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Ohi Day is one of two national parade days in Greece (alongside 25 March) and is observed with considerable local pride in northern Greek cities that remember the wartime occupation acutely. In Drama the morning begins with a church service, followed by a student parade and a civic ceremony. The afternoon is a public holiday. Shops are closed; the atmosphere is festive rather than solemn. This is not an event specifically worth travelling to Drama to attend, but it is worth knowing about if you are in the region around this date - the street scenes are genuine and unscripted.

Falakro is the closest and most accessible ski destination to Drama city, making it an obvious winter day trip or short break addition for anyone visiting the region from December to March. The resort operates Thursday to Sunday plus national holidays, hours 9:00-16:00. Snow conditions in January are typically the most reliable; the snowiest week averages around 27 cm of snowfall. The season start and close dates fluctuate year to year with snow cover - the 2025-2026 season opened 29 December 2025. Falakro is not an international ski resort and should not be compared to Alpine destinations, but the terrain suits beginner to intermediate skiers and the views are spectacular. In summer, the same mountain offers serious hiking with trails to the Profitis Ilias summit at 2,232 m - a genuinely worthwhile ascent for fit walkers.

The feast day of Agia Varvara coincides with the opening night of Oneiroupoli, creating an unusually festive atmosphere in the city centre. The religious ceremonies begin with vespers on the evening of 3 December, during which the holy icon is processed from the church. On 4 December itself, residents place candles on hand-made or small wooden boats and set them afloat on the Agia Varvara park lake; a competition for the best-decorated boat is held. The tradition recalls the miraculous flood that, according to local legend, prevented the demolition of the church during Ottoman rule. The event is free, entirely local in character, and genuinely moving rather than touristic. Combine with the opening of Oneiroupoli in the same evening for maximum atmosphere.

The 2025-2026 edition ran 4 December 2025 to 6 January 2026 and is confirmed by multiple independent sources. The event reliably opens on 4 December - the feast of the patron saint - so the 2026-2027 dates are projected to follow the same pattern. The park covers over 20,000 square metres and operates every day of its run. Every event and activity is free of charge, which makes it exceptional among Greece's Christmas events. The scale and quality are consistently praised: expect to encounter large crowds, especially on weekends and at New Year. Drama in December is cold by Greek standards (lows can approach freezing) so dress warmly. Worth a dedicated trip from Thessaloniki (roughly two hours) or Kavala (one hour). Book accommodation early - the town fills up.