Dubai is gearing up for the festive season with its annual Christmas markets and holiday events, promising magical experiences for families and visitors alike. From Winter City at Expo City to the enchanting Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace, there are countless opportunities to celebrate the holiday spirit and create lasting memories.
Starting on December 6, Winter City transforms Expo City Dubai from 2 PM to 10 PM daily until December 31. The venue will host Santa Claus and his elves, who will sprinkle holiday cheer throughout the grounds. Guests can enjoy caroling, workshops, and photo opportunities with the towering Christmas tree, making it perfect for families. General admission tickets are priced at Dhs40, which can be purchased through expocitydubai.com.
Meanwhile, the Winter District at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre opens from December 14 to December 22, turning the area vibrant with festive activities. Visitors of all ages can partake in carnival games, shop from local vendors, and relax with delicious food options. Children will have special access to areas featuring snow play and visits with Santa, making it a family-friendly environment. More information is available at winterdistrict.com.
The Madinat Jumeirah's Christmas Market also returns, starting December 6. Visitors can enjoy traditional holiday offerings like mulled grape wine, mince pies, and magical abra rides. Its operating hours are from 3 PM until late on weekdays and from noon until late on weekends. This free market promises holiday tunes and festive atmosphere for all. For details, visit visitdubai.com.
Habtoor Palace's Winter Garden invites guests from November 1 through January 31, featuring unique activities such as soap making, perfume crafting, and candle creation. A grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony scheduled for December will be complemented by festive choirs and special Santa visits. The venue opens daily from 4 PM to midnight, extending to 1 AM on weekends, with more info available at alhabtoorcity.com.
The Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club will host the Feastival starting December 14, offering live music, dog shows, and gifts for pets. Entry is free, and children can meet Santa and receive special gifts for Dhs60. Details for this festive Market are accessible at dubaifeastival.com.
Shortly capturing the festive season, the ICD Brookfield Festive Market runs from December 10 to 12. It features curated vendors, live performances, and exquisite gifts, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the spirit of giving. Operating from 11 AM to 9 PM on certain days, this market showcases artisanal and handcrafted items, enriching the holiday experience. Visit icdbrookfield.com for more info.
For those not just craving markets yet also seeking entertainment, Ski Dubai presents the chance to meet Santa Claus amid snow-capped wonder. Together with vibrant decorations and joyous atmospheres, Dubai Ice Rink also offers unique encounters before heading to the Grotto, where families can walk through Candy Cane Land before meeting Santa. Both experiences capture the whimsical essence of Christmas.
Dining enthusiasts can indulge themselves at the Byron Bathers Club on Palm Jumeirah, where the laid-back beachside Christmas brunch features traditional feasts and scrumptious seafood platters. For those seeking elegance, the Reform Social & Grill at The Lakes Fun Club boasts family-style settings with delightful three-course meals. Bookings are advised, as many establishments reveal specials unique to this festive period.
Another attraction is the breathtaking fireworks at Dubai Festival City Mall, occurring daily at 9 PM until January 12. Groups can gather and enjoy this stunning spectacle as part of their holiday celebrations, adding sparkle under the night sky.
For those interested in glamorous getaways, Raffles Dubai and Address Hotels & Resorts are offering holiday staycation packages. At Raffles, guests enjoy refined accommodations alongside access to opulent brunches starting at Dhs1,400 per night. Meanwhile, Address Hotels feature discounts on rooms with additional hotel credits, sculpting the experience of luxury intertwined with festive cheer.
Alongside holiday festivities, opportunities to volunteer abound through organizations like Dubai Cares and Al Noor Training Centre, allowing guests to reflect the Christmas spirit by giving back to the community.
Dubai’s incredible holiday offerings highlight the city’s capability to craft memorable experiences for everyone. Whether it's indulging at festive brunches, exploring vibrant markets, or meeting Santa through the cheerful holiday atmosphere, there’s no shortage of excitement for families and holiday lovers. For those who haven’t planned yet, plunge right now to embrace the magic of the season—Dubai awaits, ready to celebrate!
