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The people of Zante, Greece certainly know how to make any celebration lively. If you are planning a holiday then Zante is a place to be during Christmas, New Year and Epiphany. Zante is accessible by air and there are several flights to Zante from popular locations in the world. Although there are several opportunities spread across the whole year but the end and beginning of the year is somehow more special because of the joyous Christmas and the freshness of the New Year.

People in Zante make Turkeys in their typical Greek fashion on Christmas and so be prepared to feast on this delicious Greek Turkey during Christmas feasting. For Zante, the season is usually in full swing starting December 6th starting with the Feast of St. Nicholas. During this feast people exchange presents and the festive season lasts till January 6th when they celebrate the Feast of Epiphany.

Compared to other Christians, people of Zante dont believe in having colorful lights and displays or even the Western decorations. You will, instead find windows of expatriates. Their Christmas is simple and traditional, a solemn religious festival. You will definitely hear some good carols referred to as kalandas being sung by people of Zante which have been adapted from Byzantine era. They truly add the reverent quality to the whole celebration.

Other cultures which celebrate Christmas are usually seen dressed like elves, but in Zante the celebration turns a little more mischievous. The trick or a game called Kallikantzari is played where people are made a prey during the 12 days of Christmas that fall between December 25th and the Epiphany on January 6th. Some people are dressed in iron or wooden boots to kick people in a fun way not with an intention of hurting. Some can also be seen with hooves. In folktales, wicked stepmother story is often linked to the Christmas where a small girl walks alone in these 12 days and her stepmother has conspired with Kallikantzari to snatch her away.

You will also see this tradition of keeping the fires burning for all 12 days, to make sure that the spirits are away. If you watch people of Zante closely you will find them collecting protective herbs such as asparagus, hyssop and thistle suspended around the fireplace. This time is probably one of the most interesting and fun times to visit Zante.