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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- K
Khalid • traveled in July
Great guides and the tour program was one the best ??
Panama Circuit: Panama City, Pearl and San Blas islands- 7 days - S
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 - K
Katrina • traveled in June, 2025
This tour was arranged for my clients. They absolutely LOVED the location of the first hotel, though there were some hiccups with the arrangements. They said the tours were good as well. The 4 stars come as a result of communication with the tour operator. Responses were not provided in a timely manner, which means I could not relay information to my clients in a timely manner.
Explore Panama and Enjoy Paradise at Playa Bonita
10 best Christmas & New Year Panama tour packages
Compiled by
SteffPanama travel expert at TourRadar
- Panama City Express 5D/4N
- Tropical Adventure in Panama: Gamboa Rainforest and Panama City
- Urban to Island: Panama City & Bocas Adventure
- Tailor-Made 10 Days Panama Highlights Tour, Daily Depart & Private Guide
- Tailor-Made Private 6 Days Adventure to Panama Canal & Rainforest, Daily Start
- Panama's San Blas Islands - 4 days
- 2-Day Trip to Paradise San Blas Island + Meals + Boat Tour
- Flavors of Panama: Jungle, Coffee, and Sea in 9 days
- Panama Circuit: Panama City, Pearl and San Blas islands- 7 days
- Fascinating Panamá - 3 days
This 5-day private tour starts in Panama City, where you'll check out UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo's colonial Presidential Palace and grand Cathedral before heading to Miraflores Locks to see how the canal works. The highlight is a full-day transit cruise beneath the Bridge of the Americas.
Duration 5 days Destinations Panama City, Gamboa, Soberania National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- US$1,162
Trips run throughout December, January, and all months through 2026, giving you plenty of flexibility for holiday planning. The nighttime dinner show in illuminated Casco Antiguo features live performances and fusion food, then you'll spend 3 nights at Gamboa's all-inclusive resort where daily dinners come with drinks.
Duration 7 days Destinations Panama City, Gamboa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator BM Tours From
- US$1,450
Panama's iconic locations sparkle during Christmas at Miraflores Locks and New Year in Bocas del Toro. Hotel Central and Tropical Suites offer festive stays, complemented by holiday-themed meals and private guided tours to Embera village and Zapatilla Island.
Duration 7 days Destinations Panama City, Bocas Del Toro Age Range Ages 25+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator EcoCircuitos Panama From
- US$2,302
Festive Panama Canal cruises through Miraflores Locks lead to Christmas celebrations at Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero. Colonial Casco Viejo hosts New Year's festivities, while Dolphin Bay offers seasonal wildlife watching.
Duration 10 days Destinations Panama City, Pearl Islands, Bocas Del Toro Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- US$5,839
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, Gamboa, Soberania National Park, Embera Village Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- US$3,289
Duration 4 days Destinations Panama City, Guna Yala, San Blas Islands Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$530
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
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."