in nearby Nafplio, which you should consider) ... but this website may not be the best place to get the best suggestions from locals. RS forum has many travelers posting, from USA and Canada, but very few from Europe, and no Athens natives, at least to my knowledge. By contrast, Trip Advisor Greece forum has regular contributors that live and work in Athens and are very knowledgeable about winter highlights, both for adults & children. I strongly advise you post your query there.

As Mentioned, Nafplio is a place of interest in winter as well as summer .... and is easy to access (hourly bus takes 2.5 hours, on modern intercity highway). It's considered THE most beautiful Old Town in Greece... on a peninsula, surrounded by water, backed by a huge Gibraltar-height "rock" topped by Fortress of Palimidi. Other medieval forts/castles, stairstep streets, fun for energetic kids. This website http://www.visitnafplio.com/ -- is FULL of highlights; click on EVERY link! Tells how to get there, too (rental car for 4 could be cheaper than bus). It's worth staying overnight (or even 2 nights) as long as you don't have some prepaid no-refund locked-in Athens lodging. A video on the website, made in February, shows that Nafplio is charming even in winter.

If you DO venture the drive from Athens to Nafplio, there are two really fun things for family (1) jump off the highway near the Corinth canal, at the "Isthmia" exit and you can walk across the Old Bridge & see the canal (SO deep!!! SO skinny). And (2), just about 10 miles past the canal, on RH side, just 5 mi off big highway, is a great little-known sight -- NEMEA. It's the "runner-up" to Olympia as Sacred Games site, and has been beautifully authentically restored. Ruins, temple columns, and a Breathtaking Stadium... kids can run from the Actual starting lines used by ancient Olympic athletes.

Posted by
1416 posts

Ed

We are always in Greece for Christmas and have written up some of our general impressions here

http://www.greekramblings.org.uk/Christmas_in_Greece.html

It's a really nice time of year to be there but the weather can be changeable. Bring layers!

I agree with Janet that, given you've got quite a long time, a trip down to Nafplio is a good option. A great town and the main square will have a tree and plenty of atmosphere.

A bit early but I wish you and your family Kalo Kristougena me kronia polla! (Merry Christmas and a happy new year.)

Alan