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Words Related to Christmas in Greek

Christmas is approaching, so here is a simple guide to the most common Greek words and traditions for this festive season.

The Basics

τα Χριστούγεννα — Christmas η Πρωτοχρονιά — New Year τα κάλαντα — carols το Χριστουγεννιάτικο δέντρο — Christmas tree η φάτνη — nativity scene τα φωτάκια — lights τα γλυκά — sweets

Wishes

During Christmas, Greeks wish each other:

Καλά Χριστούγεννα! — *Merry Christmas! Καλές γιορτές! — Happy holidays!*

And in the first days of the new year, we say:

Καλή χρονιά! — Happy New Year! Ευτυχισμένο το νέο έτος! — Happy New Year!

Christmas Food

κουραμπιέδες Buttery almond cookies dusted with a mountain of powdered sugar. Soft and crumbly

μελομακάρονα Honey-soaked cookies with cinnamon, cloves, and crushed walnuts. Sweet, aromatic, and the ultimate Greek Christmas classic.

δίπλες Thin sheets of fried dough rolled into spirals and drizzled with honey and nuts. Light, crispy, and festive.

βασιλόπιτα New Year’s cake with a hidden coin inside (το φλουρί). Whoever finds the coin is said to have luck for the year.

γεμιστή γαλοπούλα — stuffed turkey The traditional holiday main dish in many Greek homes, often filled with rice, chestnuts, and dried fruits.

Decorations

τα λαμπάκι— lights το καραβάκι — Christmas boat ο Άγιος Βασίλης — Santa Claus το αστέρι — star τα Χριστουγεννιάτικα δώρα — Christmas presents οι Χριστουγεννιάτικες κάλτσες — Christmas stockings

I hope this story helps you learn the most festive Greek vocabulary. Καλά Χριστούγεννα και καλή χρονιά!