Spending Christmas in Egypt doesn’t mean missing out on a good meal — many hotels and resorts put on festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners, often blending Western holiday classics with genuine Egyptian flavor. Here’s what to expect, and what Egyptian dishes are worth trying while you’re there.
Festive Dinners at Hotels & Resorts
Many hotels across Cairo, Luxor, and the Red Sea resorts host special Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinners, often as elaborate buffet spreads combining international dishes with Egyptian specialties, sometimes paired with live entertainment.
Egyptian Dishes Worth Trying Over the Holidays
Even during the festive season, it’s well worth trying Egypt’s everyday classics:
- Koshari — Egypt’s beloved national dish of rice, lentils, pasta, and crispy onions
- Molokhia — a rich, garlicky green soup, often served with chicken
- Fattah — a festive layered dish of crispy bread, rice, and meat in a garlicky vinegar sauce, traditionally served on special occasions
- Konafa and Basbousa — Egypt’s beloved sweet pastries, a perfect way to end a holiday meal
Read our full guide to Egyptian food →
A Nile Dinner Cruise for Christmas or New Year
For something a little different, a Nile Dinner Cruise makes a memorable way to spend Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve — a festive buffet, live entertainment, and Cairo’s illuminated skyline sliding past on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hotels in Egypt celebrate Christmas?
Yes — many hotels and resorts host special Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinners, often blending international and Egyptian dishes.
What Egyptian food should I try during a winter trip?
Koshari, molokhia, and konafa are all excellent, widely available dishes worth trying, regardless of the season.
