Rain and isolated thunderstorms spread across much of Greece on Wednesday, with stronger southeast winds in the Ionian Sea, limited visibility at times, and little change in temperatures nationwide.

The development came as tens of thousands of city-dwellers ready to head to the provinces for Christmas Day on Thursday

Public transport services in Athens will operate on a Sunday and public holiday timetable from Christmas Eve through December 27, with additional route changes due to events and works across the capital

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service warns of strong rainfall and thunderstorms affecting large parts of the country from Christmas Eve through Christmas Day

After 22 days of roadblocks, farmers in northern Greece have reopened lanes on the Thessaloniki-Athens highway for holiday traffic, while maintaining their protest positions with tractors and vehicles along the roadside.

Major live music venues in Athens and Thessaloniki are fully booked for the holidays, with Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations driving prices sharply higher for premium tables and drinks

The exchange of gifts did not originate in Christianity. Its roots lie in pre-Christian societies and are closely tied to winter religious festivals.

From 6 p.m. onwards, Kotzia Square’s skyline will come alive as thousands of biodegradable lanterns rise into the night, carrying hopes and wishes for the year ahead in a cherished Christmas Eve tradition

The countdown to the illumination began at 6 p.m. on Sunday, when the towering tree—reaching an impressive height of nearly 45 meters—was officially lit.

Farmers intensify nationwide protests during Christmas week, announcing symbolic truck blockades on major transport routes while allowing passenger traffic to continue, as the government urges dialogue and restraint.

License plates and driving licenses will not be returned in cases involving antisocial parking violations, such as parking on ramps for people with disabilities.

Beauty products, fashion items and electronics remain the most popular gift categories across the EU, though preferences vary significantly by country.

Retailers will also open on the last Sunday of the year, Dec. 28, giving consumers additional time to complete their purchases.

Aegean Airlines also reported notable interest in alternative destinations such as Tunis, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Zagreb and Morocco.

After a brief warm spell, Greece faces two phases of unsettled weather with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and dropping temperatures through New Year’s

In Greece’s hospitality and retail sectors, young workers describe a hidden world of withheld holiday pay, undeclared hours and employer intimidation—practices that persist despite inspections and heavy fines

Farmers across Greece will partially clear roadblocks for holiday traffic, balancing protests with public access, while border crossings remain restricted for trucks during nationwide demonstrations

Greek shoppers are cutting back and hunting for bargains as inflation takes a toll on the cost of holiday celebrations.

Greek farmers rejected talks with the PM, deciding to continue tractor protests but open roads for Christmas holiday travelers.

From creative workshops to theatrical performances and outdoor celebrations, the city becomes a living classroom where tradition, art and play meet in every neighborhood.