Planning New Year’s Eve in Marrakech? The city is one of the most popular places in Morocco to welcome the new year: sunny days, lively evenings and the option of a night in the Sahara just before or after. Here is what the night is really like and how to plan it.
Short answer
Most celebrations happen inside hotels, riads and restaurants, usually as gala dinners booked in advance. Jemaa el-Fna is lively but not a party square. Nights are cool, 1 January is a public holiday, and it is the busiest week of the year.
What New Year’s Eve in Marrakech is like
- Gala dinners: many hotels, riads and restaurants offer a special dinner, often with music, at an extra cost. Book early.
- Jemaa el-Fna: busy and atmospheric in the evening, but without an official countdown party.
- Alcohol: only in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars.
- 1 January: a public holiday; most sights open, some offices close.
New Year in the city or in the desert?
| Marrakech | Sahara (Merzouga) | |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Gala dinners, lively city | Fire, stars and silence |
| Comfort | Hotels and riads | Desert camp, cold night |
| Best for | Couples who want a festive dinner | A night to remember under the stars |
Many travellers do both: New Year’s Eve in the desert, then 1 January back in Marrakech. See New Year in the Sahara desert and our 3 days Marrakech to Merzouga tour.
Planning tips
- Book your riad and dinner as early as possible.
- Use a taxi or your driver at night.
- Bring a warm layer: evenings are cool.
- Read is Morocco safe for tourists and Christmas in Morocco.
New Year’s Eve in Marrakech: FAQ
Is Marrakech good for New Year’s Eve?
Yes, if you book a dinner or party in a hotel or restaurant ahead of time.
Are there fireworks in Marrakech?
Do not count on public fireworks; most celebrations are private events in hotels and restaurants.
Is it safe at night?
The centre is busy and lively. As in any city, use a taxi late at night.
Is 1 January a holiday?
Yes, it is a public holiday in Morocco.
Can we spend New Year in the desert instead?
Yes, see New Year in the Sahara desert.
Ready to plan your Morocco trip?
Tell us your dates and group size. We will send you a private route with your own driver, hand-picked riads and the price.
- Send us your dates and group size.
- We reply with a private day-by-day route and the price.
- You change anything you like; nothing is paid until you agree the plan.
★★★★★ 5.0 from 522 reviews on Tripadvisor
Main photo: Blaise Thirard, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.