Morocco Christmas 2025: New Year Holiday Planning & Tips

Planning spend your Christmas and New Year holiday in Morocco? This article will provide you with a practical guide, covering weather conditions, cost & crowd levels, which cities have a strong festive atmosphere, how to experience Morocco Christmas celebrations, what preparations you need to make, and more, which ensures you have the best travel experience of your Morocco trip. Do you want to know more? Keep reading.

Weather in Morocco Christmas

With generally mild weather at New Year and Christmas in Morocco, the different atmospheres in various regions showcase an authentic flavor. For example, the snowscape of the Atlas Mountains and the warm bonfires in the Sahara Desert.

During this period, the days in Morocco are sunny with abundant sunlight, and the maximum temperature may range between 15 and 20 ℃ (59-68 ℉). In the mountains and the desert regions, it may be warm during the day when the sun is out. But the temperature drops sharply at night, with temperatures possibly dropping to 5 ℃ (41 ℉) or even lower. So, pay attention to keeping warm by wearing thick coats and winter accessories.

Celebration in Sahara Desert

Cost & Crowds

The holiday season from Christmas to New Year is the peak period for international tourism, and Morocco is no exception. Popular tourist cities like Marrakech and Casablanca are crowded. Be prepared to wait in line for 15 to 30 minutes at the entrances of these attractions and popular restaurants.

In terms of accommodation, the prices of Moroccan riads (traditional courtyard houses) usually increase by 20% to 30%, and some 5-star hotels may even see a 50% increase or even more.

Additionally, there is an easy shortage of quality English-speaking tour guides, private car services, and other tour resources during this period.

Therefore, I strongly recommend that you plan and book at least 2 to 3 months in advance, so that you can get ideal tour resources at reasonable prices and enhance the smoothness and comfort of your journey.

Best Places to Celebrate Morocco Christmas

Marrakech: Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

As the tourism heart of Morocco Christmas, Marrakech transforms into an exotic party destination.

• Morocco-Style Atmosphere: Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and its surrounding alleys are the areas with the strongest festive atmosphere. Intertwined lights, noisy drums, and lingering barbecue smoke create a lively atmosphere.
• Modern & International Celebrations: The festilities in the new district Gueliz is closer to that of Europe, making it the top choice for tourists seeking an authentic Christmas experience. High-end hotels and nightclubs host parties, offering champagne dinners, live DJ performances, elaborately decorated Christmas trees and markets.

Accommodation Advice: Traditional riads in the Medina are recommended. You can enjoy the dual experience: the vitality of the old city and the Western celebrations.

Lively Atmosphere in Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech

Casablanca: Modern Parties and Fireworks

The Christmas and New Year celebrations in Casablanca are grand and international. The Corniche Ain Diab is the core area of the parties, and the seaside restaurants and clubs are booked up well in advance. At Christmas, many high-end restaurants will offer traditional multi-course holiday dinners, with the appetizer possibly being foie gras and the main course perhaps the classic seven-vegetable couscous. On New Year's Eve, a spectacular fireworks show will be staged here. You'll raise your glasses and count down amidst the sea breeze and music.

Accommodation Advice: Staying at a hotel in the Corniche Ain Diab is convenient to join in the parties.

Rabat: Midnight Mass in a Church

As the capital, Christmas in Rabat is more solemn and peaceful. Although there are mostly Muslim churches in Morocco, you can still experience traditional Christian rituals at some sites. Located in the city center, St. Peter's Cathedral is an important landmark, where a midnight Mass is held every Christmas Eve. The Mass is usually conducted in French and Arabic, with melodious hymns and a pious atmosphere providing spiritual comfort for tourists far from home.

Accommodation Advice: You can stay in hotels near the city center, which makes it convenient to attend the ceremony at the cathedral.

Essaouira: Relaxing Seaside Christmas

If you're tired of the hustle and bustle, Essaouira offers a distinctive Morocco Christmas and New Year's Eve along the coast. The pace here is slow and relaxing, where you can take a stroll along the ancient seawall or go horseback riding on the beach. The locals decorate their doorways and courtyards with collected seashells, driftwood, and fishing nets, filled with the simple beauty of handicrafts. Here, the Christmas feast might be enjoyed in a restaurant converted from an old Portuguese house, savoring the freshest seafood caught on the day.

Accommodation Advice: Stay in a guesthouse or boutique hotel facing the Atlantic Ocean, allowing you to spend a peaceful holiday in the salty sea breeze.

Atlas Mountains: Fairytale Experience With Snow

Snowscape, mountain cabin, fireplace... These fairytale-like Christmas experiences will come true for you in the Atlas Mountains! In villages like Imlil, you can stay in warm mountain lodges with snow-capped peaks visible outside the window. At night, it's time to step into a dreamy world: sit around a wood-burning fireplace, enjoy a hearty dinner, and celebrate it with your family or friends. More than these touching activities, some resorts even offer skiing opportunities. You can stay here till New Year holiday to add special experiences blended with warmth and thrill, leaving a deep impression.

Accommodation Advice: Book lodges or hotels in the Imlil areas in advance to ensure you get a room with a fireplace.

Sahara Desert: Warm Night Under the Starry Sky

Camping in the Sahara Desert is undoubtedly the most special Christmas experience in Morocco. Near Merzouga, during the day you can ride a camel to enjoy the sunset, while at night sit around a campfire and listen to Berber music.

The camp usually prepares a sumptuous desert dinner for you, like slow-roasted lamb in a pit. You'll enjoy it under the brilliant Milky Way, and can't help laughing out and shouting "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy New Year!" These celebrations are far away from modern civilization, and I believe it will become your unforgettable memory. If you do not like overly sweet sugar water, learn some Arabic phrases, such as "la, shukran" (no, thank you) and "bla sukar" (no sugar). One of my clients shared with me that they usually said this when ordering mint tea.

Accommodation Advice: Private bathrooms of high-end luxury camp ensure your comfort and warmth at night.

Traditions of Christmas in Morocco

Decorations & Markets: In the popular cities I mentioned above, you can see exquisite Morocco Christmas decorations and the characteristic markets. Moroccan ornaments easily serve as holiday decorations and can also be souvenirs, such as colorful lanterns and red and green Berber carpets. Notably, you'll find that Santa Claus in Morocco rides a camel instead of a sleigh!

Rituals & Food: You can join in modern celebrations like Western countries, like listening to Christmas carols in a church. If you want to have unique experiences in Morocco, experience the celebration rituals of a Berber village, and taste specialities like "Tagine-style turkey" or Moroccan Christmas cookies decorated with icing and local nuts.

Riad Celebrations & Gift Exchange: Most of riads will decorate with lights, citrus fruits, and traditional carpets, creating a warm and romantic holiday feeling in a private space. Of course, you may also receive traditional gifts, such as Moroccan argan oil products or handicrafts.

Fireworks & Festival Dinner: As the New Year's bell approaches, you can watch the grand fireworks display. After the celebrations, don't forget to try and find the lucky olive pit or almond hidden in the seven-vegetable couscous.

FAQs About Christmas in Morocco

1. Apart from the Morocco Christmas & New Year activities, what else can you experience?

• The Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will be held from December 21 in 2025 to January 18 in 2026. You can feel the passion and revelry of African football on match day.
• Winter is the peak surfing season in Morocco, and Essaouira or Agadir offer surf spots suitable for beginners and experienced surfers.
• You can also participate in some seasonal activities, such as snow hiking in the Atlas Mountains.

2. How to dress during this holiday season in Morocco?

It is best to dress in layers. During the day is plenty of sunlight, you can wear a sweater with a jacket, while at night you need to wear a thick coat or a down jacket. If you are going to the desert or mountains, be sure to bring a thick windproof jacket, a woolen hat, and a scarf.

3. What luggage to prepare for Morocco Christmas & New Year Holiday?

In addition to regular luggage, you can bring high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, moisturizing skincare products, lip balm to combat dryness, and a small amount of cash (Moroccan Dirhams) as a backup. It is recommended to bring a thermos for easy access to hot water or tea on cold nights.

4. Can you drink alcohol in Morocco?

Yes, but there are some restrictions. Alcohol can only be purchased and consumed in some hotels, licensed restaurant bars, and specific supermarkets, and it is prohibited to drink in public places such as streets and beaches. So, choose indoor or inconspicuous areas when drinking in holidays.

5. How to start your trip during Morocco Christmas & New Year?

The ideal way is to choose a professionally customized travel service. You can contact us. We will precisely identify unique accommodations (such as desert camps and traditional riads), and tailor-make exclusive holiday experiences that blend local charm. Our full-process professional support ensures you comfortably experience the winter charm of Morocco.