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December in Crete is a time of warmth, tradition, and celebration. The island transforms into a charming, festive destination filled with local customs, hearty meals, and joyous events. With fewer tourists, mild weather, and a strong sense of community, Crete offers a unique and authentic holiday experience.
Christmas Atmosphere in Crete
Crete in December is serene and inviting. The citrus groves are in bloom, and the island enjoys relatively mild temperatures, often allowing for light jackets rather than full winter coats. The Venetian walls, city squares, and waterfronts of Heraklion take on a festive glow with holiday lights, decorated boats, and traditional carols.
A key element of the season is the Karavaki—a small decorated boat that symbolizes Greece’s maritime history. You’ll see this beloved symbol alongside more modern Christmas trees in town squares and homes.
Carol Singing with Boats & Bells
Children love the festivities and can be spotted running through the streets with painted boats. They then fill with sweets and treats as prizes for wowing the locals with their carol singing. Complete with traditional instruments such as ‘Lyra’, and ‘Trigona’ (metal triangles). You can catch the fun across the season. Carolling happens 3 times on 24/12, 31/12 and 5/1. Catch a glimpse of the charming carollers here.
Local Traditions & Stories
Kallikantzaroi: The Mischievous Spirits
According to folklore, during the Twelve Days of Christmas (Dec 25 – Jan 6), mischievous goblins called kallikantzaroi emerge from underground to cause chaos. People protect their homes with burning logs or even old shoes in the fireplace!
Saint Basil, the Greek Santa Claus
In Greece, Agios Vasilis (Saint Basil) is the bearer of gifts, visiting homes on New Year’s Eve, not Christmas. Families bake a sweet bread called Vasilopita, hiding a lucky coin inside. The person who finds the coin is said to have good luck for the year.
‘Podariko’ and Pomegranate Smashing
The broken pomegranate is the most famous festive tradition. In Greece, you’ll see pomegranates everywhere. Some decorated with glitter and paint, and some burst into pieces on the floor. How strange you say? Here’s why:
To welcome the New Year, the family goes to church and the father takes a pomegranate in his pocket. On the way home, at midnight, he must knock at the door or ring the doorbell. Enter the house with the right foot ‘podariko’ (lucky foot) and pomegranate in hand. He then throws the pomegranate down hard to smash it into pieces. The more seeds burst out, the more luck it will bring. If you’re fortunate enough to get juice on you, you’ll be very lucky this year!
Epiphany Cross Dive (January 6)
On January 6 comes Epiphany, and it’s time to watch men brave the chills on the Cretan sea in winter. It starts with reading a gospel, then the priest will run into the sea and throw a cross into the water. The men prepare themselves for a cold shock as they plunge into the sea and swim in a frenzy.
Whoever retrieves the cross is rewarded with a blessed year ahead.
Festive Dining & Celebrations
Christmas Eve & Day
You can visit charming tavernas in Heraklion’s Old Town for home-style Cretan feasts — featuring roasted meats, seasonal pies, and festive desserts. Guests staying at Legacy Gastro Suites, Olive Green Hotel, or Lato Boutique Hotel enjoy exclusive menus at:
- Brillant Restaurant (Lato Boutique): Sophisticated Greek dishes paired with live music.
- 626 All Day Lounge & City Garden (Olive Green): Traditional food, modern twists, live saxophone, and signature cocktails.
- Papi Restaurant (Legacy Gastro Suites): Mediterranean menu with special dj set
All three venues offer:
- Child-friendly festive menus
- Special Christmas packages with upgrades, brunch, and late check-out
In town and nearby villages, you’ll discover life-size nativity scenes, local choirs singing kalanta (Greek carols), and warmly lit tavernas serving Christmas lamb and holiday sweets.
Traditional Sweets
- Kourabiedes – Buttery shortbread cookies topped with powdered sugar.
- Melomakarona – Honey-drenched cookies with spices and walnuts. Pair them with a glass of rakomelo or krasomelo, Greece’s festive mulled wines.
- Diples – sweet pastry made from thin, folded dough that is deep-fried and then drenched in syrup or honey and topped with chopped nuts and cinnamon.
- Christopsomo – Christmas bread is baked lovingly all over Greece for the festive season. It means “Christs Bread” and is usually made a few days before Christmas.
Crete’s Unique Holiday Highlights
Underwater Santa at CRETAquarium
In Crete, the Christmas merrymaking kicks off in a big way. You can catch a glimpse of Santa underwater at the CRETAquarium Thalassókosmos, a short distance from Heraklion. Kids will love to see their beloved Santa in his dive mask bringing a Merry Christmas to all the fish. Visitors can reach the aquarium with a bus within 25min, and the ticket is no more than €10.
Santa Run in Chania
Big kids will want to join in the entertainment of the big Santa run held in nearby Chania. On the 26th December, thousands of Santas flock to the streets in a mass of red and white. To walk, jog or shuffle the 3.5km in aid of many children’s charities. Pack your Santa suit and join the fray!
Christmas Market in Heraklion
Heraklion has a charming Christmas market held in the square across from the Heraklion Archeological Museum. If you’re here for the holidays it’s not to be missed! Pick up Christmas souvenirs, try delicious Cretan treats, soak up the Christmas atmosphere, and even try a spot of ice skating on the pop-up ice rink. There are also small christmas kiosks dotted around the city selling traditional gifts. It’s a great idea to take a little piece of Greek tradition home with you and fuel those memories for years to come.
Important Holiday Dates to Note
Plan shopping, excursions, and dining accordingly, as many businesses are closed on these dates.
- December 25 & 26: Christmas
- January 1 & 2: New Year’s
- January 6: Epiphany
Holiday Weather in Crete
- Daytime temps average 15–18°C (59–64°F)
- Sea temps are cooler, but locals still swim!
- Ideal for: Hiking Venetian walls, beach walks, visiting museums without the crowds
Stay in Style
Legacy Gastro Suites: Romantic & gourmet experiences
Olive Green Hotel: Eco-smart comfort in the city center
Lato Boutique Hotel: Sea views and elegant dining
Each hotel is within walking distance of Heraklion’s historic center and offers the perfect home base for your Christmas escape.
Kαλές Γιορτές! (Happy Holidays!)
Celebrate Christmas in Crete and experience the warmth, flavors, and joy of a Greek holiday season like no other.
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