Summary
- Celebrate Christmas in Egypt with a perfect mix of history, culture, and festive experiences.
- Explore Egypt’s iconic sites such as the Giza Pyramids, Luxor Temple, and Coptic Cairo, and enjoy unique traditions like a Nile River cruise, a Christmas dinner cruise, and beach resorts in Hurghada.
- Egypt offers an ideal climate for a holiday getaway, and its rich blend of religious and cultural practices enhances the holiday spirit.
- From exploring ancient tombs to enjoying local food and the warmth of Egyptian hospitality, this guide offers an unforgettable Christmas experience.
How to Enjoy Christmas Holiday in Egypt is a magical topic that sheds some light on all the means and ways every traveler can enjoy their time in Egypt during Christmas. The main goal of this article is to provide every traveler with all the information and details about how to spend the best Christmas vacation in Egypt. All the information and details have been provided by several highly professional teams of tour guides, tour operators, and traveler consultants who know all the best activities and places to explore during Christmas in Egypt.
Egypt is the best must-see tourist destination on earth to spend the Christmas holiday, where you will adopt some distinctive traditions of the Egyptian Christmas celebration. Some travelers understand that Christmas in Egypt isn’t only a religious occasion, but also a cultural carnival and an amazing adventure across ancient history. Celebrate your Christmas holiday with the ancient pharaohs among their historical sightseeing from thousands of years ago. Here are the steps for enjoying a Christmas holiday in Egypt:
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1. Enjoy the Christmas at Giza Pyramids
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2. Celebrate Christmas Holiday with A Nile River Cruise
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3. Discover the Final Resting Place for the Egyptian Pharaohs
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4. Celebrate Christmas Night at Luxor Temple
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5. Enjoy Dinner Cruise at Night on the Nile
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6. Visiting the Coptic Attractions of Old Cairo
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7. Hurghada and It’s Amazing Beaches
1. Enjoy Christmas at the Giza Pyramids
When a piece of heaven fell to earth, it gained the name the Giza pyramid complex due to its beauty, superiority, and greatness. The pyramids act as a true reflection of the everlasting glory of the ancient Egyptian civilization and as the official motto of Egypt of the ancient Egyptian civilization. The complex came to be in Egypt old Kingdom “2686 -2181 BC,” the golden age of construction. It consists of the Three Great Pyramids and the celestial guardian of Egypt, the sphinx.
The three Pyramids of the Giza complex consists of the Great Pyramid of King Khufu which is the only surviving monument of the seven wonders of the ancient world, plus it was the tallest man-made structure ever constructed in 2580 BC at the height of 146.5 m for more than 3.800 years until the construction of the Lincoln Cathedral in England in 1311, all for containing the tomb of pharaoh Khufu.
The pyramid of King Khafre is the second tallest pyramid built in the 4th dynasty and acts as the tomb of Pharaoh Khafre “2558-2532 BC” who is known for constructing the great sphinx in his image to be the world’s oldest & biggest man-made statue ever created and finally comes the smallest of the three, the pyramid of Menkaure which was built in 2510 BC to complete the legacy of the golden age of construction.
2. Celebrate the Christmas Holiday with A Nile River Cruise
A Nile river cruise during Christmas offers travelers an unforgettable journey through Egypt’s ancient heartland, creating a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. As you sail between Luxor and Aswan, you’re immersed in a landscape of timeless beauty, where lush riverbanks are dotted with temples, tombs, and monuments that have stood for thousands of years. With the serene river setting as your backdrop, you’ll be surrounded by ancient history, beauty, and wonder at each stop along the way.
During the cruise, you’ll enjoy top-tier service, luxurious cabins, and unparalleled tranquility, all while witnessing some of the oldest and most impressive miracles of the ancient world. There’s no better way to celebrate the Christmas season than by exploring Egypt’s historical gems in the heart of the Nile Valley, where each site tells a unique story of Egypt’s captivating past.
3. Discover the Final Resting Place for the Egyptian Pharaohs
Hidden in the mountainous terrain of Luxor’s west bank lies the legendary Valley of the Kings, where more than 60 tombs have been located hidden in a hidden hill that resembles the legendary BEN-BEN. There are 20 tombs holding the remains of Egypt’s pharaohs, queens, and nobles from the New Kingdom era (16th to 11th centuries BC).
This necropolis includes tombs like that of Seti I, Ramesses II, and Tutankhamun, each adorned with spectacular carvings, intricate art, and symbolic treasures meant to guide the deceased in the afterlife.
Walking through the valley during the magical times of Christmas is a journey back in time, where the grandeur of the tombs transports visitors into the world of ancient Egyptian beliefs and customs. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, the Valley of the Kings remains a profound monument to the incredible artistry, spirituality, and architectural prowess of ancient Egypt. Visiting this historical treasure during Christmas brings a deeper sense of awe and appreciation for Egypt’s heritage.
4. Celebrate Christmas Night at Luxor Temple
Celebrating Christmas night at the Luxor temple is like stepping into a mystical world where history and spirituality come alive. Constructed around 1400 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, this iconic temple, originally named “Ipetresyet” or “The Southern Sanctuary,” was dedicated to the god Amun, the god of creation and renewal. By night, the temple glows under moonlight, with its columns, statues, and hieroglyphs illuminated against a star-filled sky.
Exploring Luxor Temple at night is a unique experience, as the quiet atmosphere and moonlit structures heighten the beauty of the temple’s intricate details, transporting visitors to the era of ancient Thebes. The experience of wandering through these grand halls and sacred spaces on Christmas night offers a beautiful way to connect with history, spirituality, and the timeless wonder of Egypt.
5. Enjoy a Dinner Cruise at Night on the Nile
Nothing elevates the holiday spirit quite like a dinner cruise on the enchanting Nile River in Cairo. Aboard a luxurious dinner boat, you’ll enjoy a delicious traditional meal as Cairo’s lights reflect in the calm waters around you. The dinner cruise experience also features a colorful array of Egyptian entertainment, including belly dancing, a folklore band, and the mesmerizing whirling dervishes performing the Tannoura dance.
This immersive evening combines traditional Egyptian cuisine, music, and dance in a festive atmosphere, providing a delightful and memorable way to celebrate Christmas. As you enjoy the sights and sounds of Egypt’s rich culture, you’ll be surrounded by a warm holiday ambiance on the river that has been central to Egypt’s story for millennia.
6. Visiting the Coptic Attractions of Old Cairo
Christmas in Egypt offers travelers a special opportunity to connect with Egypt’s ancient Christian heritage in Coptic Cairo, where Christianity flourished between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD.
Alexandria was the entry point of Christianity and is home to some of Egypt’s oldest churches, but Cairo has many of which are believed to be part of the Holy Family’s journey through Egypt. Notable sites include the Hanging church, Saint George’s Church, and Abu Serga church, each an architectural gem and a testament to Egypt’s Coptic heritage.
The atmosphere in Coptic Cairo during the Christmas season is deeply spiritual, with candle-lit churches, traditional hymns, and beautiful decorations that reflect centuries-old customs. For travelers seeking a meaningful Christmas, exploring these historic churches and experiencing the legacy of Egyptian Christianity is a powerful and enriching journey.
7. Hurghada and Its Amazing Beaches
Hurghada is a vibrant seaside paradise that attracts visitors seeking sun, sand, and adventure. During Christmas, Hurghada offers a warm, tropical climate ideal for enjoying the beach and the stunning turquoise waters in the Red Sea. Known for its world-class snorkeling and diving spots, Hurghada offers access to an underwater world of colorful coral reefs, diverse fish species, and crystal-clear waters that make it a favorite destination for marine enthusiasts.
In addition to water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and parasailing, visitors can explore the beauty of the Eastern Desert with quad-biking, camel rides, or a Bedouin-style evening under the stars. Hurghada’s mix of relaxation, adventure, and vibrant marine life makes it a perfect destination for a memorable and tropical Christmas experience.
Discover How the Egyptian People Celebrate Christmas
Egypt is a holy nation with true religious tolerance where there’s no difference between Muslims and Christians, and both are equals in both rights and duties. Despite Egypt being recognized as an Islamic country, the Egyptian Christians and non-Christians freely celebrate their Christmas and New Year’s Eve, plus they tend to do the Christmas service in the church on January 6th, and after finishing, families and relatives visit begin which includes having the Christmas meals.
Little children with their new clothes take the way to the markets and shops for Christmas candies, Christmas trees, and presents, waiting for Baba Noël to give them some presents. Streets and parks are full of decorations to commemorate the birthdate of Jesus Christ. Parties and ceremonies get started with family and friends gatherings, and public parks and zoos are overcrowded with families. Another group, especially the youth, prefers to relax on the seashores in Alexandria, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheik. Also, Muslims are enthusiastic to send faithful congratulations to Christians and share in their celebrations.
Learn About the Divine History of Christmas In Egypt
Christmas is an annual feast for Christians on the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is originally celebrated on the 25th of December. The word Christmas consists primarily of two syllables of the Middle English “Christian-Mass“.
Despite the birth date of Jesus Christ being hidden, the Western Church determined December 25 in the Gregorian calendar as the official date of the celebration, when most Christians believed that god came to Earth as a man to expiate their sins, as many ancient theories claimed. Nevertheless, the subject of the birth date of Jesus Christ was widespread in the 3rd century and some dates, November 20, January 2, March 25, and May 20 were also mentioned, but many writings confirmed the date of December 25th to be the official date of the festival, coinciding with the winter solstice in the Roman calendar but solar symbolism opposed this date and suggested other dates. Other theories stated that the Church selected December 25th to correspond to the Roman festivals on the occasion of the sun god’s birthday.
The first known Christmas festivals date back to the fourth century in Rome. In the 17th century, some sects like the Puritans were forbidden to practice their Christmas celebrations freely. In the early 20th century, Christmas traditions were limited to the Upper classes and the opulent families. After that, Christmas customs were extended to include the Christians of all classes and were held in shrill ceremonies. Christmas is a religious festival for Christians and a cultural event for non-Christians.
Explore the Joy of Christmas Overseas
The majority of the world’s countries host great festivals and ceremonies to celebrate Christmas holidays, but it’s worth noting that each country has its familiar customs and traditions while enjoying the New Year festivals.
For instance, awesome Christmas observances with formal public holidays are held in all the European countries where the manifestations of Christmas are obvious. One of Christmas’ appearances is decorating houses, streets, restaurants, hotels, and parks with the usual colors of Christmas; red symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ, green represents an evergreen tree that never loses its leaves in winter, and gold, which refers to loyalty. Another tradition followed by the Europeans in New Year celebrations is the Christmas tree, which originated in the 18th century in Germany.
The idea moved to Britain then it was widespread all over the world in 1841. In 1870, the Americans admired the custom and used Christmas trees decorated with candles, bells, lights, wreaths, ornaments, and angels. The best common tradition of Christians’ celebrations is to use music for singing and dancing as a blissful expression of their unlimited cheer. Christmas carols were another use of music at Christmas; in the 13th century, the priests in Germany and Italy developed the tradition of Christmas songs, which were derived from folk songs, and since then, they have become extended to be sung in churches during festivals.
Most Christians in the world follow the custom of Christmas cards, a unique tradition used for exchanging greetings and congratulations among families and relatives wishing “Merry Christmas,” and some sections of European Christians also prefer to use commemorative stamps to post these Christmas cards. Furthermore, Christmas meals still remain the most common appearance of Christmas, which includes many various kinds of foods; fish, meat, chicken, vegetables, as well as special desserts.
