Christmas Markets in Dubai 2026 at a Glance
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
Winter City x Disney+ at Expo City Dubai
DXB Winter Festival at Dubai Festival City
Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
FAQ on Christmas Markets in Dubai 2026
Nothing says Christmas like temperatures in the mid-30s, December 25th being a standard working day, and Santa ditching his slay for a dune buggy! So yep, it’s fair to say that Dubai may not have everything ticked on the Chrimbo hall of fame checklist, but don’t be thinking that the diamond of the desert doesn’t produce more than its fair share of festive cheer. Want to get your fix of the jolly season’s unique feels? This year’s line-up of Christmas Markets in Dubai is bursting with snow globe-worthy levels of festive fun. In this guide, The Insider takes you down candy cane lane and provides all the twinkling details of the 2026 roll call of Christmas Markets in Dubai.
Christmas Markets in Dubai at a Glance
| Market | Where | Dates | Entry |
| Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market | Fort Island, Madinat Jumeirah | From 4th December – 27th December | Entrance is free on a first come, first served basis. |
| DXB Winter Festival | Beside Dubai Festival City Mall | 1st December 2026 to 10th January 2027 | Ticketed, prices TBC. |
| Winter City and Disney+ | Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai | 11th – 31st December | General admission AED 60. Winter City Express Entry Pass AED 175. People of Determination and one caregiver are admitted free, as are children under 3-years-old. |
| Winter District | Jumeirah Emirates Towers | 13th – 28th December (TBC) | Free |
Note: Dates and prices are subject to change as organisers release their programmes, so we advise checking each venue’s official website before arranging your visit.
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
It’s baaaaack. Bigger, better and jollier than ever before. The OG of Christmas Markets in Dubai, the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market, reserves a candy cane-shaped soft spot in the hearts of many a Dubai resident. Explore beautifully curated stalls, seasonal flavours, and a festive Abra journey along tranquil waterways. With live music and family experiences throughout, this seasonal market creates a truly memorable festive atmosphere.
Your festive experience:
- Charming Gingerbread Houses
- 36-Foot Tall Christmas Tree
- Light & Sound Christmas Tree Shows
- Festively Decorated Abra Rides
- Mini Train Rides
- Bungee Jumping
- Venetian Carousel
- Festive Shopping
- Delicious Dining Options
- Live Band Entertainment
Where: Fort Island, Madinat Jumeirah
Dates: From 4th December – 27th December
Entry: Free
Winter City x Disney+ at Expo City Dubai
Winter City is back at Al Wasl Plaza for its fifth edition, and this year it has teamed up with Disney+ for a theme entitled “Once upon a holiday…”. It runs from the 11th to 31st December, with snowfall beneath the Al Wasl Dome, large-scale projections throughout, fabulously festive music and a gleeful amount of specially curated food and drink options.
Themed zones are inspired by Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios and 20th Century Studios, with stories including Frozen, Toy Story and Home Alone. Children can write letters to Santa and meet-and-greets with the big guy himself are available. Organisers say more surprises will be announced closer to opening.
Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director – Events and Experiences at Expo City Dubai, said: “Winter City has always been our happy place. It’s where families come together, and, for a few hours, everyone becomes a child again.” She added: “What excites me most is that every family will experience Winter City differently.”
Hours are 4pm to 10pm daily. Tickets start from AED 60 on Platinumlist. Children aged 3-years-old and under enter free. Children must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over, and People of Determination and one caregiver are admitted free, subject to verification.
Where: Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai
Dates: 11th – 31st December
Entry: General admission AED 60. Winter City Express Entry Pass AED 175. People of Determination and one caregiver are admitted free, as are children under 3-years-old. Add-on of a guaranteed Santa Meet & Greet is available for AED 75, but only with the Winter City Express Entry Pass.
Tickets: Book here
DXB Winter Festival at Dubai Festival City
The DXB Winter Festival is new for winter 2026/27 and takes over from the old Christmas market at Dubai Festival City. From 1st December 2026 to 10th January 2027, a 20,000 m² festival site on the waterfront beside Dubai Festival City Mall hosts what the organiser’s are calling the region’s biggest winter festival. Attractions include a European-style Christmas market, an iconic Christmas tree, Santa’s Grotto, a traditional funfair and fairground rides, interactive workshops for children, a main stage with live performances, festive parades, and daily entertainment, and fireworks over Dubai Creek. It is open daily from 4pm to midnight, and from 2pm at weekends.
Where: Beside Dubai Festival City Mall
Dates: From 1st December 2026 – 10th January 2027
Entry: Ticketed, prices TBC
Tickets: Sign up for early bird discount here
Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
This unique winter market takes place on the square in front of the Museum of the Future, transforming the stunning locale into a festive wonderland that’s been delighting visitors annually for a number of years now.
Whether you’re hunting for special presents or simply soaking in the holiday vibes, there’s plenty to explore. Expect twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a cheerful atmosphere perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Visitors can wander through a charming marketplace filled with locally crafted gifts, from handmade ornaments to unique trinkets. And let us not forget that no winter wonderland would be complete without festive food and drinks – and Winter District won’t be found wanting in that regard, with a variety of seasonal treats, sweet delights, and warming beverages on offer.
And the fun goes beyond shopping and dining. Families can visit Santa’s Grotto for memorable photos, listen to carolers filling the air with festive songs, or enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, and carnival-style games.
Where: Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Dates: From 13th December – 28th December (TBC)
Entry: Free
FAQ on Christmas Markets in Dubai 2026
When do the Christmas markets in Dubai 2026 open?
The first to open is the DXB Winter Festival at Dubai Festival City on 1st December. The Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market follows on 4th December. Winter City x Disney+ opens on 11th December, and Winter District is currently scheduled to start on 13th December.
Are Christmas markets in Dubai free?
Some are. The Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market is free, and Winter District is (at time of writing) scheduled to be free. The DXB Winter Festival is ticketed, and the entry prices for Winter City x Disney+ start at AED 60.
Where is the best Christmas market in Dubai?
It completely depends on what you’re looking for. Madinat Jumeirah has always been considered an excellent free option, with its aesthetically pleasing waterways and iconic tree, while DXB Winter Festival is prepped to be the biggest, with over 150 vendors, a funfair and fireworks. Families with younger children may prefer Winter City x Disney+ for the Disney-themed zones and snowfall beneath the dome.
Is there a Christmas market on Christmas Day in Dubai?
The DXB Winter Festival, Madinat Jumeirah market and Winter City x Disney+ are all scheduled to be open on 25th December, although hours may change, so make sure to check before you go.
And that concludes The Insider guide on Christmas markets in Dubai 2026. We wish a fantastic festive season to all our readers. Remember to stick with The Insider Middle East for all the latest news, views and essential info you’re ever gonna need.
