Christmas in Morocco
New Year and Christmas in Morocco
Christmas in Morocco is a popular event which tourists celebrate in Morocco. There are few countries with Islamic societies where Muslims, Jews, and Christians live in peace and respect each other. New Year’s Eve and Christmas are not significant events for Muslims. For various reasons, Christmas is not recognized in most Muslim nations. The first reason is that Muslim nations stick to Islamic laws. These laws do not allow Muslims to celebrate holidays and rituals of other faiths. Another reason is that Muslims do not believe Jesus was God’s son. Thus, the event has no place in the Muslim calendar. However, Morocco is an exaptational country even though Morocco is a Muslim country. It is a country where you can find different rituals and religions, like Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
New Year's Eve and Christmas in Morocco
Travelling to Morocco at the end of the year is popular with visitors who want to spend New Year’s Eve and Christmas in Morocco. Morocco is one of the countries which was occupied by different countries, such as France, Spain and Portugal. Their influences, especially in the north of Morocco, are still seen today. That is to say, you can find Christian churches in some cities such as Tangier and Tetouan. It is a chance to attend the traditional Midnight Mass on your Christmas holiday in Morocco. In big cities like Casablanca, you can find many parties because there are many Christian citizens.
Moroccans make every effort to ensure that visitors have a pleasant Christmas holiday in Morocco. Restaurants and stores are open, offering different Moroccan dishes and crafts. Different entertainment events are hosted in hotels as well. Fireworks are set off in the streets, especially on New Year’s Eve. And for those who desire to have New Year’s Eve party in the desert is organized.
How Does Christmas Holiday in Morocco look like?
Many tourists from different countries travel to Morocco on New Year’s Eve and Christmas. The traces of these events are in most tourist cities, such as Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Rabat and Tangier. However, outside of cities, there is no sign of Christmas. This special day is normal in these rural areas. Most Christmas decorations and celebrations in Morocco will have a European flavour. You can see Christmas decorations in shopping malls. You will also find holiday lights, Christmas trees and Santa Claus in these malls. Most Moroccan young people celebrate the New Year in unique ways. They celebrate it in one of the festivals where music and songs are included.
Christmas and New Year's Eve Holiday in Morocco
If you are planning a Christmas holiday and spending the night of New Year in the desert, check out this trip. But, if you have any suggested tours, you can contact us.
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakesh
We will pick you up from the airport of Marrakech according to arrival time. Then, we will transfer to the Riad where we will spend the night. You have free time to have first contact with the red city, especially when you enjoy the magical night in the Jemma El Fna square time. A night is in a Riad in the Medina near the square time.
Day 2 : From Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Skoura to Dades Gorges
After having a delicious breakfast, we will meet you at your Riad. And then we leave Marrakech and pass through the High Atlas Mountains. We will have an exciting stop at the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, which is very attractive to visitors. After this experience, we will continue our trip to Ouarzazate which is also called “The door of the desert”. We will stop here to enjoy a Moroccan meal for lunch. Thereafter, we will continue our way to the Rosas Valley and Dades Gorges. We will spend the night in Dades Valley, including dinner and breakfast.
Day 3 : From Todra Gorges, Erfoud To Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we will drive from Dades Valley to the Todra Gorges. Here, you will enjoy different views of thigh rocks on the sides of a river. Then, we will mark a stop on the way for lunch in one of the villages. Later, we will drive to Erfoud and the big moment has arrived! We will arrive at your Riad/hotel for a fantasy night in the desert, including dinner and breakfast.
Day 4: desert excursion in Merzouga
After breakfast, you will start a desert tour by 4×4 in the desert. You will visit the authentic nomads of the desert. And you will enjoy their local food and enjoy music in Khamlia and visit other desert places. In the middle of the afternoon, you will start your camel excursion to spend the night in a desert camp. You will spend an exceptional night in the heart of the desert. The Desert is one of the best places where you can spend Christmas or New Year’s Eve in Morocco. Dinner and breakfast are included in the camp.
Day 5: From Merzouga, Rissani, Ouarzazate to Marrakech
After breakfast, we depart to the palm grove of Tafilalet passing through the city of Rissani. It is the Alaouite dynasty and the capital of the ancient sultans. We will drive towards Alnif, the oasis of Tazzarine and Nkob. Then, we will move to Ouarzazate through the Draa Valley and Ati-Atlas Mountains. We will finally arrive in Marrakech city at the end of the day and drop you off at your accommodation.
Day 6: Guide Tour in Marrakesh
After breakfast in the riad, you will meet our local guide to enjoy a guided tour through the streets of the old Medina. On this tour, you will visit Bahía Palace, the plaza of the species and emblematic corners of the city. There are many things to visit and do in Marrakech. After that, you will enjoy your free time, shopping and browsing local products. You can also spend Christmas in Marrakech. It is one of the main cities where tourists spend this event.
Day 7: Marrakech to Essaouira
We will depart from Marrakech towards Essaouira town. This town is formerly known as Mogador. Essaouira has seen the passage of many civilizations. They are Romans, Portuguese, Arabs and Berbers. Because of this history, it has preserved numerous landmarks of these influences. In Essaouira, you will spend a whole day in its old medina with 18th-century Portuguese fortifications and local crafts.
Day 8: Casablanca Airport
When you have breakfast, we transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule. Casablanca airport is one of the busiest ones. We will drop you off at the airport 3 hours before the flight. Then, your Christmas holiday in Morocco ends here.