Christmas markets in Dubai are back with a bang, turning the city into a pretty festival wonderland. From lighting the trees to singing carols with Santa, there are tons of things you can do with family to make the most of this much-awaited holiday season.
A lot of festive events and winter activities will be taking over the Emirate in the month of December. If you are looking around to spend fun time with family this holiday season, then we have got you covered!
In this article, we will be sharing all the details about some of the most happening Christmas markets in Dubai where you can shop, eat, dance, and have the time of your life! Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Christmas Markets in Dubai, where joy and togetherness come alive
Read on to discover the top festive spots in the city to rejoice with friends and loved ones!
You might also like to read: 10 Best Wadis in UAE To Visit This Winter 2023
6 Must-Visit Christmas Markets in Dubai 2023
Here is a rundown of the best Christmas Markets in Dubai lined up for the month of December. Most of these events are free to attend and for some, you have to buy tickets that too are priced quite reasonably.
Remember this is not an exhaustive list as many attractions are expected to announce dates for festivals and events around Christmas.
Now let’s get to the details and have a look at Dubai’s favourite hot spots turning into vibrant festive markets!
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Winter City at Expo City
Step into a magical winter wonderland at Expo City Dubai, where the festivities are set to unfold from December 15 to January 14, 2024. For just Dhs20, you can enter Al Wasl Plaza and discover a snowy spectacle featuring Santa’s Grotto. Unlike conventional Christmas markets in Dubai, this festival extravagance will be centered around sustainability and climate change.
Marvel at the transformation of Al Wasl Plaza into a whimsical winter world, where little ones can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, capture memories with giant gingerbread men, experience the enchanting snow globe, and skate on the rink.
The joyous celebration will continue with the toy soldier band playing beloved Christmas tunes along with fun fairground games, and a special station for writing letters to Santa. There will be a Santa House all decked up for Christmas where kids can explore Santa’s sustainable and eco-friendly initiative to save energy.
Little ones will also get the opportunity to decorate cookies and gingerbread men along with Santa elves. This can be a fantastic activity for your kids to have a time of their life with their friends and cousins.
The entrance to the event will cost you AED 20 per person and you might have to pay for some activities and workshops.
Don’t miss this festive extravaganza at Expo City Dubai and experience the festive season at its best.
- Location: Expo City Dubai
- Tickets: AED 20 per person
- Timings: 3 pm till 11 pm
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Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace Dubai
Habtoor Palace Dubai is all set to welcome the festive season with the much-anticipated return of its endearing Winter Garden. Since November, the Winter Garden at Habtoor City has been offering a delightful experience with pop-up restaurants, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and more.
For just Dhs25 per person, guests will receive a food and beverage voucher of the same amount to indulge in delicious treats at the garden’s food stalls. This outdoor Christmas extravaganza promises good times with delectable food trucks, captivating live performances, a towering Christmas tree, and a plethora of entertainment suitable for all ages.
Indulge in delightful dishes from various eateries while being serenaded by talented local singers. The holiday spirit is in full swing with enchanting decor, and little ones can delight in daily visits from Santa Claus. You can expect this to be one of the best Christmas markets in Dubai this year.
You can secure your tickets through the Loyal by AHG app and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace, Dubai.
- Location: Habtoor Palace, Dubai
- Tickets: AED 25 per person
- Timings: 1st November to 31st of January, 4 pm till 12 am
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Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Tower
Embrace the joy of the festive season from December 14, 2023, to January 4, 2024, as the Plaza Terrace at Jumeirah Emirates Towers transforms into a sparkling Winter District. Following the resounding success of the Ramadan District earlier this year, Emirates Towers has announced the arrival of a festive Christmas extravaganza, one of the most anticipated Christmas markets in Dubai.
Embark on a festive journey with family and friends at the festival market set against the stunning backdrop of the Museum of the Future. Get ready to explore the outdoor market adorned with festive stalls, featuring handcrafted treasures from local brands and an array of delightful gift items.
The market will be featuring a towering Christmas tree, colossal snowmen, and a giant advent calendar. Prepare for a delightful array of activities catering to both little ones and adults, including a whimsical carousel, a thrilling donut snow slide, enchanting horse rides, and more.
Join in the festive cheer with classic carol singing, and keep the little ones entertained at the kids’ corner. As you explore this winter haven, keep warm and energized with an array of delectable sips and bites from various food trucks. Follow @winter.district for updates and sneak peeks!
- Location: Plaza Terrace, Jumeirah Emirates Tower
- Tickets: Free Entry
- Timings: 14th December to 4th of January, 2 pm till 2 am
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Festive Market at Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Save the date for a festive journey at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market, transforming Fort Island into a magical winter wonderland from December 15 to January 7, 2024. This captivating experience will await guests from 3 pm till midnight, from Friday to Sunday—all with free entry for everyone to revel in the festivities.
You can immerse yourself in the charm of a traditional chalet-style market, accompanied by live music that adds to the festive spirit. Be ready to experience the holiday magic amidst the enchanting backdrop of a towering 36-foot-tall Christmas tree, surrounded by seasonal food stalls and an abundance of immersive family-friendly activities.
Little ones will find joy in a snow fight zone, bungee jumping, a North Pole train ride, and a whimsical Venetian carousel. You and your loved ones can create lasting memories by joining Santa on an Abra ride and crafting your own gingerbread houses. How exciting is that?
Best of all, entry is free—making the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market one of the must-visit Christmas Markets in Dubai this holiday season.
- Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah
- Ticket: Free Entry
- Timings: 15th December to 7th January, from 3 pm till midnight.
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Christmas Festival at Jumeirah Golf Estates Golf and Country Club
Join the festivities at Jumeirah Golf Estates Golf & Country Club in Dubai for a magnificent Christmas celebration on December 16th. This family-friendly event, inclusive of your furry friends, is free to attend. This isn’t like typical Christmas markets in Dubai and will only be a one-day event where you can take your dogs for pet-friendly activities.
The festivities promise a lively atmosphere with live music, an entertaining dog show, informative dog training classes, a Christmas market featuring delightful gifts for your pets, and Santa’s enchanting grotto for the little ones.
For an extra special experience, children can meet the real Santa and receive a unique gift along with a memorable photograph for just Dhs95. Visit dubaifeastival.com for more details.
- Location: Jumeirah Golf Estates Golf and Country Club
- Tickets: Free Entry
- Timings: 16th of December, 2023, 11 am till 9 pm.
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Christmas Celebrations at Global Village
Every year Global Village goes all out with its extraordinary Christmas celebrations in Dubai. The multi-cultural festival turns into a mesmerizing festival market inviting families and individuals from all over the country to indulge in the spirit of Christmas.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration if we say it’s one of the most sought-after Christmas markets in Dubai where you can shop, eat, and rejoice with special ones in your life. There will be a giant Christmas tree all decked up with pretty décor and lightning along with Santa and his elves popping everywhere to double the festive joy.
Not only this, there will be pop-up stalls and restaurants serving traditional Christmas goodies to amp up the festive spirit. The entry ticket is priced at AED 25 per person and you will have to pay for food and activities as per your choice.
As every year there will be lots of shows, stalls, and activities for people of all ages. The dates for the Christmas market have not yet been announced but you can expect it to start somewhere around mid of December.
- Location: Global Village
- Tickets: AED 25 per person
- Timings: 4 pm till 1 am
Also read: 9 Best Things That You Must Try Out This Winter in UAE