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
Top10 things to do in Athens on New Year's Eve
Parties & Events on New Year’s Eve in Athens
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.
The festive season in Athens is great for kids, where you can visit the Christmas markets, take a walking tour or roam the illuminated streets celebrating.
Athens attracts a lot of tourists and can get crowded on New Years.
Athens is a safe city in general, however beware of petty theft on public transport in Athens.
Buy tickets to the Hilton’s, Gazarte’s or 360 Bar’s New Year’s Eve party.
Athens is warmer than other European cities in winter and therefore a good choice for those who prefer warmth.
Hang onions and pomegranates on the door, and fill your pockets with coins or sweets to distribute to children in exchange for carols.
Greeks prepare reddened beef stew, tomato and orzo soup, Vasilopita, and Greek cabbage salad.
Yes, public transportation operates with adjusted schedules, but it’s a good idea to check for any changes or closures ahead of time.
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
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.
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
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
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Metro: Athens has three metro lines that run from 5 am to 12 am on weekdays, and till 2:20 a.m. on weekdays and make multiple stops in and around Athens. The last metro on New Year's Eve will be at 11 pm.
Bus: There are numerous downtown bus routes and four express airport routes on which buses run. You can get flat fare tickets for rides within 90 minutes for $1.50 per person. Buses run only till 10 pm on New Year's Eve.
Tram: Three tram lines run between downtown and coastal cities like Palaio Faliro, Moschato and Glyfada. They operate from 5.30 am till 12:30 a.m. on weekdays and till 2:30 a.m. on weekends. The last tram on New Year's Eve will be at 11 pm.
