The cost of the Greek Christmas table in 2025 is shaping up to be noticeably higher, with consumer organizations estimating an increase of up to 20% compared to last year. Despite supermarket promotions and seasonal discounts, price hikes in core festive ingredients — from meats to traditional sweets — are putting pressure not only on households, but also on restaurants and visitors spending the holidays in Greece.
Meat Prices Continue to Lead the Increases
Meat, the backbone of the festive menu, remains the primary driver of higher costs.
- Turkey is relatively stable compared to last year:
- Fresh: €11–13/kg
- Frozen: €5.5–6.5/kg
- Beef, however, has seen a sharp rise, reaching €17–18/kg, up from just over €12/kg last year.
- Lamb and goat are also more expensive, now selling for €13–14/kg, compared with around €11/kg in 2024.
Producers attribute these increases to reduced livestock numbers and production losses, factors that continue to affect supply nationwide.
Traditional Christmas Sweets Also Cost More
Price increases extend beyond meat to Greece’s most iconic Christmas desserts.
- Melomakarona and kourabiedes: €13–18/kg
- Diples: around €16/kg
- Vasilopita: €12–14/kg
Pastry chefs point to higher input costs, particularly for chocolate, milk, butter, and dairy, which have risen steadily throughout the year.
What This Means for Restaurants
For tavernas and restaurants, especially those offering Christmas menus, higher ingredient costs are squeezing margins.
Many establishments face a difficult choice:
- absorb part of the increase and reduce profitability, or
- Adjust menu prices during the festive period
In tourist-heavy areas, some restaurants are opting for simpler holiday menus, smaller portions, or limited festive specials, while others are carefully revising prices to reflect rising costs without discouraging customers.
How Travelers Will Feel the Difference
Visitors spending Christmas and New Year in Greece are also likely to notice the impact:
- Holiday set menus may be slightly more expensive
- Traditional sweets purchased from bakeries may cost more than expected
- Festive dining experiences in city centers and popular destinations may come with higher price tags
That said, price differences remain significant between regions and establishments, and travelers willing to explore local neighborhoods or smaller towns may still find good value.
A More Expensive Christmas Table in 2025
According to consumer associations, the combined effect of rising meat and confectionery prices could push the total cost of the Christmas table up by as much as 20% this year. While government support measures offer limited relief, they do not cover all households, particularly pensioners who do not meet specific eligibility criteria.
As a result, many families — and businesses — are adapting through:
- careful price comparisons
- alternative menus
- last-minute offers
- more modest celebrations
The Greek Christmas table of 2025 will inevitably be more expensive. Whether at home, in a restaurant, or as a visitor experiencing the holidays in Greece, planning and flexibility will be key to keeping celebrations enjoyable without overspending.
Despite higher costs, the festive spirit remains — even if this year, it comes with a more carefully calculated bill.
