8 Great Festive Markets To Visit In UAE: All You Need To Know

1. Souk Festive Market

One of Dubai’s most popular Christmas markets returns at the Madinat Jumeirah. With the LED Christmas tree as its centre point, the German-themed festive market will include daily appearances from Santa between 5 pm-7 pm, bungee jumping, a snowball fight zone and a host of festive fare, including roasted chestnuts, from the hotels’ kitchens.

When: 3 pm-1 am; Sunday – Wednesday, 12 pm-1 am; Thursday-Saturday, December 15-27
Where: Fort Island, Madinat Jumeirah
Price: Free
Contact: +971 4 366 8888, website

2. Dubai Winter Festival 2017

Get yourself down to the Media City Amphitheatre if you want to build a snowman. The annual event returns to the amphitheatre and, in addition to building your own Mr Frosty, you can take part in a snowball fight or simply wander around the many gift and food stalls. With carol singers performing live on stage and a funfair for the kids, this is one to get the seasonal feels going.

When: 4 pm-7 pm; Wednesday, 4 pm-10 pm; Thursday, 3 pm-10 pm; Friday-Saturday, December 6-9,
Where: Media City Amphitheatre
Price: Tickets from AED75
Contact: website

3. Dubai Ice Rink SnowFest

This has become an annual fixture in the country’s biggest mall, with stalls surrounding the ice and Santa’s grotto in one corner. In addition, there are also snowfall skating sessions for AED100.

When: December 14-January 5
Where: The Dubai Mall
Price: AED20
Contact: +971 4 448 5111, website

4. DBS Winter Wonderland 2017

An Adventure to the North Pole is the theme of Dubai British School’s festive offering. ARTE, The Makers Market will be present so you can grab some hand-crafted gifts for friends and family. There’ll also be live bands, performances, games and a polar bear photo booth for you and your family to squeeze into.

When: December 13, 6 pm-9 pm
Where: Dubai British School, Emirates Hills
Price: Free
Contact: +971 4 361 9361,

5. BurJuman Winter

BurJuman Mall will have a distinctly chilly theme this festive season as the interior gets a full wintery makeover. As well as a snow park, where artificial flakes will fall every 30 minutes, there’s an augmented reality zone to transport you to a virtual world of wonder. Arts and crafts stalls and activities will also be available to all ages.

When: December 7-January 6
Where: BurJuman Mall, Bur Dubai
Price: Free

6. Winter Garden Market at The St Regis

The St Regis Hotel is transforming its fantastic garden into a winter wonderland again. The festive theme will include seasonal décor and lights, festive carols, stalls packed with gifts and, activities and events for the little ones and, of course, one of the most beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the entire emirate.

When: 5 pm-11 pm; Sunday-Thursday, 3 pm-11 pm; Friday-Saturday, December 3-26
Where: Al Habtoor City
Price: Free
Contact: +971 4 435 555 77, website

7. Festive Wonderland at Al Maryah Island

The Galleria will come alive with festive cheer this season. Santa’s grotto, live performances and marching bands will all be on-hand to provide entertainment for all the family. Festive food and beverages will be in the mix too, in and around the arts, crafts and wintery carnival zones.

When: December 14-26
Where: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
Price: Free

8. Swiss Christmas Market

A small Swiss village made up of 44 intricately decorated wooden chalets will welcome guests to the Beach Rotana. The Swiss theme is hammered home with a traditional band entertaining the crowds, local choirs singing carols and the usual fare such as cheese fondue to give you that ski-lodge feel.

When: 4 pm-9 pm; Wednesday, 2 pm-10 pm; Thursday, 11 am-10 pm; Friday-Saturday, December 6-9
Where: Beach Rotana
Price: Free