While January is not the usual choice for tourist travel, it can offer a crowd-free Greek experience at the lowest prices of the year. Several cruise lines offer special deals on winter sailings. But be aware - the prices are great but the destinations are limited, and rough weather may cancel some scheduled port visits.
DECEMBER Quick Look
Mainland Weather: Cool to cold with rain and some snow possible, depending on elevation.
Island Weather: Cool to cold; high winds. Many days clear but uncomfortably cold, windy, and rainy.
Prices: Low
Facilities: Many islands are virtually closed. Large islands are still enjoyable for the more determined visitor. Air and boat travel schedules are limited. Port visits by tender from cruise ships may be cancelled due to rough water.
What's Happening in January.
Christmas launches the twelve-day season which runs through Epiphany on January 6th. Epiphany celebrations in towns by the sea or by rivers will include the local priest throwing a cross into the waters, where it is retrieved by intrepid young men who dive for it in the frigid waters, a blessing of the waters which dates back to ancient times. As the day of the baptism of Jesus, many Greek Orthodox families arrange children's baptisms for this day. If you're in the Athens area, Piraeus has a particularly lavish ceremony.
New Year's Eve is celebrated more and more vigorously in Athens and elsewhere, and larger hotels usually host a party. On the island of Chios, ship models are created and carried around by groups of fishermen singing songs. January 1st is the Feast of St. Basil, when many Greeks practice the old custom of slicing a piece of the Vassilopita (Basil Cake) in hopes of finding a lucky coin concealed by the baker. Though St. Nikolaos may seem to be a more obvious inspiration for Santa Claus, it's St. Basil who visits with gifts on this day. Playing cards on a table covered with lucky green felt is also supposed to assure abundance the whole year through.
Cultural Events:
Archie Schepp provides a jazzy escort for the arrival of the New Year at the Half Note Jazz Club, playing from December 29th through January 8th. Tickets are Euro 30 for the event at the club at 17 Trivonianou St., Mets Phone +30-210-9213310 or 9232460.
For more events, check out the Athens News website: Athens News.
JANUARY NAME DAYS, FESTIVALS, AND EVENTS
January 1st - Saint Basil the Great - Widely observed. Cakes are baked with tokens for luck in the New Year.
January 1st - New Year's Day - Andros - Celebrations
January 1st - Western New Year's Day
January 1st - New Year's Day - Plaki - Customs from Farasson in Cappadocia
January 1st - New Year's Day - Enborio Eordaias near Kozany - traditional music and dance
January 1st - New Year's Day - Polikasro near Kilkis - costumed folklore presentations
January 6th - Epiphany - observed widely.
January 6th - Epiphany - Piraeus outside of Athens - Traditional diving for the cross
January 6th - Epiphany - Kozani - Lougatsaria and Karnavalia celebrations
January 6th - 8th - Epiphany - Kastoria - Ragoutsiaria
January 6th - Name day for Fotini
January 7th - St. John the Baptist
January 7th - Katarini (Katafigion) - Prodomition
January 8th - Seres - Monoklissia and Nea Petra - exchange of male and female roles
January 8th - Seres - Strimi, Zilagani, Nea Kassani - exchange of male and female roles
January 8th -At the village of Aspro near Kilkis - exchange of male and female roles
January 17th - St. Anthony the Great
January 17th - St. Adonis
January 18th - St. Athanasios and Cyril
January 21st - St. Maximos the Confessor
January 22nd - St. Timothy the Apostle
January 25th - St. Gregory the Theologian
January 27th - St. Crisotomos
January 28th - St. Ephraim the Syrian
January 30th - The Three Hierarchs
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