Best Egypt Christmas Tours & New Year Trips 2026/2027

Yes, Egypt is one of the world's best destinations for a Christmas and New Year holiday. December is peak season for a reason — temperatures across Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan average a comfortable 18–25°C, making outdoor sightseeing at the Pyramids of Giza, Karnak Temple, and the Valley of the Kings genuinely enjoyable. Hotels and Nile cruise ships decorate festively, gala Christmas Eve dinners are hosted at luxury properties, and New Year's Eve celebrations along the Nile and at Red Sea resorts like Hurghada are spectacular. Unlike crowded European Christmas markets, Egypt offers ancient wonders, warm winter sunshine, and a festive atmosphere without the cold. Memphis Tours has offered Christmas and New Year packages in Egypt since 1955, combining iconic sightseeing with holiday celebrations tailored for international travelers.
 

Memphis Tours' Christmas and New Year Egypt packages are fully inclusive and typically cover airport transfers, 4 and 5-star hotel accommodation, a Nile cruise aboard vessels such as the Mövenpick Royal Lotus or the luxury Salacia cruise ship, professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guides, entrance fees to all listed monuments, a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner and party in Cairo, New Year's Eve celebrations (often at the Red Sea in Hurghada), all internal transportation including domestic flights where applicable, free bottled water throughout, and applicable hotel and cruise taxes. Optional add-ons include hot air balloon rides over Luxor, Abu Simbel excursions, and Red Sea snorkeling trips. Packages range from 7 to 14 nights and are priced per person in US dollars, with options for solo travelers, couples, families, and private groups.
 

The best time to visit Egypt for Christmas is from December 20 to January 7, covering both the international Christmas celebration on December 25 and Coptic Orthodox Christmas on January 7. December is Egypt's most climatically perfect month — Cairo sees daytime temperatures of 20–23°C, Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan) reaches 25–28°C, and even evenings are mild at 12–15°C. The Red Sea coast (Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh) remains warm enough for swimming and snorkeling at 22–24°C. There is virtually no rain across the country in December. Book at least 3–6 months in advance as Christmas and New Year is Egypt's busiest travel period — Nile cruises, top hotels, and tour slots fill up fast. Departing before December 20 can also reduce international flight costs by 20–30%.
 

Yes, most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union countries, Canada, and Australia can apply for an Egypt e-Visa online through the official government portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg, costing $25 USD for a single-entry 30-day visa. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days, so apply at least 2 weeks before your Christmas departure. Alternatively, visa-on-arrival is available for $25 USD cash at Cairo International Airport, Hurghada Airport, Sharm el-Sheikh Airport, and Luxor Airport. Citizens of Arab League member states, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, generally enter visa-free. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. Memphis Tours' booking team can advise on the latest visa requirements for your nationality.
 

Egypt's official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). As of 2025, the approximate exchange rate is 48–50 EGP per 1 USD. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted at 4 and 5-star hotels, Nile cruise ships, major restaurants, and airport shops — all of which feature prominently in Memphis Tours packages. However, cash in Egyptian Pounds is essential for souks and bazaars, tipping guides and hotel staff (baksheesh), local transport, and smaller shops outside main tourist areas. We recommend exchanging some money on arrival at a bank branch rather than airport kiosks, which offer rates 5–10% lower. Carry at least 500–1,000 EGP in cash at all times during your Christmas tour. Memphis Tours does not apply any surcharge on debit or credit card transactions for tour bookings.
 

Christmas and New Year tours to Egypt with Memphis Tours are priced per person in US dollars and vary by duration, package type, and accommodation grade. Budget Nile cruise Christmas packages start from approximately $800–1,200 per person for 7 nights. Mid-range packages combining Cairo, a Nile cruise, and the Red Sea run $1,500–2,500 per person for 10 nights. Luxury packages aboard 5-star cruise ships like the Salacia or private dahabiyas start from $3,000–5,000 per person. All packages require a deposit — typically 50% for Christmas and New Year bookings due to peak season demand. Single travelers pay a single supplement. Children sharing parents' rooms receive preferential rates, though additional charges may apply if the package includes airfare. Group discounts are available for private parties of 8 or more.
 

Egypt is a safe and welcoming destination for international tourists, including during the busy Christmas and New Year period. Major tourist sites — Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh — are well-patrolled by tourist police and security personnel, with increased presence during the peak holiday season. The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the US State Department, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs all rate Egypt's primary tourist areas as "exercise normal travel precautions." Memphis Tours provides 24/7 in-country support throughout your holiday, with English-speaking guides and dedicated emergency contacts. Standard precautions apply: avoid political gatherings, do not photograph military installations, use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber, and store valuables in hotel safes.
 

Egypt in December and early January enjoys some of its most pleasant weather of the year, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. In Cairo, daytime temperatures average 20–23°C with cool evenings around 12°C — perfect for exploring the Pyramids and Egyptian Museum. Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt are warmer, with daytime highs of 25–28°C and minimal wind. The Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh stay at 22–25°C during the day, with sea temperatures of 22–24°C — warm enough for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Rainfall across Egypt in December is extremely rare. Nights in desert areas and along the Nile can be cool, so pack a light jacket or layer. Overall, December is considered Egypt's most comfortable month for tourists.
 

Memphis Tours offers several bestselling Christmas and New Year Egypt itineraries. The most popular are: (1) the Classic 8-day Cairo and Nile Cruise — visiting the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Egyptian Museum in Cairo, then flying to Luxor for a Nile cruise through Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan; (2) the 10-day Cairo, Nile Cruise, and Red Sea package — adding 2–3 days in Hurghada for New Year's Eve celebrations by the sea; and (3) the 14-day Grand Egypt Christmas tour — covering Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and the White Desert. A Christmas Eve Gala Dinner in Cairo and a New Year's Eve party at the Red Sea feature in most itineraries. All routes are available as private or small-group departures.
 

Yes, and it is one of the most magical ways to spend the festive season. Memphis Tours' Nile cruise Christmas packages include onboard Christmas Eve Gala Dinners with themed decorations, live entertainment, and festive menus on board vessels such as the Mövenpick Royal Lotus and the 5-star Salacia cruise. New Year's Eve celebrations typically take place at the Red Sea (Hurghada) or onboard the cruise, with countdown parties, fireworks views, and themed dinners. Nile cruises during the Christmas season sell out months in advance — booking by September is strongly recommended for December sailings. Cabins range from standard twin-share to luxury suites, and all Memphis Tours cruise packages include full-board dining, guided shore excursions, and all monument entrance fees.
 

Absolutely. Egypt is one of the world's most family-friendly holiday destinations, and the Christmas season makes it even more special. Memphis Tours' Christmas family packages are designed with children in mind — itineraries move at a comfortable pace, guides tailor commentary to younger audiences, and accommodation in family rooms at 4 and 5-star hotels ensures comfort. Children sharing a room with parents receive discounted rates (maximum 1 child per room sharing policy). The Pyramids of Giza, the mummies at the Grand Egyptian Museum, and camel rides are perennial hits with children. The Red Sea resorts (Hurghada and Sharm) offer kid-friendly beaches, water parks, and snorkeling. Note that if the package includes airfare, additional child airfare charges may apply — confirm details at booking.
 

A Christmas Nile cruise combines accommodation, transport, meals, and sightseeing aboard a moving vessel — giving you a unique floating hotel experience as you sail between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at temples like Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. It is slower-paced, atmospheric, and all-inclusive. A land-based Christmas Egypt tour uses hotels in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan with private transport and a guide, giving more flexibility to customize daily schedules, include desert excursions, or spend extra time at specific sites. Most Memphis Tours Christmas packages combine both — a Nile cruise segment from Luxor to Aswan plus hotel stays in Cairo and the Red Sea — giving travelers the best of both formats over 8–14 days.
 

Book your Christmas or New Year Egypt tour at least 4–6 months in advance — ideally by July or August for December departures. The Christmas and New Year period is Egypt's single busiest travel window: Nile cruise ships are fully booked, top hotels in Cairo and Hurghada sell out, and the best Egyptologist guides are reserved months ahead. Memphis Tours requires a 50% deposit at the time of booking for Christmas and New Year packages (compared to the standard 25% deposit for regular tours). Flight prices from the UK, USA, and Europe also rise steeply after September for December travel — booking early can save $200–500 per person on international airfares. Last-minute Christmas Egypt tours do occasionally become available through cancellations — contact Memphis Tours directly to check availability.
 

For a Christmas holiday in Egypt, pack light, breathable layers for warm daytime temperatures (20–28°C depending on location) and a medium-weight jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings, particularly on the Nile and in Cairo (12–15°C at night). Essential items include: high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and a hat for daytime sightseeing; modest clothing for temple and mosque visits (shoulders and knees covered — scarves are versatile); comfortable walking shoes for uneven ancient sites; a small daypack for excursions; and any personal medications as some are harder to source in Egypt. Smart-casual attire is appropriate for Christmas Eve gala dinners. Egyptian pharmacies are well-stocked in major cities, but bring any prescription medication in sufficient supply for the full trip.
 

Yes, Memphis Tours specializes in fully private Christmas and New Year Egypt tours for couples, honeymooners, and small groups. Private Christmas tours include dedicated English-speaking Egyptologist guide, private air-conditioned vehicle throughout, flexible daily start times, and personalized itinerary adjustments — ideal for couples who prefer not to travel in a group. Romantic add-ons popular with honeymooners include private felucca sunset cruises on the Nile in Aswan, candlelit dinner arrangements in Cairo overlooking the Pyramids, and private dahabiya (traditional sailboat) Nile cruises for an intimate alternative to large cruise ships. Honeymoon and anniversary packages can include room upgrades, welcome amenities, and special New Year's Eve dinner reservations. Enquire directly with Memphis Tours' team to build a bespoke itinerary.
 

A Christmas Eve Gala Dinner is a festive celebration hosted at premium Cairo hotels or aboard Nile cruise ships on the evening of December 24. Memphis Tours' Christmas packages include a dedicated Gala Dinner featuring a multi-course set menu of international and Egyptian cuisine, live entertainment (music, traditional Tanoura whirling dervish shows, or belly dancing performances), festive decorations, and a lively atmosphere shared with fellow travelers from around the world. Some packages also include a separate Christmas Day brunch. New Year's Eve celebrations are equally festive — typically held at Red Sea resorts in Hurghada with a countdown party, dinner, and fireworks display. These events are signature highlights of Memphis Tours' Christmas packages and are fully included in the published tour price.
 

Yes, and the Christmas period is one of the best times to visit Abu Simbel. The magnificent twin temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari, relocated to the shores of Lake Nasser in the 1960s, are accessible by a short domestic flight from Aswan (approximately 45 minutes). Memphis Tours' longer Christmas packages of 10 days or more typically include an Abu Simbel day trip or overnight stay as a highlight excursion. For guests on shorter itineraries, Abu Simbel can be added as a private excursion from Aswan. Of particular note: the Sun Festival phenomenon occurs on February 22 and October 22 when sunlight illuminates the inner sanctuary — this does not occur at Christmas, but the site is no less breathtaking in December, with mild temperatures and smaller crowds than February.
 

Egypt is an exceptional destination for New Year's Eve, especially along the Red Sea. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh host some of the region's most spectacular countdown parties — beachfront celebrations, DJ events, fireworks over the sea, and gala dinners at 5-star resorts that continue well into the early hours of January 1. In Cairo, rooftop bars and hotel restaurants offer Nile-view countdown dinners and celebrations in a festive urban atmosphere. Aboard Nile cruise ships, onboard New Year's Eve parties with live entertainment and festive menus provide a uniquely Egyptian experience. Memphis Tours' Christmas and New Year packages are specifically designed to position travelers in the best location — whether Cairo, Hurghada, or the Nile — for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration. Book early as New Year's Eve events in Egypt sell out by October.
 

All Memphis Tours Christmas and New Year packages include private, air-conditioned road transport throughout for transfers between airports, hotels, Nile cruise embarkation points, and all listed sightseeing sites. Where itineraries cover long distances — for example, Cairo to Luxor, or Aswan to Abu Simbel — domestic flights are included or offered as an upgrade, avoiding lengthy overland journeys. Within cities, private vehicles and experienced drivers are provided for all excursions. Memphis Tours does not use shared shuttles or group buses for private tour bookings. For travelers wishing to explore independently between guided excursions, Uber operates reliably in Cairo, and registered taxis are available at all major hotel locations. Local SIM cards (Vodafone or Orange Egypt) are available cheaply at the airport and provide affordable data for navigation.
 

Booking a Christmas or New Year Egypt holiday with Memphis Tours is straightforward. Visit memphistours.com/egypt/packages/christmas-and-new-year-in-egypt to browse the full range of Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 packages, filtered by duration, budget, and departure date. Select your preferred itinerary and submit an enquiry — Memphis Tours' specialists will confirm availability, tailor the package to your group's needs, and issue a formal booking confirmation. A 50% deposit is required to secure Christmas and New Year departures. The balance is due 60 days before travel. Payments are accepted by Visa, Mastercard, and bank transfer with no card surcharges applied. Memphis Tours has been operating in Egypt since 1955 and holds full accreditation from Egypt's Ministry of Tourism, giving travelers the assurance of booking with one of the country's most established and trusted tour operators.