Yes, you can sail to the glaciers from El Calafate during Christmas and New Year's. Todo Glaciares has a special afternoon departure on December 25th, with a mandatory Christmas supplement, and another afternoon departure on January 1st, without a supplement. These are high-demand dates, so it's advisable to book in advance.
We've been sailing Lake Argentino since 1980, and as concessionaires of Los Glaciares National Park, the holidays are also working days for our crews, amidst icebergs and walls of ice. Some travelers choose to spend Christmas or New Year's Eve facing the Upsala and Spegazzini volcanoes, instead of staying in a hotel. Here's how these excursions work and how to prepare.
Christmas and New Year in El Calafate: what outings are there
During the holidays, the only boat trip with a special itinerary is the "All Glaciers" tour. It departs from Puerto Punta Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate, and is a 7-hour voyage with disembarkation at Spegazzini Base. The route is the same as any other day in the season: Boca del Diablo, icebergs of the Brazo Norte, Upsala Glacier, Seco Glacier, Heim Glacier, Peineta Glacier, and Spegazzini, the highest glacier in the park.
What changes is the time of day. On both December 25th and January 1st, departure is in the afternoon, designed so you can enjoy the evening before without having to get up early. The exact time will be confirmed upon booking.
| Date | Excursion | Opening hours | Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 25 (Christmas) | All Glaciers | Special afternoon departure | Yes, mandatory Christmas supplement |
| 1 of January New Year) | All Glaciers | Afternoon departure | No |
The reservations team will inform you of the Christmas supplement when you confirm your dates. For reference, the Todo Glaciares rate is $330.000 per adult, $264.000 for children aged 6 to 16, and children aged 0 to 5 travel free. These prices are valid from October 2026 to March 2027 and are subject to change; please confirm when booking. Entrance to the National Park is not included and must be purchased separately at pnlosglaciares.ar.
What it's like to sail in December: long days and summer light
December is the height of the Patagonian summer. The days are very long and it gets dark late, so an afternoon outing doesn't mean returning in the pitch black without having seen anything: there's daylight for much of the way. Furthermore, the afternoon light tends to be more angled and warmer on the ice, something that's noticeable in photos of glacial fronts.
Summer also brings wind. Lake Argentino is large, and the Patagonian wind can create waves in some sections, so the itinerary is always subject to the day's conditions. It's all part of sailing in this area, whether at Christmas or any other time of year.
Book in advance: why it's key during the holidays
Between Christmas and New Year's, El Calafate receives many visitors, and special tours have limited availability. If your trip falls during those dates, it's best to book as soon as you have your tickets. In our article on how far in advance to book All Glaciers depending on the season, we explain the recommended booking window for summer.
Some points to resolve before traveling:
- Please confirm the exact departure time for the 25th or the 1st when you book.
- Check the amount of the Christmas supplement if you go on the 25th.
- Buy your National Park ticket in advance, on the official website.
- Find out how to get to Punta Bandera: there is an optional transfer from El Calafate for $65.000 per person (valid Oct. 2026 to Mar. 2027).
- If you want to add Captain's Club or Refuge Menu, ask for it when booking, not on the same day.
What to pack for the holiday boat trip
Even in summer, it's cool near the glaciers, and the wind is noticeable on deck. Layering is key: thermal base layer, mid-layer, and windbreaker. Our guide on what to pack for glaciers has a detailed list of each item.
- Windproof and waterproof jacket.
- Hat, light gloves and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen: the reflection of the sun on the water and ice is intense in December.
- Comfortable footwear for the 350m walkways to the De Agostini Viewpoint.
- Extra battery for your cell phone or camera.
There's a cafeteria on board, and at Base Spegazzini you can have lunch or a snack at the Refuge if you've booked the Refuge Menu. The entire route is 100% accessible, with an elevator, ramps, and adapted restrooms on the boat and at the refuge—useful if you're traveling with grandparents or someone with reduced mobility.
A sailing trip as a Christmas gift
If you won't be in El Calafate for the holidays but want to give the trip as a gift, a Solo Patagonia gift card makes a great Christmas present: the recipient chooses the date later. We'll tell you how it works step by step to give a glacier excursion with a gift card.
It's a practical option for families planning their trip for the following summer, or for couples who want to have the main excursion of the trip sorted out before they have the dates finalized.
FAQ
Is it possible to do the All Glaciers tour on December 25th?
Yes. On December 25th there is a special afternoon departure, with a mandatory Christmas supplement that we will inform you about when you book.
Does the departure on January 1st have a surcharge?
No. On January 1st, the Todo Glaciares tour departs in the afternoon and the regular fare is charged, without any supplement.
Are there any special Aventura Viedma tours during the holidays?
The special Christmas and New Year's departures are with Todo Glaciares. For the Viedma Adventure on those dates, please check availability with the reservations team.
How far in advance should you book for the holidays?
As soon as possible. These are peak season dates with limited availability, so it's best to book as soon as you have your travel dates finalized.
