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Christmas and New Year in Egypt: Festive Holidays Under the Red Sea Sun
Swapping the winter cold for sunshine, palm trees and the Red Sea is one of the most appealing ways to spend the holiday season. During Christmas and New Year, Egypt's resorts take on a festive atmosphere: hotels are decorated with lights and Christmas trees, special dinners are organised, and guests can enjoy live music, shows and parties that continue beyond midnight.
For this type of holiday, the most popular choices are Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam. Their differences become especially important around New Year: Sharm El Sheikh offers the liveliest atmosphere outside the hotels, Hurghada combines resort holidays with city life, while Marsa Alam is the quieter option.
Why should you book your New Year holiday in Egypt early?
The period between Christmas and the first days of January is one of the busiest times of the winter season on the Red Sea.
For this reason, it is better not to leave your booking until the final weeks before departure. Popular hotels and suitable family rooms can sell out quickly, while approaching holiday dates do not necessarily mean better prices.
Early booking is particularly important if you have specific requirements: a certain hotel, a particular area of Sharm El Sheikh, a family room, a resort with good facilities for children, or a holiday that must include the night of 31 December.
For New Year in Egypt, choose your hotel not only by its beach and services, but also by the festive programme it offers.
Check the Christmas and New Year Gala Dinner conditions
This is one of the most important details travellers should verify before confirming a booking.
Many hotels organise a Gala Dinner for Christmas and/or New Year's Eve. Depending on the hotel and the package conditions, the supplement may be mandatory and may either be included in the package price or charged separately.
Therefore, do not automatically assume that an All Inclusive package covers every festive event.
Before confirming your holiday, check:
- whether the hotel organises a festive dinner on 24/25 December and/or 31 December;
- whether participation is mandatory or optional;
- whether the supplement is already included in the displayed price;
- what rates and conditions apply to children;
- what exactly is included in the hotel's festive programme.
Policies can vary significantly from one resort to another, so the conditions of the specific hotel are more important than any general rule about Egypt.
What is New Year's Eve like in an Egyptian hotel?
At resorts that organise a festive evening, New Year's Eve is usually much more than a regular dinner in the restaurant.
Hotels prepare dedicated event spaces with festive decorations, special lighting and tables arranged specifically for the evening of 31 December.
The programme varies depending on the hotel's category and concept, but it may include:
- a festive menu and a wider selection of dishes;
- desserts and drinks;
- live music;
- shows and performances;
- dancing, DJs and discos;
- contests and interactive activities;
- entertainment for adults and children;
- a countdown to midnight.
Larger resorts may turn the evening into a major event, held in a restaurant, a special event tent or a dedicated festive area.
This is why, during the holiday season, it makes sense to compare hotels not only by their star rating but also by their New Year programme.
Sharm El Sheikh – the liveliest choice for New Year
If festive atmosphere is your main priority, Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most interesting options.
In addition to the parties organised by hotels, the resort has several areas where the festive mood continues outside the resort itself.
Sharks Bay and SOHO Square
Travellers who want to enjoy the New Year atmosphere even after leaving their hotel should pay particular attention to Sharks Bay – SOHO Square.
SOHO Square is one of Sharm El Sheikh's main hubs for restaurants, entertainment and nightlife. During the festive period, lights and seasonal decorations transform the area into an excellent place for evening walks, while the entertainment programme may include concerts and live shows.
It is a particularly good option for couples, groups of friends and families who do not want to spend their entire holiday inside the resort.
Naama Bay and Old Market
Another good choice is Naama Bay, one of the resort's liveliest tourist areas, with a promenade, restaurants, cafés and shops.
For a different atmosphere, you can also visit Old Market / Old Sharm, where the holiday experience has a stronger oriental character and a more local feel.
Our recommendation: if New Year's Eve and nightlife are priorities, look for hotels in Sharks Bay, close to SOHO Square, in Naama Bay or with convenient access to the central parts of the resort.
Hurghada – lively New Year celebrations with easy access to the city
Hurghada is a well-balanced choice for travellers who want a good resort but also the option of spending time in the city.
Hotels organise their own New Year dinners and festive programmes, while Hurghada's central and tourist areas become livelier during the holiday season.
The main advantage is the combination of a classic resort holiday with access to restaurants, shops, promenades and nightlife.
For families, couples or groups looking for a bit of everything, Hurghada remains a very practical option.
Marsa Alam – Christmas and New Year in a quieter atmosphere
Marsa Alam has a different character. Resorts are generally more isolated, and the destination is best known for the sea, coral reefs, snorkelling, diving and relaxation.
That does not mean New Year is not celebrated here.
Hotels organise their own festive programmes with special dinners, music, shows and entertainment, but the overall atmosphere is calmer than in Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada.
Marsa Alam is suitable for travellers who want to welcome the New Year at a resort without needing a busy urban area nearby.
What is the weather like in Egypt at Christmas and New Year?
Winter is one of the pleasant seasons for a Red Sea holiday: days are generally sunny and much warmer than in Eastern Europe, but temperatures drop in the evening and wind can affect beach comfort.
For this reason, in winter it is especially important to consider the hotel's location and how sheltered the beach is from the wind.
Sharm El Sheikh has several more sheltered bays, so the exact area can make a significant difference in December and January. Wind conditions should also be considered in Hurghada and Marsa Alam.
For the evenings, including New Year's Eve, pack a cardigan, a light jacket or some long-sleeved clothing.
What budget should you plan for?
Holidays that include Christmas and especially New Year's Eve should be viewed differently from a standard Egypt package.
In addition to the package price, your total budget may be affected by the mandatory festive dinner, hotel category, entertainment programme, room type and children's conditions.
Gala Dinner supplements can vary significantly between hotels, so we recommend comparing the final total cost of the holiday rather than only the initial room or package price.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing New Year in Egypt
One of the most common mistakes is booking very late in the hope of finding a very cheap Last Minute offer. For such high-demand dates, this can mean a much smaller selection of good hotels.
Another mistake is overlooking the Gala Dinner supplement. Check from the beginning whether it is included in the price and whether participation is mandatory.
Do not choose the destination based only on the hotel. If you want parties and festive atmosphere outside the resort, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are usually better choices. If you prefer peace, relaxation and the sea, Marsa Alam may be more suitable.
Most importantly, do not compare hotels only by star rating. At New Year, the resort concept, festive programme, location and overall atmosphere matter just as much.
Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada or Marsa Alam for New Year?
Sharm El Sheikh – our choice for travellers who prioritise New Year atmosphere, entertainment and the possibility of spending the evening in SOHO Square, Naama Bay or Old Sharm.
Hurghada – suitable for those who want to combine an All Inclusive resort with walks, shopping, restaurants and city atmosphere.
Marsa Alam – recommended for a quieter New Year spent mainly at the resort, with a focus on relaxation, the sea and snorkelling.
FAQ – Christmas and New Year in Egypt
Do hotels in Egypt celebrate New Year's Eve?
Yes. Many Red Sea resorts organise special programmes on 31 December, including a festive dinner and different types of entertainment.
Is the New Year's Eve dinner mandatory?
It depends on the hotel and the booking conditions. Many resorts charge a mandatory Gala Dinner supplement, while others already include it in the package price. Always check the conditions before booking.
Does All Inclusive automatically include the New Year's Eve dinner?
Not necessarily. The festive dinner may have separate conditions from the hotel's regular All Inclusive programme.
Where is the best New Year atmosphere?
For travellers who want festive atmosphere outside the hotel as well, Sharm El Sheikh has an important advantage, especially around Sharks Bay – SOHO Square and Naama Bay. Hurghada is also lively in its central areas, while Marsa Alam offers a quieter resort-focused experience.
Is Egypt warm at New Year?
Red Sea resorts generally offer plenty of sunshine and good conditions for outdoor activities during winter, but evenings can be cooler and wind may affect comfort. Choosing the right hotel and packing some warmer evening clothes is recommended.
When should I book New Year in Egypt?
The more specific your requirements for hotel, location or room type, the earlier you should book. The festive period is in high demand, and availability at popular hotels can decrease as the departure date approaches.
Conclusion
Christmas and New Year in Egypt can be much more than simply a winter beach holiday. Resorts embrace the festive season with decorations, special dinners and entertainment programmes, while in places such as SOHO Square the festive atmosphere continues beyond the hotel grounds.
For the liveliest New Year experience, choose Sharm El Sheikh and pay particular attention to Sharks Bay – SOHO Square and Naama Bay. For a balance between resort life and the city, Hurghada is a strong choice. For a peaceful holiday focused on the resort and the Red Sea, Marsa Alam is ideal.
Whatever destination you choose, the rule for the festive season is simple: book early and always check the conditions of the Christmas and New Year Gala Dinner before confirming your holiday.