Published on
December 4, 2025
As the festive season approaches, Greece continues to capture the imaginations of travelers from all over the world. According to the latest booking data from Opodo, a leading German travel platform, Athens has entered the ranks of Europe’s most sought-after Christmas destinations for German tourists. This shift marks a notable change in German holiday trends, with Athens emerging as a favourite for both Christmas and New Year’s getaways in 2025.
While London, Madrid, and Bangkok traditionally dominate the holiday travel lists, Athens’ inclusion among the top 10 destinations is a clear indicator of its rising popularity, with travelers seeking culture, mild weather, and a rich historical backdrop to celebrate the holiday season.
This increased activity toward Greece reflects a broader trend of Germans opting for slightly shorter, yet culturally rich breaks. The winter holidays are no longer just about snowy landscapes but also about discovering cities steeped in history, culture, and warmth—attributes that make Athens a natural choice.
Athens: Greece’s Star Christmas Destination for 2025
The latest data shows that Athens has made its way to the top 10 most searched destinations by German travelers for the Christmas period (17–28 December). Germany’s favourite destinations for the holidays this year include the likes of London, Madrid, Bangkok, and Istanbul, but Athens has gained remarkable traction.
A mix of mild Mediterranean weather, rich cultural heritage, and fewer crowds during the holiday season makes Athens an appealing choice for Germans this Christmas. The city offers an exceptional blend of festive cheer with its historical landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and vibrant Christmas markets. The Athens Christmas Festival, with its illuminated streets and traditional events, is also part of the city’s growing festive appeal.
Greece’s proximity to Central Europe and its diverse offering of both relaxation and exploration makes it a prime choice for those looking for a city break with a cultural twist, especially for Germans who have historically preferred destinations like Vienna, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona.
A Shift Toward Shorter, Cultural Getaways
German travelers have traditionally shown a preference for short breaks during the Christmas and New Year period, with 46% of bookings for Christmas being between 7–13 days. For New Year’s, shorter trips from 3–4 days are increasingly common, with 33% of German travelers opting for this duration. Athens, with its blend of holiday cheer and rich cultural offerings, fits this pattern perfectly, offering the ideal blend of a quick, memorable getaway with the chance to explore one of Europe’s most iconic cities.
Notably, the trend shows an inclination towards holidays that offer something more than just seasonal festivities. Germans are now looking for experiences that are both culturally enriching and relatively stress-free—qualities that Greece’s capital city offers in abundance. The combination of rich ancient history, Mediterranean landscapes, and festive holiday atmospheres makes Athens a perfect destination for both young couples and families seeking adventure without the overwhelming crowds of more traditional holiday destinations.
Why Athens? A Blend of Christmas Cheer and Historic Charm
Athens offers a perfect blend of everything Germans are looking for in a Christmas destination. The festive season in Athens means historic sites lit with holiday lights, Christmas markets full of regional treats, and seasonal cultural events.
The Athens Christmas Festival includes a large Christmas tree, ice skating rinks, and open-air performances, drawing both locals and international visitors. Additionally, visitors to Athens can explore iconic sites like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, stroll through Plaka’s Christmas markets, or enjoy a holiday dinner with stunning views of the Acropolis illuminated under the stars. The Greek gastronomy, especially with its holiday specialities, is an added treat for those wanting to experience an authentic and festive dining atmosphere.
Athens’ Mediterranean climate also makes it an appealing choice for those who want to escape the cold European winter. Instead of snowy streets, visitors enjoy mild temperatures, ideal for wandering through the historic districts and enjoying the city’s festive ambiance.
What Does This Mean for Greece’s Tourism?
For Greek tourism, the growing popularity of Athens during the festive season is a positive trend. It underscores Greece’s strengthening position as a year-round destination. While the summer months see an influx of sun-seeking travelers, the winter months are now becoming more inviting, especially as destinations like Athens offer rich cultural, historical, and festive experiences that appeal to a broader market.
This uptick in holiday bookings from Germany, which is traditionally one of the largest source markets for European travel, is set to bolster Greece’s tourism economy and help Athens continue its rise as a go-to destination for Christmas and New Year’s holidays. With Germany’s stable demand for short- to medium-duration trips, Athens’ position on the list of sought-after destinations is likely to remain strong, if not rise further in the coming years.
A Look at the Bigger Picture: Changing Travel Preferences and New European Trends
German tourists’ shifting focus towards more culturally immersive and shorter-duration holidays during the Christmas and New Year’s period suggests a broader trend in European travel preferences. As people move away from traditional longer vacations, the focus is increasingly on enjoying city breaks with the opportunity to experience culture, tradition, and local flavors within a shorter timeframe.
While London and Madrid have long been top holiday destinations, the surge in interest for Athens and other European capitals like Vienna and Barcelona shows a diversification in European holiday trends. It’s clear that culture, accessibility, and shorter travel durations are becoming more important to German travelers in 2025.
Conclusion: Athens as the New Star of Christmas Travel
With its timeless history, festive charm, and Mediterranean allure, Athens has quickly established itself as one of the top destinations for German tourists during the 2025 Christmas season. As Greece continues to captivate the hearts of holidaymakers from Germany and beyond, Athens is set to become a holiday hub, blending culture with cheer. Whether it’s exploring the ancient ruins, enjoying festive lights, or sampling seasonal delicacies, Athens promises a unique and unforgettable Christmas getaway.
For short-term travelers and those seeking something beyond the usual Christmas traditions, Athens offers the perfect balance of tradition, modernity, and Mediterranean warmth — making it a top contender for future holiday seasons.
