From $60 pp
Safari Blue
The island’s signature full-day dhow adventure — snorkelling, dolphins, a Blue Lagoon swim, and a Swahili seafood BBQ on Kwale. The number-one festive-week booking.
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Christmas & New Year
Christmas & New Year in Zanzibar
Warm seas, festive beach parties, and the island’s most popular tours — planned and guided by a Stone Town team that has run Christmas holidays here since 2014. Book early; the best festive dates sell out first.
5-Star on TripAdvisor
1,000+ Travelers Since 2014
Locally Owned, Stone Town
Quick Answer
Zanzibar is one of the best places in the world to spend Christmas and New Year. December brings warm 25–32°C days, calm 28°C seas, and up to 12.5 hours of sunshine, right as the island fills with festive energy — beach BBQs, Christmas Eve seafood dinners, and famous New Year’s Eve parties at Nungwi and Kendwa. The catch: the tours that make the trip — Safari Blue, Nakupenda sandbank, sunset dhow cruises and Mnemba snorkelling — sell out weeks ahead over the festive period, so the single most important thing is to book early.
- Warm & dry: 25–32°C, sea ~28°C
- Festive tours from $10–$65 per person
- Best NYE beaches: Nungwi & Kendwa
- Book 2–3 months ahead for Dec 20–Jan 2
Why Zanzibar for the Holidays
A Christmas That Trades Snow for Turquoise
Every December, thousands of travellers swap winter coats for flip-flops and head to Zanzibar for a festive season unlike any other. Christmas here sits at a cultural crossroads: the island’s population is predominantly Muslim, yet the festive spirit of late December is warm and island-wide, and visitors from every background are welcomed into the celebrations. Beach resorts string up lights and set out decorated trees, restaurants craft special Christmas Eve menus built around seafood caught that morning, and the Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town buzzes with extra energy.
Picture waking on Christmas morning to the sound of the Indian Ocean, stepping onto warm white sand, and spending the day snorkelling above coral gardens in 28°C water. Then, a week later, seeing in the New Year with fireworks over the ocean at a beach party that runs till dawn. That is the festive season in Zanzibar — and it is exactly the trip our Stone Town team has been arranging for international families and couples since 2014.
Book Before They Sell Out
From $60 pp
From $60 pp
From $65 pp
From $27 pp
From $27 pp
From $45 pp
The Best Tours to Book for Christmas & New Year
These are the experiences that define a Zanzibar festive holiday — and the first to fill up over the Christmas and New Year window. Prices are per person and drop as your group grows; reserve your dates early and we’ll lock them in.
From $60 pp
From $60 pp
Stone Town, Prison Island & Nakupenda
History, giant tortoises, and a seafood lunch on a pure-white sandbank that appears at low tide. A festive-season favourite for families.
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From $65 pp
Mnemba Island & Swimming with Turtles
Snorkel the Mnemba Atoll, swim with sea turtles, and finish on the calm northern sands of Nungwi and Kendwa — the heart of the festive beach scene.
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From $27 pp
Sunset Dhow Cruise
A traditional dhow, a drink in hand, and the sky turning gold over the ocean. The most romantic way to spend Christmas Eve or see out the old year.
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From $27 pp
Dolphin Tour
An early-morning boat trip to swim alongside wild dolphins off the south coast — a bucket-list morning that’s easy to pair with an afternoon on the beach.
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From $45 pp
Jozani Forest & Cave Swimming
Meet Zanzibar’s endemic red colobus monkeys, then cool off in a crystal-clear natural cave — a gentle, shaded half-day the whole family enjoys.
Book This TourFestive dates fill fast. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve are the busiest slots of the year for Safari Blue, Nakupenda and sunset cruises — many sell out 2–3 weeks ahead. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size and we’ll confirm availability the same day.
Transparent Festive Pricing
Zanzibar Christmas Tour Prices
Clear starting prices, per person — no festive-season mark-ups, no hidden fees. Larger groups pay less per head; message us for a private-group quote.
| Festive Tour | Duration | From (per person) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safari Blue | Full day | $60 | The all-round festive highlight |
| Mnemba Island & Turtles | Full day | $65 | Snorkelling + northern beaches |
| Stone Town, Prison Island & Nakupenda | Full day | $60 | Families & first-timers |
| Jozani Forest & Cave Swimming | Half day | $45 | Wildlife & a shaded morning |
| Sunset Dhow Cruise | ~2 hours | $27 | Christmas Eve & romance |
| Dolphin Tour | Half day | $27 | An easy bucket-list morning |
| Stone Town Walking Tour | Half day | $17 | UNESCO history & markets |
| Spice Farm Tour | Half day | $10 | The budget-friendly classic |
Prices are current starting rates from our full Zanzibar tours list. Want everything bundled into one festive itinerary? See our multi-day holiday packages.
Ring in the New Year
New Year’s Eve in Zanzibar
If Christmas is about warmth and family, New Year in Zanzibar is about the party. The northern beaches host some of the biggest celebrations in East Africa — fireworks over the water, live drumming, and dinners that run into the small hours. Here’s where to be.
Nungwi — The Big Party
The liveliest spot on the island for New Year’s Eve: beach clubs, DJs, fireworks, and traditional drumming to welcome the new year. West-facing, so the sunset is spectacular too.
Kendwa — Famous NYE Beach Parties
Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa’s New Year’s Eve parties are known across East Africa. Same clear, calm water, with the island’s most celebrated countdown on the sand.
A Sunset Cruise Send-Off
Prefer something calmer? A private sunset dhow cruise on the 31st is the most memorable way to close the year — sail out, toast the sunset, and be back for the countdown.
Choosing Your Base
Where to Stay for Christmas & New Year
The right beach depends on the holiday you want. Zanzibar’s coasts each offer a genuinely different festive experience.
Nungwi (North)
The most festive and social base. Calm swimming water, exceptional west-facing sunsets, the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the closest access to tour departures.
Best for festive atmosphereKendwa (North-West)
A slightly quieter neighbour to Nungwi with the same beautiful, swimmable water — and the island’s most famous New Year’s Eve beach parties right on your doorstep.
Best for New YearPaje (South-East)
The activity coast — kite surfing, paddleboarding, and diving — yet still relaxed. A good pick for active couples and groups who want festive energy without the crowds.
Best for adventureJambiani (South-East)
The quietest, most local option: small guesthouses, turquoise lagoons at low tide, and a genuine village feel for a calmer, more authentic Christmas.
Best for a quiet ChristmasArriving late on a festive flight? Book a private Zanzibar airport transfer in advance so your holiday starts stress-free — our driver meets you at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport whatever the hour.
Do It the Easy Way
Let Us Plan the Whole Festive Trip
The simplest way to spend Christmas and New Year in Zanzibar is to let us bundle it — transfers, tours, and activities in one itinerary, so you’re not chasing separate bookings during the busiest week of the year. Our multi-day holiday packages run from three to eight days and can be built entirely around your dates, budget, and the festive experiences you care about most.
A popular festive combination pairs a few beach days with a Safari Blue trip, a sunset cruise for Christmas Eve, and a Nungwi or Kendwa base for New Year’s Eve. Want wildlife too? Many guests add a safari from Zanzibar to Mikumi before their beach week — two very different sides of Tanzania in one holiday. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll design it around you.
Built Around Your Dates
Give us your arrival and departure and we’ll fit the festive must-dos around them — no clashing bookings, no wasted days.
One Transparent Price
Everything quoted up front, per person, with group discounts applied. What we quote is what you pay.
Private by Default
Most festive itineraries run as private tours — your own guide and vehicle, ideal for families and couples over the holidays.
Why Book With Blue Green
A Local Team You Can Reach — Even at Christmas
Locally Owned Since 2014
We’re a Stone Town company, not an overseas agency. Every festive tour is run by Zanzibaris who call this island home.
Fast WhatsApp Replies
No call centres or slow email chains. Message us and get a real, local answer quickly — vital when festive dates are moving fast.
5-Star Rated
1,000+ travellers guided since 2014, with verified 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and Google from families and couples worldwide.
No Hidden Festive Fees
Clear per-person pricing with no seasonal surprises. You know exactly what your Christmas trip costs before you commit.
Loved by Festive Travellers
What Our December Guests Say
“We did the private tour and it was the best decision we made — we felt like royalty. The guide, the captain and the crew were all friendly, polite and the most fun. Thank you so much; taking back amazing memories.”Radhika Majmudar Private Safari Blue · reviewed December 2025 · TripAdvisor
Good to Know
Christmas & New Year in Zanzibar — FAQ
Is Zanzibar a good place to spend Christmas?
Yes — Zanzibar is one of the best festive-season destinations in the world. December brings warm 25–32°C days, calm seas around 28°C, and long sunny hours, right as the island fills with Christmas lights, seafood feasts, and beach celebrations. You get a genuinely tropical Christmas with world-class snorkelling, dhow cruises, and New Year’s Eve parties, all within a short drive of each other.
What is the weather like in Zanzibar at Christmas and New Year?
Late December sits at the start of the short dry season. Expect daytime temperatures of 25–32°C, sea temperatures around 28°C, and up to roughly 12.5 hours of daylight. Early December can still see brief showers as the short rains clear, but conditions are typically dry, sunny and calm through the main festive window from about 20 December onward — ideal for swimming, snorkelling and boat trips.
Which tours should I book for Christmas in Zanzibar?
The festive favourites are Safari Blue (a full-day dhow, snorkelling and seafood BBQ), the Stone Town, Prison Island & Nakupenda sandbank tour, Mnemba Island snorkelling and swimming with turtles, and a sunset dhow cruise for Christmas Eve. Prices start from $10 for a Spice Farm tour up to around $65 for the full-day island trips. These are also the tours that sell out first over the holidays, so book them early.
Where are the best New Year’s Eve parties in Zanzibar?
The northern beaches host the biggest celebrations. Nungwi is the liveliest, with beach clubs, DJs, fireworks and drumming, while neighbouring Kendwa is famous across East Africa for its New Year’s Eve beach parties. Both have calm, swimmable water and spectacular sunsets. For a quieter send-off, a private sunset dhow cruise on 31 December is a memorable alternative.
How far in advance should I book Christmas and New Year tours?
As early as you can. The festive period — roughly 20 December to 2 January — is the busiest of the year, and popular tours like Safari Blue, Nakupenda and sunset cruises can sell out two to three weeks ahead. Booking your dates two to three months in advance is the safest approach and gives you the best choice of accommodation and departure times.
What is the best beach for Christmas in Zanzibar?
Nungwi is the top choice for a festive, social Christmas — calm seas, great sunsets, and close to tour departures. Kendwa suits those staying on for New Year. Paje is best for active travellers who want water sports, and Jambiani is the quietest, most local option for a calmer, more authentic Christmas away from the crowds.
Can I combine a Zanzibar Christmas holiday with a safari?
Yes, and it’s a popular festive combination. Many guests add a short wildlife safari from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park before or after their beach week, giving two very different Tanzanian experiences in one trip. We can arrange the flights, park entry and game drives as part of a single festive package so it all connects smoothly.
How do I book a Christmas or New Year tour with Blue Green Zanzibar Tours?
The fastest way is WhatsApp on +255 774 077 465 — send us your travel dates, group size and the tours you’re interested in, and we’ll confirm availability the same day. You can also email info@bluegreenzanzibartours.com or use the inquiry form on this page. We confirm bookings quickly and send full details before you travel.
Reserve Your Festive Dates
Book Your Christmas & New Year in Zanzibar
Tell us your dates and what you’d love to do — we’ll build the festive trip around you and lock in the tours before they fill up. Locally owned since 2014, and just a WhatsApp message away.
Plan My Festive Trip
Share your dates, group size and the experiences you’re after. We’ll reply with availability and a clear, all-in quote — usually the same day.