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 September, 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
- Greece Islands w/4 Star stays & fast Ferries
- 6-Day Tour Athens & Santorini Island to Discover Greece's Charm
- Mykonos, Santorini, Crete & Corfu: 13-Day Island Hopping Tour
- London Crete and Santorini with meals and drinks
- Crete Through the Minoan, Byzantine & Venetian Ages, Private Tour
- Best of Greece: Blue Domes, Ancient Ruins & Sea Views
- Syros, Tinos & Mykonos Island Hopping 7D/6N
- IREMIA | Athens, Naxos and Santorini (+sightseeing in Athens, ferries and flight)
- MEDUSA | Athens, Mykonos & Santorini (with sightseeing in Athens + ferries)
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 $2,448
30% Off- US$1,714
Greece Islands w/4 Star stays & fast Ferries
“The trip was well organized from start to finish.”
Omar, traveled in May
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 $2,292
9% Off- US$2,086
6-Day Tour Athens & Santorini Island to Discover Greece's Charm
“All drivers on time.”
Yvette, traveled in November
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, Akrotiri, Oia, Megalochóri, Empório, Perissa, Profítis Ilías, FirostefaniSee all destinations Age Range Ages 1-30 Operator Private Tours Greece From $2,372
25% Off- US$1,779
Mykonos, Santorini, Crete & Corfu: 13-Day Island Hopping Tour
“From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized, and the itinerary was thoughtfully planned.”
Hojo, traveled in August
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 $6,163
25% Off- US$4,622
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 $2,699
13% Off- US$2,348
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 $2,328
10% Off- US$2,095
Best of Greece: Blue Domes, Ancient Ruins & Sea Views
“The accommodation in Mykonos was outstanding. The hospitality shown by the host in Santorini is second to none.”
Lisa, traveled in July
Holiday cheer sparkles in Athens' festive Syntagma Square illuminations and Christmas factory at Technopolis. Traditional Greek Christmas events at S.Niarchos Cultural Centre precede ferry transfers to Mykonos and Santorini. Oia's Caldera provides perfect backdrop for New Year's fireworks.
Duration 9 days Destinations Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Oia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $2,599
16% Off- US$2,183
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
16% Off- US$1,034
IREMIA | Athens, Naxos and Santorini (+sightseeing in Athens, ferries and flight)
“Ioanna was very responsive and crafted the exact holidays I wanted! I had a great vacation!”
Gabriel, traveled in December
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
16% Off- US$1,519
MEDUSA | Athens, Mykonos & Santorini (with sightseeing in Athens + ferries)
“The hotels, although we chose the 3* star category, were very comfortable and well located.”
Robin, traveled in June
Sail from Piraeus Port to Mykonos and Santorini over New Year's. On December 31st, watch the Changing of Guards at Syntagma Square, then join an Athens by Night Walking Tour through Monastiraki and Plaka. Spend Christmas at Panathenaic Stadium and Temple of Olympian Zeus before three nights in Mykonos.
Duration 10 days Destinations Athens, Mykonos, Santorini Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Greca From
16% Off- US$1,981
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Greek Islands
- Vacations in Greece - 9 Days - Athens, Paros, Naxos, Santorini
We were promptly greeted at airport, and given information. Every transport, ferry and hotels were timely and efficient.
- 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!
- 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.
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.