new year celebration in greece

Top Destination for your New Year Celebration in Greece

If you are planning for a new year celebration in Greece, then you have chosen the ultimate place. This is because, in Greece, you will get a truly magical experience starting from the amazing display of fireworks, following the traditions, and dancing your hearts out with festive energy. You can choose any place to celebrate in Greece. These can be the crowded cities to the beautiful, serene, picturesque islands; there are even more varieties of locations to celebrate and welcome the New Year. 

Hence, today, we will discuss the 7 best places for the New Year Celebration in Greece by highlighting the great charm of each and every destination. Also if you have any queries regarding how to apply for the Greece Tourist Visa, we will get that section covered before the end of this blog.

Top 7 best places for New Year Celebration in Greece

Athens

Choosing the capital city for the New Year celebration in Greece is not only a great option, but you get to stay right at the center of all the attractions. You won’t believe that on New Year’s Eve, the entire city transforms into a wonderland filled with lights, music, and great fireworks. 

Main Highlights:

  • Syntagma Square: This is the central square, which becomes an absolute hub for the events that are going to take place on New Year’s Eve. You will get to experience live music with dance performances and splendid fireworks displays at midnight.
  • Acropolis View: Acropolis is itself a fascinating landmark, and just imagine if you get to see the great fireworks with the iconic Acropolis in the background; it will feel legendary. There will be many rooftop restaurants and bars available in Plaka and Monastiraki which can offer great locations to enjoy a meal and look at the astounding fireworks.
  • Nightlife: Athens is already known for their lively nightlife. There are plenty of clubs and bars that will host New Year Parties, which will continue till dawn. 

Don’t Miss:

  • You have to try the traditional Vasilopita cake, which is cut right at midnight. The cake will have a hidden coin, and whoever finds it can expect to have good luck in the New Year.

Thessaloniki

If you are interested in the New Year Celebration in Greece by the sea, then head straight for Thessaloniki. The place is considered the second-largest city in Greece. You can face a lively atmosphere and lots of youthful energy. Thereby making it a perfect choice of city for the New Year celebrations. 

Main Highlights:

  • Aristotelous Square: This is the most famous square where loads of grand celebrations happen. You will get to see live performances along with an amazing fireworks display right over the sea. 
  • Ladadika District: This neighborhood has great historical importance in Greece. During New Year’s Eve, it comes alive with lots of music, laughter, and joy of the festival spirit. You can enjoy some of the traditional Greek music, not only that, some even play the modern beats in almost all the taverns and bars. 
  • Cultural Vibes: Thessaloniki is mostly known for being a cultural hub. So you can go to the famous museums and art galleries that will be organizing special events during the entire holiday season.  

Don’t Miss:

  • If you feel like a relaxing and peaceful start to the New Year, then go for a walk along the New Paralia which is actually a Waterfront Promenade.  

Santorini

Traveling with your loving partner? Then, your New Year Celebration in Greece should definitely be on the island of Santorini. You both will get to experience one of the finest romantic and scenic New Year celebrations. This is because the white-washed building and the domed churches with blue color actually provide a great background for the festival.

Main Highlights:

  • Unique Atmosphere: As the island of Santorini stays quiet during the month of winter, you both will definitely have a peaceful and cozy atmosphere. This is even a great place for families as well. 
  • Fireworks Over the Caldera: There are many restaurants and luxury hotels in Santorini that organize great shows of fireworks. It will absolutely create a great magical environment over the caldera. 
  • Charming Villages: You can hike towards the villages like Oia and Fira. Though the celebration over there won’t be very grand, it will have a very homely atmosphere paired with delicious food and wine.  

Don’t Miss:

  • For a special occasion, both of you can enjoy a candlelit dinner right at a cliffside restaurant and also welcome the future New Year together with amazing views. 

Mykonos

Did you know that the party capital in Greece is considered in Mykonos? Hence, we definitely recommend this island for the New Year Celebration in Greece. Though the climate will be chilly during that time, it will still not disappoint you. But remember, the island is very quiet during the summer. And the New Year’s Eve party will absolutely be spectacular. 

Main Highlight:

  • Exclusive Parties: There are top-quality clubs and bars that will be hosting some of the best and glamorous New Year Events. You will be welcomed with the international DJs, excellent decorations, and just enjoy the endless dancing. 
  • Luxury Vibes: As we know, Mykonos is famous for its luxurious and lavish lifestyle. That’s why you can book any of the high-end resorts and restaurants so that you can get to experience the special new year packages.
  • Chora also known as Mykonos Town: The town is filled with great charming streets, and they are lit so magnificently that you will actually have a serene experience of the festive atmosphere. 

Don’t Miss:

  • Don’t forget to take a stroll through the region of Little Venice, as you will get to see some of the most picturesque waterfront views. 

Crete

One of the largest islands in Greece is Crete. You can select this place for the New Year Celebration in Greece as it offers a perfect mix of traditional ways and modern vibes of the New Year celebrations. Crete is actually famous for its warm hospitality. So you will feel at home over here. 

Main Highlights:

  • Heraklion and Chania: These are two of the greatest cities that are the main hub of all festivities. We recommend that you definitely go here so that you can see the astonishing concerts, cultural events and lots of fireworks displays.
  • Traditional Customs: As we mentioned before, there are traditions followed during the New Year. So, witness the stories of mischievous goblins, also known as kalikantzari, which are told along with the traditional dances. You can even participate if you want. 
  • Family Friendly: If you’re traveling with your family, this will be a perfect place. There are even kid friendly events along with activities to keep them busy.  

Don’t Miss:

  • Try a little slice of Sfakianopita. It is one of the traditional Cretan Pie, which is a main treat during the New Year feast. 

Corfu

Talk about one of the stunning islands with lots of Venetian influences, then the island of Corfu is your place. For a perfect New Year Celebration in Greece, Corfu absolutely shines on top level. 

Main Highlights:

  • Old Town Charm: This place is actually listed in the UNESCO. During New Year’s Eve, the entire Old Town is decorated with a great amount of festive lights. This really creates a magical setting for celebrations. 
  • Music and Fireworks: Corfu is known for its legendary musical tradition. So you can expect a lot of bands and choirs. They are performed right in the public squares. And lastly, of course, the amazing fireworks displays. 
  • Local Delicacies: The cuisines in Corfu are absolutely majestic. It adds a special touch to the celebration during the New Year’s Eve. Do try the local dishes, such as pastitsada and bourdeto.

Don’t Miss:

  • Just head straight to Liston Square, and you will get to see all the major events that take place on the island.  

Rhodes

Are you a history enthusiast? If yes, then Rhodes is your place. The place has a splendid charm of historical importance. Now add a bit of festive cheer to it; it really makes an enchanting place to visit and enjoy the New Year Celebrations in Greece. 

Main Highlights:

  • Medieval Old Town: The magnificent place of Old Town is beautifully illuminated during the New Year’s Eve celebration, thus making it like a place from a fairy tale. You can take a stroll on the cobblestone streets and marvel at the ancient walls of Old Town. 
  • Lindos Village: The villages over here are very beautiful. They even host New Year Gatherings, which are very relaxing and intimate. If you are looking for a quieter celebration, then this is the perfect place for you. 
  • Coastal Beauty: You can check in at any of the beachside resorts. The restaurants over there will offer you special menus coupled with fireworks shows.

Don’t Miss:

  • Do go for a walk inside the Palace of the Grand Master to soak in the history blended with festive spirit. 

Get our professional help in getting the Greece Schengen Visa UK appointment

If you are facing any difficulty in getting the Greece Visa From UK for New Year Celebrations in Greece, then don’t lose hope. Welcome to the GREECE VISA UK. We have trained and experienced staff to handle your problems to give you a stress free Visa experience. All you have to do is click on the Apply Online tab, then fill in the details on the form page. Our staff works day and night to get you the well-deserved Visa. Hence, we ask for a service charge. It would be really nice if you could pay the service charge before submission. Our executives will get back to you immediately to discuss the documents and then proceed with booking your Visa appointment date. Thus, our motto is to give you top-quality Visa Service.

Conclusion

Hence, to conclude, Greece is a great country filled with amazing diversity, and you can experience this yourself in the New Year celebrations. Whatever you are looking for, such as a lively atmosphere, then head to Athens and Thessaloniki. If you prefer the romantic aura, then go to Santorini. And for a cozy and relaxing experience, head straight for the islands of Corfu and Rhodes. 

Thus, by immersing yourself in the New Year’s Celebration in Greece, you would be experiencing the local traditions, eating delicious food and the best warm hospitality that is known all over the world. We wish you an advance Happy New Year and hope that you make some unforgettable memories here.

FAQs

Do people in Greece exchange gifts on New Year’s?

Yes, absolutely. The New Year’s Day is traditionally expected to expect gifts, particularly for children. This custom has originated from the custom of celebration of Saint Basil, whose feast day is on January 1st.

Do shops and restaurants remain open on New Year’s Eve in Greece?

Yes, most of the shops and restaurants will be open on New year’s Eve. You will find them open in the major tourist areas and cities. There are even plenty of restaurants which will offer special menus and events for the night.

What are some of the traditional costumes for New Year Celebration in Greece?

There are several customs available for New Year’s eve. One is cutting the Vasilopita which is a special cake with a hidden coin. Then there are playing cards for good luck and smashing of pomegranates at the doorstep to bring prosperity.

How much time does it take for the Greece tourist Visa to arrive?

After the Visa Centre approves your Greece tourist Visa, it should take around 14 to 15 calendar stays for your Visa to arrive via courier.