Christmas is the most widely known celebration of Christianity and the City of Volos could not participate in this. The City is exceptionally decorated and is literally dressed in thousands lights and ornaments. The celebration starts on the 4^th December, when the illuminations occur, from the coast accompanied by the Philharmonic orchestra and the Choir of the Municipal Conservatory. On that day the Sokolatoupolis (Chocolate town) and Santa Claus’ village with the fantastic ice rink open their doors. From this point up to the ending of the celebration the City is flooded with events, plays and concerts that take place daily in various spots and are ideal for the children and the adults.

23 December

At the beautifully decorated square of Aghios Nikolaos, a meal is offered, to which all the residents are invited to taste the local as well as the traditional Christmas dishes.

24 December- Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, children are at the center of attention, since at the square of Aghios Nikolaos a lot of events are organized, especially for them. Magicians, stilt walkers and jugglers offer a unique spectacle for all the people, while at the same time, Christmas treats are offered.

25 December – Christmas

The 25th December is the day of the birth of Christ, that is to say Christmas. In the past years, it was customary for Greek people to decorate a wooden ship. Nowadays, influenced by the western civilization, they have replaced the ships with firs (Christmas trees).

At Christmas Eve, on the 24th December children chant carols around houses and the housewives reward them by giving them pocket money or offering to them traditional Christmas sweets.

31 January – New Year’s Eve

On the New Year’s Eve, the custom gathers the families around a rich festive table. At the end of the dinner and after they welcome the New Year, the family cuts the New Year Cake, i which the housewives have put a coin, the so called gold coin. The tradition refers that whoever finds it will have luck in the year to come. Moreover, on the same day Santa Claus brings gifts to the children.
For the people that wish for a different celebration, at the coast of Volos, a festive program is organized to welcome the New Year, with a lot of dance and live music.

1st January – New Year

On New Years’ Day Aghios Vasilis is celebrated and there is the custom of cutting the New Year cake, “vasilopita”. In the cake the housewives have added a gold coin and whoever finds the coin will have luck during the whole year. Moreover, on the same day, apart from cutting the cake, Santa Claus brings gifts to the children.

6th January – Epiphany

Epiphany is the day of water consecration. After the divine service, the priest throws the Cross in the sea and the children dive to get it. Early in the morning the children sing the Epiphany carols around the houses, waiting to get rewarded for their song. In the folklore tradition, it is said that on this day the leprechauns disappear, which during the 12 festive days of Christmas and New Year they secretly get into the houses causing a mess.

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Christmas – New Year – Epiphany Celebration

Christmas – New Year – Epiphany Celebration

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