The festive season is upon us and it’s a time to eat drink and be merry. Some of the Christmas markets even start opening in November, so you can start getting in the Christmas spirit early!
As a long time Dubai expat, like many expats I used to fly home for Christmas but we always made sure to attend some of the Christmas markets together before we went home.
This list is all the main Christmas markets and events in Dubai however you will find that lots of communities also have local, smaller markets too. I’ll likely add these at a later date, so make sure to bookmark this page for the future!
Dubai Christmas Markets
1) Christmas Market at Madinat Jumeirah
The Christmas markets at Madinat Jumeirah is the largest Christmas market in Dubai bringing festive and also one of the largest Christmas trees! Set against the beautiful backdrop of canals and traditional Arabic architecture, it’s a real merge of cultures plus a classic of Christmas in Dubai!
The market is filled with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and a variety of holiday stalls. From these stalls visitors can enjoy traditional festive treats such as german sausages and roasted chestnuts along with mulled wine.
There’s a few stalls selling handmade crafts but it’s more focused on food than shopping. Though you can pop into the Souk to do some shopping before or after. If your main focus is to eat, drink and be merry. This is the one for you.
The crowds and queues do get long here on the night! It’s also pretty loud with the band in the background on the evening and it can be a struggle to find seating, so it’s better to go in the day time if you’re planning to take children.
Useful Information
Dates: 6th December till 31st December
Timing: From 3 pm during the week and 12 pm on weekends till late
Location: Madinat Jumeirah Souk
Cost: Free
2) Winter Garden at Al Habtoor City
A smaller Christmas market compared to others, The Winter Garden at Al Habtoor City offers a charming Festive escape in Dubai surrounded by the Downtown Skyline.
The market features festive stalls, live entertainment, and delicious food options. Along with activities for the kids such as a petting zoo and carnival games. This Christmas market is similar to Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market it’s more focused on food and drink than Christmas shopping but there is the odd stall selling small items.
You’ll find a wide range of International foods served here alongside seasonal treats.
Useful Information
Dates: 1st November till 31st January
Timing: 4pm till 12 am (1 am on weekends)
Location: Al Habtoor Palace, Al Habtoor City
Cost: 25 AED redeemable on food
3) Winter District at Media City
Another popular Christmas Market, this one enters it’s second year however it’s now in the exact same location where there used to be a Christmas event and market and the first one I visited when I moved to Dubai in 2013!
If you’re looking for more stalls to pick up handmade goods while also enjoying festive treats, this option is more of a mixed traditional Christmas market.
The amphitheatre is transformed into a lively festive destination. Visitors can enjoy shopping for unique gifts, crafts, and delicious seasonal treats. There’s also activities for kids, exciting carnival games and a dazzling ice rink.
It is a little bit more expensive than the other options but you’ll get a selection of everything all in one spot!
Useful Information
Dates: 14th December till 22nd December
Timing: 12 pm till 12 am
Location: Dubai Media City Amphitheater
Cost: 25 AED
(Free for kids 5 & under)
❄️ Grab your Winter District Tickets before they’re GONE! ❄️
4) Winter City at Expo City
Winter City at Expo City Dubai transforms the space into a festive wonderland, offering a memorable holiday experience for all ages. This option is very popular for families with the many child focused activities.
Stroll through a charming winter market filled with seasonal treats, crafts, and unique gifts. Visiting Santa’s Toy Factory or explore Santa’s sustainable house.
Here you’ll find a wider range of shopping from clothes to books to Christmas decor. It is slightly more expensive than other options on the list but the sheer range of stuff here is definitely worth the price.
Useful Information
Dates: 6th December till 31st December
Timing: 2 pm till 10 pm
Location: Al Wasl Plaza, Dubai Expo City
Cost: 40 AED online or 50 AED on the door
*20th Dec till 24th Dec – 80 AED online or 90 AED on the door
(Free for kids 5 and under)
❄️ Check availability for Winter City ❄️
5) Festive Wonders at Dubai Festival City Mall
Another great family-friendly option! You can wander around the outdoor Christmas markets, enjoy winter treats and enjoy a Christmas show, just head on over to where you watch the IMAGINE show at Dubai Festival City Mall.
Again there’s lots of activities for kids, from fake snow play areas to Santa’s grotto to take a photo. There’s also live entertainment with Festive parades and craft activities with a Christmas theme of course.
You’ll find a range of food available with some interesting twists such as turkey kebab along with classics like mince pies. It’s a great all-rounder in terms of food, activities and shopping plus Dubai Festival City Mall is great mall in Dubai for picking up some Christmas gifts.
There’s even large firework displays as you get closer to Christmas between the 20th December and 24th December.
Useful Information
Dates: 7th December till 28th December
Timing: 5 pm till 11 pm
Location: Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall
Cost: Free
6) The ARTE Christmas Market
ARTE Market, Dubai’s popular artisan marketplace, transforms into a festive haven during the holiday season. Known for showcasing handmade crafts, art, jewellery, and unique creations from local sellers, the market adds a special holiday twist for December.
Shoppers can browse stalls brimming with festive decorations, seasonal treats, and handcrafted gifts perfect for those you love on Christmas Day.
The festive edition of ARTE Market also features holiday-themed workshops and family-friendly activities during the month of December. It’s the perfect market for finding unique, thoughtful presents and help support local talent.
Useful Information
Dates: Every Saturday
Timing: 10 am till 7 pm
Location: Mercato Mall & Time Square Mall (Alternating each weekend)
Cost: Free
Website
7) Christmas Market at Global Village
It isn’t exclusively Christmas at Global Village during this time but you’ll find lots of sellers add Christmas elements to their stalls along with Santa with his elves visiting every evening until Christmas.
There’s also a Christmas tree, Christmas themed parades and special events to keep you entertained during the Festive season. Recently they’ve built an entire “Mini world” of iconic buildings from around the globe which has an added festive twist during this month and you can also head to the European quarter for tasty winter bites.
Global VIllage is a great affordable evening out and it’s the ideal place for picking up some stocking fillers or unique items from around the world.
Useful Information
Dates: 11th December till 4th January
Timing: 4 pm till 12 am (1 am on weekends)
Location: Global Village
Cost: 25 AED
(Free for 12 and under)
🎄 Skip the large queues and buy tickets today 🎄
8) Ripe Market
This weekend market that was originally a farmer’s market focused on fresh produce, that has now grown to a huge market offering a range of activities, stalls and entertainment every weekend.
Similar to other markets, they add some festive cheer to their usual events during this time of year.
You’ll find holiday-themed stalls, crafts, and local artisan products. Visitors can shop for unique gifts, festive decor, and seasonal treats, while enjoying live music, entertainment, and kid-friendly activities. Along with Christmassy workshops such as wreath building.
Useful Information
Dates: Every Saturday & Sunday
Timing: Sat 9 am till 9 pm, Sun 9 am till 7 pm
Location: Academy Park, Al Sofouh
Cost: 5 AED
9) Winter Wonderland at Ski Dubai
The list wouldn’t be complete without adding Ski Dubai and of course if you want to feel like it’s actually winter then there’s very few other places with real cold and snow to help you get in the festive mood.
Winter Wonderland brings the festive spirit to life where visitors can meet Santa at his grotto, enjoy snow-filled activities, and marvel at the dazzling holiday decor. There’s a range of seasonal treats and winter-themed games, perfect for all ages!
Meeting Santa is the main event with activities but Ski Dubai offers many different winter activities. Enjoy building a snowman, do some sledding, or just enjoy a hot chocolate with marshmallows in the festive atmosphere.
Minimum age of 2 inside Ski Dubai. It’s also one of the most expensive on the list and needs to be booked in advance.
Useful Information
Dates: 1st December till 25th December
Timing: 10 am till 11 pm (12 am on weekends)
Location: Ski Dubai at Mall of Emirates
❄️ Check ticket prices for Ski Dubai ❄️
10) The Grotto at Dubai Mall
The Grotto at Dubai Mall is a magical holiday experience where families can expect a magical journey through Candy Cane Land and the Enchanted Forest. You’ll be guided by Santa’s Elves, while taking on fun challenges as you make your way to Santa’s Merry Mailroom before finally meeting Santa.
If you want to visit you’ll need to book a slot.
You’ll also find some Christmas themed stalls dotted around the area but it isn’t a large amount, the focus is mainly for children to visit Santa’s grotto and a gift is included in the ticket.
There’s also accommodation for children with different needs including a whispering winter experience for a less auditory overwhelming experience too.
It is however the most expensive on the list! Make sure to arrive 5 mins before you slot!
Useful Information
Dates: 6th December till 5th January
Timing: 10 am till 12 am
Location: Ice Rink, Dubai Mall
Website
11) Stollen by Kempinski
If you’re a lover of Stollen for Christmas, this charity events sells this German cake and all proceeds are given to a good cause!
The event at Mall of the Emirates offers both individual slices and whole loaves of the traditional German Stollen cake for sale, flavoured with dried fruit and lemon zest. It’s a delicious way to give back during the holiday season.
It’s always hosted on the 7th December and done in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent and has been running for an incredible 19 years! You can also do some Christmas shopping and look at the beautiful Christmas lights decorating the mall.
Useful Information
Dates: 7th December only
Timing:
Location: Central Galleria, Mall of Emirates
Cost: 50-100 AED (Half or whole loaf)
Website
Don’t go just yet! Find out about other holidays and festivities in Dubai:
- What Xmas in Dubai is like & activities: What it’s like and where to go for some festive cheer
- The best Dubai New Year’s parties and dinners across the city
- What is Ramadan in Dubai like and should I avoid visiting during Ramadan?
- 11 family friends activities for Halloween in Dubai to enjoy for the spooky season
- Is there a Halloween Drone show in Dubai? Where to watch drones in Dubai
- Dubai Thanksgiving: Whether you want to eat out or eat it, we’ve got to covered!
