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New Year in Athens 2024 | Top 9 Things to Do, Events, Parties & More!

Why celebrate New Year’s Eve in Athens?

One of the oldest capital cities in Europe, Athens is rich in history and culture. A part of this culture also includes grand celebrations during festivals by the locals. If this sounds like too much, Athens also has options for slower and quieter New Year celebrations as well. Whatever you need, the city has got you covered!

Weather in Athens during New Year’s Eve

New Year in Athens

Average Temperature: 12℃

  • Highest Temp: 14℃
  • Lowest Temp: 9℃

Chances of Rain: December is usually rainy, but the chances of rain reduce as the month moves on. You might get an average of 11 days of rain in December, with cloudy weather on other days.

What to Wear: The temperatures drop in December, and the weather becomes slightly breezy and chilly. A moderate sweater would be enough to keep you warm for the month of December in Athens if you are comfortable in the cold, else something slightly warmer.

Top10 things to do in Athens on New Year's Eve

1. Climb a Hill

A climb up Mount Lycabettus would give you a vantage point from where you can watch the city skyline.

Why visit?

  • If hardcore partying isn’t up your alley, Mount Lycabettus is great for a slower New Year experience. 
  • Grab some snacks and alcohol and head up the hill to catch the fireworks across the city from this famous hilltop. 

2. Attend an open-air all nighter

Head to Syntagma Square where the public gathers for a night of wild New Year celebrations.

Why visit?

  • Catch local DJs, live music, food, and drinks at this open-air venue where festivities go on till the wee hours of the morning. 
  • Countdown to midnight alongside the Mayor of Athens who leads the celebrations!

3. Go for ice-skating

Not a traditional New Year activity, but quite famous in Athens! Head to Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) for a unique New Year experience.

Why visit?

  • An unexpected but great place to ring in New Year. 
  • Expect fireworks, live music, food and drinks while you ice skate the night away!
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4. Visit the Acropolis

One of the most famous attractions in the world, the Acropolis is illuminated beautifully to celebrate the start of a new year. Skip ahead of long lines at the site with Acropolis fast track entry tickets.

Why visit?

  • The pedestrian area in the Plaka turns into a party hub on New Year's Eve. 
  • Catch live performances and the beautiful fireworks and revel in the festive frenzy. 
from €13

5. Break plates in the name of tradition

While this may sound absurd, the tradition of breaking plates by throwing them on stage dates back centuries in Greek culture.

Why visit?

  • Attend an event at a Bouzoukia nightclubs with live artists performing on stage while you eat and drink. 
  • Show your appreciation and enthusiasm by throwing flowers (as a recent upgrade to the plates), on stage.
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6. Park yourself at a bar

As prevalent in most cities, pubs and bars in the city get jam-packed with party-goers looking to celebrate.

Why visit?

  • After spending the countdown with family, most locals head to bars post-midnight to celebrate. 
  • The vibe and energy in the bars are contagious and a must-do for those who love drinking. 
  • 360 Cocktail Bar | Find on map
  • Athens Drunk Tour by Pub Crawl Athens | Find on map
  • six d.o.g.s | Find on map

7. Watch an Opera show

Another slower way to celebrate New Year is to truly appreciate the arts! Head to the Olympia Theatre to catch a Greek opera.

Why visit?

  • Keeping up with the romantic atmosphere around New Year, emotional ballets such as Giselle run in December. 
  • The shows are slightly earlier in the evening, giving you enough time to head out for the countdown after. 

8. Try your luck at a casino

You never know what the new year is going to bring, so why not head to Mount Parnes Casino to find out?

Why visit?

  • See if your lucky streak continues, or your luck turns at the roulette tables.  
  • Spend the night at the turntables with food and drink to keep you entertained. 

9. Go camping

For those who want to avoid large crowds and loud music, you could always head to the outskirts of Athens for a good camping trip.

Why visit?

  • Light a bonfire and bring in the New Years by singing traditional Greek songs. 
  • The December weather in Athens permits outdoor camping, so you won’t freeze on your night out. 

10. Go to a bouzoukia party until the early hours

After midnight, locals flock to bouzoukia venues for vibrant celebrations that last into the early morning. These lively spots feature Greek folk music, flower tossing on stage, and patrons singing along while enjoying drinks straight from the bottle. The atmosphere can feel like a grand concert, so it's wise to book your tickets in advance for a memorable night out!

Why visit?

  • Take part in lively rituals like throwing carnations and shouting "opa" for an unforgettable, authentic celebration.
  • It’s an unforgettable night that will make you feel like a true Athenian. Immerse yourself in authentic Greek kefi—a uniquely Greek word meaning an infectious, joyful mood. While not necessarily enlightening, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
  • Votanikos Club | Find on map
  • Kentro Athinon | Find on map

Parties & Events on New Year’s Eve in Athens

1. NJV Athens Plaza Hotel

  • The NJV Athens Plaza Hotel hosts joyful New Year celebrations, blending a festive ambiance with sumptuous menus and live music in a warm and inviting setting.

Location: 2, Leoforos, Vasileos Georgiou A, Athina 105 64, Greece

​Find on Map

2. Athens Golden Night New Year’s Eve

  • Celebrate New Year's Eve in style at the Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens! Go for a dazzling night of festivities in the beautifully adorned Olympia Hall.
  • Enjoy the beats of top DJs and savor live performances that will keep the party going well into the early hours. 

Location: Leof. Vasileos Alexandrou 2, Athina 161 21, Greece

​Find on Map

3. NYE Extravaganza Party

  • Get ready for the grand return of the NYE Extravaganza Party at Athens Conservatory!
  • After a two-year break, this spectacular event promises eleven hours of continuous music spun by eleven talented DJs, delivering a diverse mix of dance and club tunes.

Location: Vasileos Georgiou B 17-19, Athina 106 75, Greece

​Find on Map

4. Open-air club at Varvakio Market

  • Athens' Municipality has something special in store for New Year's Eve by turning the Varvakio Market into an open-air club. 
  • Thirty minutes into the new year, Varvakeion and Athinas Street arcades will come alive with electronic beats from DJs Norma, Silent Progress, and Sgouros F. 

Location: Varvakios Central Municipal Market, Athina, Greece

​Fund on Map

5. Tavernas

  • The Plaka has many such tavernas (restaurants) that are a local favourite. 
  • The tavernas go all out to arrange traditional music, food and dancing during New Years. 

6. 360 Bar

  • This cocktail party has everything set up for a great evening experience.
  • Your night will include great food, music, gifts, a countdown, and views of the Acropolis! 

Location: Ifestou 2, Athina 105 55, Greece

​Find on Map

7. Sueños de Invierno

  • This tango marathon is a great way to put those groovy feet to good use on New Years. 
  • 48 hours of dancing with unlimited refreshments seems like a great way to celebrate!

Plan your New Year Eve in Athens

Tips for celebrating New Year's Eve in Athens

  • Make Reservations: Tables at fancy restaurants usually get booked out in advance, so make sure to reserve your table as early as possible. 
  • Layer up: December in Athens can be chilly and rainy, with average temperatures around 15℃, so pack a warm jacket.
  • Carry an Umbrella: Chances of rain increase as December progresses. Make sure to dress in anticipation. 
  • Carry Good Footwear: The cobblestoned streets and the hills make for great pictures but are incredibly slippery in the rain, make sure to carry shoes with good traction. 
  • Book Your Stay: Athens attracts a great crowd for the winter season. Make sure to book your flight tickets and hotels in advance to avoid paying a premium. 
  • Party Late: Most Greeks spend midnight at home with their family and only step out after the countdown to party the rest of the night. 
  • The Day After: Jan 1st is a public holiday and most places will remain closed. Make sure not to save any attractions or sight seeing for the day. 

Frequently asked questions about celebrating New Year's Eve in Athens

On New Years, you could join the crowd at bars and pubs, or grab a bottle of wine and climb Mount Lycabettus to watch the fireworks.