Desert, But Make It Festive: The UAE’s Ultimate Christmas Market Guide
Winter villages, festive pop-ups and Christmas markets across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
December in the UAE hits differently: one minute it’s desert sunshine and iced matcha lattes, the next you’re wading through faux snow, sipping mulled wine and pretending you’re not surrounded by palm trees and daily blazing sunlight.
Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, winter villages pop up in unlikely places: Christmas markets take over waterfronts and city plazas, and the festive spirit goes into full Dubai-glitz mode. Some display cosy European charm, others go big and spectacular, but every one offers a welcome excuse to wander, snack and shop—and feel as festive as if you were at home with the fam.
From snow-globe showstoppers to creative pop-ups and family-friendly favourites, these are the Christmas markets and winter festivals worth a stroll around.
Dubai Christmas Markets & Winter Villages
Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market
Dubai’s most iconic Christmas market returns once again, sprawling across Madinat Jumeirah’s waterways and fort-style courtyards. Expect European-style wooden stalls, festive food, live entertainment, a carousel and Santa appearances, all wrapped in one of the city’s most atmospheric settings. It’s festive, polished and full of Dubai magic, a definite go-to for residents.
December 5–31 | Mon–Thu from 3pm, Fri–Sun from noon | Free entry | Umm Suqeim
Expo City Dubai Winter City
Expo City’s Winter City remains one of the most immersive festive experiences in Dubai. Al Wasl Plaza transforms into a glowing snow globe under the dome, complete with themed stalls, performances and seasonal treats. The Carols by Candlelight programme returns mid-December, making this one of the most musical markets of the season.
December 6–31 | 4pm–10pm | AED 50 entry | Jebel Ali
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Winter District
More winter village than market, this festive takeover blends ice-rink fun, faux snow, kids’ zones, boutique shopping and late-night lounging. It’s one of the few festive spots in Dubai that works just as well for families by day as it does for adults after dark.
December 13–28 | From 2pm daily | Free entry | Sheikh Zayed Road
Alserkal Avenue Christmas Pop-Ups
Alserkal’s festive pop-ups put independent designers and small businesses front and centre. Hosted inside converted warehouses, these markets are big on creativity and community, with handmade gifts, niche brands, festive snacks and live music creating a relaxed, alternative Christmas vibe.
Mid-December (dates TBC) | Free entry | Al Quoz
Global Village (Festive Edition)
While not a traditional Christmas market, Global Village goes fully festive in December with themed décor, roaming Santas, seasonal shows and multiple market-style pavilions ideal for gift hunting. Fireworks and drone shows typically kick off the celebrations mid-month.
December 10–28 | From AED 30 entry | Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
The Sustainable City MINT Festive Market
One of Dubai’s most community-driven Christmas markets, the MINT Market champions home-grown brands, eco-friendly gifting and family-friendly workshops. Expect a relaxed daytime vibe, festive food trucks and Santa appearances without the commercial gloss you might expect from elsewhere in the country.
December 20–21 | Free entry | Dubailand
Ripe Market Christmas Editions
Ripe Market’s festive editions pop up across December at various outdoor locations, bringing together local artisans, food vendors, live music and Christmas-themed activities. It’s casual, crowd-pleasing and perfect for slow festive browsing.
December weekends (locations vary) | Free entry
Abu Dhabi Christmas Markets & Winter Festivals
Yas Winter Fest
The capital’s biggest festive event takes over Yas Gateway Park with snow zones, carnival rides, live shows, a Santa village and a bustling Christmas market. With nightly tree lightings and plenty of food stalls, it’s a full winter wonderland rather than a simple market stroll.
December 12–21 | 4pm–11pm | From AED 25 | Yas Island | Read more
