Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Sicily
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Sicily. We have 25 adventures that vary from 4 days to 14 days. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best christmas & new year Sicily tours
Compiled by
MelissaSicily travel expert at TourRadar
- Private Tour of Sicily from Palermo to Palermo
- Explore Southern Sicily
- 4 Day Self Guided Palermo, Italy
- Discovering Palermo
- 5 Day Best of Sicily Tour Package
- 8 Day Taste of Sicily Tour Package
- 6 Days Tour in Italy from Catania to Palermo.
- Sicily & Malta: A 10-Day Journey Through Mediterranean Splendor
- Sicily Revealed: A Journey Through UNESCO Wonders
- Sicilian Experience Tour
Private Tour of Sicily from Palermo to Palermo
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The concept, content, and delivery of the tour were excellent! The places and sites visited were well selected and planned.”
Mary, traveled in October
The UNESCO-listed Norman Cathedral in Monreale features golden Byzantine mosaics, along with Palermo's Cappella Palatina decorated for the festive season. Stay at 4-star hotels like Grand Hotel Villa Itria near Mount Etna while trying traditional Sicilian chocolate in Modica and sampling wines at Marsala wineries. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento includes the well-preserved Temple of Concord, and you'll walk through the baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa Ibla.
Duration 8 days Destinations Palermo, Cefalu, Piazza Armerina, Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, ModicaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Soleto Travel From $3,836
20% Off- US$3,069You save $767
Explore Southern Sicily
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our tour of Southern Sicily was excellent. The experience exceeded our every need.”
Jenny, traveled in September
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, Agrigento, Trapani, Palermo Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,149
10% Off- US$1,934You save $215
Palermo's illuminated Teatro Massimo and the golden mosaics of Monreale Cathedral shine during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Traditional Sicilian holiday markets in La Kalsa district offer seasonal sfincione and festive treats at local venues. Stay at Tonic Hotel or Principe di Villafranca Hotel with breakfast included, plus private transfers and hop-on hop-off access to Art Nouveau villas decorated for the celebrations.
Duration 4 days Destinations Palermo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $700
20% Off- US$560You save $140
Discover Sicily's Christmas charm in this 4-day Palermo adventure, staying at the elegant Hotel Palazzo Natoli. Explore the festively decorated Cappella Palatina with its golden Byzantine mosaics, learn traditional holiday recipes at Mercato del Capo, and journey to medieval Erice. Conclude with seasonal wine tasting amid Marsala's historic salt mills.
Duration 4 days Destinations Palermo, Erice, Marsala Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TUI Italia From $954
15% Off- US$811You save $143
Winter festivities illuminate Catania's Baroque streets and snow-dusted Mount Etna. Syracuse's Neapolis Archaeological Park and UNESCO-listed Noto dazzle visitors, while seasonal tastings at local farms add flavor. Four cozy nights in Catania and spectacular winter views from Taormina create lasting memories.
Duration 5 days Destinations Catania, Noto, Taormina, Syracuse, Island of Ortigia, Mount Etna Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Tourist Journey From
15% Off- US$985
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
15% Off- US$1,925
Duration 6 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Ragusa, Marsala, Monreale, Palermo Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Remaz Tours GmbH From
15% Off- US$2,332
UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the golden mosaics of Monreale Cathedral and the Arab-Norman architecture of Palermo's Palatine Chapel. The baroque town of Noto is known for its honey-colored palaces and ornate buildings. Climbing Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, provides views across Sicily. Taormina's ancient Greco-Roman theatre sits perched above the Ionian Sea. A ferry crossing takes you to Malta where you'll spend Christmas or New Year's in Valletta's historic fortified streets. St. John's Co-Cathedral in Malta features baroque interior and ornate chapels. A full-day trip to Gozo includes the Citadel in Victoria, set on clifftops overlooking the island.
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
15% Off- US$7,890+$2,030 upfront costs
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
15% Off- US$5,511
Duration 10 days Destinations Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Erice, Marsala, Agrigento, Ragusa, Syracuse, Mount Etna, TaorminaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From
15% Off- US$2,506
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Sicily
- 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.
Guide was good but with one exception hotels were very sub par. One in Syracuse was third floor, no elevator, slippery marble steps, no handrail and no internet or air conditioning! Total disappointment. Should have booked with Gate 1
Explore Southern Sicily
- Sicily Revealed: A Journey Through UNESCO Wonders
I had an amazing experience with My Art Collection's tour service. The guides were knowledgeable and passionate about the art pieces, making the tour informative and engaging. The collection is impressive, and the tour enhanced my appreciation for art. I highly recommend My Art Collection for a unique and enriching experience.
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."