New Year in Morocco: New Year’s Eve in Marrakech, the Sahara and Yennayer

A New Year in Morocco is never just one night. In fact, the country welcomes the year three times: on 31 December with the rest of the world, in mid-January with Yennayer, the Amazigh (Berber) New Year, and again on 1 Muharram, the Islamic New Year. As a result, the weeks between Christmas and mid-January are some of the richest of the whole year for travellers.

This guide explains how people celebrate New Year in Morocco today. It covers New Year’s Eve in Marrakech, New Year’s Eve in the Sahara Desert, the coast, the Atlas Mountains and Yennayer. It also gives exact dates for 2026–2027, the weather, prices, greetings in Moroccan Arabic and ready-made New Year tours. Our team at Favorites Morocco Tours lives in Marrakech and runs private trips every winter, so everything here comes from the ground.

Quick answer: Yes, people celebrate New Year in Morocco. On 31 December, hotels, riads, rooftop restaurants and desert camps host gala dinners with music and a midnight countdown, and 1 January is a public holiday. Then, on 14 January, the whole country marks Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year, which has been a paid national holiday since 2024.

In this guide:

New Year in Morocco at a glance

Before planning anything, it helps to see the whole calendar. Here are the key facts for the 2026–2027 season, written so you can check each one quickly.

  • New Year’s Eve: Thursday 31 December 2026. It is a normal working day until the evening.
  • New Year’s Day: Friday 1 January 2027. It is an official public holiday, so you get a long weekend.
  • Independence Manifesto Day: Monday 11 January 2027. This is another public holiday.
  • Yennayer (Amazigh New Year 2977): Thursday 14 January 2027. It is the official holiday, although many Amazigh families celebrate on the evening of 13 January.
  • Islamic New Year (1 Muharram 1449): expected around 6 June 2027. The exact day depends on the moon sighting.
  • Time zone: Morocco has used GMT all year since 20 September 2026. Therefore, midnight in Marrakech is also midnight in London.
  • Ramadan: it does not overlap with the New Year period. Ramadan 1448 is expected to start around 8 February 2027.
  • Peak demand: 27 December to 3 January. Hotels, desert camps and drivers book up weeks in advance.

Do They Celebrate New Year in Morocco?

This is the question travellers ask most, and the honest answer has two parts. On one hand, the Gregorian New Year is a modern, city-based celebration. On the other hand, the two older New Years carry deep cultural and religious meaning. Together, they make New Year in Morocco different from anywhere else.

In the cities and tourist areas

Marrakech, Casablanca, Agadir, Tangier, Rabat and Essaouira all mark 31 December. Hotels sell gala dinners, and restaurants add live bands or DJs. Moreover, nightclubs in Marrakech’s Hivernage and Gueliz districts stay open late. Young Moroccans often go out with friends, while tourists fill rooftop terraces around the medinas.

At home with the family

Many Moroccan families prefer a quiet evening instead. Typically, they share a cake, often a simple sponge or a “bûche” from the local pâtisserie, and watch the special shows on national TV. Then they send wishes by phone and WhatsApp at midnight. In other words, it feels more like a family evening than a street party.

A night some people skip

Morocco is a Muslim country, and some conservative voices see 31 December as a foreign custom. For this reason, not everyone celebrates it, especially in small towns. Visitors simply need to know this and stay discreet outside hotels and licensed venues. For wider context, our guide to religion in Morocco explains how faith shapes daily life.

Three New Years in one country

Finally, remember that Morocco lives with three calendars. The Gregorian calendar runs public life, the Hijri lunar calendar sets religious holidays, and the Amazigh calendar gives Yennayer. So when someone asks “do they celebrate New Years in Morocco”, the plural is actually correct.

New Year’s Eve in Morocco: How 31 December Unfolds

New Year’s Eve in Morocco follows a clear rhythm. Knowing it helps you plan dinner, transport and your first morning of the year.

Afternoon: the calm before

Shops, souks and banks work normally on 31 December. However, pâtisseries get very busy, since many families order a cake. Meanwhile, hotels set up stages and terraces. It is a good moment for a hammam or a slow lunch before a long night.

Evening: dinner starts late

Most gala dinners begin between 8 pm and 9 pm. They usually include a welcome drink, four or five courses and a mix of Moroccan and international dishes. In addition, many venues bring Gnawa musicians, Andalusian ensembles, belly dancers or a DJ. Dress codes are “smart” in upscale hotels, so pack one good outfit.

Midnight: the countdown

At midnight, the music rises, people cheer and some hotels launch a short private firework display. Large public fireworks remain rare, because authorities regulate them. Even so, the atmosphere is warm and joyful. Since Morocco now keeps GMT, midnight in Morocco happens at the following times elsewhere:

  • London and Dublin: midnight, at exactly the same moment.
  • Paris, Madrid and Berlin: 1 am on 1 January.
  • New York and Toronto: 7 pm on 31 December.
  • Los Angeles: 4 pm on 31 December.
  • Sydney: 11 am on 1 January.

So, if you want to call home at midnight, check the difference first. Our page on what time it is in Morocco now explains the switch to permanent GMT in detail.

1 January: a slow, sunny holiday

New Year’s Day is a public holiday, so offices, post offices and most banks close. Nevertheless, the souks, cafés, museums and tourist sites generally open, often a little later. It is the perfect day to wander the medina or to start a tour towards the mountains or the desert.

New Year’s Eve in Marrakech

For most visitors, New Year’s Eve in Marrakech is the heart of the whole trip. The city mixes history, nightlife and great hospitality better than anywhere else in the country. Consequently, it hosts the biggest share of international travellers at the end of December.

Jemaa el-Fna on the last night of the year

The main square, listed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, never really closes. On 31 December, it simply gets louder and busier. Storytellers, Gnawa drummers and food stalls work late, and families stroll until after midnight. For the best view, book a table on a terrace around the square and watch the crowd from above.

Rooftop dinners in the medina

Rooftop restaurants offer the classic New Year’s Eve in Marrakech. You eat tagine or pastilla, you watch the Koutoubia minaret glow, and you hear the city below. However, rooftops get cold after 10 pm in winter. Therefore, ask whether they have heaters or blankets, and bring a warm layer. Our restaurant Marrakech guide explains how to choose a good place and avoid tourist traps.

Riads, palaces and five-star hotels

Riads are small traditional houses built around a courtyard. On New Year’s Eve, many of them serve a candle-lit dinner for their guests only. This option is intimate and relaxed. By contrast, palace hotels in the Hivernage and the Palmeraie host large galas with live shows, several bars and dancing until late.

How much New Year’s Eve in Marrakech costs

Prices vary a lot. As a rough guide for 2026, a set dinner in a medina riad often costs a few hundred dirhams per person. Meanwhile, gala nights in large hotels and palaces commonly run from about 1,500 to 5,000 MAD per person, and sometimes more. Always check what the price includes, such as drinks, the show and transfers. For exchange rates and cash tips, see our guide to the Moroccan dirham.

Nightlife in Gueliz and the Hivernage

If you want to dance after midnight, head to the new town. The Hivernage and Gueliz districts hold the city’s main clubs and lounge bars. Many of them sell advance tickets for 31 December. Because traffic is heavy that night, agree on a taxi or a private transfer before you go out.

Agafay: a “desert” party near the city

About 40 minutes from Marrakech, the stony Agafay plateau hosts luxury camps with fire pits and big dinners. It is a popular choice for New Year’s Eve in Marrakech when you have little time. Still, keep in mind that Agafay is not the Sahara: it has no sand dunes. You can combine it with our Agafay quad bike and camel ride during the day.

Getting home safely after midnight

Taxis become scarce and more expensive around 1 am. For this reason, riads inside the medina often send staff to walk guests back from a nearby gate. Otherwise, book a private driver. Our Marrakech holidays guide covers where to stay so that you can walk home easily.

New Year’s Eve in the Sahara Desert

For many travellers, New Year’s Eve in the Sahara Desert is the dream version of New Year in Morocco. You leave the city noise behind, you eat by a fire, and you watch millions of stars. Then, on the first morning of the year, you climb a dune to see the sunrise.

Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes

Merzouga sits next to Erg Chebbi, the most famous dune field in Morocco. The dunes rise to around 150 metres, and dozens of camps sit between them. On 31 December, most camps serve a special dinner, light a big fire and play Amazigh and Gnawa drums until after midnight. Read our Sahara Desert Morocco guide to understand the region before you go.

Zagora and Erg Chigaga

Zagora is closer to Marrakech and suits short trips. However, its dunes are small. Erg Chigaga, beyond M’Hamid, is wilder and more remote, and you reach it by 4×4. If you are unsure which area fits your trip, our comparison of Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga answers that question.

What a desert New Year’s Eve looks like

Usually, you arrive by camel or 4×4 around sunset, which now falls at about 5:30 pm because of the move to GMT. Then you drink mint tea, settle into your tent and gather for dinner around 8 pm. After dinner, the musicians play, guests dance, and everyone counts down together by the fire. Many camps add a New Year’s supplement for the gala, so ask about it when you book.

Cold nights, warm tents

Desert nights in late December are cold. Temperatures often drop to between 0 and 5 °C, and sometimes lower. Fortunately, good camps provide thick blankets, and many luxury tents have heaters and private bathrooms. Even so, pack a warm hat, gloves and a down jacket. Our guide on what to wear in Morocco includes a winter packing list.

Sunrise on 1 January

The first sunrise of the year over Erg Chebbi comes at about 7:15 am. Your guide wakes you in the dark, and you walk up a dune in silence. As the sky turns orange, the dunes change colour minute by minute. Many guests say this is the moment they remember most from their New Year in Morocco.

How to time a New Year desert tour

Distances are long, so timing matters. For example, Marrakech to Merzouga takes two driving days over the High Atlas. Here is how to plan it:

New Year in Casablanca, Rabat and the Coast

Not everyone wants a medina or a desert camp. Fortunately, the Atlantic coast offers another style of New Year in Morocco, more modern or more relaxed depending on the town.

Casablanca

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and its business capital. On 31 December, hotels and restaurants along the Corniche and in Anfa host gala dinners with ocean views. The next day, you can visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors on guided tours. Since most long-haul flights land here, it also makes a practical starting point. Browse our tours from Casablanca.

Rabat

Rabat, the capital, is calmer and very clean. Its riverside, the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower make a lovely New Year’s Day walk. In addition, Rabat sits on the high-speed train line, so it is easy to reach.

Essaouira

Essaouira is a small, walled port town with a relaxed, artistic mood. Winter days are mild, and the wind is usually lighter than in summer. It suits couples and families who want a quiet New Year. You can also visit it on our full-day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira.

Agadir

Agadir is the warmest option, with beach days often above 20 °C in winter. Its large resort hotels organise classic gala nights. As a result, it attracts many European families looking for sun.

Tangier

Tangier, just across the strait from Spain, has a lively New Year scene in its new town and along the bay. It is also the start of many northern routes to Chefchaouen and Fes. See our tours from Tangier and our guide to Chefchaouen.

New Year in the Atlas Mountains

If you want peace instead of parties, the High Atlas is a beautiful choice. Snow often covers Jebel Toubkal and the higher peaks in winter, while the valleys stay green.

Imlil and Toubkal

Imlil, about 1,700 metres high, is a village of stone houses and walnut trees. Several mountain lodges serve a warm dinner by the fireplace on 31 December. Nights are freezing, but the views on 1 January are spectacular. Our Imlil valley day trip is a great way to see it without staying overnight.

Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is closer to Marrakech and easy to visit on 1 or 2 January. You can walk to small waterfalls, have lunch by the river and visit an Amazigh home. Book our Ourika Valley day trip for a gentle first day of the year.

Why the mountains matter at New Year

In addition, the Atlas is the heartland of Amazigh culture. So if you stay into January, the mountains are also where Yennayer feels most authentic. Our Atlas Mountains Morocco guide covers routes, heights and villages.

Yennayer: The Amazigh New Year

Yennayer is the oldest New Year in Morocco. It marks the first day of the Amazigh agricultural calendar, and its name means “the first month”. While 31 December is a modern party, Yennayer is about the land, the harvest and the family.

When is Yennayer?

Morocco sets the official public holiday on 14 January. However, many Amazigh families still celebrate on the evening of 13 January, and some regions use 12 January. In January 2027, the Amazigh calendar enters the year 2977. The difference in dates comes from the old link between the Amazigh calendar and the Julian calendar.

A national holiday since 2024

King Mohammed VI announced the decision in May 2023. Then, on 14 January 2024, Moroccans celebrated Yennayer as a paid public holiday for the first time. The official portal Maroc.ma describes it as a recognition of Amazigh identity as a core part of the nation. As a result, schools, offices and banks now close on that day.

How families celebrate

Traditionally, families clean the house, cook a big meal and gather together. Children often get new clothes or small treats. In villages, there may be music, dancing and storytelling. People greet each other with “Asseggas ameggaz” or “Asseggas ambarki”, both meaning happy or blessed new year in Tamazight.

Yennayer food

Food is the centre of Yennayer. In many homes, the dish of the night is couscous with seven vegetables, because seven symbolises abundance. In the Souss and parts of the Atlas, families make tagoula, a thick barley or corn porridge served with butter or argan oil. Often, a date stone or an almond is hidden inside, and whoever finds it will have luck all year. Other tables include dried fruits, nuts and seasonal produce.

Where visitors can experience Yennayer

The most authentic celebrations happen in Amazigh villages of the High Atlas, the Anti-Atlas, the Souss and the Rif. Meanwhile, cities such as Rabat, Agadir and Marrakech organise concerts and cultural events around 13–14 January. A private tour lets you combine both. To learn more about the culture behind the holiday, read our guide to Berber Morocco.

The Islamic New Year

The Islamic New Year, called Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah, falls on 1 Muharram. It remembers the Hijra, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar and about 11 days shorter than the solar year, its date moves earlier every year. In 2027, 1 Muharram 1449 is expected around 6 June, according to astronomical calendars such as the one summarised by Wikipedia.

In Morocco, it is a public holiday, but a quiet one. People pray, visit family and give charity. There are no fireworks or parties. For visitors, it is simply a calm day; tourist sites stay open, although some shops close. Therefore, it never interferes with a New Year trip in December or January.

What People Eat at New Year in Morocco

Whatever calendar you follow, food is always at the centre of a New Year in Morocco. On festive tables, you will find these dishes:

  • Couscous: with seven vegetables, lamb or chicken, and often served on Friday too.
  • Tagines: lamb with prunes and almonds, or chicken with preserved lemon and olives.
  • Pastilla: a sweet and savoury pie with chicken or seafood, almonds and cinnamon.
  • Harira: a warming tomato and lentil soup, perfect for winter nights.
  • Moroccan pastries: ghriba, briouats, kaab el ghazal and sellou.
  • Cake at midnight: many families buy a cake for 31 December.
  • Mint tea: served before and after almost every meal.

To go further, our guide to traditional Moroccan dishes explains each plate and where to eat it.

How to Say Happy New Year in Moroccan Arabic

Moroccans speak Darija, a Moroccan form of Arabic, plus Tamazight and often French. A few words go a long way. Here is how to say happy New Year in Moroccan Arabic and in Tamazight:

  • سنة سعيدة – sna sa’ida – Happy New Year. This is the most common greeting.
  • عام سعيد – ‘am sa’id – Happy New Year, another common form.
  • سنة مباركة – sna mbarka – Blessed year.
  • كل عام وأنتم بخير – kul ‘am w ntuma bikhir – May you be well every year. People also use it for religious holidays.
  • Asseggas ameggaz – Happy New Year in Tamazight, used especially for Yennayer.
  • Bonne année – French is widely understood, so this works everywhere.

A common reply is “Allah ybarek fik”, which means “may God bless you”. Our article on the language spoken in Morocco explains when to use Darija, Tamazight or French.

Weather at New Year in Morocco

Winter in Morocco means sunny days and cold nights. In general, rain is possible in the north, while the south stays mostly dry. Here are typical conditions for late December and early January:

  • Marrakech: around 18–19 °C by day and 5–7 °C at night.
  • Merzouga (Sahara): around 17–20 °C by day and often 0–5 °C at night.
  • Casablanca and Rabat: around 17–18 °C by day and 8–10 °C at night, with some rain.
  • Fes: around 15–16 °C by day and 4–5 °C at night.
  • Imlil and the High Atlas: cool days, freezing nights and snow on the peaks.
  • Agadir: around 20–21 °C by day, the warmest option.

Note that days are short. Since the switch to GMT, the sun sets at about 5:30 pm in Marrakech in late December. So plan outdoor visits for the morning and early afternoon. For more detail, see our Morocco in December holiday guide.

Best New Year Tours in Morocco

The best way to enjoy New Year in Morocco is to combine a city night with a road trip. Here are the four formulas our guests choose most often. Each one can run as a private tour with your own driver.

1. Marrakech and the Sahara (5–6 days)

  • 28–29 December: arrive in Marrakech, visit the medina and the souks.
  • 30 December: cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka and Ait Ben Haddou.
  • 31 December: Dades and Todra gorges, then camel ride into Erg Chebbi for New Year’s Eve in the Sahara Desert.
  • 1 January: sunrise on the dunes, then the Draa Valley.
  • 2 January: back to Marrakech.

This route is based on our tours from Marrakech, which we adapt to the dates.

2. New Year’s Eve in Marrakech, then the desert (7 days)

Here, you spend 31 December in Marrakech, then leave on 1 January for a 3-day desert loop. Afterwards, you finish with a relaxed day in the Ourika Valley or Essaouira. This formula suits travellers who want both the city party and the dunes, without rushing.

3. From Casablanca: imperial cities and desert (7–9 days)

Start in Casablanca, visit Rabat, Meknes and Fes, cross the Middle Atlas and reach Merzouga for 31 December. Then finish in Marrakech. Our 7-day private tour from Casablanca follows a very similar loop. You can also start in Fes with our tours from Fes.

4. New Year plus Yennayer (10–14 days)

If you have time, stay from late December to mid-January. That way, you celebrate 31 December in Marrakech or the desert, and then Yennayer in the Atlas or the Souss around 13–14 January. It is the deepest cultural version of a New Year in Morocco. The Morocco Highlights Tour can be stretched to cover both dates.

Practical Tips for New Year in Morocco

Book early

The last week of December is the busiest week of winter. Good riads, desert camps and gala dinners often sell out by November. Therefore, confirm your key nights at least six to eight weeks ahead.

Alcohol

Alcohol is legal in licensed hotels, restaurants, bars and some supermarkets. However, drinking in the street is not allowed. Many Moroccans celebrate without alcohol, and most galas offer mocktails. Some desert camps serve alcohol, while others do not, so ask in advance.

Dress code

Upscale galas expect smart clothes. In the medinas and villages, however, dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Bring warm layers for the evenings.

Safety

Morocco is generally safe for New Year travel. Crowds in Jemaa el-Fna attract pickpockets, so keep your phone and wallet close. For more detail, read our guide is Morocco safe.

Money and transport

Carry some cash for taxis, tips and small shops, because many close their card terminals on busy nights. Also, book airport transfers in advance, as flights around 30 December are full and taxi queues are long.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Planning the desert too late: camps near Merzouga fill up fast for 31 December.
  • Underestimating distances: Merzouga is about 9–10 hours’ drive from Marrakech, so do not try it in one day.
  • Forgetting warm clothes: winter nights are cold everywhere, especially in the desert and mountains.
  • Confusing Agafay with the Sahara: Agafay is a stony plateau, not a sand sea.
  • Expecting big public fireworks: they are rare; the celebration happens in hotels and camps.
  • Ignoring the time change: Morocco now uses GMT, so your phone may show a different time than older guides suggest.

New Year in Morocco: FAQ

Do they celebrate New Year in Morocco?

Yes. People celebrate 31 December in cities, hotels and desert camps, and 1 January is a public holiday. In addition, Morocco celebrates Yennayer on 14 January and the Islamic New Year on 1 Muharram.

Is 1 January a holiday in Morocco?

Yes. New Year’s Day is an official public holiday. Offices and banks close, but most tourist sites, restaurants and souks open.

Where is the best place to spend New Year’s Eve in Morocco?

Marrakech is the best place for a festive night, with galas, rooftops and clubs. For something unique, choose New Year’s Eve in the Sahara Desert at Merzouga. For calm and sun, choose Essaouira or Agadir.

Are there fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Marrakech?

Big public fireworks are rare. However, some hotels and resorts launch short private displays at midnight.

How cold is the Sahara on New Year’s Eve?

Days are pleasant, around 17–20 °C, but nights often fall to 0–5 °C. Good camps provide heavy blankets, and luxury tents often have heaters.

When is Yennayer 2027?

The official holiday is Thursday 14 January 2027, which opens the Amazigh year 2977. Many families celebrate on the evening of 13 January.

How do you say happy New Year in Moroccan Arabic?

Say “sna sa’ida” (سنة سعيدة). For Yennayer, say “asseggas ameggaz” in Tamazight.

Can I drink alcohol at New Year in Morocco?

Yes, in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars. Drinking in public streets is not allowed, and some desert camps do not serve alcohol.

What time is midnight in Morocco compared with the UK and USA?

Morocco uses GMT all year since September 2026. So midnight in Morocco is midnight in London, 7 pm in New York and 4 pm in Los Angeles.

How far ahead should I book a New Year tour in Morocco?

Book at least six to eight weeks ahead. For luxury camps and palace galas, book two to three months ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • New Year in Morocco happens three times: 31 December, Yennayer on 14 January and the Islamic New Year on 1 Muharram.
  • 31 December is celebrated mostly in hotels, riads, rooftops and desert camps, and 1 January is a public holiday.
  • New Year’s Eve in Marrakech is the most festive option; New Year’s Eve in the Sahara Desert is the most memorable.
  • Morocco uses GMT since 20 September 2026, so midnight matches London and sunset comes around 5:30 pm.
  • Yennayer has been a paid national holiday since 2024, and January 2027 opens the Amazigh year 2977.
  • Book early, pack warm layers and plan the desert over at least three days from Marrakech.

Plan Your New Year in Morocco with Us

At Favorites Morocco Tours, we are a local team based in Marrakech. We design private trips with our own drivers, comfortable vehicles and hand-picked riads and camps. Whether you dream of a rooftop countdown, a desert sunrise on 1 January or a Yennayer dinner in an Atlas village, we build the route around your dates.

Tell us your arrival day, your budget and the kind of night you want. Then we will send you a tailored plan within 24 hours. Contact us here and let us start planning your New Year in Morocco.

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