New Year’s Eve is a unique opportunity to mark the end of a year and welcome the next one with excitement. And what better way to celebrate this special occasion than in a magical country like Morocco? With its diverse landscapes, pleasant weather, warm culture, and festive atmosphere, Morocco is an exceptional destination for an unforgettable New Year’s experience. Discover the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Morocco and make it a moment to remember.

Marrakech: The City of a Thousand Lights

Marrakech is an iconic Moroccan destination that enchants visitors with its vibrant colors, bustling markets, and landscapes blending mountains and desert. From the UNESCO-listed medina to lush gardens like the Majorelle Garden and historical landmarks like the Bahia Palace, every corner of Marrakech tells a unique story.

But Marrakech is especially known for its unmatched energy and cosmopolitan vibe, making it the perfect destination to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Morocco.

A Festive and Cosmopolitan Atmosphere

In Marrakech, the New Year festivities are in full swing. The city welcomes visitors from all over the world, creating an atmosphere where Moroccan traditions and international influences blend harmoniously. The streets light up, musicians take over public squares, and celebrations last until the early hours.

Unforgettable Evenings in Riads, Palaces, and Clubs

Many accommodations host exclusive events to mark this special night. If you’re staying in a traditional riad and enjoying Moroccan hospitality, ask your hosts if they offer a New Year’s Eve dinner. For a more luxurious experience, iconic palaces like La Mamounia or the Royal Mansour organize events combining gastronomy, wellness, and festive activities. If you’re looking to party all night, renowned clubs like the 555 Famous Club or the Lotus Club offer festive vibes with international DJs and live performances.

The Magic of Jemaa el-Fna Square Illuminated for New Year’s Eve

The heart of Marrakech, the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square, becomes even more magical during year-end celebrations. Adorned with sparkling lights and buzzing with street performers, storytellers, and musicians, it offers a unique experience. It’s the ideal spot to sample local specialties from street food stands while soaking in the vibrant energy of this special night.

Unique Experiences in the Agafay Desert

For an extraordinary celebration, head to the Agafay Desert, located just 30 kilometers from Marrakech. This rocky desert offers an intimate and unique setting under a starry sky. Many camps and lodges host gourmet dinners accompanied by traditional music, sometimes followed by bonfires and shows.

Casablanca : The Chic and Modern Metropolis

Casablanca, a vibrant city blending modernity and tradition, is another magical place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Morocco. Known for its art deco architecture, palm-lined avenues, and Atlantic Ocean views, Casablanca offers a unique experience. From the majestic Hassan II Mosque to the Ain Diab beach, the city is full of landmarks to explore during your stay.

A vibrant urban scene, between rooftops and restaurants

Wander through the lively neighborhoods of the city, like Gauthier, and choose a bar or lounge where you can toast at midnight in a friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss the shows and fireworks organized on the Ain Diab corniche by the Atlantic. 

Casablanca is also known for its upscale rooftops and restaurants, offering culinary and festive experiences. Many restaurants have rooftops with panoramic views of the illuminated city and the ocean, like Sky 28 located in the Kenzi Tower.

For New Year’s Eve dinner, iconic restaurants such as Le Cabestan or La Sqala offer menus combining Moroccan and international flavors, perfect for a sophisticated celebration. Finally, if your budget allows, luxury hotels like the Four Seasons or the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche organize evenings with live music and lavish decorations, ideal for a grand celebration.

A modern and dynamic atmosphere

For partygoers, clubs and nightclubs like So Lounge or Black House welcome you with DJ sets, live performances, and spectacular themed parties, so you can dance until the early hours of the morning.

Rabat : Between Elegance and Serenity

Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco, is another great option for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Morocco. With its wide boulevards, lush parks, and historical architecture, it offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking for a more relaxed New Year celebration.

Refined Dinners in a Restaurant

Rabat is known for its diverse gastronomy, and the Marina and Agdal neighborhoods host many upscale restaurants perfect for celebrating New Year’s Eve.

First, the Marina in Rabat, located by the Bouregreg River, offers modern establishments with stunning views of the river and the illuminated Kasbah des Oudayas. If you choose the vibrant and cosmopolitan Agdal district, it hosts restaurants like Al Marsa, which blend Moroccan and international cuisine in chic and contemporary settings, ideal for a family or friends dinner.

A Calm and Sophisticated Atmosphere for Intimate Celebrations

Luxury hotels like Sofitel Jardin des Roses or Fairmont La Marina are always a great option for a memorable New Year’s Eve. They host refined soirées with live music concerts, tea times, and gourmet buffets, creating an elegant atmosphere to welcome the new year.

A magical stroll for an outdoor celebration

If you prefer an outdoor celebration, Rabat offers unforgettable walks. Stroll along the Corniche de Rabat, by the Atlantic Ocean, a peaceful place to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and admire the city lights at this special time of the year. Don’t miss the Kasbah des Oudayas either, a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing a picturesque setting with its cobbled streets, white and blue houses, and stunning views over the Bouregreg.

Essaouira : The Bohemian Coastal City

Essaouira, nicknamed “the pearl of the Atlantic,” is a coastal city steeped in authenticity and charm. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it captivates visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, picturesque streets, and beautiful beaches. During the end of the year, Essaouira offers a unique ambiance for a New Year’s celebration, blending simplicity and warmth.

A Relaxed and Authentic Atmosphere

Essaouira is perfect for those seeking to celebrate the New Year in Morocco in a calming setting. The city invites you to slow down and recharge. 

Wander through its picturesque streets and leisurely browse the artisan boutiques, art galleries, and bustling markets. The illuminated medinas for the end of the year add a festive touch to the city’s atmosphere.

Admire the stunning views of the Atlantic, and let the sound of the waves and the fresh sea air rejuvenate you for the New Year.

Enjoy the Beaches and Gnaoua Music

The beach of Essaouira, vast and bordered by dunes, is a must-visit in the city. Stroll along the shore at sunset, when golden hues blend with the ocean for a romantic and soothing moment before the celebrations begin.

If you want to dive into Moroccan culture and music, why not join the lively Gnaoua music sessions, a distinctive style from the region? Many cafes and riads offer live performances, blending spirituality with festivity for an unforgettable experience.

Warm and Friendly Evenings in Riads and Restaurants

Essaouira is full of intimate places to celebrate the New Year in a cozy atmosphere. Riad such as Dar Adul or Riad Al Madina often organize typically Moroccan dinners, accompanied by traditional music and in a warm setting.

Alternatively, the seaside restaurants offer a panoramic view of the Atlantic while providing festive menus and a lively atmosphere, some even with campfires.

Chefchaouen : The Blue Pearl for an Intimate Celebration

Known as the “blue city,” Chefchaouen is a true gem nestled in the Rif Mountains. Its medina, with its narrow streets entirely tinted in shades of blue, provides a unique and peaceful setting. The calm, timeless atmosphere of this city is perfect for travelers seeking serenity and introspection, especially during the festive season like New Year’s Eve.

A picturesque setting for peaceful and rejuvenating celebrations

The iconic blue of Chefchaouen symbolizes peace and calm, making it the perfect place to reflect on the past year and set resolutions and goals for the new one. You can stroll through the medina, explore the small markets filled with local and artisanal products, or simply sip a mint tea on Uta el-Hammam square while observing local life.

Chefchaouen is perfect for celebrations away from the urban hustle and bustle. You can enjoy a peaceful stay in traditional guesthouses, where the warm hospitality of the locals guarantees an authentic and friendly experience.

Activities in the surrounding nature for rejuvenation

For nature lovers, the Rif Mountains around Chefchaouen offer numerous hiking opportunities. The trails lead to hidden waterfalls, like those of Akchour, or to spectacular viewpoints overlooking the surrounding valleys. During these excursions, you can reconnect with the nature around you while enjoying fresh and revitalizing air.

The desert: An extraordinary experience

Spending New Year’s Eve in the Moroccan desert is an incomparable adventure, offering a complete escape in a breathtaking setting. Whether you choose the golden dunes of Merzouga or the vast expanses of the Agafay Desert as mentioned above, the experience promises an authentic and memorable immersion.

Immersion in the Sahara Dunes

The Merzouga Desert, particularly the Erg Chebbi dunes, provides a magnificent setting for a serene and awe-inspiring New Year’s Eve. Accessible via 4×4 circuits or by camel, this place is ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life. A sunset ride across these vast, golden dunes will delight all your senses.

Evenings around a Campfire with Traditional Music

Once the night falls, the celebrations begin in a warm atmosphere. Around a campfire, you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal, often prepared with care by local nomads. The mesmerizing rhythms of Berber music accompany the evening, creating a festive and convivial atmosphere.

Stargazing for a Timeless Experience

The Moroccan desert offers one of the clearest starry skies in the world, thanks to the absence of light pollution. Some bivouacs even organize guided sessions to observe the stars, recognize constellations, and attempt to unravel the mysteries of the universe. A timeless moment in a unique setting to welcome the new year.

By celebrating the New Year in Morocco, you’ll start the year in the most beautiful way, already filled with wonderful memories. So, where will you be for the turn of the new year?