Christmas Food and Drink Traditions in Attica
In Attica, the Christmas season brings a variety of traditional foods and drinks that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage. Families come together to celebrate with festive meals that feature flavors rooted in Greek culture, often enhanced by local ingredients and time-honored cooking methods.
One of the most iconic dishes during Christmas is roasted lamb or pork, often served with lemon, garlic, and herbs like oregano and thyme. In some homes, you’ll also find stuffed turkey with rice, chestnuts, and raisins, a dish that has become increasingly popular in modern Greek holiday feasts. Side dishes typically include oven-baked potatoes with olive oil and lemon, as well as horta (wild greens) sautéed with garlic and olive oil, adding a touch of freshness to the hearty meals.
Christmas desserts are a true highlight in Attica. Melomakarona, honey-soaked cookies flavored with cinnamon and orange, and kourabiedes, butter cookies dusted with powdered sugar, are essential to the holiday table. These sweets are often made in large quantities and shared with friends and neighbors.
On the drinks side, locals enjoy rakomelo, a warm, spiced drink made with raki and honey, perfect for the colder weather. Greek wine and tsipouro (a strong distilled spirit) also flow freely during the holidays, often accompanying meals and toasts to good health.
From savory roasts to sweet treats and festive drinks, Christmas in Attica is a time for indulgence, family, and celebrating with delicious food and drink traditions
