As the holiday season approaches, Dubai transforms into a winter wonderland, offering magical experiences for families. Here’s our guide to the top 5 Christmas markets that will delight both kids and adults alike.
1. Winter City at Dubai Festival City Mall
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: The event starts on December 7th 2024 with the annual Christmas lighting ceremony at 7pm, accompanied by the latest IMAGINE show.
- Festive Kiosks: Stroll through charming kiosks hosted by beloved characters like Gingerbread Man, Jack Frost, and Frosty the Snowman, offering delightful Christmas shopping.
- Meet and Greet: Kids will enjoy magical encounters with Winnie the Pooh and Rudolf the Reindeer as they take their evening strolls around the mall.
- Jingle Junction: Showcase your singing talent at Jingle Junction and capture fun memories at the quirky Upside-Down Festive Tavern photo spot.
- Pooh’s Enchanted Festive Forest: Explore Pooh’s Enchanted Festive Forest and engage in activities to uncover the Festive Honey Pot.
- Santa’s Log Cabin: Visit Santa’s log cabin to share holiday wishes and capture a memorable photograph while participating in Santa’s Magical Workshops.
- Eats Square Delights: Indulge in festive treats at Eats Square, featuring freshly baked mince pies, turkey kebabs, and more, making every bite a festive tradition. You can learn more about Winter City at DFC here.
2. Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
- Festive Atmosphere: The market transforms Madinat Jumeirah central square into a winter wonderland with the Burj Al Arab in the background, perfect for family photos.
- Christmas Village: Explore a charming Christmas village with a 36 foot Christmas tree and a lot of festive decorations.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live performances, including carol singers and festive sing-a-long shows that bring the holiday spirit to life.
- Santa’s Grotto: Children can visit Santa Claus in his grotto, share their wishes, and take memorable photos with the Santa.
- Traditional Food: Indulge in delicious seasonal delicacies and festive treats from various food stalls, including mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
- Family Activities: Participate in family-friendly activities such as arts and crafts workshops, mini train rides, bungee jumping, venetian carousel and a gingerbread house.
- Dates and Timings: The market runs from December 6th to December 24th, welcoming visitors daily from 4 PM to midnight for an enchanting holiday experience. This market gets very busy in the evenings so best to go during the weekdays on early on the weekends.
You can get more info here: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/madinat-jumeirah
3. Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace
- Street Food and Dining: There are a LOT of food options, from Steaks to Shawarmas, there is no shortage of culinary variety at the Winter Garden.
- Pet-Friendly Fun: Pets are welcome with mobile pet grooming services available at Miss Meow for cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds and there is also a petting zoo here.
- Kid’s Play Areas: Youngsters can have a blast at the various kid’s play areas presented by Extreme Excite with bouncy castles, bungee jumping, and arts and crafts among many more.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live performances, including a Christmas choir and shows featuring resident vocalists Maria B and Alice Kube, creating a festive atmosphere.
- Daily Santa Visits: Families can meet Santa every day in December, making it a delightful experience for children and adding to the holiday spirit. You can get more info here @wintergardendubai.
4. Winter District at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
- Festive Atmosphere: The Winter District transforms the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre into a magical winter wonderland with the backdrop of Dubai Media City and Dubai Marina. The festival will be open from 14th – 22nd December and will be open every day from 12pm – 12am.
- Diverse Activities: Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including live performances, festive markets, bouncy castles, snow zone, arts and crafts, pantomime performances, face painting and many more suitable for all ages.
- Food Stalls: The district features numerous food kiosks offering delicious seasonal treats and international cuisine, ensuring a culinary delight for everyone.
- Santa’s Visit: Children can meet Santa Claus for memorable photo opportunities and share their Christmas wishes in a festive setting.
- Shopping Opportunities: Browse through various pop-up shops offering unique gifts and holiday decorations to enhance your festive spirit.
- Pet Friendly: The Winter District welcomes everyone, including pets, making it a perfect outing for families looking to celebrate the holiday season together.
You can get more info on the event here: https://www.winterdistrict.com/
5. Winter City at EXPO City Dubai
- Magical Winter Experience: Winter City transforms EXPO City Dubai into a festive Christmas market, with a huge tree in the central circle. The event runs from December 1st to December 31st.
- Festive Attractions: Explore a variety of attractions, including ice skating rinks, snow play areas, interactive installations like Build A Bear, Harry Potter by Funko, gingerbread decorating, and more.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live performances and entertainment, including musical acts and festive shows that add to the celebratory atmosphere.
- Santa’s Grotto: Children can meet Santa Claus in his grotto, share their Christmas wishes, and take memorable photos with him.
- Food Delights: Savor delicious holiday-themed food and beverages from various vendors, including traditional treats and international cuisine.
You can buy tickets for Winter City here.
6. JLT Christmas Market
- Huge Christmas Tree: The JLT Christmas Tree market is located at the JLT Park Amphitheatre which is transformed into a wonderful Christmas Market with a huge tree in the middle of the circular area and dozens of small market stalls around the tree. The tree gets lit up every night at 6pm and Santa Claus visits and takes pictures with families in front of the huge tree.
- JLT Christmas Market Timings: The JLT Christmas Market is on from December 14th to 22nd. located at the JLT Park Amphitheatre for a week filled with festive delights for all ages from 4pm to 9pm.
- Festive Attractions: Kids activities such as painting and arts and crafts are located on the right side of the market. There are speakers setup throughout the park and there is always festive music on to keep families upbeat throughout the event.
- Shopping: There are various stalls setup selling clothes, toys and Christmas ornaments adding to the festive season.
- Food & Drink: Snacks, tea, coffee and desserts are available at various stalls throughout the JLT Christmas Market.
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