How is New Year celebrated in Morocco?

Marrakech celebrates New Year with a festive atmosphere in Jemaa el-Fna square, Gnawa music performances and medina restaurants with special menus. Many riads organise private evening events. It is a very different but equally special experience to European celebrations.

Is the Sahara cold in winter?

Desert nights in December-January are cold (3-8°C) but daytime is sunny and pleasant (20-25°C). Luxury camps provide sleeping bags and blankets for cold nights. Many travellers prefer the winter Sahara: cleaner skies, more vivid stars and no suffocating summer heat.

Morocco Christmas & New Year 2025-2026 | Private Tours with English Guide

Magical winter

5 Reasons to Visit Morocco at Christmas

Ideal winter climate

Marrakech in December: 18-22°C by day and cool nights. No stifling summer heat. Perfect for strolling around the medina for hours without tiring.

Sahara at its finest

The Sahara in winter has the clearest skies of the year. The nights are cold but the stars are breathtaking — a far more magical experience than in summer with its suffocating heat.

Fewer tourists

December has far fewer tourists than Easter or August. Monuments without queues, souks without crowds and personalised attention at every riad and restaurant.

Unique festive atmosphere

The blend of the festive spirit (riads decorate for their guests) with Arab and Berber culture creates a completely unique atmosphere. Christmas well off the beaten track.

Winter gastronomy

Winter couscous, spiced tagines, harira soup as the sun goes down and mint tea with honey briwates. Moroccan cuisine is perfect for the cool December evenings.

Direct flights from Europe

Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez and Agadir have direct connections from London, Paris, Madrid and many more cities. Just 3h from Europe, no visa required.

Our Christmas and New Year Circuits

🎄 North-South Circuit 7 Days — Full Christmas

7 days / 6 nights 23 Dec – 30 Dec Families / Groups

The perfect itinerary for Christmas week: Marrakech (Christmas Eve in a riad with a special dinner), Ouarzazate, Merzouga (early New Year's Eve in the Sahara), Fez and Chefchaouen. A completely different Christmas you will never forget.

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🥂 New Year in Marrakech — 5 Days

5 days / 4 nights 28 Dec – 2 Jan Couples / Friends

The perfect getaway to ring in the New Year at Jemaa el-Fna. Includes: guided medina tour, Agafay excursion, luxury hammam and a special New Year's Eve dinner in a premium riad.

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🌟 Sahara on New Year's Eve — 3 Intense Days

3 days / 2 nights 29 Dec – 1 Jan Unique experience

The most special experience: ringing in the New Year in the Sahara desert, under thousands of stars, with Berber music around a campfire. Marrakech → Merzouga → New Year's Eve at a luxury camp → return.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Morocco at Christmas

Is Morocco worth visiting at Christmas?

Absolutely. December is one of the best times: perfect climate (18-22°C), uncrowded cities, Sahara with clear skies and stunning stars, and the chance to celebrate the festive season in a completely different way from Europe.

What is the temperature in Morocco in December?

Marrakech: 18-22°C by day, 7-12°C at night. Sahara: 20-25°C by day, 3-8°C at night (bring warm clothing). Atlantic coast (Essaouira): 16-19°C. North (Chefchaouen, Fez): 12-17°C.

What is New Year like in Marrakech?

Jemaa el-Fna square fills with people, Gnawa music and a festive vibe. Many riads and restaurants organise special evenings with dinner and performances. It's a more intimate and authentic celebration than crowded European cities.

Should I book Christmas in advance?

Yes. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve dates fill up 2-3 months in advance, especially premium riads in the medina and luxury Sahara camps. We recommend booking in October to secure the best options.

Christmas in Morocco?

Tell us your exact dates, the number of people and the type of experience you're looking for. We'll put together the perfect Christmas or New Year programme for your group.

Request a Christmas Programme

Morocco at Christmasand New Year 2025–2026