New Year in Morocco: Where to Spend New Year’s Eve 2026-2027?
Morocco is one of the most popular year-end destinations from Europe: about 3 hours’ flight away, with guaranteed sun and a change of scene. You just need to pick the right setting for 31 December.
For New Year in Morocco, there are five moods: Marrakech for parties and gala dinners (19 °C by day, 7 °C at night), the desert (Merzouga or Agafay) for a celebration under the stars, Agadir for beach sunshine (21 °C), Essaouira for an intimate evening and Tangier for its proximity to Spain. 31 December 2026 is a Thursday and 1 January is a public holiday in Morocco: banks and offices close, but restaurants, hotels and tourist activities run. New Year is not a religious festival in Morocco, but it is widely celebrated in hotels and tourist venues; alcohol is served in licensed establishments. It is the most expensive week of the winter: book hotels and activities from the autumn, ideally with free cancellation.
Plan your stay
The guides and experiences our readers book most for this destination.
Which Destination for New Year’s Eve?
| Destination | Late-December weather | Atmosphere | Our guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 19 °C by day, 7 °C at night | Galas, rooftops, festive mood | New Year in Marrakech |
| Desert (Merzouga, Agafay) | 18 °C by day, near 0 °C at night | Campfire, stars | New Year in the desert |
| Agadir | 21 °C, sea at 19 °C | Beach, all-inclusive hotels | New Year in Agadir |
| Essaouira | 19 °C by day, 10 °C at night | Intimate, riads, seafood | New Year in Essaouira |
| Tangier | 17 °C, rain possible | Cosmopolitan, 1 hour from Spain | Tangier in December |
The Most-Booked Experiences for New Year Week
A selection of standout activities, from the desert to the coast:
| Experience | Rating | Reviews | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Marrakech: 3-Day Merzouga and Sahara Desert Tour | 4.9 | 22,297 | €118 |
| Agafay desert: quad, camel ride and dinner show | 4.8 | 36,771 | €20 |
| Essaouira from Marrakech: coast, medina and lunch in a small group | 4.9 | 9,880 | €12 |
| Agadir/Taghazout: quad safari in the desert and on the beach | 4.8 | 2,985 | €19 |
| Ourika and Setti Fatma waterfalls: Atlas, guide and lunch | 4.9 | 19,327 | €15 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they may change.
See things to do in Morocco for New Year· 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
Compare activities on ViatorYou will be redirected to our partner Viator.Combining Two Moods
Many travellers do Marrakech + desert (New Year’s Eve in camp, back on 1 January) or Marrakech + Agadir/Essaouira (city then ocean, 3 hours by road). For a full week, see the 7-day Morocco winter itinerary and Morocco in December.
Booking Your Hotel for New Year
Three reflexes: check whether the 31 December gala dinner is included or charged separately (often extra), choose free cancellation while your flights are not fixed, and ask whether the room is heated (riads). See the best riads in Marrakech and all-inclusive hotels in Morocco.
See Marrakech hotels for New Year· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
Compare flight + hotel to Marrakech on Expedia· ExpediaFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
Compare flights and hotels on Trip.com· Trip.com
Book your arrival transferYou will be redirected to our partner GetTransfer.See also Christmas in Morocco, Morocco in January and where to find winter sun in December.
By destination: Christmas in Marrakech · Christmas in Agadir · Christmas in the desert
FAQ — New Year in Morocco
Where should I spend New Year in Morocco?
Is New Year celebrated in Morocco?
Can you drink alcohol on New Year’s Eve in Morocco?
What is the weather like in Morocco on 31 December?
When should I book New Year in Morocco?
In Short
- City, desert or beach: five possible moods.
- 1 January is a holiday, tourism stays open.
- Book early with free cancellation.
