Upcoming Holidays and Festivals in Greece

Women dancing in Kardamyli
Opa!
  • Before planning a trip around a festival, verify the festival dates on the festival's website or with a local tourist information office. For more information about these and other events, visit the official tourism site for Greece.
  • This list includes major festivals in major cities, plus national holidays observed throughout Greece. Many sights and banks close down on national holidays — keep it in mind when planning your itinerary. Note that this isn't a complete list; holidays can strike without warning.
  • See upcoming holidays and festivals across Europe

2024

October 2–13:  Athens International Film Festival

October 28:  Ohi Day (anniversary of the "No" that Greece said to Mussolini's demands for allowing occupation — and of Greece's entry into World War II; closures)

November 9–10:  Athens Marathon

December 25:  Christmas (closures)

December 26:  Second Day of Christmas (closures)

2025

January 1:  New Year's Day (closures)

January 6:  Epiphany (closures)

Mid-January–March:  Carnival season (Apokreo), famous in Patra; peaks on the last Sunday before Lent (March 17 in 2024)

March 3:  "Clean Monday" (Kathari Deftera, the first day of Lent in the Orthodox church; closures)

March 25:  Greek Independence Day (closures)

April 18–21:  Orthodox Good Friday through Easter Monday (closures)

May 1:  Labor Day (closures)

June–August:  Athens & Epidaurus Festival (music, opera, dance, and theater at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus beneath the Acropolis in Athens; drama and music at the Theater of Epidavros; some events now also held in January)

June 8 & 9:  Orthodox Pentecost and Whit Monday (closures)

June 21–24 (likely):  Miaoulia Festival, Hydra (naval festival, fireworks)

June 28–July 6 (likely):  Nafplio Festival (classical music)

July–August:  Olympus Festival (music, dance, and theater at the site of the ancient Olympics)

August:  International Andros Festival (theater and music performances)

August 6–9 (likely):  Pulsar Festival, Samothrace (electronic music)

August 8–18 (likely):  Molyvos International Music Festival (classical music)

August 15:  Assumption (closures)

September 1–7 (likely):  Armata Festival, Spetses (reenacted naval battle and fireworks on last day)