New Year in Athens 2023 | Top 9 Things to Do, Events, Parties & More!
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
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.
Top 9 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. Try Your Hand at 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!
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.
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 from this spot and revel in the festive frenzy.
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, which are nightclub 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
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.
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.
Parties & Events on New Year’s Eve in Athens
1. Gazarte
- Head to this rooftop bar to enjoy live music and DJ sets, with magnificent views of the Acropolis.
- Indulge in the drinks at midnight, and opt for the delicious dinner if you’d like to snack up.
Location: Voutadon 34, Athina 118 54, Greece
2. Galaxy at the Hilton
- Another rooftop party at the famous Hilton hotel.
- The Hilton is known to host some great DJs and live music gigs, complemented by its excellent service.
Location: Vasilissis Sofias 46, Athina 115 28, Greece
3. 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
4. Four Seasons
- Attend an elegant 7-course dinner with the best wine pairings.
- After dinner, you can choose to attend the New Year party, complete with a countdown, fireworks and more drinks.
Location: Aristotelous 42, Athina 104 33, Greece
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. 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!
7. After Chaos
- Head to the Athens Conservatory for a massive end-of-year celebration.
- The line-up usually includes global DJs and is published ahead of the event.
Location: Vasileos Georgiou B 17-19, Athina 106 75, Greece
8. Oddity Club
- Known for its techno gigs, the Oddity Club is great for all the techno buffs out there.
- Get ready to dance the night away to the tunes of the DJ and local artists playing during New Years.
Location: Iraklidon 61, Athina 118 54, Greece
Plan Your New Year Eve in Athens
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.
Prices mentioned are for 2 people
Budget Friendly
- Tempi Hotel - From €30
- Phaedra Hotel From €43
Mid-range
- Arethusa Hotel - From €60
- Herodion Hotel - From €120
Luxury
- Wyndham Grand Athens - From €150
- AthensWas Hotel- From €160
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.
- 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
New Year in Athens is a festive mix of fireworks, drinks, music, food and year old traditions.
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.
If you’d like to keep away from the crowd, there are options to celebrate New Year at quieter neighboring towns or go ice-skating at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.
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.
The Plaka and Mount Lycabettus in the city centre is a great spot for a fun community viewing of the New Year fireworks.
December can be chilly, and is one of the wettest months of the year, averaging 15℃.
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.