December in the UAE means the entire country goes full-on festive mode. Christmas markets pop up everywhere, lights get strung across every available surface, and suddenly there are more Santas per capita than at a North Pole convention. But not all holiday markets are created equal—some are genuinely fun, while others feel like they’re trying too hard.
Here’s the honest rundown of seven festive markets happening right now that are actually worth your time, whether you’ve got kids in tow, you’re hunting for gifts, or you just want to wander around with some mulled cider pretending it’s cold outside.
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Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market: The Full Experience
Running through December 31 at Fort Island in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, this one’s basically the UAE’s answer to a European Christmas market, except with better weather. They’ve taken over 1,750 square meters and gone all-in: massive Christmas tree, string lights everywhere, live bands playing holiday music you’ll either love or find mildly annoying depending on how many times you’ve heard “Jingle Bells” this week.
But here’s what makes it worth the trip—they’ve got a snow-fight zone, which in a desert country is kind of hilarious and also exactly what kids want. There’s a North Pole train ride, a Venetian carousel, and you can apparently take festive abra rides with Santa. Not a guy dressed as Santa. Actual Santa, according to the marketing materials, which raises some theological questions but whatever.
It’s free to get in, open from 3 PM on weekdays and noon on weekends. If you’ve got kids and want to go big on the festive experience, this is probably your best bet.
Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers: For the Instagram Crowd
December 13-28, right under the Museum of the Future. This market is polished in a way that feels very Dubai—everything looks perfect, the food stalls are “gourmet,” and the whole setup screams “take photos here.”
There’s a kids’ zone with inflatables, Santa’s grotto for the obligatory lap-sitting photos, and live entertainment starting around 4 PM daily. It’s open until midnight most nights, 1 AM on weekends, and it’s free. The vibe is less “cozy winter market” and more “stylish holiday pop-up,” which isn’t a criticism—just know what you’re getting into.
The Bay by Social at Dubai Festival City Mall: Low-Key and Waterfront
This one runs longer than most—December 12 through January 4—so if you miss the December rush, you’ve still got time. It’s set up on the waterfront with food stalls, carnival games, art installations, and holiday entertainment that’s more relaxed than some of the bigger productions.
The real advantage here is the location. Dubai Festival City Mall does these fountain and light shows, and having a festive market happening right there adds to the whole atmosphere. It’s free to enter, though some activities cost extra. Opens at 4 PM on weekdays, runs until midnight or 1 AM on weekends. Good option if you want festive vibes without the crowds going completely insane.
Winter City at Expo City Dubai: Structured Holiday Fun
Al Wasl Plaza, December 6-31, doors open at 4 PM until 10 PM. This one’s ticketed—starts at Dh50, kids often get in free or discounted—but you’re paying for a more structured experience. Holiday decorations, seasonal food, arts and crafts zones, themed workshops for kids. It’s designed for families who want activities that actually keep children occupied rather than just wandering around looking at stuff.
The Al Wasl Plaza setting is legitimately nice, which helps. It’s festive without being overwhelming, and if you’re the type who prefers knowing exactly what you’re getting rather than just showing up and hoping for the best, this is your market.
Yas Winter Fest: Abu Dhabi Goes All Out
Running through January 11 on Yas Island, starting at Dh25 for tickets. This is the “we’re doing everything” option. Ice skating, live music, giant Christmas tree, food stalls, craft stalls, kids’ activities, Santa meet-and-greets—they’ve basically thrown every possible holiday activity into one location and called it a festival.
If you’re in Abu Dhabi and want a full day of festive stuff without driving all over the place, this makes sense. It’s definitely geared toward families, and the fact that it runs into January means you’re not racing against a December 31 deadline.
Fa La La Land at Reem Mall: Activities on Activities
Main atrium at Reem Mall, free entry, running until December 28. Open 10 AM to 10 PM most days, until midnight on weekends.
They’ve packed this one with interactive stuff: write letters to Santa with weekly gift presentations, wrap presents at their gift counter, try the advent calendar “spin to win” thing. Kids can do arts and crafts and balloon making. There’s a snow globe photo setup, weekend performances, and they’re running a Make-A-Wish toy drive if you’re feeling charitable.
Santa meet-and-greets happen separately at Snow Abu Dhabi, which is weird logistically but whatever. This market’s strength is having enough activities that kids won’t get bored in fifteen minutes, which any parent knows is basically gold.
Winter Wonderland at The Galleria Al Maryah Island: Now With AI Elves
North atrium until December 26, free entry, open 10 AM to 10 PM daily. Santa visits require registration and run through December 24.
Here’s the hook: they’ve got Elva, who they’re billing as “the UAE’s first AI elf influencer.” Whether that’s cool or deeply weird depends entirely on your perspective, but it’s definitely the most 2025 thing on this list.
The rest is classic holiday market stuff—crafts, games, photo ops, snowball and antler toss, letter-writing stations. Santa’s grotto includes a guided visit, Polaroid photo, and festive treats. It’s traditional holiday activities with a tech twist, which either sounds fun or like a Black Mirror episode depending on your mood.
Look, December in the UAE is hot. Like, actually hot. The fact that we’re all pretending it’s winter and building snow-fight zones in 25-degree weather is kind of absurd. But that’s also what makes these markets fun—there’s something genuinely charming about the commitment to festive vibes despite the complete lack of actual winter.
Pick whichever market fits your tolerance for crowds, your budget, and how much festive cheer you can handle before the holiday music drives you nuts. They’re all trying to capture that cozy winter market feeling, and honestly, most of them pull it off pretty well. Just maybe bring sunscreen along with your holiday spirit.