What is a traditional Greek Christmas meal?

On the island of Euboea, on Christmas night, pieces of pork are baked on the embers, sprinkled with plenty of salt, the so-called “kontosouvli”. In Central Greece on the day of the holidays, they eat pork with celery, but also chicken soup . Jelly and tripe are also festive appetizers, as are grilled meats.

Which meat is usually eaten in Greece at Christmas?

At Christmas, it is customary to eat stuffed turkey, turkey soup and pork, while on New Year's Day chicken and spaghetti is the favourite plat de resistance. As for desserts, diples and other goodies are a must.

What is the traditional Greek Christmas sweet?

Melomakarona and kourabiedes are classic Greek Christmas desserts that are regarded as very important in every household, especially during the Christmas season. In English, this sweet delicacy is known as the miniature honey cake.

What are typical Christmas drinks in Greece?

Greece: Tsipouro And their traditional Christmas drink is no exception. Made especially for the holiday season, Tsipouro includes a blend of whiskey, brown sugar, cloves, and thin slices of apple. This mixture is left in a bowl for a few days (usually a week) and is boiled with water.

Do Greeks eat meat on Christmas Eve?

Christmas Food Traditions in Greece Some Greeks will fast and not eat meat for 40 days before Christmas, and break their fast after the midnight mass on Christmas Eve . The main Christmas meal in Greece tends to be either pork or lamb, which is slow roasted in an oven or cooked slowly on a spit.

What do Greeks do Christmas Eve?

In Thessaly, central Greece, on Christmas Eve, at the stroke of midnight, young women make their way, in complete silence, to the nearest fountain or spring, to collect 'speechless water' . Whilst making a wish, to ensure a sweet year ahead, the young women 'feed' butter or honey to the spring.

What is Santa called in Greece?

While your regular Santa originates from Saint Nicholas, the Greek Santa is called ' Agios Vasilis ', meaning Saint Basil, or Basil of Caesarea.

What are Christmas carols sung in Greece called?

Calanda in Greek tradition Each village and island in Greece had its own traditional carols, which contained details from the local community and economy. Calanda are one of the most “lively” customs of Greek Christmas. They are sung on the day before Christmas & New Year and sometimes on the day of Lights (January 6).

How did Greeks celebrate Christmas?

🎄Religious Observance: Greeks attend church services, with the most significant being the midnight liturgy on Christmas Eve . The service is known as the "Divine Liturgy of the Nativity," and it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Do Greeks have a different Christmas?

For many people all over the world, this is on the 25th of December (Christmas Day). In Greece though, children receive their Christmas presents on New Year's Day and not on Christmas Day . The Greek Santa Claus is called Saint (Agios) Vasilis. We celebrate his name day on January 1, so he brings presents on that day.

Greek Christmas Recipes (2024)

Want to make your holiday dinner tasty and unique? This collection of authentic and amazing Greek Christmas recipes is the perfect solution!

I grew up eating most of these recipes with my family at the holidays. They make me super nostalgic and I have loved recreating them with vegan ingredients. I'd say they are even tastier now!

Being first generation Greek, our holidays represented very non traditional foods. I didn't know anything different and grew to love all of the favorites my mom and dad loved as a child!

What do they eat for Christmas in Greece?

Growing up, my mom ate traditional things for Christmas. Most of which she passed on when she came here. The main dish is usually turkey or pork. But my mom sometimes made other things like moussaka (which I created a vegan moussaka from and it's incredible) as our main.

Sides included things like roasted potatoes, spanakopita (which I also have a vegan spanakopita that is incredible), rice stuffing (although you don't stuff it in anything), Greek salad and various vegetables.

And of course there is dessert. Traditional Greek Christmas cookies are melomakarona and kourabiedes, and there is also baklava that is a filo based pastry.

How do you say Merry Christmas in Greek Orthodox?

Merry Christmas in Greek is Kala Christougena. The translation means "good Christmas." The "ch" has a soft sound almost like an "h" and the "g" has a sound almost like a "y."

What traditions does Greece have for Christmas?

One of the biggest traditions in Greece is going to church. Growing up, I loved Christmas eve service. The singing and how festive it looked always made me happy!

Now, they do exchange presents like we do in America for Christmas, however back when my parents were growing up, they had Christmas trees and presents for the new year. That is when St. Nicholas came.

My mom grew up very poor, so hey had neither a tree or presents. Gifts were focused more on what they needed like clothes and shoes. They also did not have a tree.

My dad grew up in the city and was able to have the traditions of most. They also put their shoes outside so that St. Nicholas would fill them with treats.

Appetizers

Here are a few traditional appetizers we may have out at Christmas. My mom often also puts out feta cheese and Greek olives.

Secret Ingredient Greek Hummus

Alight and airywhipped consistency with hints of lemon and Kalamata olives. Thisflavorful Greek hummus is the perfect appetizer or snack!

Yellow Split Pea Dip (Greek Fava)

witch up your hummus routine with thisprotein filled yellow split pea dip. It’s called “Fava” in Greek, and the perfect way to get your healthy snack on!

Sides

Here are some different Greek side dishes we like to include along with a greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion whenever we get together for holidays.

Peas with Scallions and Dill

5 ingredients toyour next favorite side dish!Whether it’s the holidays, or a weekly meal, this simple yet flavorful recipe is the perfect addition! Side note: it goes AMAZING mixed with pasta.

Traditional Greek Rice Stuffing

I grew up eating this rice stuffing every Christmas and it was always one of my favorite dishes. I turned it into a vegan version and love that I can continue to share it with my family every year!

Main Course

The main course can change year after year. While traditionally, turkey or pork is what is eaten for Christmas, since we don't eat either, I like to mix up what I serve as a main course.

Greek Vegan Moussaka

Greek vegan moussaka is the perfect main dish to replace that boring old turkey!Creamy, satisfying and delicious. And, it’s based on my Greek mothers authentic recipe,this isthe real deal people.

Vegan Yemista (Greek Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers)

Taking tradition to the next level with thesevegan Greek stuffed tomatoes and peppers. These Yemista are a healthy satisfying meal that screams the flavors of Greece!

Vegan Greek Pastit*io

Greek comfort food meets plant-based in this vegan Greek pastit*io. All the flavor of the traditional version but with a healthy twist!

Desserts

And of course you need a good Greek dessert to top off the meal! These recipes are ones we make year after year and are always on our holiday table.

Melomakarona Recipe (Greek Christmas Cookies)

A melomakarona recipe perfect for the holiday season. You'd never know these Greek Christmas cookies are gluten-free and vegan!

Greek Vegan Baklava

You may have had baklava before, but never like this. My mom’s family recipe, perfected over years of work, is out of this world incredible! And this vegan baklava has a never before seen oil-free option!

Kourabiedes

A Greek butter cookie that's vegan, gluten-free and with a healthier butter free option. Both Kourabiedes recipes are incredible and Greek dad approved!