Christmas in Egypt Guide: What interests during this special day

By Marcus Richard | Update on: Oct 17, 2024

The Egypt Christmas holiday season is a particularly popular time for tourists visiting Egypt. Many people from colder regions enjoy spending their winter vacation in a warm and sunny place, making Egypt a perfect holiday travel destination. For many, this is the ideal time to visit Egypt. Considering spending Christmas in Egypt? Here's everything you need to know that the Egypt Immigration Services offers!

Christmas in Egypt is a great holiday for tourists

Overview of Christmas in Egypt for travelers

What is the weather in Egypt at Christmas?

The most common question people have is about the weather. While Egypt remains sunny at this time of year, many wonder if it's warm enough to enjoy the beach. If you're heading to the Red Sea, the answer is yes – it's still warm!

Daytime temperatures in coastal areas around the Red Sea average about 23°C (73°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around 12°C (54°F). Water sports remain very popular during this period, as the average temperature of the Red Sea water stays around 23°C (73°F). This might not be warm enough for a casual swim, but with a wetsuit (easily available for rent in most areas), December and January are still excellent months for snorkeling and diving.

Away from the sea, in cities like Cairo, the temperatures are somewhat cooler. During the day, the average temperature is around 20°C (68°F), dropping to about 10°C (50°F) at night. As Egypt has a desert climate, temperatures fall significantly after sunset, which occurs around 5 pm during this time of year, so warm clothing is necessary. You'll likely see Egyptians wearing heavy winter jackets, boots, and hats, as December and January are the coldest months here. However, if you are traveling from a genuinely cold place, a light sweater or jacket and perhaps a scarf will be enough.

Learn the weather in Egypt before having a trip at Christmas

Winter is known as the "rainy" season in Egypt, which means there may be a light rain shower once or twice every few weeks during the winter months, especially around Christmas time. Although the rain is brief, it quickly creates puddles and floods the roads due to the poor drainage system. So, if you find yourself in Egypt in December or January when it rains, be ready to navigate around standing water and witness people reacting dramatically, even to the smallest amount of rain.

What are some Christmas traditions in Egypt?

Some visitors to Egypt in late December might be puzzled by the lack of Christmas celebrations on the 24th and 25th, which are commonly observed in the West. If you’re looking for Christmas festivities on those dates, you’re about a week too early. In Egypt, December 25th is just a regular day—people go to work, businesses are open, and some schools are in session. This is because the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church, like many Eastern Orthodox Churches worldwide, celebrates Christmas on January 6th and 7th. (January 7th is known as Epiphany Sunday or Three Kings’ Day in Western Christian traditions.) In Arabic, Christmas is referred to as Eid Al Milad (عيد الميلاد) – The Feast of the Birth.

Christmas Sunday, known as Eid Al Milad, is a national holiday in Egypt (with the workweek running from Sunday to Thursday and weekends on Friday and Saturday). Most offices and businesses are closed all day.

If you're in Egypt on December 24-25 and want to celebrate the holiday familiarly, there are a few options. Several Protestant churches in Cairo, which primarily serve foreign (Western) congregations, hold English services on either the 24th or the 25th. These include St. Andrew’s United Church of Cairo, Maadi Community Church, Church of St. John (also in Maadi), and All Saints Cathedral (in Zamalek).

You might also spend some of your vacation visiting the old church constructed atop the cave thought to be where the holy family sought refuge when fleeing to Egypt shortly after Jesus' birth.

Discover the Christmas traditions in Egypt

Why is Christmas celebrated on two different dates in Egypt?

In some branches of the Christian church, such as the Orthodox Christians, Christmas is celebrated on both December 25th and January 7th due to differences in calendar systems. Orthodox Christians follow the older Julian Calendar, which designates January 7th as Christmas Day, while other Christians use the Gregorian Calendar, celebrating on December 25th.

Egypt has over 10 million Christians, comprising about 10% of the population. More than 90% of these Christians are Coptic Orthodox, who observe Christmas on January 7th. This is why January 7th is a national holiday in Egypt. However, Christmas is also celebrated on December 25th by other Christian denominations in Egypt.

Fasting days before Christmas

The second fact, part of a few facts about Christmas in Egypt, is that Orthodox Christians in Egypt begin a 43-day fast starting on November 25th, leading up to the celebration of Christ's birth on January 7th.

During this fast, they primarily consume vegan meals, avoiding meat, chicken, and dairy products. This extended fasting period culminates in a large and delicious feast of traditional Egyptian food on Christmas Eve.

Some special food at Christmas in Egypt

Enjoy some food at Christmas in Egypt

After the prayers conclude, everyone heads home to prepare for a large and delicious meal featuring foods that were avoided during the Advent fast. Enjoy a Christmas feast that brings families together in celebration.

A well-known dish for Egyptian Christmas is “Fata,” a lamb soup with rice, bread, red sauce with garlic, and, of course, lamb meat, alongside other delicious Egyptian foods.

In the morning, people begin visiting family and friends, bringing festive sweets with them.

Egyptians have special sweets made for holidays, such as “Kahk” and biscuits, and many treats specifically prepared for the feast.

These sweets are not only made by Christians but are a tradition for all Egyptians to celebrate their holidays.

Christmas traditional decoration in the Egyptian way

In Egypt, Christmas is celebrated with vibrant lights and colors that reflect the country's unique culture. Many Egyptian homes and stores feature Christmas trees adorned with lights and gifts, creating a festive atmosphere. The holiday is marked by elaborate Christmas decorations that distinguish it from other celebrations, with houses illuminated by bright lights and adorned with decorations that evoke a sense of wonder.

Families often depict detailed scenes depicting the birth of Jesus, while churches are adorned with flowers and candles, fostering a serene ambiance. Streets are adorned with festive banners and decorations, incorporating local elements such as palm trees, pyramids, and camels to add a distinctive Egyptian flair to the festivities.

Christmas in Egypt also emphasizes charitable giving, with many churches and charities organizing events to provide food and clothing to the less fortunate and homeless. The spirit of generosity and kindness is prevalent throughout Egyptian society during this season. Christians and Muslims come together to celebrate with music and dance, creating a unique blend of Christian traditions and local cultural customs that make the celebration truly special.

Planning your trip to explore traditional Christmas in Egypt

Arranging your journey to discover customary Christmas celebrations in Egypt presents an abundant array of diverse cultural encounters and joyous customs. First, try to arrange your visit for late December or early January so that it falls on January 7, the day of the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christmas celebrations. Go to well-known places like Cairo, where you may see colorful street decorations, marketplaces filled with festive lights, and classic Egyptian elements like camels and pyramids. Take in the spiritual essence of Christmas Eve by attending services in famous churches, such as St. Mark's Cathedral or the Hanging Church, which is decked out with flowers and candles.

Enjoy holiday sweets like "Kahk" and cookies, as well as traditional Egyptian dishes like "Fata" lamb soup. Participate in philanthropic events hosted by nearby churches and nonprofit organizations to further the giving spirit of the season. Whether you choose to explore historical places or fully immerse yourself in local traditions, organizing your trip to celebrate Christmas in Egypt ensures a unique experience that combines festive delight and cultural absorption.

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