New Year’s Eve in Morocco, like in many other parts of the world, is a time of celebration and festivity. While Morocco is an Islamic country, it has a diverse cultural landscape with various traditions and celebrations. New Year’s Eve, also known as “Réveillon” in French, is not an official holiday in Morocco, but it is still marked with enthusiasm, especially in urban areas and among the non-Muslim population.
Where to Celebrate New Years eve in Morocco?
- New Year’s Eve in Merzouga Desert
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in the Merzouga Desert in Morocco can be a unique and magical experience. Merzouga is famous for its stunning sand dunes, particularly Erg Chebbi, and it offers a tranquil and otherworldly setting for ringing in the new year. Here’s how you can make the most of your New Year’s Eve celebration in the Merzouga Desert:
- Desert Camps: We provide unique New Year’s Eve packages that include a stay at a desert camp. These campgrounds usually consist of traditional Berber tents and offer a relaxing and authentic experience in the desert. From budget to luxury, there are many camps from which to select.
- Camel Trekking in Merzouga : The chance to ride a camel into the dunes is one of the pleasures of a trip to Merzouga. Think of riding a camel to your desert tent. This is a special opportunity to see the sun set over the sand dunes, and creat an amazing trip in Merzouga While celebrating the new year eve in Morocco
- Stargazing: The Merzouga Desert is known for its incredibly clear night skies. After dinner, you can lay back and gaze at the stars. You may even have the chance to see shooting stars and constellations. Our desert camp offer telescopes and astronomy guides for a more educational experience.
- Party Fire Music : In the evening, many desert camps light bonfires. Join your fellow travelers around the fire for some storytelling and folk music
- Traditional Moroccan Dinner: Most desert camps offer a special New Year’s Eve dinner. You can savor delicious Moroccan cuisine, including tagines and couscous, often accompanied by live music performances.
- Dance and Music: Enjoy traditional Berber music and dance performances around the campfire . You might even be invited to join in the dancing.
- Reflect and Connect: The tranquil and remote setting of the desert is perfect for reflection and connecting with nature. Take some time to think about your goals and aspirations for the coming year.
- Dress appropriately: While desert days might be pleasant, desert nights, particularly in the winter, can be extremely cold. Bring layers of warm clothing for the evening’s festivities.
- New Year’s Eve in Marrakech, Morocco
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Marrakech, Morocco, can be a vibrant and memorable experience. Marrakech is a popular tourist destination known for its rich culture, historic architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife. Here’s how you can enjoy New Year’s Eve in Marrakech:
- Attend a Gala Dinner: New Year’s Eve gala dinners are offered in a number of Marrakech hotels, eateries, and riads (traditional Moroccan guesthouses). Live music, traditional Moroccan food, and entertainment like belly dance or live bands are frequently featured at these gatherings. Because these events tend to sell out rapidly, be sure to book reservations far in advance.
- Take a trip through the medieval medina of Marrakech, paying special attention to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. In the evening, musicians, food vendors, and street performers fill the square with life. It’s a vibrant and festive setting where you can get into the holiday spirit.
- Countdown at Luxury Hotels: In Marrakech, you can partake in the New Year’s Eve festivities at luxurious hotels, where they host extravagant parties adorned with elaborate decorations, featuring live entertainment, and culminating in a midnight countdown. Additionally, certain hotels boast rooftop bars that provide stunning vistas of the city.
- When it comes to Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in Marrakech, you’ll discover several options that offer breathtaking views of the city and the Atlas Mountains. These venues frequently host special New Year’s Eve events, making them an ideal choice for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Morocco.
- To rejuvenate and unwind as you usher in the new year, think about booking a spa or hammam (traditional Moroccan bathhouse) session on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. This can be a perfect way to pamper yourself and recharge for the year ahead.
- For those seeking a grand spectacle, Fireworks are a captivating option. Several upscale hotels and resorts in Marrakech organize fireworks displays at midnight. To ensure you don’t miss out on these dazzling shows, consider checking with your accommodation or referring to local events listings for more information.
What’s the weather like in Morocco in December?
In December, Morocco experiences varying weather conditions depending on the region, given its diverse landscapes, which encompass coastal areas, the Atlas Mountains, and desert regions. To provide a comprehensive picture, here’s a breakdown of what you can anticipate in different parts of Morocco during New Year’s Eve in Morocco and in December:
- Coastal Areas (e.g., Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira):
- Temperature: Coastal regions typically offer milder temperatures in December, with daytime highs ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
- Precipitation: Occasional rainfall is possible, but it is generally not heavy. Coastal areas may experience mild and sporadic showers.
- Marrakech and Inland Areas:
- Temperature: Inland regions, like Marrakech, tend to be cooler during December, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F). Rainfall is less common in Marrakech, but there may be occasional showers. Nights can be quite chilly, so it’s advisable to bring warm clothing.
- Atlas Mountains:
- Temperature: The Atlas Mountains, especially at higher elevations, feature cold temperatures in December. Daytime highs in the High Atlas may be around 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F), with temperatures dropping below freezing at night.,Snowfall: Snowfall is possible in the High Atlas, making it a sought-after destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
- Desert Regions (e.g., Merzouga, Sahara):Temperature: Desert regions, such as Merzouga, offer mild daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F). However, nights can be quite cold.
- Sand Dunes: December provides a comfortable time to explore the desert, as the daytime heat is not as intense, making activities like camel trekking in Merzouga and sandboarding enjoyable,this will make your New Year’s Eve in Morocco Celebration an amazing experience .
Things to know before going to Morocco for New Year’s Eve
Traveling to Morocco for New Year’s Eve can be an exciting and memorable experience. However, there are several important things to know and consider before your trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Entry requirements and visas for Morocco:
- Before traveling to Morocco, confirm the visa requirements for your country. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the day you intend to depart.
- Weather in Morocco:
- Because Morocco offers a variety of climates, research the weather in the area you intend to travel on New Year’s Eve. The Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains may get fairly cold at night, although coastal areas like Casablanca and Rabat are more tolerable.
- Moroccan Currency:
- The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the country’s official currency. Although having some cash on hand is a good idea, credit and debit cards are commonly used in large cities.
- Water and Food in Morocco:
- Although Moroccan food is delicious street food and unfiltered water should be avoided. Continue drinking bottled water and indulge in classic foods like tagine and couscous.
By keeping these considerations in mind and conducting thorough research before your trip to Morocco, you can have a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve celebration in Morocco.
In conclusion, spending New Year’s Eve in Morocco can be a great experience, but planning ahead is important. Verify visa requirements to Morocco, pay attention to the weather, observe local customs, and keep up with safety precautions in Morocco. A memorable and pleasurable celebration can be had in Morocco with the correct preparation and thought.
