Spending Christmas in Morocco can be a wonderful unexpected adventure. Read on to learn more about this wonderful North African country during the holiday season!
Christmas in Morocco – A Holiday Travel Adventure
Many people enjoy sticking close to home for the holidays. And if they do travel, it is often to spend time with family and friends. But if you are looking to take a vacation for Christmas, Morocco is a great destination!
Are you looking for a romantic holiday vacation or a solo escape? Or perhaps you want to surprise your family with the trip as a Christmas present. No matter why you want to visit, Morocco is quite nice in December. The weather is mild and cool – similar to Autumn in many other places. And Morocco offers so much variety. Hang out in a resort on the Mediterranean coast. Head off to the Swiss-style village of Ifrane in the mountains and go skiing. Or take that camel ride out into the Sahara desert that you’ve been dreaming of. December is a great time to camp in the desert, especially if you are heat-sensitive. Just be prepared for cold once the sun goes down. (Hint: Booking a luxury camp with us gets you a tent with a heater!)
But what about Christmas? Is celebrating Christmas even an option in Morocco, a Muslim Country?
The answer: It is. If you know where to look.
Where to Find Christmas in Morocco
Although Christmas is not considered a holiday in Morocco, you can find it in cities with heavy tourist traffic. You probably won’t see much sign of it in the medinas. But head to the shopping malls in the new city and you’ll find Christmas decorations, music, and live entertainment. Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech are all places you will find secular European-style decorations. Many of the hotels and restaurants offer Christmas menus or host special events, too.
Outside of the areas with heavy tourist traffic, you won’t find much mention of Christmas at all. For the most part, it has been “business as usual” in Morocco in the past. In recent years however, with an uptick in tourism, you will find that Morocco has really embraced the traditions of Christmas. Who doesn’t love a holiday with sparkling lights and festive food.
Christmas in Morocco is mostly celebrated with a meal on Christmas Eve, European style. The meal is made special with festive decorations, special menus and a warm cosy fire in the hearth. Christmas morning is the time for celebration in most riads and guesthouses with a lavish breakfast and greetings from the staff, before you head off for a day of sightseeing a touring.
Escape the Holidays in Morocco
If part of the reason you are visiting Morocco is that you’d like to avoid Christmas, it is pretty easy to do. Simply avoid the newer areas of the bigger cities, and the season will all but disappear. Spend time eating delicious traditional cuisine. Head off for a tour of the desert or the smaller villages in the mountains (but be prepared for cold and snow.) Explore the beauty of Essaouria. Enjoy one of our 4-day adventures between Marrakech and Fes. Or book a great riad in the Marrakech medina while attending the Marrakech International Film Festival.
December is a Popular Time to Visit Morocco
Because the weather is cool and pleasant in Morocco in December, it is a popular time for tourists. If you are not a fan of crowds, this is something to keep in mind when making your travel plans.
Additionally, you will want to make sure you make your reservations well in advance. Be sure to get your airline tickets nailed down – and your accommodations, as well. And if you plan to take any tours of Morocco, be sure to book them as early as you can. (We’d love to talk with you about planning the private Moroccan tour of your dreams!)
Spending Christmas in Morocco will offer you a holiday season of new experiences. Make the most of the season when you come for Christmas and stay through to the Amazigh New Year on January 12th. This traditional Berber celebration is truly special.
If you plan to visit Morocco for Christmas (or any other time of year), we’d love to hear from you. Let us know if we can help you bring your Moroccan travel dreams to life!
