New Year's Day in Greece: Dates and Holiday Information
View the global New Year's Day guide
New Year's Day (Î ÏωτοχÏονιά) is observed in Greece on 1 January. It opens the year and includes the tradition of Saint Basil’s cake. Movable Orthodox dates are calculated from the Eastern Easter calendar and must not be copied from Western calendars.
New Year's Day
Holiday
Greece
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Thursday
Day
Jan
01
January 1, 2026
New Year's Day Date in Greece
Date
January 1, 2026
Day
Thursday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
No
Date Confirmed
Yes
New Year's Day Dates in Greece
New Year's Day 2026
- Confirmed
New Year's Day 2027
- Confirmed
New Year's Day 2028
- Confirmed
History of New Year's Day
Î ÏωτοχÏονιά is the fixed 1 January compulsory holiday in Greece. It is also associated with Saint Basil and begins the civil year.
Importance of New Year's Day
New Year’s Day is one of the compulsory holidays listed by Article 60 of Law 4808/2021. Its fixed date is separate from any annual bank or institution-specific operating calendar.
How New Year's Day Is Celebrated in Greece
Greek New Year customs documented by the national tourism authority include cutting vasilopita with a hidden coin, first-footing and the pomegranate tradition.
Office Impact
Government services list Î ÏωτοχÏονιά among their closure days when it is an official holiday. Essential public functions continue, while private employment is governed by the applicable mandatory-holiday rules and exceptions.
Bank Impact
The Bank of Greece publishes its own annual holiday calendar. Branch and settlement planning should use that notice, especially for Orthodox movable feasts and any transferred May Day observance.
School Impact
Schools close for official holidays and for the broader Christmas or Orthodox Easter vacation where applicable. The Education Ministry’s annual calendar controls exact teaching and examination dates.
Travel Information
The legal holiday does not establish transport frequency. Use the New Year timetable published by the relevant mainland, island, air or ferry operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is New Year's Day in Greece?
It is observed on 1 January.
What is its Greek name?
The relevant Greek term is Î ÏωτοχÏονιά.
Are future Orthodox dates reliable?
They should follow the Orthodox computus and remain estimated until the relevant annual operational calendars are published.