Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Panama
Want to escape winter holidays for Central American sun and beaches? Panama over Christmas and New Year means warm weather, Panama City's modern skyline and Casco Viejo's colonial quarter, and San Blas Islands with indigenous Guna communities. Holiday season brings festive touches but you're mainly there for sun, beaches, and that canal.
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- Choose from 35 Panama tours
- 11 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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Stephen • traveled in August, 2025
We added this by lengthening our stopover in order to see the Panama Canal operations and learn the history through a guided tour of Panama City. In the short visit, with a knowledgeable guide, we got it all. By the way, the film about the history of the canal in iMax is not to be missed.
Fascinating Panamá - 3 days - J
Joseph • traveled in September
Ask questions regarding the transfers to and from the different stops on the tour especially from Quito to Baños. Loved Ecuador and all the places visited. Would have given 5 stars but as mentioned the transfers and small details that make all the difference.
Explore Panama and Enjoy Paradise at Playa Bonita - S
Stefan • traveled in February
San Blas islands are really amazing. Chichime has few tourists compared to some of the other islands. The first night I was the only tourist on the island. The hosts are preparing fresh seafood for lunch and dinner and one boat trip for visiting other islands and to go snorkelling was included. Accomodation is simple, but beautiful with electricity only a few hours in the evening. The drive from Panama City to the jetty is very scenic and during the boat trip you pass some very beautiful islands. Overall an amazing trip.
San Blas Yanis Island Budget Experience 4D/3N
10 best Christmas & New Year Panama tour packages
Compiled by
SteffPanama travel expert at TourRadar
- Tropical Adventure in Panama: Gamboa Rainforest and Panama City
- Tailor-Made Adventure to Panama Canal & Rainforest, Daily Departure
- Panama Small Group 7Days/6Nights
- Tailor-Made 7 Days Best Panama Tour. Daily Departure & Private Guide
- Panama Highlights: City, Highlands, and Island Escapes
- Panama Highlights 7 Days/6 Nights
- 2-Day Trip to Paradise San Blas Island + Meals + Boat Tour
- Panama's Best: The Canal, Coffee, and Cloud Forest Escape
- Fascinating Panamá - 3 days
- Panama & San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) - 5 days
Duration 7 days Destinations Panama City, Gamboa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator BM Tours From
- US$1,378
Private tours of UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo and Miraflores Locks showcase Panama's holiday spirit. Cultural experiences at Embera Village and wildlife viewing at Soberania National Park complement festive stays at Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero.
Duration 6 days Destinations Panama City, Soberania National Park, Gamboa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- US$3,289
Duration 7 days Destinations Panama City Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Across Caribbean Excursions From
- US$3,565
Illuminated Casco Viejo and Soberania National Park's seasonal wildlife create holiday magic in Panama. Traditional Christmas celebrations in Embera Village pair with festive cruising through Panama Canal's Miraflores Locks.
Duration 7 days Destinations Panama City, Soberania National Park, Pearl Islands Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- US$3,889
Panama's iconic destinations shine during holidays, from Miraflores Locks to Boquete's coffee estates. Luxury awaits at Amarla Hotel in Casco Viejo, while cloud forest walks and Caribbean relaxation at Tropical Suites mark seasonal celebrations.
Duration 10 days Destinations Panama City, Boquete, Bocas Del Toro Age Range Ages 25+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator EcoCircuitos Panama From
- US$3,263
Duration 7 days Destinations Panama City Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Across Caribbean Excursions From
- US$3,465
Isla Yansailadup offers authentic Panamanian holiday celebrations with boat tours to Isla Misdup's pristine beaches. Special holiday meals grace the beachfront restaurant, while seasonal wildlife spotting and starlit celebrations define San Blas's Lemon Keys.
Duration 2 days Destinations Panama City, San Blas Islands Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator TaoTravel365 From
- US$170+$22 local payments
The illuminated streets of Casco Viejo and Miraflores Locks shine bright during holiday tours. Seasonal charm awaits at Amarla Boutique Hotel and Finca Lerida, while decorated cloud forests and holiday-themed coffee tastings enchant visitors in Boquete's highlands.
Duration 7 days Destinations Panama City, Boquete Age Range Ages 25+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator EcoCircuitos Panama From
- US$2,625
Fascinating Panamá - 3 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We got it all. By the way, the film about the history of the canal in iMax is not to be missed.”
Stephen, traveled in August
Holiday decorations transform San Felipe's colonial streets while special evening viewings illuminate Miraflores Locks. Seasonal shopping beckons at Albrook Mall's 700 stores as celebration crowds gather along Calzada de Amador's waterfront promenade.
Duration 3 days Destinations Panama City Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $399
10% Off- US$359You save $40
Panama's treasures from Panama La Vieja's historic sites to Albrook Mall's festive shopping create holiday magic. Special meals accompany visits to San Blas' Dog Island and Devil Island. Colonial Casco Antiguo hosts Christmas events while Taboga Island welcomes the New Year.
Duration 5 days Destinations Panama City, San Blas Islands Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $899
10% Off- US$809You save $90
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Panama
What special holiday activities and events can I experience during a Christmas & New Year tour in Panama?
Panama's festive season blends local traditions with modern celebrations throughout December and January. The colonial streets of Casco Antiguo transform with lights and holiday markets while the Amador Causeway becomes a prime spot for watching New Year's fireworks over the Panama Canal. Local restaurants like Las Bóvedas serve holiday menus featuring traditional Panamanian Christmas dishes. Hotels across Panama City from boutique properties to international chains like the Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero create special holiday programs from Christmas brunches to New Year's Eve galas.
What kind of accommodation can I expect during Christmas & New Year in Panama?
Panama's holiday accommodations range from city hotels to mountain retreats. The Amarla Boutique Hotel in Casco Viejo decorates extensively for the season and hosts holiday events. In the mountains Finca Lerida offers Christmas celebrations surrounded by coffee plantations. Beach lovers can welcome the New Year at places like Tropical Suites in Bocas del Toro. A recent guest shared "The Amarla Boutique Hotel went all out for Christmas with beautiful decorations and a special Christmas Eve dinner that made our stay magical."
What are the costs and what's typically included in Panama Christmas & New Year tours?
A 7-10 day Panama holiday tour costs between USD 1500-3500 per person. The price typically covers rooms at select properties like the Amarla Boutique Hotel daily breakfast festive dinners Panama Canal tours and holiday activities. Extra costs may include New Year's Eve events trips to Soberania National Park and flights to locations like Bocas del Toro. According to a recent visitor "While the holiday season pricing was higher the special Christmas activities and New Year's celebrations made it worthwhile."
How far in advance should I book a Panama Christmas & New Year tour?
Panama's holiday season requires early planning with recommended booking windows of 6-8 months ahead. Popular spots like the Amarla Boutique Hotel and Finca Lerida fill up quickly for December dates. TourRadar data shows travelers book Panama holiday tours an average of 438 days in advance. The San Blas Islands prove especially popular with one traveler noting "we nearly missed out on our Christmas trip to San Blas because we waited until September to book - thankfully got the last cabin available!"
What's the weather like in Panama during Christmas & New Year?
December and January bring Panama's most reliable weather with temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C). Panama City enjoys clear skies perfect for outdoor activities and canal visits. Boquete's highlands cool to around 65°F (18°C) in the evenings ideal for coffee tours and walks. The Caribbean coast including San Blas Islands sees occasional afternoon rain but maintains warm waters and pleasant conditions. Past visitors note "the perfect December weather made our boat tour to Pearl Islands absolutely magical during the holiday season."
How do Panamanians celebrate Christmas and New Year, and can tourists participate?
Panama opens its holiday traditions warmly to visitors. Tourists can attend midnight mass at Panama City's Metropolitan Cathedral join family-style dinners or watch fireworks over the Panama Canal on New Year's Eve. The mountain town of Boquete offers traditional celebrations at venues like Finca Lerida while coastal regions like Bocas del Toro host beach parties. One visitor recalled "The locals welcomed us into their Christmas celebrations sharing traditional foods and customs that made our experience truly authentic."