Christmas in Egypt: Traditions and Celebrations

Religious devotion and joyous celebration are combined in Egypt around Christmas. On January 7th, the event is observed after a 43-day fasting period called “The Holy Nativity Fast,” during which people consume only vegan products. The Coptic Orthodox Church has a liturgy or service on Christmas Eve that might last until four in the morning. Meat, eggs, and butter are staples in the post-service feast as families break their fast together. Baba Noël, Santa Claus, is also invited to the party. Even though Christians make up a small percentage of Egypt’s population, many celebrate the secular parts of Christmas by decorating their homes and public areas with lights, trees, and ornaments.

Christmas Traditions in Egypt

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is home to between 5 and 15 percent of Egypt’s Christian population. According to the number of followers, the Egyptian Christian community is the biggest in the Middle East. There are some unusual Christmas customs observed in Egypt, which are as follows:

1. Fasting and Feasting: Christians in Egypt observe a strict fast for forty-three days leading up to Christmas, which, by their reckoning, occurs on January 7th. Known as the “Advent” fast, it starts on November 25th and concludes on Christmas Eve. Christians abstain from meat, dairy, and other indulgent foods during Advent as a spiritual and physical cleanse. The fast serves as more than just a personal practice; it fosters community among the Copts, strengthening their faith and providing mutual support.
2. Christmas Eve Mass: Coptic Orthodox Christians sometimes stay up until four in the morning on Christmas Eve for a special ritual or service. Meat, eggs, and butter are staples in the post-service feast as families break their fast together.
3. Household Tree and Light Decoration: Christmas is celebrated by Christians who gather as a family for worship sessions and adorn their homes with festive lights and nativity displays.
4. Baba Noël: Father Christmas is the Egyptian name for Santa Claus. Children hope that he will discreetly drop down some goodies through a window. Baba Noël might find some kahk waiting for him.
5. Egyptian Christmas Foods: On Christmas Day, Egyptian people give special foods like “Zalabya” (donuts) and “Bouri” (mullet fish) to the impoverished. They also enjoy sharing traditional Coptic meals with loved ones, such as fata, a casserole made with meat and bread.

Places to Visit in Egypt at Christmas

Christmas in Egypt is a special time because of the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and traditions. Among the most popular Christmas destinations in Egypt are these:

Luxor

Located amid what has been called “the world’s greatest open-air museum,” Luxor is home to a mix of modern architecture and ancient artifacts. Luxor undergoes a seasonal transformation during Christmas. The city’s historic tombs, temples, and ruins, including the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak, are open to visitors. Hot air balloon tours provide views of the lit temples, which is among the unique Christmas activities in Egypt.

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The Giza Pyramids Complex

One of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Egypt is to visit the Giza Pyramids Complex. Three pyramids—the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure—stand tall and majestic. Since the weather is moderate and sunny, the pyramids stand out against the blue sky.

The Grand Egyptian Museum

A Christmas visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum is in order for any history buff with an interest in ancient Egypt. Among the world’s largest museums, this one houses priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt. During Christmas, the museum also goes all out with holiday decorations.

The Valley of the Kings

Where Egypt’s famous ancient pharaohs lie is known as the Valley of the Kings. Particularly during Christmas, this valley is a sight to see since this time of year offers moderate winter weather. The pharaohs of the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties are laid to rest here.

Traditional Christmas Foods in Egypt

Both Christians and Muslims in Egypt appreciate these meals, and on Christmas Eve, many families try to prepare a special supper. In Egypt, the most beloved Christmas dishes usually include the following options:

• Kahk: On Christmas, the Egyptians bake kahk as early as the second day of Christmas, a treat that looks like shortbread biscuits. These are sugary, buttery cookies that are covered in chocolate with almonds or dried fruit.
• Qatayef: A traditional Egyptian Christmas dessert, it is a pancake-like pastry filled with sweetened cheese or walnuts.
• Ghyrba: One further kind of cookie that many Egyptians make for Christmas is the ghryba. It’s a shortbread-type biscuit, also known as qurabiya.
• Fata: Christian Egyptians arrange a large feast after finishing their prayers; it includes many of the Egyptian foods that they abstained from for forty-three days. In addition to the lamb, this dish has the popular Egyptian dish “Fata,” a lamb broth served with rice, bread, red sauce, garlic, and lamb.
• Rice Pudding: Christmas supper includes rice pudding, a traditional side dish made with milk, sugar, rice, and spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon.
• Baklava: Layers of phyllo dough filled with honey and almonds form a delicious dessert known as baklava in Egypt, which has Turkish origins.
• Fattah: Fattah is a lamb stock-steeped rice and bread dish topped with fried garlic and onions.
• Baked Turkey or Lamb: The centerpiece of Christmas dinners in Egypt consists of baked turkey or lamb, while others have roasted chicken or lamb.

History of Christmas in Egypt

Christmas celebrations in Egypt have become more common, likely starting in the early 1990s. The Coptic Orthodox Church, the largest Christian denomination in Egypt, celebrates Christmas on January 7, and the month leading up to it is known as Kiahk. Coptic Orthodox Christians observe a specific fast, essentially adopting a vegan diet, for the 43 days leading up to Christmas, from November 25th to January 6th, called ‘The Holy Nativity Fast.’

Traditional Egyptian Christmas celebrations, rooted in the days leading up to and after December 25th and evolving from rituals honoring Heru (Horus), are considered a recent development in the celebration of Christmas, beginning in the early 1990s.

Despite a low Christian population (5 to 15 million), many Egyptians partake in this secular celebration. Commercialization is evident with the sale of Christmas trees, food, and decorations in most large stores. Streets, parks, and hotels are decorated for the holiday season. Baba Noël, or Father Christmas, is the Egyptian name for Santa Claus. The Egyptian children hope he might come through a window and leave some goodies. Some kahk might be left out for Baba Noël.

Coptic Christians are required to attend a specific liturgy or service on January 6th, Christmas Eve. Services start at 10:30 p.m., with some chapels open for prayer at 10:00 p.m. Many people gather in churches around 9:00 p.m. to socialize.

While some services may extend until 4 in the morning, most conclude shortly after midnight. After the Christmas service, people go home to prepare for the holiday feast. On the seventh day of Christmas, Orthodox Christmas, people gather at home for celebrations, often sharing “kahk,” special sweet biscuits, as gifts.

Public Holidays in Egypt

Every year on a certain day, the following official holidays take place in Egypt: