Christmas and New Year in Egypt: What to Expect

Travel Tips · 6 min read · Published 2025-08-30

Sunshine, the Pyramids and a festive Nile cruise. Here's what the holidays are really like in Egypt.

Egypt is a wonderful place to spend the holidays. The weather is at its best, the big sights feel celebratory, and a festive Nile cruise is hard to beat. Here's what to know if you're thinking of December travel.

The weather is ideal Winter is Egypt's most comfortable season. Days in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are warm and sunny, perfect for sightseeing, while evenings are cool, so pack a layer. It's exactly why this is peak season.

A festive Nile cruise Many cruisers and hotels lay on special Christmas and New Year programmes, with gala dinners and entertainment. Sailing the Nile over the holidays, with the temples by day and a celebration on deck by night, is genuinely special.

What's open Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, so Christmas isn't a public holiday in the way it is elsewhere, which means the sights stay open and busy. Egypt's Coptic Christian community celebrates Christmas in early January, adding another layer of festivity. New Year is widely celebrated at hotels and resorts.

Book early Because this is the busiest time of year, the best cruisers, hotels and guides fill up well in advance. If you want to travel over the holidays, plan several months ahead.

How to do it A private, well-organised trip matters even more at peak season, when popular sites are at their busiest. We handle the timing so you skip the worst of the crowds. For the wider seasonal picture, see our <a href="/blog/best-time-to-visit-egypt">best time to visit</a> guide, then browse our <a href="/tours">tours</a>.