Christmas in Egypt / Christmas in Egypt Decoration
The Shape of Christmas in Egypt
Christmas in Egypt is a celebrations are a blend of religious traditions and local customs, with a unique flavor shaped by Egypt’s predominantly Muslim culture. For Egyptian Christians, who are mostly Coptic Orthodox, Christmas in Egypt Decoration is celebrated on December 25, Here’s how Christmas unfolds in Egypt.
Christmas in Egyptian: The Church celebrates Christmas in the Egyptian way, with the Eastern form and Egyptian customs and traditions, and this takes place in all governorates and cities of Egypt without exception..
Traditional Christmas Meal in Egypt
After the midnight liturgy, Coptic families return home to enjoy a festive meal, often featuring dishes like “Fatteh” (a dish of rice, bread, and garlic-laced meat stew), as well as other family favorites.
Christmas Decoration in Egypt
Decorations and Public Festivities in Egypt’s cities, including Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Luxor, and Aswan Christmas decorations and festivities have become increasingly popular. Christmas trees, lights, and Santa Claus figures are commonly seen in shopping malls and hotels, especially catering to tourists and foreign residents.
Gifts and Santa Claus in Egyptian
Santa is known as “Baba Noel,” and some Egyptian families exchange gifts, though this is not universally practiced.
New Year’s Celebrations
Egyptians also celebrate New Year’s Eve, often with fireworks and parties. For some, New Year’s celebrations blend into Christmas traditions, especially for non-Copts who mark December 25 as Christmas.
Winter Solstice Celebrations
In ancient Egypt, the winter solstice was a time of celebration as it marked the lengthening of days. Egyptians celebrated the rebirth of the sun, associated with Ra, the sun god. Though not directly related to Christmas, this celebration of rebirth aligns conceptually with themes of light and renewal that are also found in Christmas traditions.
The Birth of Horus
Ancient Egyptian mythology tells of the birth of Horus, the falcon-headed god, born to Isis on December 25. The story of Horus’s miraculous birth, following the death and resurrection of his father Osiris, shares symbolic parallels with later Christian narratives. Horus’s birth symbolized hope and protection, concepts that resonate with Christmas themes.
Christian Monastic Traditions and Fasting
Early Christians in Egypt, especially the Desert Fathers and Mothers of the 3rd and 4th centuries, developed ascetic practices such as fasting and monasticism. These practices influenced the Coptic Nativity Fast, a 43-day period leading up to Christmas, where participants abstain from animal products and reflect spiritually. This tradition remains deeply rooted in Coptic Christmas celebrations.
Lighting Candles and Lamps
In ancient Egypt, lighting lamps and candles is a practice associated with sacred rituals, symbolizing guidance and divine presence. This custom persisted and evolved in Coptic churches, where candles are lighting during the midnight Christmas liturgy. The light represents Christ as the “Light of the World,” a continuation of ancient symbolism surrounding light and divinity.
The Palm Tree and Offerings
– The ancient Egyptians revered the palm tree as a symbol of fertility and life, and palm fronds were often used in offerings and religious rituals. In early Coptic practices, palms continued to hold symbolic importance, especially during Christian holidays. To this day, Coptic Christians weave palm fronds for holidays like Palm Sunday, and palms are sometimes used in Christmas decorations as a nod to ancient heritage.
Holy Bread (Qurban) and Communal Meals
The ancient Egyptians had a tradition of communal meals and offerings of bread to the gods. This practice of sacred bread offering was adapted by the early Coptic Church as the “Qurban” bread, which is now used in communion during the Christmas liturgy. Sharing a meal after midnight Mass, often with traditional dishes, continues this ancient focus on community. – The Nile was central to Egyptian life and worshipped as a life-giving source. Ancient festivities around the Nile’s annual flooding celebrated life and renewal. With the arrival of Christianity, such celebrations were transformed, and the Coptic Church incorporated a focus on renewal and blessings. Christmas, marking Christ’s birth, symbolically celebrates spiritual renewal, echoing these ancient values.
Many stores decorate their windows with holiday themes and some feature snow-themed displays or Santa figures, which are a fun contrast to the typically mild Egyptian winter. – Santa Claus, known locally as “Baba Noel,” is a beloved figure during the holiday season. Children often see him in malls and on city streets, where they can pose for photos or receive small treats. Baba Noel’s image is also used in advertisements and posters, adding a playful, Western-inspired touch to the holiday celebrations.
Cafés and Restaurants Offering Seasonal Treats
In Egypt, New Year’s Eve is celebrated widely and is sometimes blended with Christmas festivities. Cities light up with fireworks, and many people gather at public squares or along the Nile River to watch the displays. For some Egyptians, the New Year holiday feels as festive as Christmas, and the two events together create a season of joy and celebration. – While Christmas is primarily a Christian holiday, many Muslims in Egypt join in the celebrations by giving gifts to their Christian friends, visiting Christmas markets, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere. This spirit of inclusivity fosters a warm and respectful environment, with people wishing each other well regardless of religious background.
Christmas Activities in Egypt
We provide all tours and excursions in Christmas time and you can practice all possible activities in all cities of Egypt especially in Christmas by Egyptian way and decoration, all excusrion we provide from Hurghada, Safaga, El Gouna, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and Marsa Alam
Private Excursion to Luxor
Would you like to see magnificent monuments in Luxor and learn more about Egyptian mythology? This private day trip to Luxor allows you to immerse yourself deeply in the world of the pharaohs
Private Excursion to Cairo
The Pyramids of Giza are probably Egypt's most famous landmark. But Cairo has much more to offer. Discover the history of this country with us.
Dolphin Swimming Hurghada
The dolphins usually look so cute, jumping around happily in the sea, always in a good mood. The dolphin excursion is a great experience and swimming with dolphins is the dream of many holidaymakers in Hurghada
We have put together the right mix for you. Of course, you also have the opportunity to customize your tour with us!
Hurghada city tour with Egypt Travel Times is away from mass tourism and without sales events.
El Gouna Custom City Tour is a great opportunity to get to know the beautiful city, a true European wonder in the middle of the scorching Egyptian desert.
The Quad Tour 3 hours is an extremely dusty event with absolute fun guaranteed! Experience the wild beauty of the Sahara up close. Unlimited driving fun in a breathtaking setting! Enjoy a fast ride on a quad…
