Where to hang with Santa, hop aboard a train to the North Pole, indulge in mulled beverages, and start a snowball fight in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, bringing with it a festive tradition that we can’t get enough of: Christmas markets. Sure, the ones on our shores aren’t globally known, like those in Dresden, Basel or Bologna. But what we lack in historic backstories and sub-zero temperatures, we make up for in wintry-looking scenes and unique offerings like abra rides with Santa Claus himself. Here, we reveal all the festive fairs and markets worth visiting in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
ABU DHABI
Yas Winter Fest
13 to 22 December
Taking over Gateway Park North on Yas Island, Yas Winter Fest is the capital’s ultimate festive celebration, returning for ten days on 13 December. The upcoming edition promises to be bigger and better than ever — you can catch Luis Malabar of Spain’s Got Talent fame, cook alongside master pastry chef Nouel Catis, ride the all-new Trooper, and more.
There’s also a whole host of daily festivities to look forward to. Not only will there be a daily tree lighting ceremony at 6:30pm, but also screenings of holiday favourites such as Frozen, Home Alone, and Ice Age at the al fresco cinema. Catering to all ages, Yas Winter Fest will host a play zone and Santa’s workshop for the kids, while you can shop at artisan market stalls and try a myriad of classic winter foods.
Learn more here.
Winter Wonderland
1 to 25 December
True to its name, Snow Abu Dhabi is a winter wonderland for the holiday season once again, complete with hot chocolate, frosty temperatures, and even meet-and-greet sessions with Santa Claus. Ideal for all ages, this family-friendly event has curated the experience to include surprise extras like gifts made by Santa’s elves, printed photos, access to the Snow Park (over 20 rides and attractions!) and more.
Learn more here.
DUBAI
Festive Market
10 to 12 December
Short and sweet, the annual Christmas market will return to ICD Brookfield Place on 10 December, adding a dose of merriment to DIFC. Echoing the sophistication of its surroundings, Festive Market will feature a wide array of curated vendors, artisanal creations, and handcrafted treasures to elevate the holiday season. We’re told that Florette, Maknoon, Dastaangoi, and Oum Ceramics are just some of the vendors that will be participating, accented by festive treats, courtesy of The Guild and Lulu & the Beanstalk.
Learn more here.
Winter Fest
14 to 15 December, 21 to 22 December
With tickets starting at AED 49, the Winter Fest at Al Barari promises holiday cheer for an absolute steal. Here, you and your little ones can enjoy a blend of snow-themed fun, holiday crafts, live entertainment, and unforgettable attractions. The activities on offer will span everything from ice skating and gingerbread-house making to live performances and delicious food and drinks, so there will be something for all ages. As for the complimentary activities and attractions on the roster? A meet-and-greet with Santa and his elves, a train ride, and access to a life-size gingerbread house.
Learn more here.
Winter District
14 to 22 December
Transforming the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre into a world of enchantment, Winter District will be home to a festive marketplace, seasonal treats, and fun activities for all ages — Santa’s Grotto, a snow play area, arts and crafts, and carnival games included. Open daily from 12pm to 12am, season 2 of this spectacular winter celebration will also feature an ice rink, an inflatable play area for younger revellers, and a cosy bar lounge for adults craving a festive atmosphere.
Learn more here.
Winter Wonderland
1 to 25 December
Another opportunity to dive into the holiday season in sub-zero temperatures awaits at the Winter Wonderland of Ski Dubai. Here, your little ones can meet Santa Claus and his cheerful elves, dine on a festive breakfast with Papa Noel at North 28, and more. You can also elevate your celebration by booking the Snow Fun & Meet Santa package to also enjoy access to the multitude of exhilarating Snow Park activities (gliding on a bobsled, rolling inside a giant Zorb Ball, and racing down the Tubing Run).
Learn more here.
Winter City
6 to 31 December
Three words that make Winter City at Expo City Dubai a must-visit? Santa’s Toy Factory. Every corner of this cheerful address beckons, so you’ll join Mrs. Claus as she sorts the naughty and nice list, decorates cookies, and creates festive crafts. Elsewhere, you and your loved ones can catch the daily lighting ceremony for the 52-foot tree Christmas tree, sing along at the Carols by Candlelight concerts, and enjoy a unique dinner experience by the Surreal Waterfall. The kids can drop off their wishlists in Santa’s Letterbox, explore the North Pole Market, and dive into interactive workshops like gingerbread decorating while you make your way through the many festive-themed culinary offerings onsite.
Learn more here.
Winter Garden
1 November to 31 January
Who says the celebrations have to come to a crashing halt come Boxing Day? Winter Garden at Al Habtoor City will run until the end of January, so there’s plenty of time to explore this festive wonderland. A mainstay of the holiday season, this beloved market has returned with a couple of new elements, like a souk packed with handcrafted treasures.
Not only is there a dedicated play area with plenty of entertainment for little ones (fun carnival games, a go-kart space, a little builder area, and a trampoline for starters), but four-legged friends are also welcome. PetRepublic has joined the occasion with its innovative pet e-passport platform, allowing revellers to enjoy a pet-friendly experience, complete with pet parades. Also worth checking out? The personalised photo booths, donut slides, live performances each weekend, and eclectic mix of food stalls
Learn more here.
DSCVR: Festive cheer, All the fairs and markets worth exploring
