Festive cheer awaits
Dubai goes into full holiday mode every December and the Christmas markets popping up across the city make it one of the best times of the year to be out and about, with carols, crafts, twinkling lights, great food and a mix of markets that suit every mood. From big, immersive winter villages to relaxed neighbourhood pop-ups these are some of best Christmas markets worth adding to your list.
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
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If you are looking for that quintessential holiday movie feeling but with a distinctly Dubai twist, the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market is the place to be. Fort Island transforms into a 1,750-square-metre winter village, complete with a towering 36-foot tree, warm lights reflected on the waterways and a line-up of nostalgic activities that keeps visitors coming back every year.
Expect a mini train chugging along the pathways, a Venetian carousel spinning in the centre, and the city’s most charming abra rides, where Santa tags along for the journey. Kids get the North Pole treatment with a dedicated grotto, while adults settle in with mulled grape, mince pies and live carols.
When: 5–31 December
Where: Fort Island, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Timings: Mon–Thu from 3pm; Fri–Sun from 12pm
Entry: Free
Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
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Winter District is back at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, right under the Museum of the Future and it’s one of the city’s most photogenic festive pop-ups. The space turns into a cosy open-air market with festive decor, gourmet food stalls and a shopping stretch filled with small brands and seasonal pop-ups.
There’s plenty for families to enjoy with a kids’ zone, creative workshops and Santa’s grotto. There’s even an escape room for anyone looking to add something playful to the evening.
When: 13–28 December
Where: Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Timings: Daily 2pm–midnight, weekends until 1am
Winter City at Expo City Dubai
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Expo City turns Al Wasl Plaza into a full winter playground each December and Winter City has quickly become one of Dubai’s most anticipated festive stops. The dome lights up with seasonal colours, the pathways fill with themed zones and workshops.
This year’s theme plays around the “Candy Cane Comet,” guided by young “Candy Cane Watchers,” adding a bit of whimsy to the experience. Expect a mix of hands-on crafts, stage performances and plenty of stalls selling gifts, books and holiday treats. There’s also a daily tree-lighting moment and one guest gets picked each evening to flip the switch.
It’s ticketed, but the setup is big, organised and spacious enough that families can spend hours moving between activities. The combination of light shows, towering decor, and that signature Al Wasl Plaza canopy makes it one of the most photogenic festive spots in the city.
When: 6–31 December 2025
Where: Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai
Timings: Daily 4pm–10pm
Entry: From AED 50 (children under three free)
Bavarian Christmas Market at Bruno’s Biergarten
Bruno’s Biergarten brings a Bavarian twist to the festive season with its Christmas Market, running from 6 December to 7 January. The space transforms into a cosy outdoor village under strings of lights, with live festive music and seasonal food stalls with roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, candied apples and a trio of festive snacks that tap straight into holiday nostalgia.
The kitchen serves classic Bavarian comforts, Currywurst, Weisswurst, Wiener Schnitzel, warm pretzels and three generous sharing platters (Charcuterie, Planet-Friendly, and Big Bavarian). Drinks range from signature brews to winter cocktails.
Every Saturday, little ones can join Gingerbread House-making workshops led by the pastry team, complete with icing, decorations and a quick hello from Santa. The venue is pet-friendly so your furry friends can join in the festivities too.
When: Till 7 January 2026
Where: Bruno’s Biergarten
Timings: Daily 4pm–1am
Entry: Minimum spend AED 500 for two adults or AED 800 for four (kids under 6 dine free)
Seasonal prices: Chestnuts or candied apples AED 34; mulled wine AED 59; festive trio AED 125; sharing platters AED 249–399
MINT Market at The Sustainable City
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MINT Market is taking over The Sustainable City for a two-day festive market that brings together community spirit, local artisans and a whole lot of Christmas cheer. The neighbourhood is already one of Dubai’s greenest pockets and the market leans into that vibe with outdoor stalls, seasonal bites and a line-up of home-grown brands perfect for anyone still hunting for last-minute gifts.
Kids get plenty to keep them busy with face painting, crafts and festive activities scattered through the space. Santa will be around for photos, making it a light, cheerful stop for families and anyone who loves supporting local makers.
When: 20–21 December 2025
Where: The Sustainable City
Timings: 9am–6pm
Entry: Free
Christmas Market at Dubai Festival City Mall
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Festival Bay has transformed into a festive waterfront strip and the Christmas Market at Dubai Festival City Mall is one of the easiest holiday outings to slot into a busy December. The market stretches along the promenade, lined with twinkling lights, food stalls and small pop-ups selling gifts and treats. It has a relaxed, breezy vibe, especially as the sun sets over the water.
Visitors expect live entertainment through the evening, Santa meet-and-greets and the mall’s famous light, fire and fountain shows illuminating the bay.
When: 12 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Where: Dubai Festival City Mall, Festival Bay
Timings: Daily 3pm–11:30pm
Entry: Free
Christmas Wonderland at Centara Mirage Beach Resort
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Centara Mirage Beach Resort goes all in with a giant gingerbread house, snow-play zones and stalls packed with handmade gifts, decorations and artisanal treats.
Throughout the season, expect carolers drifting through the walkways, character meet-and-greets and live music to keep the atmosphere upbeat. Seasonal favourites like stollen, puddings and gingerbread bakes pop up across the market, making it a fun place to nibble your way through.
Workshops, from cookie decorating to gingerbread house making, add an extra layer of activity for kids, making it a spot where families can easily spend a few hours.
When: 5 December 2025 – 9 January 2026
Where: Centara Mirage Beach Resort, Deira Islands
Entry: Free
Al Seef Christmas Market
Al Seef brings a relaxed festive energy to the creek each December. The waterfront lights up with lanterns, string lights and small market stalls that stretch along the promenade.
The atmosphere stays calm and cosy, which makes it a nice break from Dubai’s bigger, busier Christmas markets. It’s especially lovely in the early evening when the lights start reflecting off the water.
When: 1–31 December 2025
Where: Al Seef, Dubai Creek
Timings: Mon–Thu 4pm–11pm; Fri–Sun 12pm–12am
Entry: Free
Image credit: Pinterest
Mariam Khawer is a Dubai-based writer and PR professional whose work spans food, art, and travel across the region. When she isn’t chasing deadlines, she’s likely at a gallery opening, testing out a new restaurant, piecing together one of her mixed-media art projects or at home with her four cats, who keep her on her toes.
