Beyond the summer crowds and beach-seeking tourists lies a different Heraklion—one where ancient stones gleam under winter sunlight and holiday traditions come alive in centuries-old squares. As Crete’s capital transforms for the festive season, it reveals a side that many visitors never experience: intimate coffee shops serving traditional melomakarona, locals gathering for evening concerts in Byzantine churches, and the aroma of cinnamon and citrus floating through narrow Venetian alleyways.
This guide unlocks the city’s winter treasures, from hidden cultural events to seasonal delicacies, carefully curated to help you experience Heraklion like a local during the most magical time of the year. Whether you’re planning a cultural weekend or an extended holiday stay, here’s your roadmap to discovering what makes December in Heraklion truly special.
Why You Should Visit in December
Heraklion’s appeal extends beyond its summer beaches, spring nature excursions, and autumn charm. The winter sun and Christmas decorations create an ideal backdrop for traditional customs, festive atmosphere, and genuine hospitality that define the city.
The city has fully embraced its holiday spirit. The Municipality of Heraklion has prepared an extensive program of events for all ages, with more additions coming. Heraklion embodies the role of a winter destination, combining urban brilliance with dramatic winter scenery.
What You Can Do in Heraklion
Divide your time between admiring elegant Venetian architecture, visiting exceptional museums, and enjoying festive events full of entertainment. Begin at the city’s symbol, the impressive Castello a Mare or Rocca a Mare, a seaside fortress built by Venetians between 1523 and 1540, which still displays the marble relief winged lion of Saint Mark. Now known as Koules, this Heraklion landmark overlooks the Venetian Harbor and reveals its history across 26 chambers.
Since November 29, visitors can view illuminated Heraklion from the Martinengo bastion, the largest surviving bulwark of the 15th-century Venetian walls. Here, alongside stunning sunset views, you’ll find the understated tomb of writer Nikos Kazantzakis, marked by a plaque bearing his memorable words: “I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.”
In the lively city center, remarkable Venetian landmarks stand as witnesses to Heraklion’s golden age. The Morosini Fountain, known simply as “Lions,” has graced Eleftherios Venizelos Square since 1628 with its four marble lions spouting water. This well-preserved meeting point for locals enchants visitors with its intricate design featuring Tritons, sea creatures, and dolphins.
The elegant 16th-century Venetian Loggia tells its own history through design. This two-story rectangular palace, adorned with Ionic and Doric columns, arched gates, and relief sculptures, once hosted nobility making economic, commercial, and political decisions. Ottoman influences emerge at Kornaro Square, or “Valide Mosque,” where the Bembo Fountain’s facade resembles an ancient temple with its headless Roman statue and marble columns, standing alongside a Turkish sebil—a charitable public fountain built by prominent Turks.
The Archaeological Museum transports visitors further back in time, housing the world’s most significant collection of Minoan antiquities, including the “Prince of Lilies” fresco and the Phaistos Disc. The Historical Museum chronicles Crete’s entire history and showcases two unique works by Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) on Cretan soil.
Holiday Festivities and Events
The city’s holiday program launched November 29 with the tree lighting ceremony, featuring the Municipal Children’s Choir, Philharmonic Orchestra, ONIRAMA concert, and silent fireworks—setting the tone for the season’s festivities through New Year’s.
From December 23 through Christmas Day, holiday melodies fill the streets, beginning with carols from kindergartens, high schools, and youth choirs. The Mylopotamos Association of Heraklion performs traditional songs during a “Musical walk” from Saint Minas to Liberty Square on Christmas Eve afternoon. The day includes student concerts and music school ensembles, culminating in the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra’s unique program.
Christmas Day transforms into a celebration with Loopia Band performing popular holiday songs alongside pop, funk, and jazz rhythms. December 26 delights children with “Von Kourabies versus Count Melomakaroni” performed by the Heraklion Theater Scene.
The period between Christmas and New Year’s resonates with music, hymns, carols, and concerts. The program features “Music of the Elves” on December 29, which presents a unique musical dialogue combining Irish, Scottish, English, and Cretan melodies. Voula Strataki follows with a contemporary and traditional music concert the next day. New Year’s Eve brings the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra creating an optimistic atmosphere from 11 PM, starting at Lions Square and proceeding to Liberty Square, where the Mayor initiates the countdown and silent fireworks illuminate the sky. The Swingin’ Cats continue the celebration with a non-stop dance party spanning decades.
Where to Stay
The Amirandes welcomes guests year-round as a contemporary waterfront palace, celebrating its first Christmas season with the brightness of the Cretan sun. The resort marks its inaugural year of full-time operation with distinctive holiday offerings.
Drawing inspiration from Crete’s Minoan history, the resort integrates seamlessly into a cinematic setting defined by impressive lagoons, the sea, and Crete’s wild landscape. Its location near Heraklion’s markets, museums, and Knossos Palace makes it an ideal base for exploring Cretan history and culture. This winter paradise embraces Greek heritage and authentic hospitality.
The holiday decorations this year draw inspiration from Ariadne’s thread, featuring red yarn balls adorning Christmas trees that symbolize the Minotaur myth influencing the resort’s architecture.
The resort demonstrates the perfect harmony between luxury and tradition. High-standard service combines with genuine Cretan hospitality in sea-view villas and suites designed for couples, groups, and families. The architecture features minimalist lines, generous stone use, pristine white, and glass surfaces that allow Mediterranean light to flood the elegant spaces.
The accommodations showcase distinctive character throughout, from spacious superior rooms and bungalows to luxury villas. Each space features balconies or terraces with views, and many offer private gardens or pools. Family suites comfortably accommodate four guests, while hidden garden suites provide private terrace views. The villas represent the pinnacle of elegance and privacy, featuring spacious balconies, private lounges, heated pools, and in-room gyms—establishing Amirandes villas among Crete’s premier accommodation choices.
The resort enriches the holiday experience with magical moments for families while highlighting unique Cretan Christmas traditions. Award-winning restaurants and bars create festive culinary journeys for Christmas and New Year’s, featuring authentic ingredients in global recipes. Mediterranean cuisine unfolds at the main restaurant’s impressive buffet, while Cretan specialties take center stage at Xasteria, capturing the essence of an authentic local taverna.
The iconic Minotaur restaurant presents Italian cuisine inspired by Pablo Picasso’s fascination with the mythical Minotaur of Knossos. The space displays an exceptional collection of original Picasso ceramics from his Madoura series, created in Vallauris, France. Combined with expertly prepared Italian specialties and thoughtful wine pairings, it delivers an unforgettable fine dining experience.
The culinary program includes afternoon tea featuring homemade melomakarona and fresh pastries in the atmospheric Library. The culinary excellence reaches its peak at the New Year’s Eve gala dinner, which combines exceptional cuisine with live music and festive traditions for all ages.
The range of unique holiday experiences at Amirandes is complemented by rich activities designed for all ages, emphasizing both the exploration of Crete’s spectacular nature and the discovery of the island’s ancient myths, alongside traditional activities like knitting. Parents can rest assured their children will enjoy the most entertaining Christmas, engaging in creative activities, crafts, music, dance, cooking classes, donkey rides, and immersive experiences in Cretan culture. Meanwhile, parents can indulge in moments of deep relaxation and genuine rejuvenation at the Elixir Alchemy Spa, where expert staff will guide you through six distinctive massage treatments and recommend personalized beauty therapies featuring endemic herbs and organically grown plants.
Alternatively, the whole family can participate in fitness programs, sports activities such as tennis, padel, or football, as well as nature adventures—all part of Amirandes‘ carefully crafted program designed to make this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations as magical and unique as beloved Crete itself.
