Thessaloniki at Christmas and in winter: lights, events, Hanukkah and weather
From early December Thessaloniki is decked out in lights. Everything you need to know about the festive events, Hanukkah in the city and what to pack.
- The main decorations are on Agias Sofias, Aristotelous and in Ladadika; the tree is lit in early December.
- Asteroskosmos at the TIF fairgrounds offers a fun park and ice rink.
- December temperatures range from about 2°C to 10°C, and Hanukkah 2026 starts on 4 December.
Thessaloniki is an easy winter break from Israel. Arrange Hanukkah and Shabbat with Chabad in advance, and pack a warm coat.
Why visit Thessaloniki in December?
Thessaloniki is one of Greece's most festive cities in winter. From early December the central streets are decorated with lights, a giant tree is lit in Aristotelous Square, and there are children's activities, ice skating and winter food. For Israelis it's an easy short break: a flight of about two hours, a walkable city and plans that don't depend on the beach. See flights to Thessaloniki from Israel.
Where can you see Thessaloniki's Christmas decorations?
- Agias Sofias Street: a central shopping street with blue lights overhead.
- Aristotelous Square, Mitropoleos and Tsimiski: the main central streets are lit up throughout the season.
- Ladadika: the historic alleys and buildings near the port are decorated, with plenty of restaurants and bars.
- The promenade and White Tower: an evening walk by the sea with views of the lit-up city.
Christmas and New Year events
| Event | When | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tree lighting | Early December | Aristotelous Square, with music and fireworks |
| Asteroskosmos | 2025–26 season: 6 Dec to 7 Jan | Pavilions 13–15 at TIF Helexpo: fun park, ice rink, games and concerts |
| NOESIS workshops | Early December to early January | Workshops, experiments and science shows for kids at the science centre |
| Santa SUP | 23 December | Paddleboarders dressed as Santa head towards the White Tower |
| New Year's Eve | 31 December | Performances in Aristotelous Square and fireworks at midnight |
Not all 2026–27 dates have been announced yet. Check the city's tourism website before you travel.
What do people eat in Thessaloniki at Christmas?
The classic Greek festive treats are melomakarona (honey and walnut cookies), kourabiedes (butter and almond cookies dusted with icing sugar) and diples (fried pastry with honey). You'll find them in every bakery and patisserie. If you keep kosher, note that most contain butter and may include non-kosher ingredients.
Hanukkah in Thessaloniki
Hanukkah 2026 begins on the evening of Friday 4 December and runs until 12 December, just as the city is decorated. Thessaloniki has a historic Jewish community, a Jewish Museum (closed on Saturdays) and a Chabad house. Contact Chabad in advance about candle lighting, Shabbat meals and kosher food, as services vary by season. See the Jewish community of Thessaloniki and Shabbat times.
Thessaloniki weather in winter
| Month | Max | Min | Days with rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | about 10°C | about 2°C | about 10 |
| January | about 8°C | about 1°C | about 9 |
| February | about 10°C | about 2°C | about 9 |
These are long-term averages. Pack a warm coat, a hat and comfortable shoes for rain. A cold northerly wind sometimes blows, and on those days it feels colder than the thermometer suggests.
Where to stay in Thessaloniki in winter?
In winter it's easiest to stay in the centre, between Aristotelous Square, Ladadika and the promenade. From there you can walk to the decorations, markets, restaurants and New Year's Eve events without hunting for a taxi in the rain. Demand rises on December weekends and in the week between Christmas and New Year, so book early.
More winter ideas
With extra time, take a day trip from Thessaloniki to the mountains, ski areas or hot springs. See where to go in Greece in winter and our Thessaloniki guide.
FAQ
When is the Christmas tree lit in Thessaloniki? Usually in early December in Aristotelous Square, with music and fireworks. The exact date is announced each year.
Does Thessaloniki have a Christmas market? The big attraction is Asteroskosmos at the TIF fairgrounds, with a fun park and ice rink. In the 2025–26 season it ran from 6 December to 7 January.
How cold is Thessaloniki in December? Average temperatures range from about 2°C to about 10°C, with around ten rainy days in the month.
Can you celebrate Hanukkah in Thessaloniki? Yes. Thessaloniki has a Jewish community and a Chabad house. Get in touch in advance about candle lighting and kosher food.
