Chania at Christmas is perhaps unexpectedly magical. This is a time of the year that has always been special, blending a wealth of enchanting, still-surviving customs and traditions with an array of fun-packed activities designed to lift everyone’s spirits.
This was the year the planet learned how to travel again. As we are looking at everything we did in 2022 – the pics and the vids that are adding up to millions of happy moments with old and new friends at the Oscar Suites & Village Hotel – we can’t help but be grateful for all the great memories: The food that we sampled, the trips that we took, the hikes that we went to, the wine that we tasted, the sights we admired, the beaches we built sand castles on, the music we danced to. We are also super excited about the upcoming holiday season. Though it is not your typical “Rovaniemi-esque” destination, Chania at Christmas is quite magical, as it blends a wealth of time-honoured traditions with an atmosphere that’s pure elation and joy.
The city wears its finest with countless twinkling lights sparkling in its streets, alleyways and gift-laden shops. The Western-influenced custom of the ornamented tree is going strong here – and we have one of the finest examples to show in Agia Marina; but we are also decorating sailing boats to honour our nautical tradition and the seamen in each family, as per the long-standing Greek Christmas custom.
Likewise, the sweet-smelling scents of diples, kourabiedes, and melomakarona are coming from every corner of the city, as homemakers and bakeries are busy baking the traditional seasonal treats.
Across the town and municipality of Chania, there are several theatrical performances, workshops, shows, markets and bazaars – and that’s not to mention the all-time favourite Christmas train with a live Santa and lots of singing and presents for the kids.
Then there is the famous annual Chania Santa Run. This is without a doubt the highlight of Chania at Christmas, involving a great number of people dressed in red and white Santa costumes, traipsing through the streets of the old town, getting treats from the stores along the way and dancing to Dj-curated tunes. This ultra-fun, charity event this year takes place on December, Friday 23rd and is once more expected to culminate into a large party, attended by locals and visitors likewise.
Chania at Christmas means plenty of opportunities for a good party – whether at home with friends and family or out on the streets and in the festive-clad bars and venues in the old Chania town. Yet the element of spirituality and devoutness also abound in Chania at Christmas. Those who attend Christmas Eve Mass at the cave of St. John the Hermit, for example, are in for a transcendental experience. Here the Divine liturgy is combined with a traditional representation of the birth of Christ in the manger with real animals brought by local farmers. Bonfires are lit, chimes and bells ring joyfully and a big star shines from the top of the cave. It is a truly magical spectacle that attracts thousands of people every year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Oscar Suites & Village team
As we are getting ready to savour the many delights of Chania at Christmas, we would like to take a moment to raise our wine-filled glasses, to extend our warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year to all of you, our dear guests and friends. Or as we are saying in our country, Kala Hristougena kai Haroumeni Protohronia!
As always, it has been our pleasure to welcome you to the Oscar Suites & Village Hotel in Platanias Chania, and we hope to see as many of you as possible in 2023. It’s going to be yet another amazing year with loads of pampering and many delightful surprises to look forward to! Until then, stay tuned to our blog for some wanderlust inspiration with tips, insights and stories about the authentic side of Crete.
