Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Greek Islands
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Greek Islands. We have 82 adventures that vary from 3 days to 15 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best christmas & new year Greek Islands tours
Compiled by
MelissaGreek Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- Vacations in Greece - 9 Days - Athens, Paros, Naxos, Santorini
- 6-Day Tour Athens & Santorini Island to Discover Greece's Charm
- Greece Islands w/4 Star stays & fast Ferries
- Mykonos, Santorini, Crete & Corfu: 13-Day Island Hopping Tour
- London Crete and Santorini with meals and drinks
- Greece Culture History Sights with Santorini Catamaran tour
- Syros, Tinos & Mykonos Island Hopping 7D/6N
- Crete Through the Minoan, Byzantine & Venetian Ages, Private Tour
- 6 Days of Santorini Sunsets & Serenity
- IREMIA | Athens, Naxos and Santorini (+sightseeing in Athens, ferries and flight)
Vacations in Greece - 9 Days - Athens, Paros, Naxos, Santorini
“It was a great tour to get a quick sample of 3 of the Greek Islands.”
angela, traveled in May
Winter travelers can see Santorini through a private 4-hour land tour instead of the volcano cruise. Athens' highlights, Naxos's stone-built churches, and Paros's traditional settlements await. Savor festive Greek cuisine at local taverns with daily breakfast included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Athens, Paros, Chrysi Akti, Náousa, Naxos, Apiranthos, Filoti, Plaka, Santorini, Nea Kameni IslandSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Travel Zone From $2,439
30% Off- US$1,708
6-Day Tour Athens & Santorini Island to Discover Greece's Charm
“Hotel accommodations in both Athens and Santorini were awesome, easy access to everything.”
Geetha, traveled in December
Athens glows with illuminated Acropolis and seasonal markets in Plaka District. Winter charm graces Prophet Elias Monastery's panoramic viewpoints and cozy evenings in Imerovigli, with daily breakfast included at approx. $280 per day.
Duration 6 days Destinations Athens, Santorini, Nea Kameni Island, Oia, Emporios, Perissa Age Range Ages 1-30 Operator Private Tours Greece From $2,364
25% Off- US$1,773
Greece Islands w/4 Star stays & fast Ferries
“We had a wonderful trip to Greece, with an amazing organization and support throughout.”
Pamela, traveled in March
Christmas in the Greek Islands features special holiday visits to Athens' Makriyianni district. Santorini's festive catamaran tours circle the caldera while New Year celebrations light up Crete's Heraklion region with traditional festivities and resort comforts.
Duration 9 days Destinations Athens, Santorini, Palea Kameni Island, Nea Kameni Island, Crete Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
25% Off- US$2,288
Mykonos, Santorini, Crete & Corfu: 13-Day Island Hopping Tour
“Unique charm on every island, beautiful beaches a d welcoming locals.”
Johnny, traveled in September
Start your Greek holiday in Athens touring the Acropolis and trying souvlaki, feta, and baklava at Monastiraki's food stalls. Head to Mykonos for sunset drinks at Little Venice and a cruise to UNESCO-listed Delos with BBQ lunch, then finish in Santorini with a catamaran trip to Red and White Beach.
Duration 13 days Destinations Athens, Piraeus, Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, Oia, Nea Kameni Island, Heraklion, Knossos, ChaniaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Private Tours Greece From $6,141
25% Off- US$4,606
London sparkles with festive Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden Christmas ambiance, before continuing to sun-soaked Crete for New Year's at an all-inclusive resort. Magical winter sunset viewing in Oia, Santorini adds to seasonal charm at Westminster Abbey and Thames-side celebrations.
Duration 9 days Destinations London, Crete, Santorini, Athens Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
25% Off- US$2,699
Greece Culture History Sights with Santorini Catamaran tour
“It was all well organized, and they provided good communication. Beautiful trip!”
Kendra, traveled in May
December charm unfolds with Acropolis visits in Athens and catamaran sailing in Santorini. Traditional winter hospitality awaits at 4-star hotels, while cruising past the Light House and Hot Springs. Savor included lunch with wine aboard while exploring Caldera waters.
Duration 7 days Destinations Athens, Santorini, Oia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
25% Off- US$1,599
Syros, Tinos & Mykonos Island Hopping 7D/6N
“All of the ferry transfers happened on time and all of the hotels we stayed in were absolutely lovely.”
Jane, traveled in June
Island-hop through the Cyclades this holiday season, starting with Syros's neoclassical buildings and moving on to Tinos's sacred Panagia Evangelistria Monastery. Check out Mykonos's famous windmills, relax on Kolymbithra and Agios Fokas beaches, and take 45-minute ferry rides across the Aegean Sea.
Duration 7 days Destinations Piraeus, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
25% Off- US$1,042
Cretan winter magic unfolds through festive walks in Chania's illuminated Venetian harbor and holiday shopping in Rethymnon's decorated medieval lanes. The Palace of Knossos, serene Agia Triada Monastery, and seasonal traditions in Margarites Village's pottery workshops await.
Duration 5 days Destinations Chania, Rethymnon, Knossos, Heraklion Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator Destination Services Greece From $2,320
10% Off- US$2,088
Duration 6 days Destinations Santorini Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,202
30% Off- US$842
IREMIA | Athens, Naxos and Santorini (+sightseeing in Athens, ferries and flight)
“Really great Service and atenttion from greca team.”
Winter holidays come alive in Naxos's festive villages and Santorini's illuminated caldera. Monte Zas, Zeus's birthplace, offers memorable views alongside seasonal Greek cuisine. Ideal for holiday travelers seeking magical island experiences.
Duration 7 days Destinations Athens, Naxos, Santorini Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Greca From
30% Off- US$1,513
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Greek Islands
- Vacations in Greece - 9 Days - Athens, Paros, Naxos, Santorini
Well planned, with a good rhythm of travel days and rest days. Great for first time island-hoppers!
- 6-Day Tour Athens & Santorini Island to Discover Greece's Charm
Wasn’t able to make the tour, our flight to Athens was cancelled and delayed.
- Greece Islands w/4 Star stays & fast Ferries
A great Greece itinerary, with amazing organization and support throughout We had a wonderful trip to Greece, with an excellent itinerary of 2 nights in Athens, 2 nights on Santorini, and 4 nights on Crete. They had us on flights rather than ferries, which gave us some amazing views from the air. We opted to add an additional night in Athens at the end after the tour, and it was so incredibly helpful that Wonderful Holidays makes it easy to adjust and customize things as needed, without making the added elements exorbitantly expensive. We had a terrific team of people who were incredibly patient with MANY questions I asked along the way, as we made our decisions about whether to add the offered "enhancements" (eg. day tours, private transfers, etc). They responded quickly and helpfully every time! And the drivers and guides that Wonderful Holidays works with were also super friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, etc. We had such wonderful guides for the Acropolis morning and for our tour of Knossos. I had read a previous review noting that the hotel on Crete is at a distance from Heraklion, and I did let the team know that I think for travelers in the early or late edges of the season, it would be much better to stay in Heraklion. Even the way they received that feedback was friendly and professional, and I appreciated the chance to share what it was like 'on the ground' in some of the locations, because I think there may be some variability with when things open for the season, depending on whether March is warm or cold. Just overall a consistent, timely, and friendly approach to providing the necessary information on a daily basis, for the next day, and responding to any and all questions. This included having to completely adjust our arrival details due to flight rebooking. Thank you, Barbara, Wendy, Lilly, Hannah, Ronnie, and Sam!
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Greek Islands
What special Christmas & New Year activities are included in Greek Islands tours during the holiday season?
December tours in the Greek Islands blend traditional festivities with cultural exploration. Guests join Christmas Eve dinners at places like the Sofitel Athens Airport hotel and watch New Year's fireworks from prime spots in Santorini's Oia village. Walking tours through Athens' historic Plaka and Monastiraki districts showcase streets decked in holiday decorations. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The evening walking tour through Monastiraki and Plaka was magical with all the Christmas lights and decorations."
What special holiday meals or food experiences are available during Christmas & New Year tours?
Holiday dining in the Greek Islands centers around festive feasts featuring roasted lamb melomakarona (honey cookies) and kourabiedes (almond cookies). Hotels such as Crystal City in Athens and Nikolas in Santorini prepare special holiday menus. The New Year brings the tradition of vasilopita cutting ceremonies. Local tavernas in Athens' Plaka district and Santorini's Fira town create set menus that mix Greek dishes with seasonal favorites.
What kind of New Year's Eve celebrations can I expect in the Greek Islands?
New Year's Eve lights up the Greek Islands with firework displays above Santorini's Oia and Fira towns and Athens' Syntagma Square. Hotels including Theoxenia in Santorini and Athens Avenue host gala dinners and countdown events. Local celebrations feature Greek music dancing and the midnight vasilopita cutting ritual. Even in winter Mykonos keeps its festive spirit with events at Little Venice's bars and restaurants.
What makes the Greek Islands special for a Christmas & New Year celebration?
The Greek Islands offer winter celebrations against a backdrop of Mediterranean landscapes. Galaxy Hotel in Karystos gets praise from TourRadar travelers for its "warm hospitality during the holiday season" and Christmas feasts. Local traditions like karavakia (decorated Christmas boats) and carol singing fill the streets of Mykonos Town and Santorini's Fira. Hotels such as Athens Gate and Lindos Esel Suites plan New Year's Eve galas with views of Aegean Sea fireworks.
What's the weather like in the Greek Islands during Christmas & New Year?
Winter in the Greek Islands brings mild Mediterranean conditions with temperatures ranging from 12-15°C (54-59°F). Athens and mainland areas run cooler than Santorini and Mykonos. The weather suits sightseeing and exploring historic sites though swimming isn't recommended. Visitors need layers and warm jackets for evening activities. Properties like Theoxenia in Santorini and Elena in Mykonos provide heated spaces for winter comfort.
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour to the Greek Islands?
Book Greek Island holiday tours 6-8 months ahead as demand runs high during this period. Sought-after spots like Santorini's cliffside hotels and boutique properties such as Harmony Boutique in Mykonos often fill up 8-10 months in advance. Flight prices jump 3-4 months before the holidays. Many properties including Galaxy Hotel in Karystos offer early booking savings up to 20% for holiday stays.