Holiday shopping got a late boost from Greece’s mandatory Christmas bonus, but it was not enough to lift overall turnover, with more than half of retailers reporting lower sales and many now bracing for a difficult 2026

Greek soprano Christina Petrou performing the best-known Christmas carol, Christos Genate (Χριστός γεννᾶται), during a live performance in Maastricht last week (VID)

Not everyone feels comfortable during this period

A fatal road accident on a major urban highway on Christmas Day claimed the life of a food delivery rider after a collision with a car, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances of the crash

A technical fault halted a long-distance passenger train on Christmas night, causing a delay of more than two hours as crews replaced the locomotive and assisted hundreds of travelers

Where parked farm equipment continued to block traffic, police were diverting motorists onto side roads

From nostalgic tradition and nature-inspired warmth to playful pastel sweets and theatrical glamour, these are the decorating styles shaping homes this Christmas—where comfort, personality, and atmosphere take center stage.

Holiday music can evoke joy, nostalgia, and even sadness, helping listeners process memories, foster connection, and navigate the complex emotions of the festive season.

From the underworld to village hearths, the mischievous Kallikantzaroi—along with their fearsome leader Mandrakoukos—haunt Greek folklore during the twelve days of Christmas, blurring the line between myth, superstition, and winter ritual.

Only eight violations reported amid hundreds of checks at a central Athens police checkpoint

A festive Christmas salad with pomegranate and lettuce, featuring crispy prosciutto, tender asparagus, and an aromatic homemade dressing. Fresh, elegant, and full of color—perfect for a holiday table.

“The birth of the Prince of Peace, occurring in a humble cave in Bethlehem in the presence of lowly creatures, is truly the miracle of miracles,” the Archbishop writes.

New information clarifies that the teenager, initially believed to have been hit by a car, was injured after falling from an electric scooter and is now recovering in hospital with head injuries that are not life-threatening

Rainy weather may have altered some festive plans in Athens this Christmas, but the city’s holiday program remains rich and welcoming offering cinema, markets, music and family-friendly events across neighbourhoods and cultural venues

In a festive message shared from the US Embassy, the American ambassador to Greece extended warm Christmas greetings, expressing gratitude for the past year and offering blessings to both Greece and the United States.

This year’s charts are led by Mariah Carey’s exuberant anthem “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Brenda Lee’s sweet country classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and Wham!’s bittersweet “Last Christmas.”

Rain, thunderstorms, and mountain snow are expected on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with a gradual improvement later in the week as temperatures fall and conditions stabilize.

Greek stores and supermarkets are operating under extended holiday hours on Christmas Eve, with adjusted schedules in place through early January as shoppers make last-minute purchases ahead of the holidays

With smart planning and a few well-timed preparations, hosting Christmas dinner can be joyful instead of exhausting. These practical tips will help you stay organized, relaxed, and fully present at the table.