Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Sicily
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Sicily. We have 35 adventures that vary from 4 days to 12 days. With the greatest number of departures in November, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best christmas & new year Sicily tours
Compiled by
MelissaSicily travel expert at TourRadar
- Adventure in Sicily: Behind Volcanoes and the Sea
- Private Tour of Sicily from Palermo to Palermo
- Explore Southern Sicily
- Sicily Revealed: A Journey Through UNESCO Wonders
- Sicily Quick Escape
- Discover Sicily
- Sicily & Malta: A 10-Day Journey Through Mediterranean Splendor
- 4 Day Self Guided Palermo, Italy
- 8 Day Taste of Sicily Tour Package
- 8 Days Tour in Catania, Syracuse, Etna, Marsala and Palermo.
Adventure in Sicily: Behind Volcanoes and the Sea
“Had a Great time on Sicily!”
Ena, traveled in July
Duration 7 days Destinations Ragusa, Marzamemi, Agrigento, Scopello, San Vito Lo Capo, Palermo, Mount Etna, Taormina Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From $541
15% off- US$460+$1,174 upfront costs
Private Tour of Sicily from Palermo to Palermo
“The accommodations and the drivers were great. This tour made a new and different part of Italy easy to enjoy.”
Polly, traveled in September
This private 8-day trip takes you through Sicily's UNESCO sites and baroque towns during the festive season. You'll see the golden Byzantine mosaics of Christ Pantocrator at Cefalù's Norman Cathedral, check out ancient Roman floor mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale, and walk through Noto, Ragusa Ibla, and Modica's baroque streets.
Duration 8 days Destinations Palermo, Cefalu, Piazza Armerina, Viagrande, Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, RagusaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Soleto Travel From $3,914
18% off- US$3,210
Explore Southern Sicily
“It was a fabulous experience and I have recommended G Adventures to many folks since my reti home.”
Pauline, traveled in April
Sicily's winter charm unfolds at Monreale Cathedral's golden mosaics and Syracuse's Christmas markets. The Valley of the Temples provides a majestic backdrop while seasonal specialties enhance the festive atmosphere in historic baroque cities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, Marsala, Trapani, Egadi Islands, EriceSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,149
25% off- US$1,612
Holiday magic comes alive in Sicily's December tours through illuminated baroque towns like Noto and Ragusa. Festive markets brighten Palermo's squares, traditional treats delight in Erice, and Taormina provides a stunning backdrop for New Year celebrations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Syracuse, Noto, Marzamemi, Catania, Mount EtnaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator My Art Collection Travel From
25% off- US$4,206
Sicily Quick Escape
“It's a great way to make traveling simpler and more enjoyable.”
Kristina, traveled in February
Catania's Piazza Università and Syracuse's baroque Ortigia island come alive with festive celebrations during Christmas and New Year. A cable car takes you up Mount Etna to see Europe's most active volcano covered in winter scenery. Seasonal Sicilian feasts await at Ristorante Zio Agatino by the sea, where you'll try traditional holiday dishes. Palermo's Ballaró Market offers holiday street food like arancini and panelle during the festive season. San Giovanni degli Eremiti's red domes catch the winter light, showing off its Norman-Moorish architecture.
Duration 5 days Destinations Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, Island of Ortigia, Palermo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
25% off- US$327+$489 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Palermo, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian Operator Expeditions Gateways From $3,190
4% off- US$3,062
Spend 10 days across Sicily and Malta during the festive season, starting in Palermo where you'll check out the Arab-Norman Palatine Chapel with its golden mosaics and Monreale Cathedral's baroque design. Head up Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, then visit Taormina's Greco-Roman theatre.
Duration 10 days Destinations Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Catania, Taormina, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Noto, Valletta, GozoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator My Art Collection Travel From
4% off- US$4,206
Ring in the holidays with 3 nights at Tonic Hotel or Principe di Villafranca Hotel from January to March 2026, using hop-on hop-off buses to see the old center and Art Nouveau spots like Zisa Castle. Walk La Kalsa's lanes to Teatro Massimo and Santa Maria dello Spasimo, sampling sfincione pizza at markets.
Duration 4 days Destinations Palermo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $712
35% off- US$463
Winter magic fills Sicily's festive cities during Christmas. Holiday markets animate Palermo's streets, seasonal cooking classes delight in Taormina, and Mount Etna beckons with winter adventures. Special yuletide menus enhance celebrations throughout the eight-day tour.
Duration 8 days Destinations Palermo, Taormina, Mount Etna, Noto, Syracuse, Catania Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Tourist Journey From
35% off- US$1,322
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Ragusa, Marsala, Monreale, Cefalu, Mount Etna Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Remaz Tours GmbH From
35% off- US$2,131
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Sicily
- Adventure in Sicily: Behind Volcanoes and the Sea
The trip met all my expectations and in many ways even exceeded them. The organization was at a very high level, everything went smoothly without any unnecessary complications. The itinerary was diverse and well-balanced – we had plenty of time for exploring new places as well as relaxing. Overall, I rate this experience very positively and would definitely recommend this trip to anyone looking for a carefree holiday full of new experiences.
- Private Tour of Sicily from Palermo to Palermo
I have mixed feelings about this tour. In general, it was a self-guided tour. I expected that our driver would provide enough information about places to be visited. One driver did not speak English at all. All the hotels were fine, with good services. Sicily is a beautiful country and we fell in love with it.
- Explore Southern Sicily
Our tour of Southern Sicily was excellent with our tour guide Helena meeting our every need.
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Sicily
What special Christmas and New Year activities are included in Sicily tours during the holiday season?
Sicily's holiday tours blend cultural experiences with festive traditions. Visitors can attend midnight mass at Monreale Cathedral near Palermo and join traditional Christmas celebrations at local establishments. Hotel Palazzo Natoli in Palermo serves regional holiday dishes while New Year's brings lively fireworks displays against Mount Etna's silhouette. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The Christmas dinner in Palermo was magical with traditional Sicilian dishes and festive atmosphere making it truly special."
What are the must-see holiday season attractions in Sicily?
Sicily's Christmas season comes alive with handcrafted nativity scenes (presepi) throughout Syracuse and Palermo's churches. The historic center of Catania hosts open-air Christmas markets while Mount Etna provides a backdrop for New Year's fireworks. The Valley of Temples in Agrigento features special holiday lighting. As one TourRadar traveler mentions: "The nativity scenes in Syracuse's Duomo were incredibly detailed and brought the Christmas spirit to life."
What traditional Sicilian Christmas foods can I expect to try?
Sicily's Christmas table features local specialties like buccellati (fig cookies) and cuccìa (sweet wheat berry pudding). Christmas Eve brings seafood dishes such as baked swordfish. Restaurants like Villa Romana del Casale serve these seasonal delicacies as part of tour experiences. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "The Christmas Eve feast of seven fishes in Syracuse was an unforgettable culinary experience."
What accommodation options are available for Christmas and New Year tours in Sicily?
Holiday accommodations range from the sea-view Hotel Villa Diodoro in Taormina to the classic Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes in central Palermo. Most properties offer festive gala dinners and seasonal celebrations. The Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel in Syracuse provides an intimate setting in the historic district. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "Our Christmas stay at the boutique hotels was magical - they really went above and beyond with festive decorations and holiday treats in our rooms."
What's the weather like in Sicily during Christmas and New Year?
Winter in Sicily brings mild temperatures with coastal areas like Palermo and Catania averaging 55-60°F (13-15°C). Snow often caps Mount Etna while coastal regions stay moderate for exploring. Evening temperatures drop notably in elevated towns like Taormina requiring warm clothing. According to a TourRadar traveler review "We had perfect winter weather during our December tour - cool enough to enjoy walking through historic sites but still pleasant enough to dine al fresco in Ortygia's charming squares."
How do Sicilians celebrate New Year's Eve?
New Year's in Sicily features fireworks across Palermo and Catania accompanied by midnight feasts where lentils symbolize good fortune. Tour packages often include gala events at historic locations. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Watching fireworks over the Mediterranean from Taormina while enjoying prosecco was an incredible way to welcome the New Year."