Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) in Lalibela
Code / 1684
More than a tour, this journey invites you into the heart of Ethiopia’s spiritual life. Celebrating Genna—Ethiopian Christmas—in Lalibela is a deeply intimate experience that transcends sightseeing.
Our promise
What you'll experience
A Unique Celebration of Faith
Genna, celebrated on January 7th, marks the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar. It comes at the end of a 43-day fasting period known as ‘Tseome Nebiyat’ (the fast of the prophets), during which the faithful abstain from meat and dairy. On the night before Genna, thousands of worshippers dressed in traditional white garments gather for midnight mass, which flows into the early hours of Christmas morning.
In Lalibela, these rituals are unlike anywhere else. The city’s 11 monolithic churches—carved directly into the rock in the 12th century by King Lalibela to mirror a “New Jerusalem”—become the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual performance. Circles of priests chant ancient hymns in Ge’ez, such as “Baza Kulu Lealem, Yom Tewelede” (“The Savior of the world is born today”), while the rhythmic pulse of traditional kebero drums reverberates through the highland air.
An Intimate Encounter with Sacred Tradition
This experience is more than witnessing; it’s about becoming part of the moment. You’ll live among the people of Lalibela and the surrounding villages—sharing meals, prayers, laughter, and daily life. Local families open their homes to you with genuine warmth, offering a rare opportunity to connect deeply with their spirituality and culture.
As you walk the cobbled paths lit by candles and voices in song, you won’t feel like a tourist—you’ll feel like a welcomed guest in a sacred world.
Ye Genna Chewata: The Spirit of Celebration
The festivities also include Ye Genna Chewata, a traditional game similar to field hockey played with wooden sticks (gena) and a ball (rur). Dressed in festive attire, players from surrounding villages gather on open fields to compete in this joyful and symbolic match.
Legend tells that the game began with shepherds celebrating the birth of Christ, tossing their sticks and singing with joy. Today, it continues as a symbol of unity, freedom, equality, and shared joy—values that lie at the heart of Ethiopian Christmas.
This is not simply a holiday. It is a return to the sacred.
Join us for Genna in Lalibela, and take part in one of the world’s most profound spiritual celebrations—an experience that will live within you long after you return home.
Euro 500
Prices are per person and include VAT.
Note: Due to local currency and economic fluctuations in Ethiopia, listed prices may vary. However, as part of Ayzoh! Ethiopia’s transparency policy, once your contract is signed, the agreed price is guaranteed and will not change under any circumstances.
What's included
- All domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines
- All ground transportation in a recent-model, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional Ethiopian driver
- Accommodation throughout the tour
- Three meals per day
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- All tips and gratuities, except for your tour driver (tipping is at your discretion)
- Entrance fees to all historical sites, museums, and national parks
- Fees for licensed local guides and required national park scouts
What's not included
- International flights
- Accommodation in Addis Ababa prior to the night before Day 1 (we’re happy to arrange extra nights for you if needed)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses – Credit cards are accepted in many places, but we recommend bringing some cash in US Dollars or Euros
- Ethiopian tourist visa (approximately US$52, available online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
How to Book Your Tour
FAQ / Suggestions
Absolutely! All our tours are flexible — we can adjust the itinerary, dates, and experiences to match your needs and interests.
Just fill out the contact form or message us directly. Once we agree on the plan, we’ll send you a detailed itinerary, contract, and payment instructions.
You can pay by bank transfer, credit/debit card, or PayPal. You may also choose to pay the final balance upon arrival in Ethiopia — no hidden fees.
Yes, fully refundable if you cancel at least 15 days before Day 1. After that, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
Yes! You can cancel or reschedule up to 14 days before departure with no penalty. We’ll always do our best to accommodate changes.
Yes, a 1-month tourist visa (around US$52) is required. You can get it online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Bring light, comfortable clothes for warm days, a sweater or jacket for cool evenings, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure! We'll send you a full packing list before departure.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Let’s Design Your Journey
Interested in this itinerary as it is? Or would you like to personalize it? Just fill out the form with your details — our travel designers will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
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