Christmas in Marrakech means winter sun instead of snow, mint tea instead of mulled wine, and souks that stay open on 25 December. This guide covers the weather, the holidays, New Year's Eve and what to do and pack. It is written by the team behind Dar Bassidi, a holiday home in Marrakech.
Marrakech in December and January: the weather
Marrakech in winter is mostly sunny and dry, with warm days and cold nights. The difference between day and night is large, so layers are the key to packing.
| Month | Daytime high | Night-time low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | around 17–21 °C | around 7 °C | about 20 mm in the month |
| January | around 20 °C | around 6 °C | about 5 rainy days |
Sources: Rough Guides, Malika in Morocco (December), Malika in Morocco (January).
Is Christmas celebrated in Marrakech?
Christmas is not a public holiday in Morocco, so 25 December is a normal day in Marrakech (Wikipedia). Shops, souks and most sights are open as usual.
You will still find festive touches. Many hotels and restaurants that welcome international guests decorate and serve Christmas menus. The Church of the Holy Martyrs in Gueliz, built in 1928, is an active Catholic parish (Made in Marrakech); ask locally about service times.
For many families, a Christmas without the usual rush is the point. A slow morning on a sunny roof terrace, an afternoon in the souks and a dinner out can feel like a real break.
New Year's Eve in Marrakech
New Year's Eve in Marrakech is celebrated with special dinners, live music and parties in hotels, restaurants and rooftop bars (Malika in Morocco). Jemaa el-Fna, the main square, is a popular place to join the crowds.
Plan New Year's Eve with these steps:
- Book your dinner or party early; popular places sell out weeks ahead.
- Check what is included: set menu, drinks, music, and until what time.
- With children, choose an early dinner with a show over a late party.
- Arrange your ride home in advance; taxis are in high demand after midnight.
- Keep 1 January relaxed: it is a public holiday, and banks and offices are closed.
Holidays and events from November to January
Several holidays and events fall into the winter season. Here is what they mean for your trip:
| Date | Occasion | What it means for travellers |
|---|---|---|
| 20–28 November 2026 | 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival | Film screenings and a lively city; a great reason to come at the end of November |
| 25 December | Christmas Day (not a public holiday) | Shops and souks open as usual |
| 31 December | New Year's Eve | Dinners and parties in hotels and restaurants; book early |
| 1 January | New Year's Day (public holiday) | Banks and offices closed |
| 11 January | Proclamation of Independence Day (public holiday) | Banks and offices closed; celebrations in the city |
| 14 January | Amazigh New Year, Yennayer (public holiday) | Celebrations of the Amazigh (Berber) New Year |
Sources: Wikipedia, Unifrance, Malika in Morocco.
Things to do in Marrakech in winter
Winter is a good season for sightseeing in Marrakech, because the days are pleasant for walking. These activities suit the season especially well:
- Hot air balloon at sunrise: sunrise is later in winter, so the early start is a little easier (Malika in Morocco). Dress warmly for the wait before take-off.
- Hammam: a traditional steam bath with a body scrub is the perfect way to warm up on a cool evening.
- Gardens and palaces: Jardin Majorelle, Le Jardin Secret and Bahia Palace are pleasant in the mild midday sun. Go in the morning to avoid holiday crowds.
- The souks: winter is a comfortable time for a long shopping walk. Our guide to Marrakech souvenirs helps you find Christmas presents at fair prices.
- Agafay Desert at sunset: quad biking, camel rides and a dinner show under the stars. Bring a warm jacket, because desert evenings are cold.
Full disclosure: Morocco Voyage is our own partner brand. Our hot air balloon ride costs €230 and our hammam with massage €50 per person, both bookable for two people or more.
Crowds and prices over the holidays
The last week of December and the first two weeks of January are the busiest time of the winter in Marrakech. Accommodation prices rise and the best places fill up early (Malika in Morocco). Late January is calmer again.
Book your stay as early as possible, ideally with a flexible cancellation policy. At Dar Bassidi, you can cancel free of charge up to 30 days before arrival. Our guide to where to stay in Marrakech helps you choose the right type of stay.
What to pack for Marrakech in winter
Packing for Marrakech in winter means packing for two climates: a warm, sunny day and a cold night.
- Light layers: T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, light trousers.
- A warm sweater and a jacket for the evenings and the desert.
- Comfortable, closed walking shoes for the souks.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen; the winter sun is strong.
- A light rain jacket or umbrella for the occasional shower.
- Hat and gloves for a sunrise balloon ride or a desert evening.
- Warm pyjamas or a cosy sweater for the evenings at home.
A festive break with sunshine
Christmas and New Year in Marrakech combine winter sun, festive dinners and a city that never closes. Book early, pack layers and leave room for a quiet day or two between the highlights.
Looking for a calm base for the holidays? Dar Bassidi is a private holiday home for up to 8 guests with a wide roof terrace and a free 24/7 airport shuttle. Check the calendar and book direct.
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas celebrated in Marrakech?
Christmas is not a public holiday in Morocco, so daily life in Marrakech carries on as normal on 25 December. Many hotels and restaurants that welcome international guests decorate and offer festive menus. The Catholic Church of the Holy Martyrs in Gueliz serves an active parish, so ask locally about Christmas service times.
What is the weather like in Marrakech at Christmas?
Marrakech at Christmas is usually sunny and dry, with daytime highs around 17–21 °C. Nights are cold, around 7 °C, and December brings only about 20 mm of rain. Pack light layers for the day and a warm jacket for the evening.
Is Marrakech good for New Year's Eve?
Marrakech is one of the most popular places in Morocco to spend New Year's Eve. Hotels, restaurants and rooftop bars host special dinners and parties, and Jemaa el-Fna, the main square, fills with people. Book dinners and accommodation early, because the city is busy over the holidays.
Is Marrakech busy over Christmas and New Year?
Marrakech gets noticeably busier from the last week of December until mid-January, when many Europeans travel for winter sun. Accommodation prices rise and popular places fill up. Book early, and visit big sights such as Jardin Majorelle in the morning to avoid the longest queues.
Are shops and souks open on 25 December and 1 January?
Shops and souks in Marrakech are open as usual on 25 December, because it is not a public holiday in Morocco. On 1 January, a public holiday, banks and offices close, while many shops, restaurants and the souks stay open. Some businesses may keep shorter hours over the festive period.
What should I pack for Marrakech in winter?
Pack layers for Marrakech in winter: T-shirts and light trousers for sunny days, a warm sweater and jacket for the evenings, and comfortable walking shoes. Add sunglasses and sunscreen, because the winter sun is strong, plus a light rain jacket. For a desert evening in Agafay, bring a hat and gloves.
Sources
- Malika in Morocco: Visiting Marrakech in December – weather, crowds, New Year's Eve (accessed November 2026)
- Malika in Morocco: Visiting Marrakech in January – January weather, crowds, events (accessed November 2026)
- Rough Guides: Marrakech weather in December – temperatures, prices (accessed November 2026)
- Wikipedia: Public holidays in Morocco – public holidays (accessed November 2026)
- Unifrance: Marrakech International Film Festival 2026 – festival dates (accessed November 2026)
- Made in Marrakech: The Church of the Holy Martyrs – Catholic parish in Gueliz (accessed November 2026)