Christmas is just around the corner (eek), heralding the start of festive celebrations in Dubai. With activities like Abra rides with Santa, carol singing, snow fights, mulled wine, ice rinks, and twinkling lights, Dubai transforms into a magical place during the holiday season.
To immerse yourself in the festive spirit, consider visiting Christmas markets in Dubai. Ready to discover the best of them? Here are our top suggestions for the most magical winter Fairy Tale experience.
Christmas markets in Dubai
1. Winter Garden at Habtoor City
From November 1 until December 31, Habtoor Palace Dubai welcomes back its magical Winter Garden, featuring pop-up restaurants, shopping stalls, live entertainments, and family-friendly activities with live entertainment. Tickets cost Dhs25 per person, including a food and beverage voucher for use at the garden’s stalls. Book through the Loyal by AHG app.
Visitors can also engage in soap making, perfume making, candle making, and various other activities. In December, experience the illumination ceremony of a massive Christmas tree, listen to a Christmas choir, and enjoy special visits from Santa.
Winter Garden, Habtoor Palace, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, open from 4pm to 12am daily.
2. Winter City at Expo City
Starting from December 15 until January 14, 2024, Expo City Dubai is turning into a enchanting winter wonderland. Immerse yourself in a festive market featuring chalet-inspired stalls, partake in fairground attractions for the whole family, and engage in activities such as gingerbread classes and a tour of the toy factory. Children can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, capture moments with oversized gingerbread men, step into a snow globe, sing along with the toy soldier band to cherished Christmas tunes, and skate on the rink. The experience also includes entertaining fairground games and a station for writing letters to Santa.
And, of course, don’t miss Santa’s Grotto. Admission to Expo City, the winter wonderland, and Santa’s Grotto is entirely free and welcomes dogs, while certain activities and workshops require tickets.
Expo City Dubai, Al Wasl Plaza. Friday, December 15 to January 14, 2024. Free for all ages.
3. Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market
If you want to see the largest Christmas market in all of Dubai, head to Madinat Jumeirah. Running from Friday, December 15 to Thursday, January 7, 2024, the Madinat Festive Market will enchant Fort Island, turning it into a magical winter wonderland.
Opening from 3 pm to late, Monday to Thursday, and from 12 pm to late on Friday to Sunday, it offers free entry for all. Alongside a traditional chalet-style market and live band, indulge in festive food and drinks. The little ones can enjoy a snow fight zone, bungee jumping, a North Pole train ride, and a Venetian carousel, ensuring bright smiles. Create lasting memories by taking an Abra ride with Santa and decorating your own gingerbread houses.
Opens Fri Dec 15. Free entry. Mon-Thu 3pm-late; Fri-Sun 12pm-late. Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island.jumeirah.com
4. Feastival
Join the Christmas festival at Jumeirah Golf Estates Golf & Country Club in Dubai, starting December 16. This free and family-friendly event, welcoming your four-legged friends, offers live music, a dog show, a dog training class, a Christmas market with plenty of gifts for your furry companions, and Santa’s grotto for the little ones. For a fee of Dhs95, children can meet the real Santa, receive a special gift, and take home a photograph for lasting memories. Save the date on your calendar for this festive celebration.
Free entry; Festive Feastival, Jumeirah Golf Estates Golf & Country Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, Dec 16, 11am to 9pm
5. Winter District at Emirates Towers
From December 14, 2023, to January 4, 2024, witness the Plaza Terrace at Jumeirah Emirates Towers transforming into a enchanting Winter District. Embark on a sleigh ride to the North Pole for a magical experience with family and friends.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Museum of the Future, the venue will boast a grand Christmas tree, huge snowmen and an outdoor market with festive stalls presenting handcrafted products by local brands, gift items, and more. Visit Santa in his grotto, capture precious family moments, or join in classic holiday activities like carol singing, horse riding, donut snow sliding, etc. A dedicated kids’ corner and daily live entertainment for all ages ensure a festive atmosphere. Entry is free.
Winter District at Emirates Towers, December 14 and January 4.
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