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Christmas traditions in Cyprus blend ancient Greek Orthodox faith, Mediterranean village life, and festive magic found nowhere else in Europe. On this island, carols echo off stone houses, honey-soaked cookies cool on trays, and pine scent mixes with cinnamon in the mountain air.
Cyprus celebrates Christmas on December 25, as the Church of Cyprus follows the Revised Julian Calendar — yet the season stretches from the 40-day Advent fast to the blessing of the waters on Epiphany, January 6.
Last updated: September 18, 2026
Jump to: 15 Traditions | Foods | Kalikantzaroi | Vasilopita | Markets | Turkish-Cypriot | Family | Epiphany | FAQ
15 Best Christmas Traditions in Cyprus
From midnight liturgies to coin-hidden cakes, here are the beloved customs that define Christmas on the island.
- Christmas on December 25. The Church of Cyprus follows the Revised Julian Calendar, so Christougenna (Christmas) falls on the same date as in the West.
- The 40-day Nativity fast. From November 15 to December 24, Orthodox Cypriots abstain from meat and dairy to prepare for the feast.
- Midnight liturgy on Christmas Eve. Churches fill with candlelight, incense, and Byzantine chants; monasteries may celebrate until dawn.
- Kala Christougenna. Greek Cypriots say "Kala Christougenna" — "Merry Christmas" in Greek — while Turkish Cypriots say "Mutlu Noeller."
- The hearth burns for twelve days. A fire stays alight from Christmas Eve to Epiphany to keep the mischievous kalikantzaroi — goblin-like folklore creatures — away.
- Burning the Christoksilo. A spruce or olive log, the "Christ Tree" log, burns in the hearth as a symbol of purification.
- Lukumades on the roof. Tossing honey doughnuts onto the roof keeps the kalikantzaroi from slipping down the chimney, legend says.
- Vasilopita and the lucky coin. On New Year's Day, families cut the vasilopita cake with a hidden coin; the finder is promised luck for the year.
- Agios Vasilis brings the gifts. Presents are exchanged on January 1, the feast of Saint Basil the Great — not Santa Claus on Christmas morning.
- Kalanda carols. On December 24 and 31, children ask "Na ta pume?" ("May we sing?") and perform carols on tambourines and triangles for sweets and coins.
- Christopsomo, the bread of Christ. Baked on Christmas Eve and decorated with a cross, this sweet bread symbolizes health and unity.
- Baking melomakarona and kourabiedes. Families bake melomakarona (honey-and-walnut cookies) and kourabiedes (almond cookies in icing sugar), often led by grandparents.
- Decorating the karavaki. In Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, homes and squares display small boats strung with lights, honoring Saint Nicholas, protector of sailors.
- Olive-branch blessings. A cross is drawn in the air with an olive branch, then burned in the hearth to cleanse the home of negativity.
- Theophany and the blessing of the waters. On January 6, priests throw a cross into the sea; young men dive to retrieve it, and the winner is said to receive a year of blessings.
Cyprus Christmas Foods: Melomakarona, Kourabiedes & More
After the long Advent fast, the Christmas table overflows with roasted meats and honeyed sweets.
- Melomakarona — cinnamon-and-orange cookies in honey syrup, topped with walnuts.
- Kourabiedes — buttery almond shortbread buried under icing sugar.
- Christopsomo — "the bread of Christ," a sweet loaf with a cross on its crust.
- Vasilopita — the New Year cake with a baked-in coin.
- Diples — crisp fried dough ribbons drizzled with honey and cinnamon.
- Avgolemono soup — egg-and-lemon chicken soup with rice, served after the liturgy.
- Souvla and kleftiko — slow-grilled pork skewers or oven-baked lamb with potatoes.
- Stuffed turkey or partridge — filled with rice, raisins, and nuts.
- Suckling pig in wine — young pork marinated in wine and coriander, then smoked.
- Roasted nuts, oranges, mulled wine — market staples and caroler treats.
The Kalikantzaroi: Cyprus Christmas Goblin Folklore
The kalikantzaroi — mischievous goblin-like creatures of the Twelve Days of Christmas — delight Cypriot children. Families ward them off with an unquenchable hearth fire, the burning christoksilo log, and lukumades doughnuts tossed onto the roof until Epiphany banishes them.
Vasilopita and the Coin Tradition
A coin is baked into the golden vasilopita cake, and the eldest cuts slices for everyone — plus slices for Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the house. Whoever finds the coin is the year's lucky one.
Christmas Markets & Village Lights
By early December, municipalities light up nativity scenes, towering trees, and the karavaki boats of the coast. Markets and festive "villages" offer crafts, children's attractions, and concerts amid cinnamon and mulled wine.
For Winter Lovers: Snow in the Troodos Mountains
The Troodos peaks wear snow in December and January — ski or book a chalet, then drive back to the coast for a mild evening. Mountain hotels in Platres, Kakopetria, and Prodromos fill up fast.
Turkish-Cypriot Christmas Customs (Noel)
Turkish Cypriots celebrate Noel on December 25 with decorated trees, family dinners, and the greeting "Mutlu Noeller." New Year's Day (Yılbaşı) is often the bigger celebration — an island celebrating in two languages.
Family Gatherings and Greetings
After the Christmas Eve service, households gather for long meals, and the days until Epiphany fill with visiting relatives. Children pay "plumizon" visits to grandparents with a poem or handmade gift, receiving money in return.
Epiphany / Theofania: The Blessing of the Waters
On January 6, priests in coastal towns hurl a wooden cross into the sea. Young men dive in, and the first to surface with the cross is believed to carry a blessing for the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Cyprus
How do you say Merry Christmas in Cyprus?
Greek Cypriots say "Kala Christougenna" — "Merry Christmas" in Greek. Turkish Cypriots say "Mutlu Noeller."
When is Christmas celebrated in Cyprus?
On December 25 — the Church of Cyprus follows the Revised Julian Calendar. The season runs until Epiphany, January 6.
What is vasilopita?
The traditional New Year cake, baked for January 1 with a hidden coin. The finder is said to enjoy luck all year.
Who are the kalikantzaroi?
Goblin-like creatures from Cypriot folklore, appearing during the Twelve Days of Christmas. A burning hearth and lukumades on the roof keep them away until Epiphany.
What food is eaten at Christmas in Cyprus?
Souvla, kleftiko, avgolemono soup, stuffed turkey — plus melomakarona, kourabiedes, christopsomo, and vasilopita.
How do Turkish Cypriots celebrate Christmas?
They celebrate Noel on December 25 with family dinners and "Mutlu Noeller." New Year's Day (Yılbaşı) is often the bigger feast.
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