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When is Christmas in Greece and how is it celebrated?

By , About.com Guide

When is Christmas in Greece and how is it celebrated?

A Christmas boat on Paros

© Michael Shepherd
Question: When is Christmas in Greece and how is it celebrated?
Answer: Christmas in Greece is observed on December 25th, unlike Greek Orthodox Easter which is often celebrated on a different day. But the Greek version of Santa, Saint Nikolaos, has his feast day on December 6th, when children receive small gifts similar to Christmas gift-giving elsewhere.

In Greece, the "Twelve Days of Christmas" begin on Christmas and continue until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. New Year's Day, or St. Basil's Day, is celebrated on January 1st.

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