Christmas holidays in Egypt Packages 2023/2024

Yes, Egypt does have Christmas holidays. Christmas is celebrated by the Coptic Christian community, which comprises a significant portion of Egypt’s population. In Egypt, Christmas is observed on January 7th, following the Coptic Orthodox Church’s calendar. This holiday is a significant religious and cultural event for Coptic Christians and is recognized as an official public holiday..

Christmas in Egypt is a vibrant and joyful occasion. Coptic Christians attend church services on Christmas Eve, which is one of the most important traditions. The services are marked by beautiful hymns, prayers, and the reading of biblical passages. At midnight, the churches announce the birth of Jesus Christ with the ringing of bells and the lighting of candles. Families gather for a festive meal after the church service, enjoying traditional dishes such as roast lamb, koshari (a popular Egyptian dish made with rice, lentils, and pasta), and various pastries and desserts. Many homes are decorated with colorful lights and nativity scenes. Gift-giving is also a part of the celebration, with families exchanging presents.

One of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Egypt is in Cairo. The capital city is home to numerous Coptic Orthodox churches, including the famous Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church) and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. These churches hold grand Christmas Eve services and are beautifully adorned for the occasion.

Another enchanting location is the city of Alexandria, where you can visit the Cathedral of St. Mark, the largest Coptic Orthodox church in the city. The coastal atmosphere adds to the holiday charm.

For a more serene celebration, consider spending Christmas in one of the monasteries in Egypt’s remote desert areas, such as St. Anthony’s Monastery or St. Paul’s Monastery, where you can experience a peaceful and spiritually rich Christmas.

Yes, Egypt can be quite busy during Christmas, particularly in major cities like Cairo and Alexandria. The holiday season sees an influx of tourists, both domestic and international, who come to witness the festive atmosphere and the unique Coptic traditions. Local markets, streets, and popular tourist sites may experience increased crowds.

However, it’s worth noting that Christmas in Egypt is a religious holiday for Coptic Christians, so the level of busyness may vary depending on your location and activities. If you prefer a quieter experience, you can opt for a more secluded destination or attend smaller church services in less crowded areas.

In addition to visiting historical sites, popular activities for tourists in Egypt include cruising the Nile River, scuba diving in the Red Sea, and taking a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings. 

Yes, the pyramids in Egypt are typically open to visitors on Christmas Day. The Egyptian authorities understand the significance of tourism during the holiday season, and they strive to accommodate tourists by keeping major attractions like the Pyramids of Giza open. It’s advisable to check the specific opening hours and any potential holiday-related closures in advance, as schedules may vary.

Egyptians have a special menu for Christmas, featuring a variety of traditional dishes. Roast lamb is a central element of the Christmas feast, symbolizing the Lamb of God in Christian tradition. Koshari, a hearty and flavorful dish made with rice, lentils, pasta, and a spicy tomato sauce, is also commonly served.

For dessert, Egyptians indulge in a wide array of sweets, including baklava, basbousa (a semolina cake soaked in syrup), and a special Christmas cake known as “kahk.” Kahk is often filled with dates or nuts and is dusted with powdered sugar.

In addition to these dishes, you’ll find an assortment of nuts, fruits, and chocolates as part of the Christmas celebration in Egyptian households. The exact menu may vary from one family to another, but the emphasis is always on creating a delicious and festive meal to mark this special occasion.

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Yes; Whether you live in your country of origin or if you live in another and you have a residence permit, you can go to the Egyptian embassy and request your tourist visa, the price of it will depend on the country you are in.