After two decades of welcoming guests to the Moroccan coast, we’ve seen first-hand how powerful the holiday season can be when it’s stripped of pressure and filled with presence.
In our opinion, spending Christmas in Morocco (especially with us at Surf Maroc!) is more than a getaway.
It’s a return to what really matters.
We’ve hosted solo travellers escaping the rush, couples wanting to mark their time together with something intentional and families rewriting their Christmas celebrations by the ocean.
Every year, without fail, something shifts when people arrive here: the shoulders drop, the breath slows, the sun sets… and it’s like Christmas time finally makes sense.
You get to enjoy Christmas your way. How you want and even when you want to an extent.
Here’s what Christmas traditions and the festive time of year look like in Morocco.
It’s not traditional… and that’s a good thing
Morocco is a majority muslim country, which means you won’t find Christmas decorations, Christmas markets or over-the-top commercial events.
You probably won’t hear Mariah Carey blasting over the speakers of shopping centers either.
But that’s precisely the point.
What you will find is space. Space to pause, reconnect, surf, stretch and breathe. Our version of the holiday spirit comes with sunset yoga, delicious food shared by the sea and people from around the world who, like you, wanted more than just another year of wrapping paper and forced fun to celebrate Christmas.
You won’t see Santa hats or hear traditional hymns, but you might learn about local customs, explore bustling markets and witness a quieter kind of magic that feels all the more real.
There’s still a festive spirit… with less noise, more meaning.
What the festive season in Taghazout feels like
Taghazout doesn’t really do big over the top holidays (unless it’s Ramadan).
It’s more laidback.
The mornings are golden, the ocean is stunning and the people, both local and travelling, are some of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet.
At Surf Maroc, we curate a rhythm that replaces noise with meaning. You might start your day with morning yoga, paddle out for a surf session, join others for afternoon tea, then share a holiday special meal with guests who feel like old friends by the time the plates are cleared.
And yes, we mark Christmas day and new year’s eve celebrations. Just not with flash or frenzy. Think beach bonfires, traditional music, aromatic spices and conversations that actually matter.
We’ve even seen guests return year after year, calling it their unforgettable Christmas purely because it wasn’t about performance.
It was about presence! Trust us, for a predominantly muslim country, Morocco is still one of the most popular destinations for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The weather, the packing and the essentials
One of the best-kept secrets about Morocco at Christmas? The pleasant weather & waves!
Taghazout in December and January stays mild and sunny. Think warm weather by day (18–22°C) and cooler, cosy evenings. Pack:
- A jumper or jacket
- Comfortable daywear
- Swimwear for the pool or for under your wetsuit
- A festive outfit (or two) for shared meals
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfy shoes
Oh… and pro tip. Don’t overpack.
You’ll want space in your bag for local artisans’ goods. From traditional dishes and ceramics to blend Moroccan textiles and local crafts found in local markets nearby.
There’s a lot of cool stuff down here and we guarantee you’ll want to take some back home with you.
A typical day at Surf Maroc over the holidays
We don’t do rigid schedules. But a holiday rhythm might look like:
- Sunrise views and grounding yoga
- Fresh breakfast with local ingredients and international company
- Surfing Morocco’s most consistent breaks
- Packed lunches and beach hangs
- Cooking classes, cultural chats or a stroll through town
- Sunset yoga, music and firelight
- Festive meals shared under the stars
It’s the kind of flow that lets you rest and reconnect. And it’s this rhythm that creates the unforgettable memories our guests talk about long after.
Why we think this is the ideal way to spend the holidays
We’ve seen how quickly the right setting changes everything.
Without the noise of major celebrations, you tune into something deeper: the cultural richness, the land, the ocean, the self.
Some guests extend their stay and head to the Atlas Mountains or even on to the Sahara Desert, where luxury desert camps offer private tents, stargazing and quiet contemplation surrounded by golden dunes.
Others enjoy day trips to Agadir or even Casablanca to visit icons like the Hassan II Mosque or browse for specifically Christmas-themed items or unique gifts in international hotels and shopping malls. Yes… they do exist in bigger cities!
But most are simply happy to stay present.
Surfing, stretching, sharing and feeling the ease that comes when the season is allowed to slow down.
A few tips from our team
- Planning ahead is smart. December books out fast, especially for our ocean-facing rooms at Amouage and Taghazout Villa
- Want a deeper cultural experience? Join a local excursion or ask about traditions. Our team loves to share
- Holiday shopping? The best gifts are handmade. Look for local culture over consumer goods
- Keep your schedule light. The best moments are often the unplanned ones
- Check out our article on winter travel hacks. They’ll come in handy for your Morocco trip!
FAQ
- Will I miss the festive atmosphere or Christmas spirit completely?
Not at all. The holiday spirit here is less visual, more felt. Shared stories, slower meals, natural beauty and meaningful connections bring a richness that decorations can’t replicate. You may still see twinkling lights, random Christmas trees and festive decorations at guesthouses or local restaurants. Keep your eyes peeled but don’t expect Santa and reindeer on roofs.
- Are there religious or cultural ways to mark Christmas in Morocco?
Yes. In cities with small communities of Moroccan christians, you’ll find Christmas masses, including midnight mass in some churches. Elsewhere, we honour the season through intention, reflection and connection. There are fewer Christmas events but more space to reconnect with local traditions.
- What’s New Year’s Eve like at Surf Maroc?
Our New Year’s celebrations are warm and soulful. Expect a thoughtfully prepared dinner, optional movement or meditation and shared time under the stars. We’ve seen guests exchange gifts, write intentions and welcome the year with joy. No countdown pressure. Just warm hospitality and connection!
- Can I combine Surf Maroc with a desert experience?
Absolutely. Many guests pair their Yoga Surf Retreat with a few nights in a desert camp. Whether it’s camel trekking in the Sahara desert, a stay at a luxury desert camp with spa treatments or a visit to the Atlas Mountains, it adds a layer of cultural richness that complements your time by the sea. Besides… you might as well see as much of Morocco as possible while you’re here, right?
- What makes this a unique Christmas experience?
It’s the honesty of it. There’s no need to perform. Moroccan culture, the ocean, the food and the people do the work. It’s quiet magic. A slower kind of celebration in a country that lets you be. And when you gather around a table for a delicious meal, full of culinary delights and Moroccan spices, with guests from all over the world, it’s a kind of celebration you’ll never forget.
Final thoughts
We’ve been here long enough to know what makes a Christmas season holiday memorable. It’s not the wrapping paper. It’s not the playlist. It’s the chance to feel like yourself again and legitimately enjoy slowing down.
A Christmas experience in Morocco isn’t about what you leave behind… it’s about what you open up to.
Whether it’s tagine on Christmas eve, a surf at Anchor Point or the sound of drums under a New Year’s Eve moon, this is where your story shifts.
Join us. Feel the warmth. Share the table. And let this be the year you do it differently.
We’ll be here (like always)!