New Year’s Eve in Marrakech : full guide
As 2025 draws near, the famous question, “Where to celebrate the end of the year?” begins to torment people’s minds. In this article, we’ll explore the best sites to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Marrakech.
As the clock approaches midnight, people from all over the world gather to celebrate the beginning of a new year. Morocco is one place where it takes on a magical, exotic quality, as it offers a variety of spots to end the year in style. Morocco has many cities to celebrate the New Year with a special attraction, such as Marrakech, Agadir, Essaouira, it’s a perfect mix of wild nature, cultures and customs.
Discover more about New Year’s in Morocco .
Why Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Marrakech ?
Marrakech New Year’s Eve 2024 will be a perfect blend of festive celebrations and cultural wonders. In the heart of a bustling, lively, and warm city, you will :
- #1 Enjoy an ideal winter climate
Far from the cold winter weather that plagues many parts of the world, New Year’s Eve in Marrakech is an opportunity to enjoy a pleasant and mild climate. This allows you to admire the beautiful landscapes during your stay.
- #2 Taste seasonal cuisine and enjoy the richness of Moroccan gastronomy
Special New Year’s Eve dinners in Marrakech are a feast fit for royalty. From traditional tagines to exotic pastries, your taste buds are in for a treat. Enjoy the season’s flavors with hearty stews and comforting soups, prepared with fresh winter ingredients.
- #3 Enjoy the nightlife and festive evenings in Marrakech
Evenings, shows, music, fireworks—the transition to a new year always promises to be festive and grandiose in Marrakech with memorable nights for nightlife lovers.
- #4 Welcoming and Warm Hospitality
Whether you’re staying in a luxurious resort or a charming riad, the kindness of the locals will make you feel at home, creating a welcoming and comforting atmosphere.
Marrakech Weather During New Year’s Eve
If you decide to spend New Year’s Eve in Marrakech, the weather conditions will be very favorable. December brings mild daytime temperatures averaging around 20°C, with clear skies and plenty of sunshine, creating a refreshing atmosphere for exploration and outdoor excursions. However, temperatures can drop significantly at night, often falling below 10°C, so it’s important to bring warm clothes for the evening.
Marrakech Atmosphere on New Year’s Eve
Marrakech on New Year’s Eve is characterized by the exotic transfomation of its central square, Jemaa el-Fna, bringing a touch of holiday spirit to the city. The streets of the medina are adorned with fairy lights and colorful lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. Adding to the excitement is the vibrant nightlife, with joyful bells ringing into the wild sky of Marrakech as the year fades into the night, leaving the red city’s heart beating under dazzling lights.
Do Locals Celebrate New Year’s Eve ?
Moroccans celebrate the Amazigh, Islamic, and Western New Years. However, particularly in Marrakech, traditional customs mingle with the excitement of the New Year, which is widely observed among the younger generation. During this time, families come together to share a hearty, festive, and traditional meal with sweet pastries. The evening is enlivened by songs, dances and traditional games.
The Best Spots to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Marrakech
- #1 Jemaa el-Fnaa square : The Red City’s Heart
In the heart of Marrakech, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square is the liveliest place in the city, day and night. Street performers, snake charmers, and even fortune tellers create an unforgettable atmosphere. You can sit on the terrace of a café or restaurant and enjoy a very pretty sunset at the end of the day. Some streets of Marrakech transform into real open-air parties. Follow the sounds of music and join the joyful crowds—it’s an immersive experience where you can meet travelers from all over the world.
- #2 Medina or old town of Marrakech
The Marrakech Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, transforms into an otherworldly wonderland. By strolling in the ancient city, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and discover many historic buildings and monuments such as the Koutoubia Mosque.
For shopping enthusiasts, souks are perfect for finding distinctive gifts or souvenirs to cherish the memories of New Year’s Eve in Marrakech. The city’s bustling souks are filled with unique handicrafts, dazzling lanterns, patterned rugs, and artisan treasures.
- #3 Nouvelle ville or new city of Marrakech
To disconnect from the Medina’s bustle, head to the new city! It’s where many of trendy clubs, bars, and rooftops have special New Year’s Eve programs. On Mohamed V and Mohamed VI avenues, you will find luxury shops and western-style restaurants. You can indeed celebrate in the style of a thousand and one nights in a palace with oriental dancers or opt for a trendy party at Pacha with a star DJ who will light up the night. But for true relaxation, there’s nothing better than a Moroccan hammam and a charming riad.
- #4 The Palm Grove of Marrakesh
This haven of peace and greenery, located just a few kilometers from the Medina, is also one of the most beautiful places in the city to enjoy sunset. You can take a nice 2-hour quad or camel ride, experiencing thrills in this green oasis on the outskirts of the city.
- #5 Le Jardin Majorelle – Musée Yves Saint Laurent
Located in the Guéliz district, this 4-hectare garden features a stunning villa that blends cubism and the Moorish architectural style. Created by Jacques Majorelle, a famous French painter who fell in love with Morocco after his first visit, this garden offers a tranquil escape for a romantic New Year’s Eve experience.
- #6 Fill up on historic discoveries and regional art museums
In addition to the New Year festivities, Marrakech offers a cultural wealth, with must-see historical sites worth exploring :
Menara gardens – Once a meeting place for the city’s sultans and their lovers
The Bahia Palace – Royal Residence built in the late 19th century
Dar Si Said Museum– Currently, home to Moroccan craftsmanship
- #7 Atlas Mountains Excursions
For those seeking adventure, guided excursions to the Atlas Mountains are a unique way to welcome the New Year surrounded by nature’s beauty. You can go on a trekking or hiking adventure to discover the region’s 5 valleys: Fares, Ourika, Oukaïmeden (where there is a ski resort), Sidi Fares and Tahnoaut.
By exploring them, you can enjoy landscapes of breathtaking beauty, contemplate Mount Toubkal (one of the highest peaks in Africa), and admire the waterfalls of the Ourika valley.
Book your tour and excursion via Morocco Adventurous Tours – they can custom your Moroccan trip based on your interests too – just shoot an email : moroccoadventuroustours@gmail.com
- #8 The desert of Marrakech – Agafay
Escape the city for a purely nomadic night under the stars of Agafay desert. With a festive dinner, music, dancing, and folklore around a large fire, Agafay adds a touch of the Arabian Nights to a fascinating panorama under thousands of shiny stars. You will ride on a camel, sleep in a haima, savor a traditional dinner, and watch the sunrise between the dunes.
- #9 Marrakech hotels
Hotels and Riads of Marrakech are always ready to host and celebrate the New Year. They do shows, parties and multiple amazing atmospheres to celebrate this night as you want – book a spot right bellow :
Midnight Countdown: Marrakech-Style
Join fellow revelers in Marrakech for an unforgettable countdown.
As midnight strikes, the sky will light up with fireworks, followed by Cheers of joy and hugs, expressing best wishes for new year. You’ll feel a deep sense of camaraderie as you welcome the New Year together.
So, why not make your next New Year’s Eve celebration an enchanting journey to the heart of Morocco?