Greece Public Holidays 2025
Greece has 14 public holidays and 1 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 6 Jan | Mon | Epiphany | public |
| 3 Mar | Mon | Ash Sunday | public |
| 25 Mar | Tue | Annunciation, Anniversary of 1821 Revolution | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | public |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 11 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | public |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Assumption | public |
| 28 Oct | Tue | National Holiday | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
About Greece's Holidays
Greece mixes national, religious, and local celebrations. Big national dates are Independence Day on March 25 and Oxi Day on October 28. Religious life is shaped by Orthodox Christianity, so Christmas, Epiphany, Assumption and especially Easter matter a lot.
Public life pauses for these days. Banks, schools and many shops close for national and major religious holidays. People also celebrate name days more than birthdays in many places, and villages hold summer festivals with music, food and dancing that keep local traditions alive.
Carnival season before Lent and Easter traditions bring strong community feeling. Labor Day and some international holidays are observed too, making Greece a country with both national pride and rich cultural rhythms.
Holiday Traditions
In Greece, holidays mix church, history, and season. People attend church services and light candles for religious days. On national holidays there are parades with flags, marching bands, and speeches that remember heroes and important events.
Food is central. Families make special dishes like roast meat, pies, sweets, and share homemade bread and treats. Meals are long and joyful, with lots of talking, music, and sometimes dancing. Cooking is a way to pass down recipes and memories across generations.
Families often gather at home or in village squares. Towns hold festivals with music, folk dancing, and fireworks. Community and hospitality are key. Visitors are welcomed, children join games, and everyone celebrates together with warmth and pride.
Travel Tips
Greece (GR) gets lively during the holiday season. Many shops, banks, and government offices close on public holidays. Museums and some attractions may have reduced hours. Plan visits on regular weekdays to avoid surprises and check opening times online first.
Public transport runs but schedules change on holidays. Ferries, trains, and buses can be crowded around big travel days. Airports stay open but security lines may be longer. Book tickets early and allow extra time for transfers and delays.
Expect busy tourist spots and higher prices in cities and islands. Make restaurant reservations and confirm hotel bookings. Pack warm layers for winter evenings, photocopy important documents, and keep local emergency numbers handy.