Yearly Highlights
Best Parties in Zanzibar, every year, christmas, new year
Some restaurants and hotels host Christmas and year-end events.
Hotel SERENA, Antonio Garden Hotel Stonetown
Christmas parties are held at these hotels:
End-of-year parties are held at these restaurants and hotels:
You will always find events in the restaurants towns of Paje,
Nungwi … and in the capital Stonetown.
Yearly Highlights: Christmas, New Year & Festivals
The big highlights arrive at the end of the year. Around Christmas and New Year, restaurants and hotels across the island – from Stone Town’s rooftop terraces to the beach resorts in Paje and Nungwi – organize special dinners, fireworks, and live music. Families enjoy holiday buffets, while party lovers dance the night away under the stars.
Other major yearly events include the Sauti za Busara Festival in February, one of Africa’s best-known music festivals, bringing artists from across the continent to Stone Town. The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) takes place in July, turning the Old Fort and surrounding areas into open-air cinemas and cultural hubs.
During Ramadan and Eid, the island has a different rhythm, with night markets full of sweets, juices, and grilled delicacies. It is a wonderful time to experience Zanzibar’s traditions.
Dining & Lifestyle Experiences
Zanzibar’s restaurants and hotels play a central role in the entertainment scene. In Stone Town, rooftop restaurants with panoramic views of the ocean are perfect for sunset cocktails and live music. On the east coast, beach clubs in Paje offer day-to-night vibes, starting with yoga sessions in the morning, fresh seafood for lunch, and DJs at night.
Luxury resorts in Nungwi often invite international chefs and mixologists for seasonal events, making it possible to taste world cuisine right by the Indian Ocean.
Christmas & New Year Celebrations in Zanzibar
Zanzibar, with its tropical climate, white sandy beaches, and vibrant cultural mix, has become one of the most exciting holiday destinations for end-of-year celebrations. From cozy Christmas dinners to large-scale New Year’s beach parties, the island offers something for every traveler who wishes to celebrate the festive season in a unique and unforgettable way.
Christmas on the Island
Unlike Europe, where Christmas is often celebrated in cold winter landscapes, Christmas in Zanzibar comes with warm temperatures, turquoise waters, and palm trees decorated with lights. Hotels and restaurants across the island create special menus and festive programs to bring guests into the holiday spirit.
In Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar, boutique hotels and international restaurants prepare Christmas buffets featuring both traditional dishes and Swahili specialties. Visitors can enjoy roasted meats, fresh seafood, tropical fruit, and holiday cakes while surrounded by live taarab music or soft jazz evenings. Churches in Stone Town also hold Christmas services, giving travelers the opportunity to experience the spiritual side of the holiday in a local setting.
In Paje, known for its long beaches and kitesurfing scene, Christmas is celebrated in a more relaxed and youthful way. Beach clubs and guesthouses host Christmas Eve dinners directly on the sand, where travelers gather under the stars to enjoy barbecues, cocktails, and live music. The atmosphere is laid-back, often accompanied by bonfires and acoustic guitar sessions.
In Nungwi, on the northern tip of the island, luxury resorts as well as mid-range hotels organize festive gala dinners with elaborate buffets and entertainment. Some resorts even offer Christmas-themed shows, dance performances, or traditional drumming to mix global holiday vibes with African rhythm. Families often choose this area because of the wide selection of family-friendly accommodations and activities.
New Year’s Eve Highlights
New Year’s Eve in Zanzibar is famous for its energy, music, and unforgettable beach parties. While Christmas has a more cozy and intimate vibe, the island truly comes alive as the year comes to a close.
In Stone Town, rooftop bars and seaside restaurants create a magical setting with candlelit dinners, fireworks over the ocean, and live bands. The streets are buzzing with locals and tourists alike, celebrating with music and dance until after midnight.
In Paje, the beach transforms into one of the island’s most vibrant party scenes. Travelers from all over the world gather for all-night events with international DJs, fire shows, and dancing on the sand until sunrise. The atmosphere is youthful, energetic, and full of international flair.
Nungwi offers a mix of stylish resort parties and open beach celebrations. Many hotels host gala dinners that lead into countdown parties with live bands, acrobatics, and fireworks. The northern beaches, known for their lively nightlife, are among the most popular spots to welcome the new year.
Why Zanzibar is Special
What makes Christmas and New Year in Zanzibar unique is the combination of African hospitality, tropical island beauty, and international holiday traditions. Guests can spend the day snorkeling, diving, or exploring spice plantations, and then join festive celebrations in the evening. The mix of cultures—Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European—creates a rich and colorful holiday experience.
Quiet Christmas dinner with your family, a romantic evening under the stars, or an unforgettable New Year’s Eve beach party with hundreds of travelers, Zanzibar has the perfect celebration waiting for you.