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.
Excellent
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I would recommend this trip. The pick-ups were on time and seamless including to and from the airports. The drivers/boat captains and tour guides spoke English and were knowledgeable friendly safe and professional. The accomodations were great including the hotel excellent customer service, clean rooms, tasty food, comfy bed, refreshing pool and hot shower with great water pressure. The excursions were fun and interesting too including Panama City Casco Viejo tour (ask for Ray the old Vietnam Vet you won't be disappointed), Panama Canal tour, Boquete Hanging Bridge, Boquete Don Pepe coffee tasting and coffee cultivating tour, Bocas Del Toro Dolphin Sloth Snorkeling and the beach at Isla Bastimentos. Now was it perfect, No. But what is in Life? Here are some tips: bring earplugs and eye mask for sleep, waterproof hiking shoes to traverse the Boquete rainforest, have plenty of bottles of water and sunscreen for Bocas. Also be advised there is no TVs except for Bocas. In addition Bocas hotel has a pool that is fabulous. Plus Bocas has great food and entertainment options sorta like a mini Key West. Overall the trip was worth the price of admission. I'm a tough customer and I really liked this trip. The travel agency Eco Circuitos of Panama is very professional and earned my Trust. The only criticism is a Whatsapp emergency contact if necessary would be nice. Not that I would have to use it because they run a tight ship. So I hope this review helps you take the plunge. Hasta LaVista Baby!
Panama Highlights: City, Highlands, and Island EscapesThis 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 BonitaMarvin was awesome, a great, knowledgeable guide and an excellent person. Highly recommended. The locations were perfect.
Costa Rica & Panama Discovery
10 best Christmas & New Year Panama tour packages
Compiled by
SteffPanama travel expert at TourRadar
- Tropical Adventure in Panama: Gamboa Rainforest and Panama City
- San Blas Yanis Island Budget Experience 4D/3N
- Panama Highlights: City, Highlands, and Island Escapes
- 7 Days Panama Honeymoon: Romance in Paradise
- San Blas Yanis Island Budget Experience 3D/2N
- Panama Discovery Tour – 5 Days / 4 Nights Tour
- Tailor-Made 10 Days Panama Highlights Tour, Daily Depart & Private Guide
- Tailor-Made Private 6 Days Adventure to Panama Canal & Rainforest, Daily Start
- Panama: Sandy Beaches & San Blas Sunsets
- Urban to Island: Panama City & Bocas Adventure
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$1,800
San Blas Yanis Island Budget Experience 4D/3N
“Chichime has few tourists compared to some of the other islands. The hosts are preparing fresh seafood for lunch and dinner.”
Stefan, traveled in February
San Blas holidays feature festive seafood dinners at Yanis Island. Dog Island's shipwreck and Natural Pool's crystal waters beckon adventurers. Beachfront cabin stays and guided tours complement seasonal celebrations with local Guna community.
Duration 4 days Destinations Panama City, Guna Yala, San Blas Islands Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- US$421
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, Pearl Islands, San Blas Islands Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- US$2,550
San Blas Yanis Island Budget Experience 3D/2N
“It's a small paradise! Plenty of time to relax.”
Christian, traveled in July
This 3-day San Blas escape offers holiday festivities Panama-style. Dive into Dog Island's shipwreck, float in Natural Pool's crystal waters, and savor festive beachfront dinners on Yanis Island. Transportation includes guided cultural experiences and scenic 4x4 rides from Panama City.
Duration 3 days Destinations Panama City, San Blas Islands Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- US$336
Duration 5 days Destinations Panama, Panama City, San Blas Islands Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Across Caribbean Excursions From
- US$1,494
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, Contadora Island, Gamboa, Bocas Del Toro, Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- US$5,839
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."