4 Days Lalibela Ethiopian Christmas Festival Tour

Tour Overview

Experience one of Ethiopia’s most important religious celebrations on this 4-day Lalibela Ethiopian Christmas – Genna – festival tour.

Travel to Lalibela to explore its remarkable rock-hewn churches before joining pilgrims and worshippers gathering for Ethiopian Christmas. The celebration combines prayer, chanting, candlelight, white traditional clothing and centuries-old Orthodox Christian traditions within one of Ethiopia’s most extraordinary religious landscapes.

Lalibela is particularly famous for major celebrations including Genna, Timkat and Meskel, and Ethiopian Christmas is normally celebrated on January 7, or a day later in Ethiopian leap years.

This short festival package is ideal for travellers wanting to combine Lalibela’s historical attractions with a major living cultural and religious experience.

Tour Highlights

• Experience Ethiopian Christmas in Lalibela
• Join the atmosphere of pilgrims arriving for Genna
• Explore Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches
• Visit the famous Bete Giyorgis
• Experience chanting, processions and religious ceremonies
• See Lalibela during one of its most important annual celebrations
• Learn about Ethiopian Orthodox Christian traditions
• Experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony
• Enjoy the dramatic highland landscapes surrounding Lalibela

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Addis Ababa → Lalibela

Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela and transfer to your hotel.

Begin exploring the rock-hewn churches, visiting one of the main church groups and learning about Lalibela’s history, architecture and religious importance.

As the festival approaches, the town becomes increasingly busy with pilgrims travelling from different parts of Ethiopia.

Overnight: Lalibela

Day 2 – Lalibela Churches & Festival Preparations

Continue exploring Lalibela’s churches, trenches and passageways.

Visit additional churches including, where appropriate, Bete Giyorgis.

During the afternoon and evening, experience the growing festival atmosphere as pilgrims gather around the churches.

Attend appropriate religious activities with your guide and observe local customs respectfully.

Overnight: Lalibela

Day 3 – Ethiopian Christmas / Genna Celebration

Wake early to experience the main Ethiopian Christmas celebrations.

Thousands of worshippers traditionally gather around the churches dressed predominantly in white.

Witness prayers, chanting and religious ceremonies taking place within and around the ancient church complex.

The remainder of the day can be used for additional sightseeing, photography and experiencing Lalibela during the celebration.

Overnight: Lalibela

Day 4 – Lalibela → Addis Ababa

Transfer to Lalibela Airport and fly back to Addis Ababa.

Continue with your international departure or other Ethiopia travel arrangements.

Tour Includes

• Domestic flights if included in the confirmed package
• Airport transfers
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Local Lalibela guide
• Accommodation
• Breakfast
• Lalibela church entrance fees
• Festival-related sightseeing
• Drinking water during excursions
• Government taxes

Tour Excludes

• International airfare
• Ethiopian visa
• Travel insurance
• Lunch and dinner unless included
• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Photography fees where applicable

Additional Information

Festival Dates

Ethiopian Christmas – Genna – is normally celebrated on January 7.

Travellers should book festival tours well in advance because Lalibela becomes particularly busy during major religious celebrations.

Religious Etiquette

Dress modestly and follow your guide’s instructions concerning photography, footwear and access to sacred areas.