A Christmas market in Greece? We’d never heard of one either. Then a local in Meteora told us we really had to drive to Trikala, just half an hour down the road. We had no idea what to expect. When we walked through the gates that evening, our jaws dropped.
Around an old flour mill stood an entire Christmas world: thousands of lights, scenery down to the tiniest detail and people in costume bringing the story to life. This wasn’t a market with a few stalls and a mulled wine stand. This was next level. The Mill of the Elves, or Μύλος των Ξωτικών in Greek, is the biggest Christmas park in Greece, and it gets a brand-new theme every year.
We visited with our 18-month-old daughter, and I was heavily pregnant with our second. Not a combination we’d recommend for a busy night among the lights, but more on that later. In this guide you’ll find everything about the Trikala Christmas market, the 2026 theme and our tips for visiting with kids.
What is the Mill of the Elves?
Right in the middle of Trikala stands the Matsopoulos Mill, an industrial building from the late 19th century. Since 2011, a Christmas park has been built around it every winter. Each year the organisers pick a new theme, with matching characters, decorations and scenery, all topped off with thousands of lights and Christmas trees.
The themes range from fairy tales to children’s classics. In 2022 the park became an Alice in Wonderland forest, complete with Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts. A year later it was The Little Prince’s turn, and in 2024 everything revolved around Cat-Mas, with cats as acrobats, magicians, dancers and singers. Last year, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and Wendy flew over Neverland.
The 2026 theme: Christmas in the World of Oz
Remember Dorothy skipping down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City? This year, you get to follow in her footsteps. For its 15th edition, the Mill turns into the world of The Wizard of Oz, and the Golden Path leads you right through the park to the Emerald City.
Along the way you’ll bump into characters from the story, and there are extra hands-on activities for the youngest visitors this year. Kids don’t know the story yet? Read it or watch it together before you go. They’ll recognise so much more.
Practical information for the Trikala Christmas market
Where is Trikala?
Trikala is in Thessaly, in central northern Greece. It’s about 2.5 hours by car from Thessaloniki and roughly 3.5 to 4 hours from Athens. The Meteora monasteries are only half an hour away, so it’s easy to combine the two, just like we did.
→ Discover the best things to do at the Meteora monasteries
When is the Christmas market open?
In 2026, the Mill of the Elves is open from 20 November to 6 January 2027, every day from 10am to 10pm. The official opening ceremony is on Sunday 29 November. Check the official Mill of the Elves website for the latest programme.
How much does it cost?
Entry is free, and so are the themed activities. You only pay for the rides in the Fun Park, food and souvenirs. That way it’s open to everyone, and the stalls and rides help pay for the whole show.
Where do you park?
Parking is free in the big car park next to the AB supermarket. Signs and traffic stewards point you in the right direction. Travelling by campervan? We spent the night there too.
Should you go during the day or in the evening?
We did both. On our first evening we saw the park at its best: everything glowing in the dark, costumed characters everywhere and an incredible level of detail in the decorations. It was also packed.
The next morning we went back in daylight. It was much quieter and you can see how the scenery is put together, but you lose the magic of the lights. Our advice? Go after sunset at least once. If you have time, add a quieter daytime visit too.
Is the Mill of the Elves suitable for toddlers?
Yes, but be prepared for a lot of stimulation. For our toddler (and for a very pregnant me), the evening was spectacular but also overwhelming. All those lights, the music and the crowds added up fast.
We brought the pushchair, but our daughter spent just as much time on our hips or toddling along by herself. Expect to lift your little one up a lot, because from a pushchair you won’t see much in the crowds. With young kids, go early in the evening, just after dark and before the biggest rush. Want to take it all in calmly? The morning makes a good second round.
Where to stay in Trikala
#1 Gallery Art Hotel is one of the few modern hotels in town. It’s just outside the centre on the ring road, with its own restaurant and free parking right outside. Guests rave about it.
#2 Ananti Resort & Spa is the one to pick if you fancy a bit more luxury. It sits on a hill on the edge of Trikala, with views over the Thessalian plain, an indoor pool and a spa. Just the thing after a chilly evening at the Christmas stalls.
Around Christmas, Trikala also has loads of holiday apartments.
→ See all places to stay in Trikala
Things to do at the Mill of the Elves
#1 The Golden Path: walk to the Emerald City
The heart of the 2026 theme. Follow the path through the park and keep your eyes peeled for familiar faces from The Wizard of Oz. Clicking your heels is optional.
#2 Santa’s House: pop in for a visit
Where else would Santa spend December? Little ones won’t want to leave.
#3 The Elves’ Post Office: write a letter
Got a wish list? Let your kids write or draw it and post it at the elves’ own post office. Santa’s inbox, the old-fashioned way.
#4 The Lion’s Treehouse: climb and explore
New this year and inspired by the Lion from the story. Here’s hoping your kids are braver than he was.
#5 Mrs Claus’s Kitchen: take a peek
Follow your nose. It smells like Christmas in here.
#6 The ice rink: take a spin
According to the organisers, it’s the biggest ice rink in Greece. Lace up and glide, wobble or cling to the side between the decorations.
#7 The Fun Park: the Mill’s funfair
Carousels, rides and happy shrieks. Bring your wallet, because this is the bit that isn’t free.
#8 The Christmas market: food and souvenirs
Snacks at the sweet market and the Christmas street food stalls, souvenirs at the Christmas market. And yes, there’s a mushroom market too. Worth a look.
#9 Face painting and woodcarving: for little hands
Kids can get their faces painted or watch Santa’s woodcarving workshop in action. Expect a few tigers and princesses on the way home.
#10 The Matsopoulos Mill: step inside
Amid all the sparkle, don’t forget to walk into the old mill building itself. This is where it all began.
You’ll find a map of the park with all the activities on the official website.
Is the Trikala Christmas market worth it?
Absolutely. We had no idea something like this existed in Greece, and the level of detail blew us away. Just make sure you go in the evening, and if you’re bringing a toddler, keep the visit short and sweet. Combine it with Meteora and you’ve got a winter trip to remember.
