Thousands of lanterns, balls and garlands, decorated shop windows, sweet smells, beautiful music, warm and welcoming people! The magic of Christmas has spread to the city, which has put up its festive decorations and is waiting for you…
Thessaloniki turns into the hottest destination and promises to offer you countless images, unforgettable moments and strong emotions in Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Every square and a revelation, every street and a story, every corner and a small surprise, in a city that knows how to wander with its aura and its endless suggestions, turning the relationship with its visitors into… love at first sight.
Indulge in the magic of this city and discover it!
Christmas and New Year in Thessaloniki: What to see, where to go, what to do
Thes.gr has chosen 19 favorite spots in the city center for you, to experience the magic of the holidays, take your walks, take your photos, have fun, enjoy your food, coffee, drinks and your purchases.
● ARISTOTELOUS SQUARE
The hottest spot in Thessaloniki right now is of course Aristotelous Square. The city’s largest square has put on its festive decorations and will dazzle you with its thousands of lanterns and the impressive 17-meter-high fir tree. The beautiful festive decoration spreads from one end to the other of the square, from the beach to Egnatia and transports you to a magical and dreamlike world.
Walk its entire length, listen to great music from street musicians, buy the famous Thessaloniki bun or drink salepi to warm yourself from the various hawkers and visit the beautiful cafes and shops for your shopping. If you’re lucky, various activities, events and concerts take place in the square.
● FROUTOMAGEIA REFANIDIS
If you are thinking of taking a tasty break between your endless walks, in Aristotelous Square, at number 5, you will discover FROUTOMAGEIA Refanidis, the most famous grocery shop in Thessaloniki, with the best Fresh Bar in the city.
Here you can taste fresh juices, smoothies, fruit salads with exotic and seasonal fruits, nutritious vegetable salads, healthy meals and energy meals, buddha bowls and more, all made with love, imagination and with the best fresh ingredients. The ideal proposal for full energy, stimulation and well-being so that you can continue your tour of the festive Thessaloniki with enthusiasm.
Info: Aristotelous Square 5, Tel.: 2310 240 489, Hours: Monday – Sunday: 08:00 – 22:00, www.refanidis.gr, Instagram: froutomageia_the_fresh_bar, Facebook: Φρουτομαγεία Ρεφανίδης
● CHRISTMAS VILLAGE – ANCIENT MARKET SQUARE
Just above Aristotelous Square, behind the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos, you will find the Christmas Village. Take a walk among the dozens of wooden houses, which offer food, traditional sweets, hot drinks, various handmade creations and Christmas gifts, and listen to wonderful music.
Our little friends can visit Santa’s house and the elves’ house, climb the beautiful carousel and ride the roller coasters. Various festive events are also held in the area. Leaving the park you will see the ancient Roman market and a little further up, don’t miss the opportunity to pass by the Holy Temple of Agios Dimitrios. He is the patron saint of the city and the Temple is the most famous monument of the early Christian era and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
● KORU INSPIRED CUISINE
If it’s time to eat, we have the best offer for you. The restaurant we recommend is based on the philosophy of sharing food, which brings people closer.
This is KORU inspired cuisine, at Olympos 15 street and featuring creative Greek cuisine. Its dishes are inspired by fresh, seasonal products of the Greek land, which are accompanied by wines from Greek wineries.
In its beautiful and thoughtful environment, KORU will give you the opportunity to share with your company common tastes and emotions, but also an overall experience of gastronomy and pleasant moments.
Info: 15 Olympus, Tel.: 2317 009 600, online reservations: www.i-host.gr, Opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday-Saturday: 14:00-23:30, Sunday: 13:30 – 23:00, www. koru.gr, Instagram: koru.inspired.cuisine, Facebook: KORU inspired cuisine, Tik Tok: koru.inspired.cuisine.
● AGIAS SOFIAS PEDESTRIAN AREA
Here you will see the wonderful blue sky, created by thousands of lanterns, on the busiest and most popular pedestrian street of the city. This is Agias Sofias pedestrian area, which is a nearby the Byzantine Church of the same name, which is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk under the impressive blue decoration, 180 meters long, sit on the comfortable large benches to enjoy the spectacle, rest and enjoy the beautiful festive atmosphere.
On the pedestrian street you will find many shops to browse the windows, drink your coffee and get your dessert.
● “TO DICHTY ” – RESTAURANT
If you are in the mood for greek meze, good company and good music, we have the best offer for you. In the heart of the city, between Aristotelous and Agia Sofia street, you will discover the famous and historical Athonos Square, well-known for its market and good food.
Here, in its most beautiful corner (Dimitsa 18 & Dragoumi) you will find the traditional voliotiko tsipouradiko, “To Dichty”, where you will taste the most wonderful seafood. The surprise for the customer is that everytime you order tsipouro a diferrent meze comes to your table without ordering it!
At “Dichty” you can also taste delicious seafood dishes, fish and shellfish, but also seasonal meats, handmade appetizers and of course its famous cooked dishes.
Info: Dimitsa 18 & Dragoumi, Tel: 2310 267 063, todixti.gr, Instagram: todixti, Facebook: Το Διχτυ – Παραδοσιακο Βολιωτικο Τσιπουραδικο.
● LADADIKA
Ladadika is synonymous with entertainment, culinary delights and going out, with a variety of proposals and options for each visitor. The historic district is a popular destination and since 1985 has been officially designated as a protected area.
Walk through its picturesque cobbled streets, admire the listed buildings of the 19th century and enjoy your food, coffee, drink and entertainment in the many taverns, restaurants, café-bars and night clubs that exist there. A little further, there is also Ano Ladadika, with Emporiou Square, with several coffee and food shops as well.
● FINOKIO MEZE BAR
For those of you who want to combine going out for good food with a drink, we have the perfect proposal. This is the Finokio Meze Bar… Its a cozy space, with always welcoming staff, great atmosphere and chef’s unique tasting suggestions.
In this well-known all day bar restaurant, you will taste Greek cuisine, presenting a complete menu with meats, salads, appetizers, pasta, risotto and seafood. Accompany your food with wine, choosing from an updated wine list and close your evening with drink or cocktail, from the signature cocktail list. So food, drink, but also… entertainment, as the DJ’s musical selections raise the tempo and fun as the time goes by!
Info: Agios Minas 1, Tel.: 2310 385 850, Instagram: finokiomezebar, Facebook: Finokio Meze Bar.
● MODIANO MARKET
A walk through the iconic Modiano Market is a must… You will be impressed by the transformed and recently renovated traditional city’s market that counts 100 years of history.
Classy and affordable, the “Central Food Market” has shops with delicatessen, with traditional products from local and international producers, as well as excellent suggestions for food. Various actions, events and parties are also held in its place.
● DELIFISH BY TRIZONI
Combine your walk and shopping at the Modiano Market with a street food unlike any other. On 33 V.Herakliou Street, you will discover Delifish by TRIZONI, which combines fast, healthy and satisfying food with seafood and ingredients of excellent quality.
Souvlaki swordfish, cod fish burgers and fish ‘n chips, are some of the innovative recipes that can be found at Delifish. We suggest you try tuna gyro in handmade pita lavash, cheddar, iceberg, pico de gallo pepper, cucumber, chef’s bbq sauce. Drink white wine, tsikoudia, ouzo or Halkidiki Valtiger beer.
Info: 33 Vasileos Heraklion, Hours: 12:30 – 20:30, delifish.gr, Instagram: delifish_aristotelous. Delivery via wolt.
● TO PANTOPOLEIO TIS THESSALONIKIS (THESSALONIKI GROCERY STORE)
In 12 Komninon Street your attention will be drawn from a wonderfully decorated display case with all kinds of delicious goodies. This is the Thessaloniki Grocery Store, which in a few days completes a century of life. 100 years and three generations, the old traditional grocer, which was transformed into a modern delicatessen, is for the city a living piece of gastronomic history.
Get inside, experience the endless tasty journey to every corner of Greece and the whole world, taste many different types of cheese and cold cuts, spices and herbs.
At Pantopoleio of Thessaloniki you will be inspired by the best festive tables while they can also prepare for you the most impressive holiday baskets for the most delicious gifts.
Info: Komninon 12, Tel.: 2310 244 684, Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 08:00-22:00, Saturday: 08:00 – 21:00, Sunday: CLOSED (Open on Sundays: 17/12, 24 /12, 31 /12 Festive hours), Instagram: to_pantopolio_tis_thessaloniki, Facebook: Το ΠΑΝΤΟΠΩΛΕΙΟ της ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ.
● THE WHITE TOWER
The trademark of Thessaloniki is -of course- the White Tower. Its the best-known attraction, the most recognizable and the most photographed. Do not hesitate to enter its interior, see the museum and climb to the top to enjoy the unique view of Thermaikos Gulf, Ano Poli and Niki Avenue. The experience will be unforgettable. Nearby are the most famous theaters of the city, such as the Aristotelion and the Vasiliko. Don’t miss the chance to watch a show.
● PLATEIA THEATROU (THEATER SQUARE)
Right in front of the White Tower, a private square is hidden between the emblematic buildings of NTNG and EMS.
The ideal location has been transformed in recent years into a modern, European-minded and unexpectedly relaxed atmosphere, Bar Restaurant, the Theater Square.
Brunch and coffee at the morning in a permanently relaxed mood, ideal for a quick escape from everyday life at any time of the day, but also for you who are on vacation. After Brunch time is over, you can taste Early drinks and comfort street food.
Info: Ethnikis Amynis 4, Tel.: 2310 231 422, Instagram: plateiatheatrou, Facebook: Πλατεία Θεάτρου.
● TO PANTOPOLEIO TIS ASIATIKIS KOUZINAS (THE GROCERY STORE OF ASIAN CUISINE)
We have the ideal proposal for lovers of Asian and ethnic food as well as for those looking for authentic and refined tastes. Asian Cuisine Grocery Store, at 91 Mitropoleos Street, is waiting for you…
Without a doubt it is a hot spot in Thessaloniki for those who are ready to make bold culinary choices and for those who wish to add an exotic touch to their lives. In its beautiful space you will find products and raw materials from the Far East as well as other exotic tasting destinations, reaching as far as Africa and Latin America.
At Asian Cuisine Grocery you are given the opportunity to make the most mysterious, delicious and exotic gifts, both for yourself and your loved ones. Choose one of the gift boxes or the mystery box.
Info: Mitropoleos 91, Tel.: 2310 231 806, Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00-21:00, Sunday: CLOSED (Open on Sundays: 17/12, 24/12, 31 /12 Holiday hours), Instagram: the_grocery_of_asian_cusine, Facebook: Το Παντοπωλείο της Ασιατικής κουζίνας.
● VLALI MARKET, KAPANI
If you want to feel like a real Thessaloniki resident, take a stroll through the city’s famous market, Kapani or Agora Vlalis. It is the oldest traditional market of the city, where the locals do their shopping. The outdoor market, which is covered in some parts of it, has all kinds of shops. From fruits, meats and fish, to clothes, bags, flowers, souvenirs and herbs.
● TSIMISKI AVENUE
It’s time for Shopping Therapy! The festive Tsimiski Avenue, with its many large shops, department stores and shopping centers is waiting for you… It is the largest and most popular shopping street in Thessaloniki and is flooded with people, especially on holidays. It crosses the entire historic center of the city, its length is approximately 1.8 kilometers.
● THESSALONIKI WATERFRONT
For those who want to relax, a walk on the city’s waterfront is the perfect choice. Ideally, you can start from the Port, walk down Nikis Avenue, with the countless bars, cafes and restaurants that line it, and end up at Lefkos Pyrgos Square. Continue to Nea Paralia to see the iconic statue of Alexander the Great and the Umbrellas sculpture by Zongolopoulos. Here you will enjoy the most beautiful sunsets and take stunning photos.
● PALACE AND KAMARA ARCH, ROTONDA
This city is… full of history. In every part, in every corner you will discover something from its glorious past. Go uphill from Tsimiski Street, Dimitriou Gounari Street and near Navarinou Square, see Galerius Palace. Move in the direction of Egnatia Street and see the Arch of Galerius, the famous Kamara rising in front of you while the Rotonda stands behind it.
Throughout your long walk in the center of Thessaloniki, you will come across many old churches, most of which are Byzantine as well as Unesco monuments. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit them.
● ASTEROKOSMOS
Visit Asterokosmos, the city’s Christmas theme park, which locates at the TIF premises. In its facilities you will find ice rinks, musical events, puppet shows, carousels, elf houses, magic trick shows, painting workshops, etc. In the outdoor areas of the park, you can also find the usual facilities of a ‘Luna Park’ and have fun.
