Get Festive at the 5 Best Christmas Markets in Dubai (2026)
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If you ask me, December is the best time to be in Dubai. The weather is perfect, outdoor activities are in full swing, and the festive season creates a magical feeling across the city. There are just so many things to do in this city at this time of year, and that includes shopping, eating, and playing at all of the best Christmas markets in Dubai!
From sipping mulled wine and hot chocolate to shopping for unique Christmas gifts, introducing your little ones to Santa and his elves, listening to live Christmas tunes, and indulging in festive treats, visiting all of the over-the-top Christmas markets in Dubai is always fun for the whole family.
If you’re wondering where to get into the festive spirit in 2026, I’ve got you covered with 5 magical Dubai Christmas markets where you can shop, eat, drink, and be merry!
5 Festive Christmas Markets in Dubai in 2026
DXB Winter Festival
The first-ever DXB Winter Festival is officially coming to Dubai in December. This European-style Christmas market will take over a whopping 20,000 square meters of space on the waterfront just outside of the Dubai Festival City Mall. Expect to find over 150 vendors, fun fair games and rides, live music and entertainment, Santa’s grotto, a giant Christmas tree, festive food vendors, and so much more!
Tickets TBD; Dec 1-Jan 10; 4 pm to midnight on weekdays and 2 pm to midnight on weekends.
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market is widely considered to be one of the best Christmas markets in Dubai, if not the very best. This massive market takes over 1,750 square meters of Madinat Jumeirah, transforming the old-world-style souk into a truly magical winter wonderland.
In 2026, Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market will be in full swing starting Friday, December 4, and will be going strong until Sunday, December 27. At this ultra-family-friendly Dubai Christmas market, your kids can marvel at the 36-foot-tall Christmas tree, take a ride with Santa on an abra, hop aboard the North Pole Train, get thrills on the four-lane bungee jump, ride on the Venetian carousel, and decorate their own gingerbread house.
Of course, no Dubai Christmas market is complete without all manner of holiday foods and drinks, as well as live music and entertainment galore!
From Dec 4-27: Mon-Thurs 3 pm-late; Fri-Sun noon-late; Free; Madinat Jumeirah.
Winter City at Expo City
In true Expo City fashion, Winter City is one of the most unique Dubai Christmas markets because this year it’s partnering up with Disney+.
That means your little ones can visit a variety of themed Disney zones – think Toy Story, Frozen, and Home Alone – and meet all manner of Marvel heroes and Disney characters.
But that’s not all – the gorgeous Al Wasl Plaza will be decked out with light displays, a larger-than-life Christmas tree, and plenty of toys. You can also expect live musical performances, a holiday movie marathon, festive food vendors, and, of course, snow inside the dome and meet-and-greets with Santa!
Dec 11-31: Daily 4 pm-10 pm; AED60 for adults, free admission for children under 3 and people of determination; Expo City Dubai.
The Ripe Festive Market
The Ripe Market is a super popular market that is all about bringing the community together and promoting home-grown businesses. In addition to pop-up markets around town all year long, you can go shopping and dining at The Ripe Market each weekend in Academy Park from October through May.
But head here on the weekends during the month of December, and you’ll find that The Ripe Market has been transformed into one of the best Christmas markets in Dubai – The Ripe Festive Market!
With all of the creative local vendors and artisans, this is a wonderful place to do some Christmas shopping. In addition to all of the shops, expect all sorts of twinkling lights, holiday treats, wreath-making workshops, hot chocolate making, appearances from Santa, live music and entertainment, food trucks, and so much more.
Weekends in December; Saturdays 9 am-9 pm, Sundays 9 am-7 pm; AED5 for adults, free admission for children under 12; Academy Park.
Winter District at Emirates Towers
Winter District is returning to Dubai for its third edition this year. This time around, it’ll be taking over Emirates Towers near the Museum of the Future.
This is another one of the best Christmas markets in Dubai, and when you drop by, you can expect to eat your way through the many gourmet food stalls, try your luck at the carnival games, glide around on the ice skating rink, frolic in the snow park, watch your kids play on the inflatable play area, go shopping, and be endlessly entertained with live music and performances.
Plus, adults will love hanging out at the licensed bar lounge, where you can sip seasonal drinks, like mulled wine, while listening to live music!
Dates and ticket prices TBD.
