Christmas and New Year in Mauritius 2026: Events, Prices and Tips
Mauritius celebrates Christmas and New Year in the middle of its summer: warm sea, long sunny days and fireworks at midnight over almost every village. It is also the busiest and most expensive week of the year for hotels, so a little planning makes a big difference.
Is Mauritius good for Christmas and New Year?
Yes. It is one of the best warm-weather places to spend the festive season: the beaches are at their best, resorts host gala dinners and live music, and the whole island lights up with fireworks at midnight on 31 December. The two things to plan for are higher hotel prices (see the table below) and flights that fill up early, especially from India during the winter school holidays.
How Mauritius celebrates Christmas
About a third of Mauritians are Christian, but Christmas is a family day for everyone. Shopping malls and town centres are decorated from early December, churches hold midnight mass on 24 December, and families get together for a long lunch on the 25th. At the resorts there is usually a Christmas Eve gala dinner, carols and a visit from Father Christmas for the children.
- Midnight mass: visitors are welcome at most churches. See our guide to churches in Mauritius.
- Christmas shopping: Port Louis waterfront and the big malls are busy and festive in the week before Christmas.
- 25 December: a public holiday, so many shops close. Hotels, restaurants and most tourist sites stay open.
New Year’s Eve in Mauritius
New Year (called “Bonne Année” locally) is the bigger party. At midnight, fireworks and firecrackers go off across the whole island, from beach villages to the hills, and the sky over the lagoon lights up for a long time. Mauritians spend the evening with family and friends, and many go to the beach.
- At the resorts: gala dinners, live bands, séga dancers and a countdown on the beach.
- Grand Baie: the liveliest place for bars, restaurants and parties. See our Grand Baie guide.
- Port Louis waterfront: a city atmosphere with fireworks over the harbour.
- 1 January: families picnic on public beaches such as Mont Choisy, Flic en Flac and Belle Mare. They are crowded and fun, so go early if you want a quiet spot.
Hotel prices over Christmas and New Year
This is the most expensive week of the year. The table compares the lowest price we found for early December with the price for 27 to 30 December at the same hotel:
| Hotel | Early December | 27-30 December | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambre Mauritius Palmar | $167.00 | $243.00 | +46% |
| Riu Turquoise Le Morne | $210.00 | $350.00 | +67% |
| RIU Palace Mauritius Le Morne | $250.00 | $366.00 | +46% |
| The Bay Club at Anahita Trou d'eau Douce | $251.00 | $374.00 | +49% |
| C Mauritius Palmar | $259.00 | $374.00 | +44% |
| Constance Le Chaland IKO Blue Bay | $218.00 | $404.00 | +85% |
| Long Beach Mauritius Belle Mare | $217.00 | $442.00 | +104% |
| La Pirogue Mauritius Flic en Flac | $268.00 | $492.00 | +84% |
| Constance Belle Mare Plage Belle Mare | $329.00 | $519.00 | +58% |
| Sugar Beach Mauritius Flic en Flac | $255.00 | $643.00 | +152% |
Lowest price per adult per night, 2 adults sharing, from our own rate checks. Over Christmas and New Year these hotels cost 44% to 152% more (about 74% on average). We confirm your exact price in writing before you pay.
Also check before you book:
- Gala dinner supplement: many resorts charge a compulsory gala dinner on 24 and/or 31 December, on top of the room price. We always tell you this cost in your quote.
- Minimum stay: over the festive period, many resorts only accept stays of several nights.
- Vegetarian or Jain meals: ask for them when you book, so the gala menu is prepared for you.
Where to spend New Year’s Eve
Weather in late December
It is summer: hot, sunny and humid, with 26 to 31°C during the day and a sea temperature of about 27°C, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Short tropical showers are common, usually in the afternoon. The cyclone season runs from November to April, but cyclones are uncommon in late December. Even so, take travel insurance and keep a flexible day in your plans. More in our guides to the weather in Mauritius and the cyclone season.
Tips for travellers from India
- Book flights early: Christmas and the winter school holidays make late December the busiest time for flights from India to Mauritius.
- Visa: Indian passport holders do not need a visa in advance; you get a visitor permit on arrival. Read our visa guide for the documents to carry.
- Book activities ahead: catamaran cruises and dolphin trips fill up between Christmas and New Year.
- Plan 25 December and 1 January: shops and some restaurants close, so plan a resort day or a boat trip.
Best things to do between Christmas and New Year
- Catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs or the northern islets
- Sunset cruise from Grand Baie
- Swim with the dolphins on the west coast
- Private airport transfer (taxis are busy over the holidays)
Frequently asked questions
Is Mauritius good for New Year’s Eve?
Yes. The whole island celebrates with fireworks at midnight, resorts hold gala dinners with live music, and the weather is warm and sunny. Book early, as it is the busiest week of the year.
Is Christmas a public holiday in Mauritius?
Yes. 25 December is a public holiday, and so are 1 and 2 January. Many shops close, but hotels, restaurants and most tourist sites stay open.
How much more expensive are hotels over Christmas and New Year?
Much more. In our own rate checks, the same hotels cost between about 45% and 150% more for 27 to 30 December than in early December. Many resorts also add a compulsory gala dinner.
Do resorts charge for the New Year’s Eve gala dinner?
Many do: the gala dinner on 24 and/or 31 December is often compulsory and charged on top of the room price. We include it in your quote, so there are no surprises.
What is the weather like in Mauritius in late December?
Hot and sunny, 26 to 31°C, with a warm sea of about 27°C and short tropical showers. It is cyclone season, but cyclones in late December are uncommon.
When should I book a New Year trip to Mauritius?
Three to four months ahead for the best choice of hotels and flights. Last-minute rooms are possible but cost more and the best resorts sell out.
Where is the best place to celebrate New Year in Mauritius?
Grand Baie for parties, an east coast resort for a romantic gala dinner, and the west coast for a sunset followed by fireworks over the lagoon.
Want this planned around your dates?
Tell us when you are travelling and who is coming. We will check festive availability, include any gala dinner cost, and send you a clear price.
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