These are the UAE’s favourite Christmas markets, plus the best places to see Santa and indulge in festive activities.
The festive season is a time for joy, peace, and love. It is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and to give back to those in need. The holiday season is full of traditions, including Christmas markets and festive workshops. Read on for team FACT’s top festive activities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this Christmas.
A Fairytale of Christmas
Dubai is set for a festive singalong with A Fairytale for Christmas, the Irish-inspired concert arriving at New Covent Garden, Mall of the Emirates. Expect crowd-pleasers such as “Driving Home for Christmas,” “Step into Christmas,” and “O Holy Night,” alongside “Fairytale of New York.” The set also nods to Irish staples, including “The Galway Girl,” “The Irish Rover,” “Dirty Old Town,” and “The Black Velvet Band.” Available from 19 to 21 December. Tickets from AED 195.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
Fort Island transforms into a winter wonderland as Madinat Jumeirah’s Festive Market returns with a towering 36-foot Christmas tree, choreographed light-and-sound shows and the scent of cinnamon drifting through the souk. Browse artisan stalls for seasonal gifts, pause for hot chocolate and festive bites, then hop on an abra to admire the twinkling lights from the water. Younger visitors can ride the North Pole Train, bounce on a four-lane bungee and whirl on a Venetian carousel, making this a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Available daily from 6 to 31 December, from 3pm.
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for more information.
The Nutcracker: Dubai Opera
A festive classic for all ages, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker returns to Dubai Opera. Follow young Clara and her Prince on a magical journey through lands of snow and sweets, brought to life with vibrant sets, elegant costumes and timeless melodies. Beloved since its 1892 premiere, this production delivers all the nostalgia and sparkle you expect from a holiday tradition, making it an ideal night out for families, first-time visitors and ballet fans alike.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Ski Dubai Winter Wonderland
Ski Dubai turns the season into pure magic from 1 to 25 December. Wander through a forest of Christmas trees, post your wish list straight to the North Pole, capture festive photos and meet Santa and his elves, all surrounded by real snow. New this year, Magic Planet joins the fun with Santa’s Magical Toy Workshop, plus an interactive colouring station beside Santa’s Grotto. Sensory-friendly Meet Santa sessions take place on 15 December at 6pm and 7pm, with Breakfast with Santa at 8am the same day. Packages include Meet Santa from AED 160 and Breakfast with Santa from AED 80.
GO: Visit skidxb.com for more information.
Snow Abu Dhabi: Winter Wonderland
Snow Abu Dhabi brings a White Christmas to the capital from 12 to 25 December. Families can stroll among Christmas trees, snap snowy photo moments and meet Santa and his elves inside a real Winter Wonderland. Sensory-friendly Meet Santa sessions run daily from 15 to 19 December at 6pm, making it accessible for more little visitors. Festive packages include Meet Santa from AED 165. Breakfast with Santa is available from 12 to 25 December at 9am, priced at AED 80.
GO: Visit snowabudhabi.com for more information.
Winter City at Expo City Dubai
One of the highlights of Al Wasl Season, Winter City returns to Expo City Dubai from 6 to 31 December. Al Wasl Plaza transforms into a giant snow globe filled with chalet-style Christmas markets, traditional fairground games, a letter-to-Santa station and pine trees. Get into the spirit with hot chocolate, mince pies and mulled drinks, then stay for the tree lighting ceremony. The glittering 52-foot Christmas tree is set to take centre stage in the dome, complemented by nightly projection shows that light up the plaza.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Winter District
Emirates Towers will present its annual Winter District once again this Christmas. Nestled on the terrace, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of Festive delights, including gourmet food and beverages, handcrafted treasures, and artisanal gifts. Adorned with enchanting decorations and a forest of Christmas trees, the venue hosts a range of activities, including carnival games, a carousel, snowball-fighting areas, and live music. Available daily, from 13 to 28 December.
GO: Visit www.winterdistrict.com for more information.
Yas Winter Fest: Yas Island
Prepare to wrap yourselves in festive cheer as Yas Winter Fest makes its return to the capital. Taking place at the Yas Island Gateway Park South from 12 to 21 December, Yas Winter Fest promises a winter wonderland for all ages. Frolic in an artificial Snow Zone with exhilarating snow-inspired activities, or make your way over to the North Pole for a chance to write and post a letter to Santa. You can also get some photos for the gram as you explore Santa’s workshop, where ornament decorating, crafts, and gingerbread decorating are in full swing.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.
