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October 28th is one of the most important national holidays for the Greek people. A mix of history, emotion, and unity accompanies all Greeks during these days. Every celebration, however, also means an opportunity for a trip. What better way than to combine the weekend with the October 28th national holiday and land in Thessaloniki for an unforgettable four-day break? But let’s take things one by one.

 

What are we celebrating on October 26th and 28th?

In Greece, on October 28th, we celebrate the National Anniversary of the “OXI” (No), which marks the rejection of Italy’s ultimatum and the beginning of the Greco-Italian War during World War II in 1940. This anniversary honors the resistance and heroism of the Greeks against fascism.

In parallel, October 26th is a double celebration for Thessaloniki. On the one hand, we celebrate the anniversary of the liberation of Thessaloniki from the Ottoman Empire, while on the other, the Orthodox feast of Saint Demetrios, who is the city’s patron saint. The day is an official public holiday for Thessaloniki residents and is accompanied by the annual festival in honor of the Saint, the 60th Dimitria Festival.

 

Organizing the Four-Day Trip

It doesn’t require much searching online to find what you can do in the city during these days. On October 27th, the school parade takes place in the center of Thessaloniki, followed by the imposing military parade the next day—a spectacle worth seeing with your own eyes.

At the same time, you can attend the events taking place at the 60th Dimitria Festival. The Dimitria is an annual festival that lasts throughout October and includes various art events, aiming to honor the city’s patron saint, from whom it takes its name. This year it completes 60 years of organization and will be even more impressive than any other year. Specifically, the following events are included in the four-day period from October 25th to 28th:

 

When: October 25, 2025, 8:30 PM

Where: Ceremonial Hall of the Faculty of Philosophy, AUTh

Sofia Academic Symphony Orchestra & Young Soloists: The Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra and the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki host the historic Academic Symphony Orchestra of the “Pancho Vladigerov” Music Academy of Sofia, along with talented young soloists, in our city.

 

When: October 26, 2025, 9:00 PM

Where: Thessaloniki Concert Hall (M2)

Thessaloniki Variations Ballet Preljocaj: On October 26th, at 9:00 PM, at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, 7 dancers and the famous choreographer Angelin Preljocaj, based in Aix-en-Provence, revisit emblematic works of their group, both older and newer, bringing moments of vibrating dance and stunning scenes to Thessaloniki.

 

When: October 27-28, 2025, 8:00 PM

Where: Metropolitan Urban Theater

The Iran Conference: The Orchestra of Small Things Theatre Group presents The Iran Conference. Written in 2018 and set in Denmark, the country with the happiest people in the world, the play takes us to a conference amphitheater at the University of Copenhagen, where nine members of the local intellectual elite meet to discuss the complex Iranian Issue and the conflict between East and West. Very quickly, however, “The Iran Conference” turns into an “Us Conference” and a clash of different perceptions about the universe, human existence, and the eternal question of what the meaning of life truly is.

 

When: October 27-28, 2025, 9:15 PM

Where: Kolossaios Theater

Prima Facie: Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award in London’s West End and the 2023 Tony Award on Broadway, the play by the brilliant lawyer Suzie Miller comes to Thessaloniki. A production by the international company “Trish Wadley Productions” and the cultural organization “Lykofos” in co-production with the Poreia Theatre, directed by Giorgos Oikonomou, featuring Lena Papaligoura in the compelling role of lawyer Tessa Ensler.

 

Accommodation and Relaxation

It is perfectly normal to think that such an intense and active four-day period should be accompanied by accommodation in a place that can offer you comfort and relaxation after a busy day. At The Met Hotel, we combine peace and serenity with trying new flavors and well-being. A visit to the hotel’s spa after a full day can give you the essential rest you need to continue your exploration the next day. At the same time, you don’t need to stray far from the hotel to enjoy a delicious meal, as the Chan restaurant at The Met Hotel is ready to welcome you.

The conclusion is this: Thessaloniki is the ultimate destination for the four-day period of October 25th-28th. In a mix of national holiday and local events, it constitutes the core of art, entertainment, and gastronomy. Isn’t it time to take advantage of the days off you have for a short, but unforgettable trip?

Explore the events calendar of Thessaloniki for October!

It’s Wednesday evening, you’re home after work, in absolute need of a short getaway. A trip to a relatively close city, without long flights, layovers, and waiting around for your suitcases. And as you’re scrolling on your mobile, you stumble upon an ad for a city break in Thessaloniki. A weekend of relaxation or adventure, depending on what you’re looking for. You think about it a little more and decide to search for the word Thessaloniki on a search engine. And that’s how it all begins…

For many, Thessaloniki is the ultimate Balkan destination—perhaps even beyond. It is the city in the Greek North with the greatest tourist interest. Of course, this isn’t the form of summer tourism you primarily see on the Greek islands, but rather a style of city tourism that combines sightseeing, relaxation, and sampling traditional food. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do in Thessaloniki and why you should ultimately choose it.

 

Historical Background

For history buffs—and not only—Thessaloniki has a great wealth to explore. Sightseeing known attractions, such as the Arch of Galerius (Kamara), Aristotelous Square, the Modiano Market, and the Roman Agora, is an unavoidable activity, as all the important points are located in the city center. Among these, there are many UNESCO-protected monuments like the Church and Crypt of Saint Demetrios, the Rotunda, the Byzantine Walls, Panagia Acheiropoietos, the Church of Agia Sophia, the Byzantine Baths, and of course, the White Tower. Taking a relaxed stroll, you can find all the points of historical and archaeological interest.

The tradition of Thessaloniki dates back a long way and has gone through various phases. It was a point of reference for the Ottoman Empire, resulting in various monuments of Muslim heritage for you to visit. At the same time, the city was particularly multicultural, as different groups of people with different customs and traditions coexisted in neighboring districts. The Jewish community—mainly Romaniote and Sephardic—was particularly large, as were the communities of Muslims, Armenians, and Slavs. In today’s Thessaloniki, this multiculturalism continues to exist, as Albanians and other Balkan people, Roma, Armenians, Pontians, and various other people from the four corners of the earth reside in the city.

 

Gastronomy

Gastronomy is connected to the history of the place. That is, the city’s multiculturalism is naturally reflected in its food—and beyond. A feast of different flavors for you to try, Thessaloniki’s cuisine will satisfy even the toughest critic. From creative Greek cuisine to traditional West Asia and Pontian flavors, food knows no bounds and is not subject to molds. Great emphasis is placed on the raw materials used, as their quality significantly affects the taste of a dish. This mix of influences and ingredients creates a unique gastronomic culture in the city—a taste of which you can enjoy at the restaurants of The Met Hotel.

Alongside the local cuisine, you can try excellent ethnic flavors, such as Indian, Arabic, Italian, and Pan-Asian food from restaurants and shops that sprinkle authentic moments. The magic is found both in the small hidden eateries and in large, famous restaurants—such as the Chan at The Met Hotel.

 

Nightlife

If morning exploration isn’t for you, then you’re definitely a fan of nightlife. Thessaloniki is “alive” at night like no other city. Take a walk through Ladadika and you’ll lose track of time. Crowds, music, and entertainment, the city is buzzing at 2 a.m. as if it were midday—it’s a unique phenomenon. Whether you want to go out for a casual drink or dance to wild rhythms until morning, there’s a place for you—often the same establishment. And of course, after a long “stroll” and different drinks, what could be better than ending your evening—or starting your day—with a steaming bougatsa with cream? The “connoisseur’s” recipe for a delightful snack after your night out—are you ready?

 

Well-being and Relaxation

We recognize that not all visitors to the city are made for the nightlife. For you, the goal of the city break might purely be rest. After your afternoon walk, you want to relax at a hotel spa, have every comfort, and not have to think about anything—what could be better, after all? The Met Hotel is the center of well-being. You can treat yourself to a unique body treatment at the hotel’s M’ SPA with all the massage and pampering services, relax in the indoor pool, or stay in shape at our fully equipped gym, under the guidance of a professional trainer. We have created a serene environment of sophisticated relaxation where you can rejuvenate your spirit, awaken your senses, and renew both body and mind.

 

Art

Art is not for the “few,” but rather for the many. This phrase could characterize the city’s art exhibition centers. In Thessaloniki, art blossoms everywhere, from the streets to the theaters. Whether you prefer theatrical performances or modern art exhibitions, you will not be disappointed. The city “smells” of art; in every corner, there’s a café hosting a photo collection or a museum like MoMus (Museum of Modern Art). Both local and foreign artists have left their mark on Thessaloniki, with their different influences present everywhere. And of course, you can’t skip the art collection at The Met Hotel, which is open to the public in the hotel’s spaces. Works by famous artists with special charm and glamor adorn The Met Hotel—all that’s left is for you to discover them.

A lot of time has passed since your first scroll. You’re already under your duvet, ready to sleep, having read all this information about Thessaloniki. The city caught your interest, and you decided to sleep on it and think about it again tomorrow. Just before you fall asleep, though, your phone buzzes with a notification: The Met Hotel experience in Thessaloniki. “How The Met Hotel can become the ideal base for your excursion to Thessaloniki.” It was karmic, you think, and you decide to immediately book your stay for the coming weekend.