If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Marrakech, you’re in for a real treat. Not only does the city offer warm weather, where you can comfortably wear a T-shirt in the afternoon, but it also provides a unique holiday experience, whether you want to embrace the Christmas spirit or avoid it altogether. Because Marrakech is a Muslim-majority city, Christmas is not a traditional celebration here, and many locals don’t mark the occasion or even know the exact date. This means the usual bombardment of Christmas music and flashy decorations is absent perfect for those looking to escape the holiday frenzy.
However, if you are someone who loves the Christmas season, don’t worry! You can still find festive moments scattered throughout Marrakech. Several Western hotels, like the luxurious La Mamounia, as well as modern shopping centers such as Menara Mall, feature Christmas markets, decorations, and even special Christmas lunches and dinners. So, you’ll have the best of both worlds an exotic, non-traditional Christmas environment with just enough festive touches to keep the holiday spirit alive.
One thing to note is that Christmas coincides with peak tourist season in Marrakech. This means you should be prepared for higher prices, large crowds, and the need to book your hotels, tours, and riads well in advance to secure your preferred options. But if you can navigate these logistics, celebrating Christmas in Marrakech can be an unforgettable experience.
As someone who lives in Morocco and has spent many Christmases here, I’ve found that this city offers a magical blend of holiday joy and cultural exploration. So, whether you’re looking to escape or embrace Christmas, Marrakech has something for you. Here’s a complete guide to making the most of your Christmas holiday in this enchanting city.
Is Marrakech Good at Christmas?
Yes, Marrakech can be a fantastic place to spend Christmas, especially if you’re looking for a break from the usual Christmas hustle and bustle. The city’s warm weather in December means you can walk around in light clothing during the day, enjoying the sights without the freezing cold that most other countries experience during the holiday season.
If you love Christmas traditions, you’ll find pockets of the city that cater to visitors and expats celebrating the holiday. Western hotels, like La Mamounia, and shopping malls, such as Menara Mall, often feature Christmas decorations, small markets, and special holiday meals. On the other hand, if you prefer to avoid Christmas entirely, you can stay in the Medina, where life goes on as usual, with little to no Christmas decorations or music. You can choose how much Christmas you want to experience.
The only downside is that Christmas is part of the peak travel season in Marrakech. Expect large crowds, higher prices for flights and hotels, and fully booked tours and accommodations if you don’t plan ahead. However, if you’re prepared for this, Christmas in Marrakech can be a great time to explore the city and its surroundings.
A Local’s Experience of Christmas in Marrakech
As someone who lives in Morocco and has spent many Christmases in Marrakech, I can confirm that it’s possible to have a fantastic time here during the holidays. Marrakech provides a great alternative. It’s a special experience to be able to enjoy the warm weather during the day while still finding small pockets of Christmas cheer throughout the city.
Whether you want to take part in Christmas festivities or ignore the holiday completely, Marrakech allows you to do both. And if you’re like it, you might find yourself returning here year after year for a relaxing, non-traditional Christmas.
Weather in Marrakech at Christmas
One of the best reasons to visit Marrakech during Christmas is the mild weather. Unlike Europe or North America, where Christmas often brings snow and freezing temperatures, Marrakech offers a much more pleasant climate. In December, daily temperatures in the city average around 20°C (68°F), making it ideal for exploring. You can comfortably wear a T-shirt and jeans during the day, enjoying the sunshine without bundling up. However, it’s important to note that nighttime lows drop to about 7°C (45°F), so packing warm layers is essential.
Many hotels and riads don’t have strong heating systems, so to aviod freezing at night, be sure to bring sweaters, a fleece, and a winter jacket. Mornings can also be brisk, so layers will help you stay comfortable throughout the day.
Rain is not a significant concern during December, as Marrakech averages only about three days of rain throughout the month. Most of your trip will be sunny and dry, with roughly 10 hours of daylight each day. The sun rises around 8:22 a.m. and sets at 6:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to enjoy the city’s sights and experiences. While it’s too cold for swimming, the comfortable daytime temperatures make it a great time to visit without the crowds or scorching summer heat.
Overall, Christmas in Marrakech offers a wonderful blend of mild weather, long daylight hours, and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time to explore the city. Just be sure to pack those warm layers for the chilly mornings and evenings!
Things to Know About Christmas in Marrakech
Since Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, Christmas is not celebrated as widely as in other parts of the world. However, because Marrakech is a popular tourist destination, you can still find places where Christmas traditions are embraced, particularly in areas that attract foreign visitors. That said, Christmas “celebrations” in Marrakech are quite different from what you might expect. Since most locals do not celebrate the holiday, the festivities tend to be more subtle and low-key compared to the usual Western extravagance.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your Christmas trip to Marrakech:
No Big Christmas Markets in Marrakech
Unlike the festive cities of Europe, Marrakech doesn’t feature large, traditional Christmas markets. While the souks in the Medina will be buzzing with their usual hustle and bustle, you won’t come across stalls selling Christmas-themed items. However, if you’re seeking a bit of holiday spirit, small holiday markets can occasionally be found at local Catholic and Protestant churches in Gueliz, the modern district of Marrakech. Though these markets are modest, they offer a chance to enjoy a touch of Christmas festivities in an otherwise non-celebratory city.
La Mamounia Christmas Market
If you’re looking for Christmas decor or ornaments, head to La Mamounia Hotel between December 10th and December 23rd. They host a small Christmas market where you can find beautiful decorations and other festive items to bring home as souvenirs.
Christmas Lights in Gueliz
Gueliz is a more modern district of Marrakech, where many expats and foreigners live. You’ll find churches, shopping malls, and Western-style hotels here, many of which are decorated with Christmas lights and displays. Some of the best places to see Christmas lights in Gueliz include La Mamounia, the Royal Mansour, and Menara Mall.
Christmas Lunch or Dinner at Western-Style Hotels
To enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch or dinner, you’ll want to make a reservation at one of Marrakech’s Western-style hotels. These high-end resorts often have special holiday menus for tourists, offering everything from roast turkey to buche de Noel, a traditional French Christmas cake.
Be sure to dress up for these meals, as many of these hotels have dress codes. La Mamounia, in particular, is known for its elegant dining experiences.
Attend Christmas Mass
Because of Morocco’s French colonial history, there are several Catholic and Protestant churches in Marrakech. Many of these churches hold Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. If you’re looking to attend a Christmas mass, you can visit Chiesa Madre dei Santi Martiri (Catholic), the Evangelical Church in Morocco, or the Marrakech International Protestant Church. These services are typically in French or Arabic, so it’s worth checking beforehand if you need an English service.
European-Style Christmas Decorations
Morocco’s proximity to Europe means that many of the Christmas decorations you’ll find in Marrakech have a European flair. The decorations are often elegant and minimalistic, with a focus on lights and greenery rather than over-the-top displays.
Christmas Treats in Local Bakeries
Marrakech is known for its fantastic food, and Christmas is no exception. Local bakeries often sell buche de Noel, a traditional French cake, as well as other Christmas treats. These cakes are usually wrapped in festive packaging, making them perfect for enjoying during the holiday season.
How is Christmas Celebrated in Marrakech?
Technically, Christmas isn’t celebrated in Marrakech the way it is in other parts of the world. For most locals, December 25th is just another day, and the city continues to operate as usual. The main attractions, shops, and restaurants will all be open, so you won’t need to worry about closures or limited hours on Christmas Day.
This is great news if you want to explore Marrakech without any interruptions. You can visit the city’s beautiful palaces, gardens, and souks, or relax at a traditional hammam, without dealing with the holiday closures you might encounter in other countries.
While Christmas isn’t a public holiday in Marrakech, some expats and foreigners celebrate it in their homes. Many families hold small gatherings on Christmas Eve, complete with a holiday meal. So, if you have friends or family living in Marrakech, you might be invited to a private Christmas celebration.
If you’re really missing the Christmas spirit, you can also head to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. Rabat is home to many embassies and a larger foreign population, so Christmas celebrations are more prominent there.
What to Pack for Christmas in Marrakech
When packing for Christmas in Marrakech, think in layers. During the day, you’ll want light, breathable clothing like T-shirts, jeans, and even sandals. But for the evenings and early mornings, you’ll need warmer clothing. A good winter jacket, sweaters, scarves, and even gloves might be necessary, especially if your hotel or riad doesn’t have strong heating.
It’s also a good idea to bring a hat and sunglasses for daytime walks. The sun can still be strong, even in December, and you’ll want to stay protected. If you plan on hiking or taking day trips outside the city, bring comfortable walking shoes and perhaps a lightweight backpack for your essentials.
And don’t forget a nice outfit if you plan on dining at one of the Western-style hotels for Christmas lunch or dinner. Many of these places have dress codes, so pack a formal outfit just in case.
Things to Do in Marrakech at Christmas
Even though Christmas isn’t widely celebrated in Marrakech, there are still plenty of things to do during the holiday season. Here are some of the top activities to enjoy during your Christmas trip in Marrakech:
Explore the Medina
The Medina is the heart of Marrakech and offers a maze of winding streets filled with markets, shops, and cafes. Spend your days exploring the souks, where you can buy everything from spices to handmade leather goods. You’ll also find beautiful historical sites like the Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque.
Relax at a Hammam
A visit to a traditional Moroccan hammam is a must when in Marrakech. These steam baths offer a relaxing experience where you can unwind, get a deep cleanse, and enjoy some much-needed pampering during your Christmas vacation in Marrakech.
Visit the Majorelle Garden
The Majorelle Garden is one of Marrakech’s most famous landmarks. It was designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. The garden features beautiful plants, fountains, and stunning blue buildings, making it a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Take a Day Trip
If you’re up for some adventure, consider taking a day trip to the Atlas Mountains. You can hike through the beautiful landscapes or visit traditional Berber villages, experiencing a side of Morocco that’s completely different from Marrakech.
Enjoy a Camel Ride in the Desert
For a truly unique Christmas experience, take a camel ride into the nearby Agafay Desert. You can enjoy stunning views of the sunset while riding a camel through the Sahara, making it a memorable holiday activity.
Conclusion
Spending Christmas in Marrakech provides the perfect balance of relaxation, exploration, and festive spirit. Whether you’re looking to embrace the holiday cheer or prefer to avoid it altogether, Marrakech offers a customizable experience that caters to your preferences. The warm daytime weather, vibrant culture, and variety of activities make it an excellent choice for a holiday getaway. You can comfortably stroll around in jeans, a t-shirt, and sandals, soaking in the sun. However, be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings by packing warm clothes, as temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
While Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Marrakech, it’s essential to consider the higher prices and larger crowds that come with the holiday season. Planning your trip months in advance will ensure you get the best deals and accommodations. If you can handle the peak-season bustle, you’ll enjoy a memorable stay in Marrakech, whether it’s for four days or more. The city’s unique charm during this time of year truly makes it worth the trip.
