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What's Open in Mauritius at Christmas & New Year (Survival Guide)
Christmas in Mauritius is midsummer: 30°C, packed beaches, and an island that half shuts down for family time. Here's what actually stays open — shops, restaurants, transport and beaches — across December 24 to January 2.
December 24–25: plan ahead
Most shops close by noon on the 24th and stay shut on the 25th (public holiday). Supermarkets reopen on the 26th. Hotel restaurants stay open; independent restaurants mostly don't — book Christmas Eve dinner days ahead.
Transport runs — but book it
Buses run reduced holiday schedules and the Metro Express runs a Sunday timetable. Airport taxis operate throughout, but Christmas week is peak arrival season — reserve a fixed-price transfer instead of gambling at the rank.
Ravi's Airport Express TaxiSSR International Airport → island-wide→Beaches: go early or go far
Public beaches are packed with Mauritian family camps from Christmas through New Year — a joyful scene worth seeing once. For calm water, be in by 8:00, or hire a small charter away from the crowds.
Blue Lagoon Eco ChartersBlue Bay Marine Park→Street food doesn't take holidays
Market stalls in Port Louis trade right through the season except Christmas Day itself — and holiday queues mean the food is at its freshest.
Mamie Rose's Dholl Puri CornerPort Louis Central Market→Good to know
- Is everything closed in Mauritius on Christmas Day?
- December 25 is a public holiday: most shops and independent restaurants close, while hotels, some tourist restaurants, taxis and beaches stay available. Supermarkets reopen December 26.
- Are beaches crowded in Mauritius at Christmas?
- Yes — Christmas to New Year is the local beach-camping season. Arrive before 8:00 for quiet water, or pick less-known coves over the famous public beaches.
Places in this guide: Ravi's Airport Express Taxi · Blue Lagoon Eco Charters · Mamie Rose's Dholl Puri Corner