The Best Greek Christmas Foods

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Table of Contents

Traditional Christmas Dishes in Greece

The first picture that comes to mind when thinking of Greece is a sea view from an island in the Aegean, with the hot summer sun. But Christmas in Greece is one of the best times of the year, and it’s one of the best times to visit Greece. In Greece’s big urban centers, like Thessaloniki and Athens, turkey is usually the center dish for Christmas. However, outside of the city, we see more traditional dishes being preserved. In this article, we explore some of the most local traditional Christmas dishes in Greece.

Pork

In general, pork was the historical Christmas feast favorite in the Greek countryside. In ancient times, farming households would feed a pig year round for their feast sacrifice, and not a single piece of the animal was wasted. Hams, sausages, and pork steaks were some of the most popular delicacies at the time, and food was often given to the poorest members of the community. Any meat which was not eaten immediately was preserved for the rest of the year. 

“Avgolemono” – Egg and Lemon Soup

Egg and lemon soup, or “avgolemono”, is one of the most famous Greek dishes for major feast days. It is usually eaten after Christmas church services and has a tricky preparation, with chicken, rice, lemon juice, and eggs. The soup must simmer but not boil so that the eggs do not curdle. It has a comforting taste and always reminds Greeks of the holidays. 

"Avgolemono" Egg and Lemon Soup

“Lalangia” – Dough Ribbons

Lalangia are a type of fried dough ribbons which are found in southern Greece, in the Messinian and Laconian regions, and almost every home there will have these. They are typically made on Christmas Eve in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is a good addition to sweet and savory dishes. With sweet dishes, lalangia pairs well with honey, walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon. Today, the popular Mani lalangia are sold in many pastry shops in the area.

"Lalangia" Dough Ribbons

“Selinato” – Pork and Celery Stew

Selinato is one of the most classic Greek Christmas dishes, made with leek and sweet potatoes. Celery bulbs are part of the dish, which gives it its name. The vegetables are paired with boiled or stewed meat, which is most often pork. Selinato is most commonly eaten in Lesvos and in Macedonia, both which are in Northern Greece. Selinato became a part of Greek cuisine permanently after the Asia Minor Catastrophe in 1922. It is usually served with plenty of lemon.

Selinato

“Poutrida” – Boiled Pork with Cabbage

This famous Christmas dish comes from the island of Kefalonia, and uses a local cabbage that is boiled along with pork. With a slow-cooking method and combined with some spices and sauce, it creates a delicious combination of flavors. The dish is of Ottoman origin and it was a favorite of the Sultan. It is unknown how this dish come to the Ionian islands. After the long hours of boiling, the cabbage and cauliflower become so tender that they “dress” the delicious pork like a spicy cream.

"Poutrida" Pork and Cabbage Stew

“Krasomelo” – Mulled Wine

This favorite Christmastime drink is a Greek mulled wine, similar to glühwein found in Christmas markets across Europe. The best wines include semi-sweet or sweet wine, spices, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorn, and nutmeg. In some areas of Greece, star anise and dried fruits get added. Mulled wine from Greece will get anyone into the right Christmas spirit.

Krasomelo

Melomakarona

This cookie is served at Christmastime in Greece. It is made with olive oil, flour, honey, and lemon or orange. Relatively speaking, they are healthier than most desserts, and often include cinnamon and walnuts. Melomakarona were also eaten in ancient Greece, when a barley mixture called makaria was eaten at funerals. The addition of honey to this mixture gives the name “melomakarona.”

Melomakarona

Kourabiedes

Kourabiedes are famous as a Christmas cookie in Greece, and the main ingredients are flour, butter, almonds, sugar, and brandy. The most important part is the powdered sugar on top, which add a wonderful sweetness when you bite into them. Kourabiedes have their roots in Persia in the 7th century, and they eventually made their way to Greece.

Kourabiedes

“Christopsomo” – Christ’s Bread

Christopsomo is translated as “Christ’s bread” and it symbols prosperity and the joy of Christmas. It is not baked at home so often because many bakeries now sell it. The round white bread is covered in sesame and then decorated with a cross in the center. Sometimes walnuts, symbolizing fertility, are also added on top. In Crete in particular, the decorations are very important. High quality honey, rosewater, nuts, and spies like cinnamon and clove are used. 

Christopsomo
Looking for something in particular?
BlogLifestyle

Exotic Fruits in Greece That Will Surprise You

Most people associate Greek produce with olives, grapes, or citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. But did you know there’s a surprising variety of exotic ...
Nafplio
Regional Guides

Nafplio: A timeless destination to call home

Where history, lifestyle, and smart investment meet In the heart of the Peloponnese, just under two hours from Athens, lies Nafplio: A city that combines centuries ...
Expat working remotely in Greece with a sea view
BlogRegional Guides

Working and Living in Greece as an Expat

Have you ever thought of working and living in Greece as an expat? For many people, Greece is more than a summer escape; it’s a ...
Elxis at the Second Home Expo
BlogIn The News

Second Home Expo: Meet Elxis in Ghent

Dreaming of a holiday home abroad? The Second Home Expo in Ghent (Belgium) is where it all begins. On October 11 and 12, 2025, Flanders ...
BlogPress Releases

Press Release: Elxis – At Home in Greece: New Thessaloniki Offices Now in Operation

A few days ago, Elxis – At Home in Greece (https://elxis.com/) inaugurated its new offices in Thessaloniki, having moved to a larger and more comfortable ...
Homeowner calculating rental income tax Greece savings in 2026
BlogIn The News

How Upcoming Tax Changes Benefit Property Owners in Greece

During the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair, the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced several property tax changes that directly affect primary residence owners and potential ...
Your search results

Compare Listings

Featured in

Receive the latest news

Join over 20.000 subscribers and stay informed on the latest market insights, updates, tips and more

We’ll send you our best articles, expert insights and newest listings.​

Personalized Greek Real Estate Guidance

Tell us more and our team of real estate specialists will get in touch! 

This quick form takes less than a minute to complete. We only need minimal information to get started.

Step 1 of 3

Your inquiry will be reviewed within 24 hours on business days.