10 Festive Christmas Markets to Explore in Dubai This Year
Dubai becomes a shimmering winter resort when the holiday season comes. The city welcomes the spirit of festivity more than any other place with chalet-esque stalls and mugs of mulled wine, live music and towering Christmas trees. Going on a family outing, holiday shopping or just an enchanted evening outing, these ten Christmas markets have the same effect of bringing happiness in every nook and corner.
Christmas Markets to Explore in Dubai
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Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
Located on Fort Island in the high-end Madinat Jumeirah resort, this market includes a 36-foot Christmas tree, light and sound spectacles, a North Pole train ride and Venetian carousel.
Open every day since mid-December to end of December with free entry (rides extra).
- Why go: Excellent location, family and child entertainment.
- Tip: Early taxi arrival as there is not much parking.
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Winter Garden at Al Habtoor Palace
The Winter Garden is a pop-up event (November to January) with pet-friendly areas, food stand, live shows, and several shops located in Al Habtoor City on the Sheikh Zayed Road.
The entry is usually by a voucher or small voucher-spend.
- Why go: Excellent food-lovers and more of a permanent feast atmosphere.
- Tip: Evening (4 pm and onwards) is the most appropriate time when the lights and performances start.
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Winter City in Expo City Dubai
This market is also located under the iconic Al Wasl Dome and has a grand tree-lighting, a grotto of Santa, gingerbread workshops and chalet-style stalls where crafts and treats are sold.
- Why go: Massive, immersive event, perfect family.
- Tip: Visit during a weekday when there are no crowds and have better opportunities of capturing photos.
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Dubai Opera Christmas Market
Located in the classy Dubai Opera in Downtown Dubai, this smaller-urban market is dedicated to luxury gifting, crafts, festive fine-food and shows.
- Why go: Perfect present to couples or high-end couples.
- Tip: Add together with an evening performance or dinner in the neighbourhood.
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Times Square Centre Winter Wishes Market
This is an indoor market in the Times Square Centre Mall (located in Sheikh Zayed Road) that runs approximately one week or more and has 100+ vendors, children craft areas and meet Santa events.
- Why go: Cozy indoor environment, easy to make fast visits.
- Tip: Carry craft kit for children to play in the hands-on areas.
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JLT Park Christmas Market
The location is around the lake in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers and the market is based along the community and local artisans, live shows, and the relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
- Why go: More casual, less commercial, family friendly with small children.
- Tip: Best during the evenings; a light jacket is needed since the temperatures may fall after the sun goes down.
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Burj Park Festive Market
This open-air market is situated close to the Burj Khalifa and will provide a great chance to take a photo, enjoy festive decor, food stands, and an open-air atmosphere of the festival.
- Why go: Famous location to enjoy festive walks and take pictures.
- Tip: To get the lights and the skyline, it is better to come before sunset.
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Jumeirah Emirates Towers Winter District
The square around the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Group turns into a holiday outdoor area that has thematic stalls, food trucks and live music since the beginning of December till the end of December.
- Why go: This is a good place to go and enjoy a contemporary, urban festival.
- Tip: Get yourself a hot beverage and go around the booths.
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Dubai Festival City Mall- Winter Wonderland at Festival Bay
This is a festive market that is a combination of food stalls, characters (e.g., the Gingerbread Man), lake-side atmosphere and evening lights at the waterfront of Dubai Festival City Mall.
- Why go: Family dining! Festive shopping + good restaurants.
- Tip: Schedule your visit so as to go together with Festival Bay fountain show.
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BurJuman Mall Christmas Village
This indoor Christmas village is located in the BurJuman Mall, and it includes tree lightings, Santa visits, parades and activities during the festival in a mall-comfort zone.
- Why go: Good when you are with a family and you want a hassle-free indoor adventure.
- Tip: Go there in the afternoon to avoid excess evening crowd.
Final Thoughts
Christmas markets in Dubai this year have all the things that one can desire in terms of luxury, family time, outdoor walks and indoor comfort. To get the most out of them: book your visits on weekdays, check early for the individual market dates (they may last just a few weeks) and pack a light jacket for the evenings (December in Dubai can reach below 20°C). These markets are a tourism season highlight according to official tourism advice.
Happy holiday sightseeing–and be sure to check ticket offers and packages on Dubai Ticket to do market research with exclusive holiday fun!