Spending Christmas in Athens and wondering where to book a festive dinner?
This guide brings together the best family-friendly restaurants and hotel buffets open during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day — with updated recommendations for 2025–2026.
Whether you prefer a cozy taverna, a festive hotel buffet, or an elegant dinner with Acropolis views, these are the most reliable options for enjoying Christmas in Athens with kids.
2025–2026 Update: Booking Christmas Dinner in Athens With Kids
Christmas dinner in Athens is popular among both locals and visitors, especially families. Most restaurants and hotels offer special festive menus on:
- 24 December (Christmas Eve)
- 25 December (Christmas Day)
- 26 December (second Christmas day in some hotels)
Reservations are strongly recommended from mid-December onward.
In this updated 2025–2026 guide, I list the most reliable family-friendly places, including hotels offering festive buffets, and venues that make Christmas in Athens feel magical without stress.
Christmas dinner in Athens
Are you traveling to Athens for the Christmas period, and looking for a place to celebrate the holidays? Or do you live in Athens and are looking to have Christmas dinner in a restaurant or hotel instead of at home? Most of the places listed here are suitable for children, and I’ll mention kid-friendly details under each option.
Best places to have Christmas Dinner with the Kids in Athens
St. George Lycabettus Hotel
Every year, St.George Lycabettus hotel organises a series of events including a Family Christmas Brunch on Christmas Day and a Family New Years Brunch Buffet. Catering to the entire family, the hotel is ideal for making Christmas memories together in a relaxed setting where children are welcome. There are usually gifts and games for the little ones and every year there is a kid’s Christmas movie at the screening room.
Read our personal family experience at St. George Lycabettus Christmas dinner
Hotel Grande Bretagne | King George
History and eternal elegance come together at the Hotel Grande Bretagne and King George on Syntagma square. The famous Hotel Grande Bretagne, together with next-door neighbor Kind George, offer each year a long list of classic Christmas festivities. This year, head over to the Winter Garden for Christmas flavors and Christmas afternoon tea with the family. Don’t miss out on a walk on Syntagma square with its evzones dazzling Christmas trees and fountain!
Click here for more information about the events at Hotel Grande Bretagne.
InterContinental Athenaeum Athens
Take a sweet break at Café Vienna! Starting December and until New Year’s Day, leave the comfort of your Christmas-decorated home for a while and enjoy the music and taste selections at Café Vienna of the InterContinental Athenaeum Athens amongst bedecked Christmas trees.
Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve at the hotel’s dining areas and enjoy luxury, comfort, unique flavors, and the staff’s most hospitable care.
Click here for more information about Christmas at Athenaeum Intercontinental
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens Riviera
Experience the magic of the festive season on the Athens Riviera and celebrate in style at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, where a magical program of seasonal feasts and special touches is designed to create luxurious lasting memories. Festive dinners are organised in Pelagos, the awarded one Michelin star restaurant, named after the Greek word for ocean.
Click here for more information about Christmas at Four Seasons
Tips for Enjoying Christmas Dinner in Athens With Children
- Book early (many venues fill up by mid-December)
- Choose earlier seating if you have small kids
- Greek Christmas dishes kids usually love: roast turkey, potatoes, pasta, cheese pies, melomakarona
- Restaurants are normally open from 19:00–23:00 on 24–25 December
- Hotels often serve Christmas lunch for families
Why Eating Out for Christmas Works So Well for Families in Athens
Eating out at Christmas in Athens is one of the easiest ways for families to enjoy the holiday without stress. Restaurants and hotels prepare festive menus, handle all the cooking, and welcome children with warm hospitality. You don’t need to worry about groceries, kitchen cleanup, or timing — everything is done for you.
Greek Christmas dishes are usually kid-friendly, and many hotels offer special menus, early seatings, and space for strollers. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy a festive meal together while soaking up the Christmas atmosphere of the city.
Make the Most of Your Christmas in Athens
Spending Christmas in Athens can be magical for families — especially when you combine your festive dinner with some fun seasonal activities and a comfortable place to stay. Here are a few ways to make your Christmas trip even better:
Family-Friendly Tours & Christmas Activities
These activities are ideal during the holiday season and work perfectly with kids:
- Athens Christmas Walking Tour — festive lights, traditions, and sweets
- Acropolis & Mythology Tour for Families — educational and fun
- Athens Food Tour (Kid-Friendly) — great for picky eaters
- Athens Hop on Hop off Bus — relaxed way to see the lights
Book your customized Greek Mythology Christmas family activities here and secure your spot early
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Christmas Dinner Venues
Here are some reliable hotels that work well for Christmas in Athens, especially for families:
- St. George Lycabettus Hotel — excellent festive atmosphere + Christmas buffet and kids play room
- Electra Palace Athens — indoor pool, great location, family rooms
- Coco-Mat Hotel Athens — quiet, stylish, walking distance to many restaurants
- King George — large family rooms + Christmas dining options
- The Grande Bretagne – the most luxurious and stylish hotel in Athens
For more options, see my full list here: Best Family Hotels in Athens
FAQ – Christmas Dinner in Athens (2025–2026)
Are restaurants in Athens open on December 24 and 25?
Yes. Many hotels and selected restaurants offer Christmas Eve dinner on 24 December, and a festive lunch or dinner on 25 December. Some also open on 26 December, especially hotel buffets.
Do I need to book Christmas dinner in advance?
Yes — Christmas dinner is popular among both locals and visitors.
For family-friendly venues, reserve 1–2 weeks in advance, especially for evening seatings on 24 December.
Are Christmas dinners in Athens suitable for children?
Absolutely. Most hotels and many restaurants welcome families and offer kid-friendly dishes such as roast turkey, pasta, vegetables, and desserts. High chairs and early seating options are common.
What time do Greeks usually eat Christmas dinner?
Greek families traditionally gather on Christmas Eve around 20:00 and enjoy a more relaxed lunch or dinner on Christmas Day. Hotels often offer earlier seatings suitable for children.
What do people typically eat for Christmas in Greece?
Holiday menus often include roast turkey, pork dishes, festive salads, potatoes, Christmas bread, and desserts like melomakarona and kourabiedes. Many hotels also prepare international menus.
Is there a dress code for Christmas dinner in Athens?
Most hotels follow a smart-casual dress code for Christmas Eve. Restaurants are usually more relaxed, but festive outfits are always welcome.
More Family Christmas Resources
- Christmas in Athens with Kids — Full 2025–2026 Guide
- The holiday season in Greece | How to celebrate New Year in Greece
- Christmas Holidays in Greece with Kids | 7 reasons why you will love it
- Winter Destinations for families in Greece
- Does it snow in Greece?
In this post, I have only highlighted events in personally tried & tested Christmas dinners at hotels suitable for families with (young) kids. For a more detailed program of holiday events, take a look at the hotel websites.
