Wednesday 17 December 2025
Christmas in Greece: Tradition, Coziness, and the Path to Your Own Property in Hellas
While snow, mulled wine, and illuminated Christmas trees dominate the scenery in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the festive season in Greece offers an equally deep, yet uniquely Mediterranean and authentic Orthodox celebration.
For everyone dreaming of buying property in Greece, the "Twelve Days" (Dodekaímero) – spanning from Christmas (December 25th) to Epiphany (January 6th) – provide a fascinating glimpse into the true Greek lifestyle. This article explores deep-rooted traditions and explains why winter is the ideal moment to move forward with your Greek holiday home purchase through FERIMMO.
The Karavaki and the Magic of Greek Christmas
Greek Christmas is deeply rooted in the customs of the Orthodox Church. One visual difference that immediately stands out compared to Central Europe is the Karavaki (little ship). Instead of a dominant Christmas tree, these glowing boats often decorate homes and public squares.
The ship is an ancient symbol of Greece’s connection to the sea and the hope for the safe return of sailors. It symbolizes a journey toward a new, blessed life—a beautiful metaphor for those seeking a "new harbor" by purchasing a home in Greece.
The Christoxilo – Protection and Warmth for Your Home
Another central custom is the Christoxilo (Christmas Log). This wood is ignited on December 23rd to protect the house and keep the Kalikantzári (mischievous goblins) away. The continuous fire in the hearth symbolizes protection and warmth—the very feelings one seeks in their own home in Hellas.

Kalanda and Delicacies: The Sound of the Holidays
The festive season in Greece is vibrant. Children go from door to door singing Kálanda (traditional carols) accompanied by triangles. This openness and hospitality are exactly what buyers from the DACH region love about Greece.
The season also offers culinary highlights:
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Melomakárona: Egg-shaped cookies soaked in honey syrup and topped with walnuts.
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Kourabiedes: Fine almond butter biscuits dusted with powdered sugar.
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Vassilópita: The New Year’s cake containing a hidden gold coin, which brings luck to the finder for the entire year.
Why Winter is the Best Time for Buying Real Estate in Greece
Many prospective buyers ask: Is it worth visiting properties in winter? The answer is a resounding: Yes, especially now! If you are looking to buy a house in Greece, the months of December and January offer decisive advantages:
1. Experience the Authentic Atmosphere
Away from the summer crowds, you see the real Greece. How does the infrastructure function in winter? How warm is the community when the hotels are closed? A viewing in the off-season is the ultimate "litmus test" for your investment.
2. A Calmer Real Estate Market
While everything moves fast in the summer, winter provides time for detailed discussions with sellers. You can explore the market and narrow down your selection from over 75,000 properties on the FERIMMO platform at a relaxed pace.
3. Security and Digital Processing with FERIMMO
Trust is crucial in cross-border transactions. As a German real estate loan broker (approved by IHK Berlin), FERIMMO offers customers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland maximum security:
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Legal Security: Processing according to high German quality standards.
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Fully Digital: Transparent processes you can manage from the comfort of your home.
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Native Language Support: No language barriers regarding complex financing or legal questions.
Find Your Blessed Home in Hellas with FERIMMO
Buying property in Greece is more than an investment in bricks and mortar—it is an entry into a rich, warm-hearted cultural life. The anticipation of owning a home under the Greek sun pairs perfectly with the spirit of the Karavaki, symbolizing a brave and safe new beginning.
Would you like to spend the next Christmas in your own Greek property?
👉 Discover your dream house at FERIMMO and get a free consultation today!
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