Victoria Falls at Christmas & New Year's: The Ultimate Holiday Adventure

Spending Christmas and New Year's at Victoria Falls offers a completely different kind of holiday experience—swapping snow and fireplaces for African sunshine and thundering waterfalls, traditional turkey dinner for boma feasts under the stars, and shopping malls for wildlife safaris. It's an adventure that creates memories far beyond typical holiday celebrations.

December at Victoria Falls sits squarely in the region's wet season, meaning warm temperatures, occasional afternoon thunderstorms, rising water levels, and peak tourist season pricing. But it also means spectacular natural conditions, festive atmosphere, and the chance to celebrate the holidays in one of the world's most remarkable locations.

What to Expect in December

Weather and Conditions

Temperature:

• Daytime: 28-35°C (82-95°F)
• Nighttime: 18-24°C (64-75°F)
• Very warm to hot throughout
• High humidity as rains begin

Rainfall:

• Increasing through the month
• Typical: 5-8 rainy days
• Usually afternoon thunderstorms
• Brief but intense
• Don't let this deter you!

Water Levels:

• Starting to rise after dry season
• By late December, flow increases noticeably
• Still moderate (not full flood)
• Good visibility at viewpoints
• Spray increasing but manageable

Crowd Levels

December is PEAK SEASON, particularly:

• December 20-30: Busiest period
• Christmas Week: Maximum crowds
• New Year's Week: Also very busy
• Early December: Slightly quieter
• Pre-Christmas: Better availability

What This Means:

• Book accommodations 3-6 months ahead
• Popular activities fill up quickly
• Higher prices across the board
• More social, festive atmosphere
• Need reservations for restaurants

Christmas at Victoria Falls

Special Events and Celebrations

Christmas Day Activities:

Most hotels and lodges organize special celebrations:

• Traditional Christmas Lunch: Many hotels serve formal Christmas meals
• Poolside BBQs: Some properties offer outdoor festive gatherings
• Children's Programs: Santa visits, kids' activities at family resorts
• Church Services: Several English-language services available
• Special Dinner Menus: Fine dining options throughout town

Popular Hotel Celebrations:

• Victoria Falls Hotel: Formal Christmas lunch with traditional British fare
• Royal Livingstone: Elegant Christmas festivities with African flair
• The Kingdom: Family-friendly poolside celebration
• Safari Lodges: Bush Christmas with game drives and outdoor dining

Christmas Day Activity Options

Open on Christmas:

• Helicopter flights: Reduced schedule but available
• Victoria Falls viewing (park open normal hours)
• Sunset cruises: Special Christmas cruises
• Most adrenaline activities: Limited or closed
• Wildlife safaris: Some operators running
• Pools and hotel facilities: All open

Closed on Christmas:

• Most restaurants in town
• Many activity operators
• Shops and markets
• Some tour services

Pro Tip: Book any Christmas Day activities well in advance—limited availability and high demand.

New Year's Eve Celebrations

New Year's at Victoria Falls is spectacular with multiple celebration options:

Major Events:

1. The Kingdom at Victoria Falls

   • Big outdoor party
   • Live music and DJs
   • Fireworks display
   • Dinner packages available
   • Most popular public event

2. Victoria Falls Hotel

   • Elegant black-tie affair
   • Formal dinner
   • Dancing and entertainment
   • Historic setting
   • Premium pricing

3. Royal Livingstone (Zambia Side)

   • Upscale celebration
   • Zambezi River setting
   • Gourmet dinner
   • Sophisticated atmosphere

4. River Cruises

   • Special New Year's Eve sunset cruises
   • Champagne at midnight
   • Fireworks viewing from water
   • Unique perspective
   • Book months ahead

5. Backpacker Hostels

   • Shoestrings Backpackers (Zimbabwe)
   • Jollyboys (Zambia)
   • Budget-friendly parties
   • Social atmosphere
   • International crowd

Costs:

• Hotel galas: $150-300 per person
• River cruises: $100-200 per person
• Backpacker parties: $20-50 per person
• Restaurant dinners: $50-100 per person

Booking: Reserve New Year's Eve activities by October for best options.

Activities During Holiday Season

Best Experiences for Christmas/New Year's

Must-Do Activities:

1. Victoria Falls Viewing

   • Perfect December conditions
   • Not too much spray yet
   • Great visibility
   • Christmas morning visit is magical
   • Rising water levels create power

2. Helicopter Flight

   • THE Christmas gift to yourself
   • Crystal clear December air
   • Spectacular aerial views
   • Book way ahead for holidays
   • $150-284 per person

3. Sunset Cruise

   • Romantic and relaxing
   • Wildlife viewing
   • Christmas/NYE special cruises
   • Perfect temperature
   • $65-80 per person

4. Chobe Day Trip

   • Excellent wildlife viewing
   • Animals at water sources
   • Full-day adventure
   • Perfect December activity
   • Book ahead for holidays

5. White Water Rafting

   • Still good conditions early December
   • Water rising by late December
   • Amazing adventure
   • Great way to beat the heat
   • Check seasonal operations

Family-Friendly Options:

• Game drives
• Elephant interactions
• Cultural village tours
• Swimming and hotel pools
• Walking tours of the falls
• Craft market shopping

Activities to Avoid in December

May Be Limited:

• Devil's Pool: Closes mid-December as water rises
• Extreme low-water activities: Season ending
• Some rafting rapids: Rising water affects availability

Family Holiday at Victoria Falls

Kid-Friendly Activities

Ages 5-12:

• Victoria Falls viewing (exciting but safe)
• Sunset river cruises
• Swimming pools
• Elephant encounters (some age restrictions)
• Mini-golf at some hotels
• Cultural village tours
• Craft market visits
• Wildlife viewing drives

Teenagers:

• Zipline (minimum age restrictions apply)
• Helicopter flights
• Gorge swing (14+ with consent)
• Wildlife safaris
• Sunset cruises
• Photography tours

Family Packages: Many lodges offer:

• Family suites or interconnecting rooms
• Kids' programs
• Babysitting services
• Family-friendly dining
• Pool activities
• Special family rates

Best Family Accommodations

Budget:

• Victoria Falls Rest Camp: Self-catering, pools
• Shoestrings Backpackers: Family rooms available

Mid-Range:

• The Kingdom: Excellent family facilities
• Cresta Sprayview: Family-friendly, affordable
• A'Zambezi River Lodge: Nature setting, pools

Luxury:

• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: Kids' programs, activities
• Royal Livingstone: High-end family options
• Elephant Camp: Unique family experiences

Booking Strategy

Accommodation Booking Timeline

Peak Christmas Period (Dec 20-Jan 2):

• Book 6-12 months ahead
• Best properties sell out year ahead
• Minimum stay requirements common (3-7 nights)
• Prices 50-100% higher than low season
• Cancellation policies stricter

Early December (Dec 1-19):

• Book 3-6 months ahead
• More availability
• Better rates than Christmas week
• More flexible booking terms

Activity Booking

Book These in Advance:

• Helicopter flights (2-4 months ahead)
• Chobe day trips (1-2 months ahead)
• Christmas/NYE special events (3-6 months ahead)
• Devil's Pool if early December (1-2 months ahead)
• Multi-day safaris (3-6 months ahead)

Can Book Closer:

• Victoria Falls entry
• Some sunset cruises
• Walking tours
• Craft market shopping
• Restaurant dinners (except Christmas/NYE)

Costs and Budgeting

Holiday Premium Pricing

Expect Peak Season Rates:

• Accommodation: +50-100% vs. low season
• Activities: +10-30% for some
• Restaurants: Normal pricing mostly
• Flights to VFA/LVI: Much higher
• Package deals: Better value

Sample Budgets (Per Person, 4 Nights)

Budget Holiday:

• Accommodation (hostel/budget): $100-200
• Activities (3-4): $250-350
• Food (self-catering + some dining): $100-150
• Christmas/NYE celebration: $20-50
• Transfers: $40-60
• Total: $510-810 USD

Mid-Range Holiday:

• Accommodation (mid-range hotel): $400-800
• Activities (4-5): $400-600
• Dining (restaurants): $200-300
• Christmas/NYE event: $100-200
• Transfers/tips: $80-100
• Total: $1,180-2,000 USD

Luxury Holiday:

• Accommodation (luxury lodge): $2,000-5,000
• Activities (multiple, some private): $800-1,200
• Fine dining: $400-600
• Special celebrations: $300-500
• Services/transfers: $200-300
• Total: $3,700-7,600 USD

Practical Tips

Managing the Heat

December is HOT. Here's how to stay comfortable:

• Schedule activities early morning and late afternoon
• Use hotel pools during midday
• Stay hydrated constantly
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Use high-SPF sunscreen
• Take afternoon siestas
• Choose air-conditioned accommodation

Dealing with Crowds

Avoid Peak Crowds:

• Visit falls early morning (6-8 AM)
• Late afternoon (4-6 PM) also quieter
• Book activities for off-peak times
• Eat at less popular restaurants
• Be flexible with timing

Embrace the Crowds:

• Social, festive atmosphere
• Meet travelers from around world
• Shared celebration energy
• More organized events

Packing for December

Essential Items:

• Light, breathable clothing
• Swimwear (multiple sets)
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• High-SPF sunscreen
• After-sun/aloe vera
• Light rain jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals for casual wear

Don't Forget:

• Camera with weather protection
• Power adapter (Type D/G)
• Mosquito repellent
• Small first aid kit
• Reusable water bottle
• Festive outfit for NYE

Health Considerations

Malaria:

• December is wet season = higher risk
• Prophylaxis strongly recommended
• Use DEET repellent
• Sleep under mosquito nets
• Wear long sleeves at dawn/dusk

Other Health Tips:

• Drink bottled/filtered water
• Use sunscreen religiously
• Stay hydrated (drink more than normal)
• Travel insurance essential
• Check vaccinations

Alternative Holiday Ideas

Non-Traditional Celebrations

If you're escaping traditional Christmas:

Bush Christmas:

• Stay at remote safari lodge
• Game drives Christmas morning
• Outdoor dining under stars
• Minimal holiday decorations
• Focus on nature and wildlife

Adventure Christmas:

• Pack days with adrenaline activities
• Skip formal celebrations
• Active, outdoor focus
• Non-traditional dining
• Make your own traditions

Relaxation Holiday:

• Spa treatments
• Poolside lounging
• Casual sunset cruises
• Minimal planning
• Maximum relaxation

Combining with Other Destinations

Multi-Country Holiday

Popular Combinations:

1. Botswana + Victoria Falls

   • Chobe National Park
   • Okavango Delta options
   • Multiple countries
   • Diverse experiences

2. South Africa + Victoria Falls

   • Cape Town
   • Kruger National Park
   • Garden Route
   • Mix city and nature

3. Zambia Safari + Victoria Falls

   • South Luangwa
   • Lower Zambezi
   • Serious wildlife focus
   • Stay Zambia side

4. Zimbabwe Circuit

   • Victoria Falls
   • Hwange National Park
   • Mana Pools
   • Comprehensive Zimbabwe

Logistics:

• Regional flights available
• Road trips possible
• Multi-day packages common
• Book early for December

Final Recommendations

Christmas at Victoria Falls is Perfect If You:

✅ Want unique, non-traditional holiday
✅ Love adventure and nature
✅ Comfortable with hot weather
✅ Appreciate festive atmosphere in unusual settings
✅ Can book and budget for peak season
✅ Seeking once-in-a-lifetime experience

Consider Alternative If You:

❌ Prefer traditional, cozy Christmas
❌ Need cold weather for holiday mood
❌ Can't handle heat and humidity
❌ Working with tight budget
❌ Prefer quiet, intimate celebrations
❌ Don't like crowds

Ready for Your Victoria Falls Holiday Adventure?

Christmas and New Year's at Victoria Falls creates memories that last forever—celebrating at one of nature's most spectacular locations, combining adventure with festivity, and experiencing the holidays in a completely unique way.

Start planning your holiday adventure:

• Browse All Activities
• Best Time to Visit
• Accommodation Guide
• Family Activities
• Contact Us for holiday planning assistance

Book early, pack smart, and prepare for the most unforgettable holiday celebration of your life!