As one of the most celebrated holidays of the year, Christmas in Egypt is a very special time. Especially so as it’s common to see sparkling lights wrapped to the top of Christmas trees in many public squares during the holiday season.
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, depending on the families’ preferred customs, family members and loved ones come together to celebrate around a massive dinner feast. The Christmas table displays an eclectic mix of dishes, showcasing Egypt’s rich history of cultural influences.
One will find traditional Egypt’s Dolma also known as “Stuffed Grape Leaves”, Egypt’s national dish made from minced meat and rice, often served in warm yogurt sauce (a symbol of snow) alongside turkey or chicken with spiced, nutty rice, pickled olives, and tahini salad, lamb meat and much more.
For deserts, the Fatimid era stamp is ever so present with traditional sweats that are made especially for Christmas feasts like “Kahk and biscuits” and many other items made in a very special way that makes it very tasty.
In addition to the previous ones, the French desserts like the ‘Buche De Noel’ cake, which graces the table of every home in Egypt, and at the same time, there are also the American chocolate and orange cakes, which are often made in celebration of birthdays, and so during this time the celebration of Jesus’s birth.
On Christmas Eve, Christmas enthusiasts dress up as Santa and his elves to meet the public and take memorial photos with them.
Last but not least, you can’t forget, celebrating Christmas in the merriest place in Africa. Transforming into a winter wonderland literally overnight, Ancient Heliopolis, fondly known as Arabian Nights World does not disappoint when it comes to Christmas festivities.
Take a stroll down the festive El Korba Heliopolis area, snap a Christmas-card-worthy photo with Santa Clause and the gorgeous Christmas tree, and experience holiday celebrations around the world at its streets and Baron Palace.
