5 Days Christmas Festival Tours
Tour Code: EDT-03-CF
Celebrate Ethiopia’s vibrant Christmas in the holy city of Lalibela, home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches and deep spiritual heritage.
5 Days Christmas Festival Tours
5
Days
Overview
Experience Ethiopia’s most spiritual festival in one of its holiest towns—Lalibela. Begin your journey in Addis Ababa with visits to the Ethnographic Museum, the bustling Mercato, and Trinity Cathedral. Then fly to Lalibela to explore its iconic rock-hewn churches, some over 800 years old.
On Christmas Eve, join locals at the ancient St. Mary’s Church for a once-in-a-lifetime midnight celebration. Witness traditional ceremonies, chants, and colorful processions in a setting unlike any other. Explore nearby hidden churches like Yemrehanna Kristos and immerse yourself in Ethiopia’s highland landscapes and spiritual traditions.
Return to Addis Ababa for a farewell dinner with cultural performances before your international departure.
Itinerary
Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours welcomes all clients at any time of arrival. For morning arrivals, begin sightseeing after hotel check-in. Afternoon or evening arrivals begin the tour the following day.
Begin your journey with a cultural introduction to Ethiopia in its capital, Addis Ababa. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, housed within Haile Selassie’s former palace, followed by a stop at the vibrant Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. The day ends with a visit to Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Overnight stay at the Jupiter International Hotel with all meals included.
After breakfast, take a domestic flight to the sacred town of Lalibela. Spend the day exploring its world-famous rock-hewn churches—eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures carved over 800 years ago. Marvel at their architectural precision, underground tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and religious artwork. Overnight at Roha Hotel in Lalibela with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
In the morning, drive through scenic highland landscapes to Yemrehanna Kristos, a church built inside a natural cave and predating the Lalibela churches. This visit also offers a glimpse of rural Ethiopian life along the way. In the afternoon, continue exploring additional churches in Lalibela. Enjoy dinner at Kana Restaurant before heading to the iconic St. Mary’s Church to participate in the vibrant Christmas Eve festival, filled with chants, prayers, and traditional ceremonies. Overnight at Roha Hotel with full board.
Begin the day by attending the deeply spiritual “Beza Kulu Alem Yom Tewelde” ceremony, meaning "Redeemer of the World." Join thousands of pilgrims and local faithful in this moving Christmas morning ritual. The rest of the afternoon is free for rest or optional cultural visits around the town. Overnight again at Roha Hotel, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a complimentary farewell dinner hosted by Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours, featuring a traditional buffet, local drinks, cultural music, and an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony. After dinner, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure, depending on your flight schedule.
Book Your Trip Now
Ready to experience Ethiopia’s unforgettable Christmas? Fill out the form below to reserve your place on this exclusive cultural journey. * Trip code: EDT-03-CF
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- No Booking Fees
- Professional Local Guide
Transportation Type
Flight & Bus
Accommodation
3-Star Hotel
Departure from
Addis Ababa
Maximum Altitude
~2,630 metres
Best Season
December – January
Tour Type
Festival, Culture, History
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Language
English (other languages on request)
Fitness Level
Easy
Minimum Age
5
Maximum Age
Any
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