Thinking about spending Christmas in Morocco? More and more travelers choose Morocco for the holidays: it is only a short flight from Europe, the days are sunny, and you can swap a grey December for a camel ride at sunset and a night under the stars in the Sahara. This guide explains what Christmas is like in Morocco, the weather, where to go and how to plan a private desert tour for the holidays.
Quick answer: the most memorable way to spend Christmas in Morocco is a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes. Our Christmas and New Year desert tour from Marrakech and Christmas and New Year desert tour from Fes are 4-day private trips, and we can plan your dates so that your desert night falls on Christmas Eve. Book early, because holiday dates fill up fast.
Our Christmas Desert Tours Compared
| Book | From Marrakech | From Fes |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days, round trip | 4 days, round trip |
| Route | High Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou, Draa Valley, Todra Gorge | Middle Atlas, cedar forest, Todra Gorge, full desert day |
| Desert night | Luxury camp in Erg Chebbi | Camp in Erg Chebbi |
| Winter highlight | Snowy High Atlas peaks | Snow in the cedar forest of Ifrane and Azrou |
| Best for | Flights to and from Marrakech | Flights to and from Fes |
| Book | Christmas tour from Marrakech | Christmas tour from Fes |
Both tours are private, with your own vehicle and driver, and can start on any date in December.
What Is Christmas Like in Morocco?
A Muslim country that welcomes visitors
Morocco is a Muslim country, so Christmas is not a public holiday and daily life continues as usual. However, the country is very used to foreign visitors in December. Many hotels and riads in Marrakech prepare decorations and a special Christmas dinner, and Marrakech has a Catholic church in the Gueliz district for those who want to attend a service.
A quieter, more authentic holiday
Instead of Christmas markets and crowded shops, you get souks, mint tea and sunny squares. For many travelers, this is exactly the point: a calm, different holiday, with time together and new experiences.
Where to Spend Christmas in Morocco
In the Sahara desert
The most special option. You ride a camel to a camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, have dinner by the fire and sleep under a sky full of stars. Choose a luxury desert camp in Merzouga for private bathrooms and warm bedding.
In Marrakech
Lively and sunny, with festive riads, the Jemaa el-Fnaa square at night and plenty of restaurants. Many travelers combine a few days in Marrakech with a desert tour.
In Fes
The most authentic medina in the country. In December, the nearby Middle Atlas is often snowy. Book a guided tour of the Fes medina.
In Essaouira
A relaxed town on the Atlantic, perfect after the desert. Read Marrakech to Essaouira.
Weather in Morocco at Christmas
December is dry and sunny in most of the country. In Marrakech, days are usually around 18 to 20 °C, but nights are cool. In the Sahara, days are pleasant, while nights can drop to about 0 to 5 °C. The High Atlas and the Middle Atlas often have snow, which makes the mountain roads beautiful but sometimes slow. Read our guide to Morocco in winter.
Christmas Eve in the Desert: What to Expect
- Sunset camel ride to the camp, or a 4×4 transfer if you prefer.
- Dinner by the fire, often with tagine, music and Berber drums.
- A sky full of stars, thanks to almost no light pollution.
- Sunrise over the dunes on Christmas morning.
Many camps prepare a special dinner on 24 December; we confirm what your camp offers when you book.
What to Pack for Christmas in Morocco
- Warm layers, a fleece and a jacket for desert nights
- A hat and gloves for the mountains
- Sunglasses and sunscreen, because days are sunny
- Comfortable shoes for medinas and dunes
See our full list of what to pack for the Morocco desert.
Tips for Booking a Christmas Trip
- Book early: camps and riads fill up fast between 20 December and 2 January.
- Choose a comfortable camp: in winter, a private bathroom and thick blankets matter.
- Fly in and out of the same city to keep the trip simple, or ask for a one-way route.
- Traveling with children? Read Morocco with kids. Couples can read honeymoon in Morocco.
More Desert Tours for the Holidays
Prefer another length? Compare the 3 day tour from Marrakech, the 4 day tour from Marrakech and the 3 day tour from Fes, or hire a private driver in Morocco for a custom route.
Christmas in Morocco FAQ
Is Christmas celebrated in Morocco?
Christmas is not a public holiday, because Morocco is a Muslim country, but many hotels and riads in tourist areas offer decorations and special dinners.
Is Morocco a good destination for Christmas?
Yes. The weather is sunny, flights from Europe are short, and you can spend Christmas Eve in the Sahara.
How cold is the Sahara at Christmas?
Days are mild, but nights can drop to about 0 to 5 °C. Camps provide thick blankets.
Can I spend Christmas Eve in the desert?
Yes. On our Christmas tours, we plan your dates so that your night in the camp falls on 24 December.
When should I book a Christmas tour in Morocco?
As early as possible, ideally two to three months before, because holiday dates fill up fast.
Staying for New Year too? Read New Year in the Sahara desert.
Book Your Christmas in Morocco
In short, Christmas in Morocco means sunshine, culture and a night under the stars in the Sahara. Tell us your dates and we will plan your holiday tour.
Plan your trip: ask for a free quote, write to us on WhatsApp, or book the Christmas tour from Marrakech or the Christmas tour from Fes.
