What is Moroccan Christmas like? Read our article to find out more!

Christmas in Morocco is not significant because the country has a predominantly Muslim population.

However, at least some people celebrate Christmas here, especially those of the Christian faith or from Western countries.

This population became the basic building block for the creation of decades of traditions that put the country in the Christmas spirit.

Come find out more with us!

What do Moroccans eat at Christmas?

Moroccan Christmas traditions include hearty meals. However, these foods vary depending on an individual’s or family’s cultural background and personal preferences.

Some people celebrate the holiday with traditional Moroccan foods, while others may incorporate Western foods.

Some traditional Moroccan dishes that are served at Christmas include:

Tagine

It is a slow-cooked stew made with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and spices and served with couscous or bread.

Couscous

A dish made from steamed semolina grains is usually served with various vegetables and meat.

Lozenge

Savory pastry made from layers of phyllo dough and filled with meat and spices often served as an appetizer.

Harira

Hearty soup made from lentils, chickpeas, and various types of vegetables and spices.

What are Moroccan Christmas traditions?

• Decorating homes and public spaces with Christmas lights and decorations.
• Exchange of gifts, especially between family and close friends.
• Singing Christmas carols and attending church services.
• Preparing and enjoying special Christmas meals, including traditional Moroccan dishes and Western dishes like roast turkey and mince pies.
• Attending Christmas-themed events such as Christmas markets or tree-lighting ceremonies.

How do you wish Merry Christmas here?

Moroccan Christmas traditions include some form of greeting or holiday greetings. In Moroccan Arabic, the traditional way to say “Merry Christmas” is “عيد ميلاد مجيد” (`īd mīlād majīd), which translates to “glorious birthday”.

Some people in Morocco may also use the English phrase “Merry Christmas” or the French phrase “Joyeux Noël.”

Is Morocco a good destination to celebrate the Christmas holidays?

It depends on what you are looking for in a Christmas destination. Morocco is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage and, as such, offers a unique and exciting experience.

It is worth noting that if you want a more traditional celebration, the celebration of Christmas in Morocco is limited to Christian churches, hotels, and other private spaces.

Since the French and Spanish presence in the country’s north was extended until the middle of the last century, it is possible to find Christian churches in cities like Tangier or Tetouan, where you can attend the traditional midnight mass.

It is also expected to find private Christmas celebrations in other large cities, such as Casablanca, where the Christian presence is larger.

Because Christmas is not the main holiday here, as it is a predominantly Muslim nation, in the countryside, such celebrations are practically not held, and many public spaces and businesses do not even have to be decorated.

So, if you’re looking for a traditional Western-style Christmas celebration with holiday lights, Christmas markets, and other festive events, you might not quite find it in Morocco.

Where can you find Christmas in a Muslim country?

Although Christmas is not considered a primary holiday in Morocco, you can find it in cities with heavy tourist traffic. Head to the malls in the big cities, and you’re sure to find Christmas decorations, music, and live entertainment.

Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech are places where you can find decorations in the secular European style. Many hotels and restaurants offer Christmas menus or hold special events.

Spending Christmas in Morocco will offer you a festive season full of new experiences. Enjoy your Christmas and stay until Amazigh – New Year on January 12th. This traditional Berber celebration is truly special.