Best Places to Visit in Morocco for Christmas Cheer

As the festive season approaches, expats and digital nomads in Morocco may be seeking that special holiday spirit that December brings. While Morocco is predominantly Muslim and Christmas is not widely celebrated, there are still pockets of holiday cheer to be found, especially in areas with a significant international community or historical European influence. Here are some places where you can soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy the holiday vibes in Morocco.

Marrakech's Gueliz District

Marrakech, known for its vibrant souks and historic medina, also has a modern side where the holiday spirit is more palpable. The Gueliz district, with its French colonial heritage, is where you'll find cafes and shops decked out in festive decor. While there isn't a traditional Christmas market, some restaurants and hotels in the area host special holiday-themed events and dinners, often featuring international cuisine and sometimes live music or entertainment. The festive atmosphere typically peaks around late December, with many venues offering special menus for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

We Recommend: Don't miss the chance to try a festive twist on Moroccan pastries at some of the local bakeries in Gueliz, where you might find them incorporating flavors like cinnamon and orange, reminiscent of the holiday season.

Casablanca's Habous Quarter

Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, offers a unique blend of Moroccan tradition and modernity. The Habous Quarter, also known as the New Medina, is a place where you can find a subtle holiday atmosphere. Crafted by the French during the colonial era, this area combines Moroccan and French architectural styles and becomes slightly more festive during December. Small shops may display holiday-themed items, and French bakeries often sell traditional Christmas pastries and bread. While there's no official Christmas market, the charm of the area with its European influence makes for a pleasant holiday stroll.

We Recommend: Sample the delicious Christmas logs (Bûche de Noël) from one of the French bakeries in the Habous Quarter, a treat that beautifully blends French tradition with Moroccan hospitality.

Tangier's Ville Nouvelle

Tangier, the gateway to Africa, has a cosmopolitan history that makes it a welcoming place for holiday festivities. The Ville Nouvelle, or New City, is where you'll find a more international vibe. Some cafes, restaurants, and hotels in this area go all out with Christmas decorations and offer special holiday menus. The city's mix of cultures means you might hear Christmas carols in a variety of languages. While there's no specific holiday event, the general ambiance in the Ville Nouvelle around Christmas is warm and inviting.

We Recommend: Enjoy a warm cup of spiced Moroccan tea in one of the cafes in Ville Nouvelle, which might just come with a side of holiday cookies during the festive season.

Rabat's Agdal District

Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is not to be overlooked for its subtle holiday cheer. In the Agdal district, a more modern part of the city, you can find shops and restaurants that cater to an international clientele and thus may offer a taste of Christmas. While the celebrations are low-key, the presence of expats and foreign diplomats means that some venues will have holiday decorations and menus that reflect the season's flavors. The festive mood is more about the ambiance and less about specific events, with the best of it usually found in the days leading up to New Year's Eve.

We Recommend: For a cozy holiday experience, visit a local café in Agdal that offers seasonal treats and perhaps even a Christmas-themed afternoon tea.

Essaouira's Medina

Essaouira, with its breezy coastal charm, is another spot where the holiday spirit can be felt, albeit in a more relaxed manner. The medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its art galleries, boutiques, and laid-back vibe. Around December, some shops may sell handcrafted items that make perfect Christmas gifts, and you might stumble upon a restaurant or two with subtle holiday decorations. The city's bohemian atmosphere means that any holiday celebrations are likely to be eclectic and unique.

We Recommend: Look out for local artisans in the medina who may offer hand-painted Christmas ornaments or other festive crafts that make for unique holiday souvenirs.

Fes's Ville Nouvelle

Fes, famous for its ancient medina, also has a Ville Nouvelle where the holiday spirit is more noticeable. This newer part of the city, with its French colonial roots, sees some of its restaurants and cafes adding a touch of Christmas decor in December. While you won't find a traditional Christmas market, the international schools and cultural centers sometimes organize holiday bazaars or events that are open to the public, offering a mix of Moroccan and international holiday traditions.

We Recommend: If you're in Fes during the holiday season, keep an eye out for special holiday-themed events at cultural centers, which may offer a blend of music, food, and crafts.

Asilah

Asilah, a small coastal town not far from Tangier, is known for its artistic flair and tranquil atmosphere. During December, the town retains its peaceful charm but with a hint of festivity. Local shops and galleries may showcase holiday-themed art, and some of the town's restaurants serve special holiday meals. Asilah's laid-back vibe makes it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, allowing visitors to enjoy the holiday season at a slower pace.

We Recommend: Take a leisurely walk along Asilah's ramparts and enjoy the serene ocean view, which, combined with the town's artistic spirit, offers a unique holiday experience.

While Morocco's Christmas spirit may be more subdued compared to countries where it's a major holiday, the blend of cultures and the warmth of Moroccan hospitality ensure that expats and digital nomads can still find pockets of festive joy throughout the country in December.