Best Places to Go During Christmas: Why Egypt Comes First
Every December the same question appears: where is the best place to go during Christmas? The answer depends on what you want, whether snow, beach, culture or simply a break from routine. For travellers who want warm sunshine, world-famous sights and good value, Egypt belongs at the top of the list.
This page ranks the best Christmas vacation destinations with Egypt first, then compares a few alternatives honestly. For dates, weather and events, our guide to Christmas in Egypt has the full detail.
What are the best places to go during Christmas?
The best places to go during Christmas fall into three groups: warm destinations for sunshine, snowy destinations for a traditional feel, and city destinations with markets and lights. Few places combine warmth, culture and festive atmosphere as easily as Egypt, and that is why it keeps appearing near the top of good places to go for Christmas.
Why is Egypt one of the best places for a Christmas vacation?
Egypt offers a rare mix. December is cool and dry, which makes it the most comfortable month for sightseeing. Cairo, Luxor and Aswan sit within a short domestic flight of each other, and the Red Sea adds beaches to the same trip. You can see the pyramids, cruise the Nile and swim in the sea within one holiday.
Distance matters too. Flights from most of Europe take four to five hours, so you arrive rested and keep your precious days off for the holiday itself. Compared with long-haul beach destinations, that saves time and money before you even unpack. Local guides, drivers and hotels are also used to Christmas travellers, which keeps the arrangements smooth.
The festive side is also easy to find. Hotels decorate for Christmas, many offer special dinners, and Coptic Christmas on 7 January adds a second celebration for those who stay a little longer. A general overview of tourism in Egypt gives useful background on the main regions if you want to plan around them.
What are great places to visit for Christmas besides Egypt?
Several other regions work well, depending on your taste. This table gives a fair comparison of the main options for a Christmas vacation.
| Destination | What it offers at Christmas |
|---|---|
| Egypt | Warm, dry days, ancient sights, Nile cruises and Red Sea beaches in one trip. |
| Canary Islands | Mild sunshine and easy beaches, with a quieter, resort-style holiday. |
| Dubai | Hot sunshine, big malls and festive hotel brunches. |
| Lapland | Snow, huskies and a classic Santa-themed Christmas, with cold temperatures. |
| Vienna and Prague | Famous Christmas markets and old-town charm, with winter cold. |
| Thailand | Dry season beaches and food, but a longer, costlier flight. |
If you want snow, choose Lapland or a Christmas market city. If you want sun with a story, Egypt wins because the destination itself is the attraction.
Which Christmas vacation spots are best for warm weather?
If sunshine is the goal, the top choices are the Red Sea coast, Luxor and Aswan. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, rain is rare and the sea is cool but comfortable for swimming around midday. Luxor and Aswan are warmer than Cairo, so travellers who dislike cooler evenings usually head south.
Our guide to warm Christmas vacations in Egypt compares the main regions, so you can pick with confidence.
What are the best Christmas vacation spots for culture lovers?
For history, Egypt is hard to beat. The Giza plateau, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel are all comfortable to visit in December, when midday heat is no longer a problem. A cruise between Luxor and Aswan lets you see several of them from a single base.
If you prefer a relaxed pace, a Nile cruise at Christmas is the simplest way to combine sightseeing with rest. Our best Christmas river cruises on the Nile guide explains how the festive programme works on board.
Which places are great for a Christmas vacation with family?
Families do best with a destination that offers variety and short travel times. Egypt works well, because children enjoy the boats, the pyramids and the beach. A tailored programme such as our Egypt travel package can mix a few active days with time at a pool.
- Pick one base for several nights, so children are not packing every day.
- Mix a sightseeing morning with a free afternoon by the pool.
- Choose hotels with family rooms and a relaxed breakfast.
- Book a private guide for the busiest sites to avoid long waits.
Where are the best places for a Christmas vacation on a budget?
Egypt is often more affordable than other warm destinations, because food, local transport and guided tours cost less than in many alternatives. Prices still rise from 23 December to 2 January, so travelling a few days earlier or later saves money. For a beach base, see our Hurghada guide, and for temples and tombs read about Luxor.
Compare the full cost rather than the headline price. Include flights, transfers, entrance fees and tips, and the real difference between destinations becomes clear.
Frequently asked questions
Which place is best for Christmas if I dislike the cold?
Egypt, the Canary Islands and Dubai are the safest choices for warm weather. Egypt adds history and a lower cost for many travellers, while the other two focus more on beach and resort life.
Is it too late to find good places to go for Christmas?
Not necessarily. Egypt in particular has many private operators, so hotel rooms and tours can often be arranged a few weeks before departure, except cruise cabins, which sell out sooner.
How many days do I need for a Christmas vacation in Egypt?
A week is a comfortable length for Cairo plus a Nile cruise or a beach stay. Ten days lets you add a second region without rushing, and a long weekend is enough for a single city.
Are the major sights open on Christmas Day?
Yes, the pyramids, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings open as usual on 25 December. Opening hours can shorten slightly, so confirm times with your guide on the day before.
Choose your Christmas destination
Whatever you decide, a clear plan makes the holiday easier. If Egypt is on your shortlist, tell us your dates and who is travelling and we will suggest a route, a pace and the best time of year to see each place.