Athens In December: A Good Time To Visit?

Athens in December is a treat for those who want to blend history, culture, and holiday magic. The city is quieter, with fewer tourists, and the weather is cooler, making it ideal for exploring ancient sites and museums without the crowds. The festive spirit takes over, with Christmas markets, lights, and decorations adorning the city. It's also a great time to visit Athens if you're looking for cheaper flights and accommodation. So, if you're looking for a unique and wonderful experience, Athens in December is a great choice!

Exploring the Acropolis without the crowds

The Acropolis is a powerful reminder of Athens' ancient history and is a must-see sight when visiting the city. However, it can get extremely busy, attracting about three million visitors a year. Here are some tips to help you explore the Acropolis and make the most of your visit without getting caught up in the crowds.

Visit during the off-season

The summer months, especially July and August, are Greece's peak tourist season, so the Acropolis will be extremely busy during this time. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting Athens in the off-season, such as in December. The winter months see far fewer visitors, and you won't have to worry about the scorching heat that can make exploring the site uncomfortable. Plus, you'll get to enjoy the festive atmosphere in the city during the Christmas season.

Time your visit

If you can't visit during the off-season, try to time your visit to the Acropolis for early in the morning or later in the evening. The site opens at 8 am, and if you arrive then, you'll beat the large tour groups and schoolchildren. Alternatively, head to the Acropolis in the late afternoon or early evening, when most groups have returned to their hotels. The site is open until 8 pm during the summer months, and even during the winter, it stays open until 5 pm, giving you plenty of time to explore.

Choose the right day

Avoid visiting the Acropolis on national public holidays, bank holiday weekends, or regular weekends, as these tend to be the busiest times. Weekdays are generally the best time to visit, and if you don't mind a bit of bad weather, you might find the site even quieter.

Book tickets in advance

Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid having to queue at the ticket booth. You can buy tickets for a specific hourly time slot, and it's recommended to opt for the 8 am to 9 am slot to beat the crowds. You can also book a guided tour, which will take care of your tickets and allow you to navigate the site with ease.

Pick the least busy entrance

The Acropolis has two entrances: the main entrance on the west side and a less crowded entrance on the south side, near the Theatre of Dionysus. By choosing the less busy entrance, you can avoid the tour groups and crowds that tend to gather at the main entrance.

Explore alternative routes

Most people enter the Acropolis from the main entrance and follow a set path to the Parthenon and the viewpoint. However, there are smaller sights, temples, and side streets to explore, especially on the southern slope of the Acropolis. These areas are often skipped by larger tours, so you can wander off and take your time away from the crowds.

Cheaper museum tickets

Athens is a great place to visit in December if you're looking for a winter city break with fewer tourists and cheaper prices. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 15°C, and there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as exploring museums and cafes.

• Take advantage of the low season prices. Many museums in Athens offer discounted tickets during the winter months. For example, the Acropolis, one of the most popular attractions in Athens, has a reduced entrance fee of 10 EUR between November 1 and March 30, which is less than half the price of a ticket during the busy summer months.
• Visit on the first Sunday of December. Almost all major attractions in Athens offer free entry to visitors on the first Sunday of December, so plan your trip around this date to take advantage of free admission to museums and historical sites.
• Purchase a museum pass. The Athens Museum Unlimited Pass offers skip-the-line access to 16 museums and galleries, including the Acropolis Museum, and can save you up to 45% on individual ticket prices.
• Look for online discounts. Some museums, such as the Athens City Museum, offer discounted online tickets or reservations on their websites.
• Take a guided tour. Guided tours often include skip-the-line tickets to museums and other attractions, and can be a more affordable option than purchasing individual tickets.
• Visit during special promotions. For example, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a great indoor venue to explore on rainy days, and it offers free entry.

Christmas markets and festive cheer

Athens in December is a magical time. The city is beautifully decorated with festive lights and Christmas trees, and you'll find plenty of Christmas markets and events to get you in the holiday spirit.

Christmas Markets

One of the best places to soak up the festive cheer is at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, which features light displays, free concerts, and an outdoor ice rink. Head to Syntagma Square in central Athens to see a massive Christmas tree with twinkling lights and a simple Christmas market. You'll also find carol singing and musical performances in the evening.

Monastiraki Square is another great destination for Christmas shopping and festive atmosphere. While you're there, check out the Monastiraki flea market, where you'll encounter fewer tourists and cheaper prices on souvenirs and museum tickets.

In mid-December, Pedio Tou Areos hosts a Christmas bazaar, and there's usually a smaller bazaar inside the Syntagma metro station as well. The Christmas Factory at Technopolis is a fun option, especially if you're travelling with children. You'll find handicrafts and gifts, as well as themed playgrounds and rides.

Festive Food and Drinks

Athens has plenty of festive treats to offer during the Christmas season. Try the traditional Greek Christmas biscuits: sugar-dusted kourabiedes and honey-soaked melamakarona. You can also sample the vasilopita, a cake dedicated to Saint Basil (the Greek version of Santa Claus). It's traditionally cut on New Year's Eve, and you can buy it at bakeries throughout Athens in December.

For a festive meal, head to Little Kook, a famous dessert shop that goes all out with its Christmas decorations. Indulge in treats like Ferrero mousse served in Santa's boot or Prancer's salted caramel hot chocolate. Just be prepared for higher prices, as this spot is more expensive than your average cafe.

If you're looking for something savoury, try some Greek winter comfort foods like moussaka, saganaki, pastitsio, or yogurtlu.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is a big deal in Athens, and the festivities often include fireworks over the Acropolis. Spend the evening at a rooftop bar or restaurant, or join the locals at the bouzoukia or playing cards until sunrise.

On New Year's Day, it's a tradition to smash pomegranates on doorsteps across Athens. The bright pink seeds that spread out signify happiness and abundance for the family in the coming year.

Cosy rooftop bars

Athens is a great place to visit in December, with thinner crowds, cheaper prices, and a more authentic experience. While it might be a little chilly, it's the perfect time to cosy up in a rooftop bar. Here are some of the best cosy rooftop bars in Athens:

Electra Roof Garden

Electra Roof Garden is located on the rooftop of the Electra Palace Athens hotel in Plaka. It offers stunning views of the Acropolis, a sophisticated atmosphere, and a wonderful drinks menu. The indoor seating area is warm and cosy, making it a perfect spot to unwind with a glass of wine at the end of the night.

Thea Terrace

Thea Terrace is situated on the fifth floor of Athens' Central Hotel, just across from the Acropolis. It offers some of the best views of the city and an unapologetically Mediterranean atmosphere. Beautiful bougainvillea cascades down the sides of the building, and speakers play bouzouki music. The cocktails are prepared with a Mediterranean flair, and you can also enjoy a selection of meze favourites.

A for Athens

A for Athens is a popular rooftop bar among both Athenians and tourists. Located in Monastiraki, it is just a short walk from major sightseeing attractions. Expert mixologists can rustle up any cocktail you desire, from classics like an Old Fashioned to creative concoctions.

360 Cocktail Bar

360 Cocktail Bar is a vibrant, trendy, and popular rooftop bar and restaurant in Monastiraki Square. It offers amazing views of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and downtown Athens. The spacious rooftop combines an industrial-style interior with a lush rooftop garden. It's a great spot for a sunny lunch, memorable sunset drinks, or a relaxing dining experience.

Attic Urban Rooftop

Attic Urban Rooftop is a chic spot on Ermou Street, combining stunning Acropolis views with traditional Greek cuisine and a contemporary twist. The interiors are rustic, featuring handmade wooden tables, wicker chairs, and swing seats that are perfect for taking photos. The food and drinks are excellent, with a diverse menu catering to various dietary restrictions.

Sky Lounge, Melia Hotel

The Melia Hotel's Sky Lounge is a chic bar on the ninth floor, open to the public in the evenings. During the day, it is reserved for hotel guests, who can enjoy the rooftop pool and lounge. The drinks menu is inspiring, and the bar also doubles as a restaurant serving Greek dishes with a twist. Ask the resident Sommelier for Greek wine recommendations to bring out the flavours of your food.

The Christmas café, Little Kook

Athens in December is a magical experience, and the Christmas café, Little Kook, is a must-visit attraction. Located in downtown Athens near Monastiraki and Ermou, Little Kook is a café like no other. With its iconic dragon on the roof, Little Kook takes on a new theme every major holiday, and for Christmas, it becomes a festive wonderland. From the Christmas music to the over-the-top decorations, this café will surely get you in the holiday spirit.

Little Kook is known for its extravagant and whimsical décor, with every corner covered in festive cheer. The servers are dressed as elves, adding to the playful atmosphere. The café offers a festive menu with creative treats, such as desserts served in Santa's boot and salted caramel hot chocolate. While the prices are on the higher side, with cakes costing around 12 EUR and coffee around 5 EUR, it is worth the experience. The portions are generous, and you may want to share a slice of cake with your companion.

Little Kook is not just about the Christmas theme; it also has a unique and enchanting atmosphere all year round. The café changes its theme three times a year, with previous themes including "Circus" and "Mary Poppins." The attention to detail is impressive, with every window decorated according to the chosen theme, and the staff dressed accordingly. Little Kook is a place where you can escape reality and step into a fairy tale, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

If you plan to visit Little Kook during the Christmas season, be prepared for possible long wait times, especially during the busy holiday period. The café tends to get crowded, and you may have to wait in line for a while before being seated. However, the magical atmosphere and unique desserts make the wait worthwhile.

In addition to Little Kook, Athens has much to offer during the Christmas season. The city is adorned with festive lights and decorations, with a massive Christmas tree and a simple Christmas market in Syntagma Square. You can also find traditional Greek Christmas biscuits, such as sugar-dusted kourabiedes and honey-soaked melamakarona, at bakeries throughout the city. Athens in December offers a blend of holiday cheer and cultural exploration, making it a memorable time to visit.

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