The festive period in Chania

Even during Christmas, Chania is transformed into the most hospitable city covered in light and festive spirit!

From the wonderful Christmas tree that dominates the square of the old Chania municipal market to the young children who fill the streets singing Christmas carols in exchange for candy, the month of December in Chania is magical for young and old!

a city next to a body of water with mountains in the background

Winter months offer the chance to explore the uncrowded vision of Crete. In some years there is significant snowfall in the mountains (the highest peaks always receive some winter snowfall). With the Lefka Ori thus powdery white, locals gather indoors with friends and family to enjoy local delicacies around the fire place and aged wine.

Copyright: Nick Fragos

You will overdose on "Melomacarona" and "Kourambiedes", Greek Christmas biscuits and sweets made from pure honey walnuts and aromatic vanilla.

For a day trip, a trip to Rethymnon is a must during winter where you can spend a whole morning in the old town, the Fortezza castle and the harbor. Not to mention the old Venetian harbor of Chania where you can take part in some Christmas shopping and see the wonderful boats lit up at night!

Previous years in Chania have also hosted the amusing and fun Santa Run where thousands dress up as Father Christmas covering the streets of the Venetian harbor in a blanket of red for charitable causes. Christmas in Chania, of the mildest in seasons throughout the whole of Europe is truly magical and not to be missed!

One thing is for sure, Chania is a wonderful destination to enjoy all year round even in the winter months!