Celebrate the holidays with the warm, inviting flavors of Greece! Greek Christmas recipes are rooted in tradition and designed to bring loved ones together around the table. From hearty soups to mouthwatering main courses and tasty desserts, these dishes capture the essence of a festive Greek holiday. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking to try something new, these Greek Christmas recipes are as easy as they are delicious.  

Avgolemono: a comforting egg and lemon soup  

Avgolemono, a creamy egg and lemon soup, is a staple on Greek Christmas tables. This dish is not only comforting but also surprisingly easy to prepare.  

Ingredients: 

– 1 cup of rice  

– 6 cups of chicken broth  

– 2 eggs  

– Juice of 2 lemons  

– Salt and pepper to taste  

Instructions: 

1. In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice and simmer until tender.  
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and lemon juice together until frothy.  
3. Slowly add a ladleful of the hot broth to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.  
4. Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the pot, stirring gently.  
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.  

This light yet flavorful soup is the perfect start to your festive feast and a must-try among Greek Christmas recipes.  

Lahanodolmades: stuffed cabbage rolls 

Stuffed cabbage rolls, or lahanodolmades, are a festive favorite in Greece. Symbolizing the swaddling clothes of Baby Jesus, this dish is rich in flavor and meaning.  

Ingredients:  

– 1 large cabbage  

– 500g ground pork or beef  

– 1 cup of rice  

– 1 onion, finely chopped  

– 1/2 cup parsley, chopped  

– 2 cups of chicken broth  

– Juice of 1 lemon  

– Salt and pepper  

Instructions:  

1. Boil the cabbage until the leaves soften. Peel off the leaves and set aside.  
2. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, rice, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.  
3. Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf, roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks if needed.  
4. Arrange the rolls in a pot, seam side down, and cover with chicken broth. Simmer for about 40 minutes.  
5. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.  

This classic dish is as heartwarming as the holiday season itself and is a standout among Greek Christmas recipes.  

Read more: 11 Must-try Greek desserts 

Roasted lamb with lemon and herbs  

No Greek Christmas table is complete without a roasted meat dish, and lamb is a favorite for its tender, juicy flavor.  

Ingredients:  

– 1 leg of lamb (about 2kg)  

– 4 cloves of garlic, minced  

– 1/4 cup olive oil  

– Juice of 2 lemons  

– 2 tbsp oregano  

– Salt and pepper  

– Potatoes for roasting (optional)  

Instructions:  

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).  
2. Rub the lamb with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.  
3. Place the lamb in a roasting pan, surrounded by potato wedges if desired.  
4. Roast for about 2 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until golden and tender.  
5. Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before carving.  

This savory main course is a highlight of Greek Christmas recipes, perfect for a festive gathering.  

Melomakarona: honey-soaked Christmas cookies  

End your feast with melomakarona, sweet, spiced cookies soaked in honey syrup. These treats are a Christmas staple in Greece.  

Ingredients:  

– 1/2 cup olive oil  

– 1/2 cup sugar  

– 1/2 cup orange juice  

– 3 cups flour  

– 1 tsp baking powder  

– 1 tsp cinnamon  

– 1/2 tsp cloves  

For the syrup: 

– 1 cup honey  

– 1 cup water  

– 1/2 cup sugar  

Instructions:  

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).  
2. Mix olive oil, sugar, and orange juice. Gradually add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves to form a dough.  
3. Shape the dough into oval cookies and bake for 20-25 minutes.  
4. For the syrup, simmer honey, water, and sugar until slightly thickened.  
5. Dip the baked cookies into the syrup and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.  

These delicious cookies are the sweet finale your holiday table needs and a beloved part of Greek Christmas recipes.  

A taste of Greek festivity  

If you’re inspired by these Greek Christmas recipes but would rather enjoy them prepared by experts, Santorini has you covered. For authentic, traditional dishes paired with unforgettable views, visit Sunset Tavern and Basalt Restaurant in Amoudi Bay. From juicy roasted lamb to melt-in-your-mouth desserts like melomakarona, their holiday menus capture the true spirit of Greek Christmas.  

For a true Mediterranean holiday experience, book a Santorini boat trip with Santorini Yachting Club and discover the countless hidden treasures of the ancient caldera.

Read more: What to Eat in Santorini: A Greek Foodie’s Dream