Although it is still winter and the weather can be chilly, the season is full of life and energy, with activities for all ages taking place across Egypt as the mid-year holiday season kicks in.
From the recent opening of the 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair to the launch of various cultural and educational centres, the country is buzzing with opportunities to learn, explore, and enjoy the season.
Hager Mustafa, cultural coordinator at the Raquda Foundation for Art and Heritage, an Alexandrian NGO, says that now is the best time of the year to launch activities for kids and adults alike.
“We have launched several activities for adults and youth in this mid-year break, notably a workshop entitled ‘The Story of a Nor’easter: From the Secrets of the Sea to Boat-Making’ that teaches young people how to design and build their own boats,” she said.
“This was in collaboration with the fishermen and carpenters in the Bahari district of Alexandria, and it also looked at the idea of the sea and the way the sea and winter storms are represented in traditional fishermen’s stories. ‘Nawat’ or winter storms are not just rough weather in these stories, but can be sources of goodness, livelihood, and patience.”
Workshops of this sort can enhance the craft of storytelling and make those present more appreciative of the sea, making them want to live closer to this authentic heritage experience.
Mustafa added that the foundation is keen to instill the values of cultural heritage in every piece of craft or activity they carry out. They are working on a project for children and adults called “The Story of the Ramadan Lantern,” for example, where they are using eco-friendly materials from the seashore, such as seashells, old rope, driftwood, and upcycled materials, to create creative lanterns for Ramadan.
The workshop is suitable for all ages, and children and their parents will be able to create a unique décor piece that tells the story of Ramadan, the sea, and Alexandria.
With the launch of this year’s Cairo International Book Fair, many people across all the governorates have seized the opportunity to visit Cairo for a one-day trip. “I have made it a habit over the past ten years to plan a trip to Cairo to visit the book fair with my family and friends,” said Fouad Medhat, a 50-year-old writer.
“We wait impatiently for this fair every year to go to Cairo and enjoy the largest and most spacious book fair in the Middle East. We see it as an excellent opportunity to encourage our children to find their own tastes in books and discover what is available,” he added.
One of the greatest pleasures of visiting the fair is the joy of discovering books. Moving from one booth to another, visitors are surrounded by shelves filled with stories, ideas, and knowledge waiting to be explored. They might arrive looking for a specific title, but often they leave with unexpected treasures that catch the eye and spark curiosity.
As a writer himself, Medhat feels excited flipping through pages, talking to publishers, and finding good deals, all of which makes the experience even more enjoyable. It is not just about purchasing books, since there is also the adventure of discovery and the feeling of taking home new worlds to explore.
While some people go for cultural and entertainment activities in the mid-year break, others may go on a trip that can break the year’s work routine.
Many cities attract tourists in Egypt in winter, including Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt, Siwa in the Western Desert, Fayoum, and Port Said on the Suez Canal. People can enjoy all of these on short trips with their family and friends.
Luxor and Aswan trips are among the top-listed visits in winter. Many families enjoy a Nile cruise, watching the different monuments and temples as they pass by on the Nile. With their warm winter weather, breathtaking Nile views, and rich historical sites, both cities offer the perfect escape from the cold.
Families and young travellers enjoy visiting ancient temples, taking felucca rides on the Nile, and exploring local markets. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with the deep cultural heritage, makes Luxor and Aswan ideal places to rest, explore, and create unforgettable holiday memories.
“This year is also seeing more and more requests for special visits to Nubia, specifically the region surrounding Aswan in Upper Egypt, where many people have asked us to arrange special stays in guesthouses,” said one travel specialist.
Nubia is a rapidly growing, vibrant, and culturally rich tourist destination renowned for its brightly painted villages, warm hospitality, and ancient history. “Many people go for personalised services, which can provide tailor-made itineraries, private tours for seamless journeys, and breathtaking adventures,” he added.
“We also have fully booked trips to Siwa and Fayoum, where each destination provides a totally different atmosphere from what can be found in larger cities. It seems that many people just want to escape their busy lives in Cairo or Alexandria for a calmer, quieter time elsewhere,” he added.
Both Siwa and Fayoum have distinguished historical landmarks, but most importantly they are also famous for their special blend of history and the environment, offering spectacular scenery. This diverse mix appeals to both adventure lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Though the mid-year break is a time for children to take a break from school, many parents may find it difficult to take leave from work.
“Since I cannot go anywhere with the kids because I have work to do at this time of the year, I am planning to have my kids enjoy the mid-year holiday by planning short visits to museums and the Alexandria Library, which offers lots of activities,” said Hanaa Saad, the mother of three children.
“I have also enrolled them in a winter camp where they can enjoy handicraft activities and computer programming.”
“Though their father and I feel guilty for not being able to take a break from our work, we are trying hard to find ways to make our kids enjoy and benefit from the short mid-year break,” she added.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 5 February, 2026 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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