Christmas in Morocco 2026: Where to Spend the Holidays in the Sun
Christmas in the sun, about three hours from London or Paris: every year many travellers head to Morocco for the end-of-year holidays. Here is what to expect, where to go and how to book without bad surprises.
Christmas in Morocco means winter sunshine: daytime temperatures are around 18 to 21 °C in Marrakech and 20 to 22 °C in Agadir, the mildest city, but nights are cold (2 to 8 °C inland, much colder in the desert). 25 December is not a public holiday in Morocco, a mainly Muslim country: souks, sights and restaurants open as normal. The festive atmosphere is mostly found in hotels and riads, which often offer Christmas dinners, and in the churches of Marrakech and Casablanca. The period from 20 December to 2 January is one of the busiest of the winter: the best-rated riads, flights and New Year's Eve dinners are booked weeks in advance. For relaxation, choose Agadir; for atmosphere and culture, Marrakech; for an unforgettable experience, a night in the desert in a heated camp.
Where to Spend Christmas in Morocco
| Destination | Daytime temperature | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Agadir | 20-22 °C | Families, relaxing in the sun |
| Marrakech | 18-21 °C | Couples, atmosphere, riads |
| Desert (Merzouga, Agafay) | 15-20 °C, nights near 0 °C | A unique experience, well wrapped up |
| Essaouira | 18-20 °C, often windy | Calm, medina, ocean |
See Morocco in December and Morocco in winter.
Most-Booked Experiences Over the Holidays
| Experience | Rating | Reviews | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agafay: sunset camel ride and dinner show | 4.6 | 37,612 | €14 |
| 3-day Merzouga and Sahara tour | 4.9 | 22,297 | €118 |
| Hot-air balloon flight in Marrakech | 4.8 | 10,196 | €61 |
| Night in a heated tent in Merzouga | 4.8 | 267 | €62 |
| Ourika Valley and the Atlas | 4.8 | 21,014 | €14 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they may change. Between Christmas and New Year, slots on popular tours go fast.
Check holiday availability in Marrakech· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
Where to Stay Over the Holidays
A riad with a fireplace or heating makes all the difference on December evenings: check this before booking. In Agadir, resorts with heated pools are the most sought-after for families. See the best riads in Marrakech and all-inclusive hotels in Morocco.
See heated riads in Marrakech for Christmas· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
See hotels in Agadir for the holidays· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
What About New Year?
New Year's Eve is more festive than Christmas in Morocco: hotel parties, dinner shows and nights in the desert. All our tips in New Year in Marrakech. And if you come back at the end of January, the Marrakech International Marathon takes place on 31 January 2027.
FAQ — Christmas in Morocco
Is Christmas celebrated in Morocco?
What is the weather like in Morocco at Christmas?
Where is warmest in Morocco at Christmas?
Are the souks open on 25 December?
Should you book early for Christmas?
In Short
- Late December: winter sun, cold nights.
- Agadir for warmth, Marrakech for atmosphere, the desert for the experience.
- Book early: one of the busiest periods of the year.
