Get Festive at the 6 Best Christmas Markets in Dubai
If you ask me, December is the best time to be in Dubai. The weather is perfect, outdoor activities are in full swing, and the festive season creates a magical feeling across the city. There are just so many things to do in this city at this time of year, and that includes shopping, eating, and playing at all of the best Christmas markets in Dubai!
From sipping mulled wine and hot chocolate to shopping for unique Christmas gifts, introducing your little ones to Santa and his elves, listening to live Christmas tunes, and indulging in festive treats, visiting all of the over-the-top Christmas markets in Dubai is always fun for the whole family.
If you’re wondering where to get into the festive spirit in 2024, I’ve got you covered with 6 magical Dubai Christmas markets to shop, eat, drink, and be merry!
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The 6 Best Christmas Markets in Dubai
1. The Ripe Festive Market
The Ripe Market is a super popular market that is all about bringing the community together and promoting home-grown businesses. In addition to pop-up markets around town all year long, you can go shopping and dining at The Ripe Market each weekend in Academy Park from October through May.
But head here on the weekends during the month of December, and you’ll find that The Ripe Market has been transformed into one of the best Christmas markets in Dubai – The Ripe Festive Market!
With all of the creative local vendors and artisans, this is a wonderful place to do some Christmas shopping. In addition to all of the shops, expect all sorts of twinkling lights, holiday treats, wreath-making workshops, hot chocolate making, appearances from Santa, live music and entertainment, food trucks, and so much more.
Weekends from Dec 7-29: Saturdays 9am-9pm, Sundays 9am-7pm; AED5 for adults, free admission for children under 12; Academy Park.
2. Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market is widely considered to be one of the best Christmas markets in Dubai, if not the very best. This massive market takes over 1,750 square meters of Madinat Jumeirah, transforming the old-world-style souk into a truly magical winter wonderland.
In 2024, Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market will be in full swing starting Friday, December 6, and will be going strong throughout the month. At this ultra-family-friendly Dubai Christmas market, your kids can marvel at the 36-foot-tall Christmas tree, take a ride with Santa on an abra, hop aboard the North Pole Train, get thrills on the four-lane bungee jump, ride on the Venetian carousel, and decorate their own gingerbread house.
Of course, no Christmas market is complete without all manner of festive foods and drinks, as well as live music and entertainment galore!
From Dec 6-31: Mon-Thurs 3pm-late; Fri-Sun noon-late; Free; Madinat Jumeirah.2. Winter City at Expo City Dubai
3. Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace Dubai
Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace Dubai is another one of the most popular Christmas markets in Dubai. Running from November 1 all the way through January 31, this is the longest-running Dubai Christmas market.
Explore this Christmas-tree-studded wonderland, and you’ll come across festive food stalls, pop-up shops, a kids’ play area, magical light displays, and all sorts of family-friendly entertainment and games.
Nov 1-Jan 31: 4pm-midnight (weekdays), 4pm-1am (weekends); AED25 for adults (fully redeemable), free admission for children; Habtoor Palace Dubai.
4. Winter City at Expo City
In true Expo City fashion, Winter City is one of the most unique Dubai Christmas markets because it’s all about sustainability.
Little ones can learn about recycling and reusing in Santa’s eco-friendly house, take workshops about farm-to-table living in Frosty’s Farmhouse, try their hand at sustainable STEM-based toy making at Santa’s Toy Factory, and send eco-friendly letters to Santa in a giant mailbox with the help of his elves.
But that’s not all – the gorgeous Al Wasl Plaza will be decked out in light displays, a larger-than-life Christmas tree, and toys from “Toys R US.” You can also expect live musical performances, festive food vendors, and loads more!
Dec 6-31: Daily 2pm-10pm (Dec 31 2pm-1am); AED40 for adults, free admission for children under 5 and people of determination; Expo City Dubai.
5. Winter District at Dubai Media City Amphitheater
Winter District is returning to Dubai for its second edition this year. This time around, it’ll be taking over the Dubai Media City Amphitheater from December 14 until December 22.
This is another one of the best Christmas markets in Dubai, and when you drop by, you can expect to eat your way through the many gourmet food stalls, try your luck at the carnival games, glide around on the ice skating rink, frolic in the snow park, watch your kids play on the inflatable play area, go shopping, and be endlessly entertained with live music and performances.
Plus, adults will love hanging out at the licensed bar lounge, where you can sip seasonal drinks, like mulled wine, while listening to live music!
Dec 14-22: 12pm-midnight; AED25 for adults, free admission for children below 6; Dubai Media City Amphitheater.
6. The Bay By Social at Dubai Festival City Mall
The Bay By Social at Dubai Festival City Mall is home to one of the best Christmas markets in Dubai for endless festivities. Plus, with its waterfront location at Festival Bay on Dubai Creek and all the magical Christmas lights and decorations, the setting couldn’t be more magical.
Starting December 13, you can expect tons of gourmet eats, carnival games, interactive art installations, festive kiosks, and live entertainment, as well as the holiday-themed IMAGINE show!
Dec 13-Jan 5: 3pm-11:30pm; Free admission; Dubai Festival City Mall.
