Celebrating the New Year in Marrakech: What to Know in 2025

Now sure how to celebrate the New Year in Marrakech? If so then this epic local’s guide is for you.

See, I have lived in Marrakech on and off since January of 2023. Therefore, I know all about some of the best places to ring in the New Year.

You know, hot clubs, killer bars, and wicked rooftop restaurants where you can enjoy the best New Year’s Eve in Marrakech.

In fact, many of these nightlife hotspots have special New Year’s Eve programs that I am going to outline below. This way you’ll know all some of the best things to do in Marrakech on New Year’s Eve and can plan your itinerary accordingly.

Just know that New Year in Marrakech is PEAK travel season. Therefore, you should book all of your hotels, special events, flights, and tours well in advance.

I usually recommend booking at least two months in advance since everything fills up fast. Yeah, many people in Europe love coming here for the warm weather and the SICK parties.

It’s also worth noting that locals celebrate many different New Year’s in Marrakech. There’s the Amazigh New Year, the Islamic New Year, and the Western New Year.

Generally, the dates of the traditional Western New Year (that you know of as January 1st) are determined by the Western Gregorian calendar while the dates of the other two holidays are determined by the Islamic or Hijri calendar.

This year, Hijri (Islamic New Year) twill take place on June 25th and June 26th. However, I never even notice since no one celebrates or makes it into a big deal.

In contrast, the Amazigh New Year will be celebrated on January 14th with lots of traditional food, music, and special events.

Typically, most Moroccans tend to celebrate Western New Year, especially if they are part of the younger generation. So, that is what this guide is going to focus on.

Now, let’s look at some of the coolest things to do in Marrakech for this special holiday. AGAIN, pre-book EVERYTHING. Like Christmas in Marrakech and Christmas in Morocco, New Year’s is VERY popular.

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Best Things to Do for New Year in Marrakech

1. Comptoir Darna

Easily one of the best restaurants in Marrakech serving alcohol, Comptoir Darna is a wicked cool, two-story hot spot that is popular among tourists since they serve some of the best food in Morocco.

People flock here for the incredible decor and the vibrant belly dancing/musical performances that get even better once it’s January in Marrakech.

So, enjoy dinner a dimly lit space with beautiful stained glass windows that are complimented by oppulent couches, chic candleholders, and old-school Berber rugs.

During my last visit, I got the miso salmon and paired it with a sweet pastilla for dessert. I kind of expected both to suck since this place feels like a tourist trap.

However, the food was really good and defied my admittedly low expectations.

If you can, grab a table on the terrace downstairs. This way you can watch the musicians play before enjoying the belly dancers and candle dancers all around you.

Just be sure to book your table for New Year’s WELL in advance since spots fill up fast.

Also, be sure to adhere to their smart casual dress code and get ready to feel like a sardine since the tables will be packed into this restaurant.

Last year, their New Year’s Eve dinner cost 3,000 Dirhams per person ($300.00), not including drinks. The doors opened at 8:00 pm and guests were treated to live performances from local DJs.

It’s a great spot and popular among digital nomads in Morocco.

2. Kabana Rooftop

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place so much since the decor and vibe is awesome.

See, this rooftop restaurant in Marrakech has an amazing, well-decorated, outdoor patio where you can enjoy nice views of Koutoubia Mosque.

Yes, some of the views are bit obstructed, but the food and drinks are exceptional. I like to come here between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm since that is when they serve brunch.

TBH, this place serves one of the best brunches in Marrakech since the Shakshuka was exceptional.

It came out in a giant black skillet and was topped with avocado, spinach, harissa, and feta. I even got a nice basket of bread that I basically devoured in 2.5 seconds.

My partner also loved the Tiramisu French toast and basically begs to go back every time we are in the city.

In terms of New Year’s Eve in Marrakech, last year you are able to make a reservation for 2,000 Dirhams($200). Upon arrival, you were able to spend those 2000 Dirhams ($200) any way you like and could also enjoy music from a live DJ.

2. Azar Restaurant

This oppulent Lebanese/Moroccan fusion restaurant is located in Gueliz. It’s a super fancy place where black lanterns surround a full-on red carpet that takes you inside.

Once in the restaurant, you’ll be stunned by lavishly appointed round black tables, ornate gold walls, and an elaborate bar situated in the middle of the dining room.

Do dress to impress since this is a very upscale place that served amazing baked feta with honey, grilled prawns with potato hummus, and sea bass carpaccio the last time I was here.

Added bonus? A show is included with your dinner that features a few belly dancers as well as music. It’s nice but not over-the-top like some other shows in the city. Just don’t forget to try the shisha too since it is quite lovely.

When it comes to New Year in Marrakech, their dinner menu costs around 2800 Dirhams ($280) per person. Drinks are extra but you will get to enjoy a belly dancing show, a shisha bar, and live music.

This place is also much smaller than some of the other establishments on this list. So, Azar might feel a bit crowded.

3. KosyBar

As one of the best bars in Marrakech, Kosy Bar is a great place to go on New Year’s Eve.

Situated along the edge of Tinsmith’s Square (Place des Ferblantiers), this spot is well-located near the Kasbah. As a result, it doesn’t get AS crowded as some of the other places on this list.

The last time I was here, I grabbed a coffee early in the morning and had the rooftop terrace all to myself. However, I have also has the espresso martini as well as the burrata pizza. Both were good but the martini was strong.

I really liked this terrace because it is massive and spread out across three different levels, offering amazing views of the surrounding area.

The decor is also super impressive on the inside and makes you feel as though you’re relaxing inside an extra luxurious boutique hotel with rooms that cost $2000.00 per night.

I like that this is one of the more budget-friendly places on this list since their New Year’s Eve dinner starts at 1350 Dirhams ($135) per person and includes a band, dancers, and confetti.

4. Epicurien

Epicurien is one of those restaurants in Marrakech that is sure to razzle dazzle you.

See, this epic eatery is located inside the Casino de Marrakech. So, it is a great place to go if you want to start your evening off with a bit of gambling and then grab some dinner at this club/restaurant.

Generally, Epicurien has two DJs as well as a live band and dancers that perform on New Year’s Eve and from Wednesday through Sunday throughout the year.

In terms of the decor, you’ll be wowed by a red-hued dining room that is resplendent with gold accents and giant murals.

The last time I was here this place was PACKED and the cocktails were a bit too sweet. However, it’s a great spot for New Year in Marrakech since they have nice entertainment and okay food.

The way New Year’s works here is that you pay a set amount per person for a table. The better the table, the more the price is per person.

So, you can pay 1950 Dirhams ($195) for a table on a covered/heated terrace or 2450 Dirhams ($245) for a table in the restaurant with a view of the band.

Local Tip: If you are into partying hard and want to visit one of the best nightclubs in Marrakech then stopm by el Theatro. It is right next door and is a great place to live it up until dawn.

5. RAK Electronic Party

Want to enjoy an electronic dance party in the Agafay Desert? If so then RAK Electronic Party is for you. Essentially, this organization hosts wild dance parties in totally random places.

So, if you’re looking for a unique experience unlike any other then pay $57 (€53) to party the night away in the desert.

Sadly, accomodations are not included with the price of your ticket. Therefore, be sure to book a tent at one of the best Agafay Desert camps well before your visit.

Other than that, just enjoy 16 hours of music as you dance the night away beneath the stars. Last year’s line up included epic DJs like Bel Age, Igor Vicente, Red Pig Flower, Ramona Yacef, and more.

6. Entrepotes

Entrepotes is a super cool Asian-style tapas bar in Gueliz. I love dining here because they have a lovely outdoor patio where all of the tables are surrounded by giant green plants and large, round wicker hanging lamps.

It’s a vibe because it kind of feels like you are dining in the middle of the jungle. The last time I visited I had the Clover Show cocktails which had a nice, raspberry flavor.

Additionally, the Baked Camembert and fried noodles were also really good and I highly recommend both. However, if you’re visiting for New Year’s Eve in Marrakech then there will be a set menu for 980 Dirhams ($98) per person.

I have heard really good things about the set menu (that it is done very well) and that the atmosphere is incredible since the staff and guests are all super friendly.

They also have a live DJ as well as additional entertainment that make a visit here a wonderful experience.

7. Palais Aziza

If, like me, you’re looking for a peaceful night in then try Palais Aziza. This hotel/spa has a lovely New Year’s Day brunch buffet that is truly unforgettable.

So, after spending the night inside a Moroccan-style room – some of which include 4-poster beds, whirlpool tubs, and espresso machines, walk through the on-site tropical gardens and head to the on-site restaurant.

Once here, enjoy a sumptuous vegetarian breakfast buffet that includes fresh baked pastries and a variety of hot and cold foods that are sure to impress.

Just be prepared for a bit of a splurge since their pre-fixe menu starts at 2300 Dirhams ($230) per person.

8. Ling Ling

Ling Ling is a chic, Chinese restaurant that sits inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Marrakech.

The interior features sleek, modern decor that includes yellow bar stools, domed white hanging lamps, potted plants, and white walls lined with dark wood accents.

Yeah, when I first walked in I was definitely impressed and excited to eat here. My impression was spot on since Youssef’s service was exceptional and the food was equally amazing.

We went all out and opted for the “Experience” tasting menu. My faves were the duck salad and beef stir fry even though everything was good.

Added bonus? They had a live Dj and music that enhanced my experience and that makes this one of the best places to go in Marrakech at night.

All around, this is a great place to visit in Marrakech and I highly recommend visiting for New Year’s since they have a special menu that starts at 2880 Dirhams ($288) per person. I

It’s a cool night out that includes a Fortune shot and lots of nods to Cantonese culture.

Local Tip: If you’re looking for a more chill evening then you can try joining a food tour of Marrakech.

Map of New Year’s Eve in Marrakech

Conclusion

Overall, New Year is a great time to visit Marrakech if you can deal with crowds and don’t mind paying extra for incredible, one-of-a-kind experiences.

You can even drive around Morocco and experience the incredible beauty of this country at this time of year.

After all, the weather is nice and Marrakech has a vibrant nightlife scene that is even better on December 31st.

However, like Christmas in Marrakech, New Year’s in Marrakech is peak travel season. Therefore, be sure to make plans well in advance since tables at all of the above establishments will sell out QUICKLY.

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