The Dubai Christmas markets to visit in 2025

The countdown to December 25 is on, and it won’t be long before we’re wandering around some of the best Christmas markets in Dubai.

Filled with elves, Grottos and even Santa on an abra, if you want to get your festive fill this year, then these are the places to go.

Al Seef Christmas Market

Dates: Monday December 1 to Wednesday December 31

Al Seef brings a really warm festive feel to the creek in December, with string lights, lanterns and small market stalls spread along the waterfront.

You can browse handmade pieces, grab a few seasonal bites and take in the easy, laid-back atmosphere by the water. It is simple, cosy and a nice contrast to the bigger and louder markets around the city.

Free. From Mon Dec 1, Mon-Thu 4 pm-11 pm, Fri-Sun noon-midnight. Al Seef, Dubai Creek, soukalseef.com.

Christmas Market at Dubai Festival City Mall

Dates: Friday December 12 to Sunday January 4

Festival Bay is going full festive with a Christmas market stretched along the waterfront, complete with wooden-style huts selling gifts, ornaments and artisanal treats. There will be plenty of stalls to wander through, serving everything from hot chocolate and spiced pastries to savoury street food. The whole area is lined with fairy lights and oversized decorations, giving it that cosy winter-village feel even though you are right by the water.

Expect roaming entertainers, themed photo spots and family-friendly activities and evening fountain shows throughout the month.

Free. From Fri Dec 12 , from 3 pm on weekdays and from noon on weekends. Dubai Festival City Mall, Crescent Road, dubaifestivalcity.com.

Christmas Wonderland at Centara Mirage Beach Resort

Dates: Friday December 5 to Friday January 9

Centara Mirage transforms into a full Christmas village for the season, making it one of the most family-friendly festive spots in the city.

Kids will love the giant gingerbread house and snow-play zones, while adults can browse artisanal crafts, Christmas decorations and handmade gifts across the resort’s festive stalls. Expect carol singers, festive character meet-and-greets, live music and plenty of seasonal treats including stollen, pudding and gingerbread bakes.

Workshops like cookie decorating and gingerbread house making add to the fun, making it a dreamy stop for families.

Free. From Fri Dec 5. Centara Mirage Beach Resort, Deira Islands, centarahotelsresorts.com.

ICD Brookfield Place

Dates: Tuesday December 9 to Thursday December 11

ICD Brookfield Place is bringing its Festive Market back to the heart of DIFC, offering a perfect spot to embrace the chillier days and get festive.

You can find the holiday cheer on Level 1 of the landmark building.

Expect classics like Beef Wellington, classic pizzas, freshly made crêpes and hot chocolate as well as local brands offering up homeware and lifestyle pieces to pick up a pressie or two.

Free entry. Dec 9-11, 11am-11pm. Level 1, ICD Brookfield Place, icdbrookfieldplace.com.

Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market

Dates: Friday December 5 to Wednesday December 31

The Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market will kick off on Friday December 5 and is scheduled to run until the end of the year.

Free to attend and open until late, it is the place to go when you are after a cup of mulled grape, a magical abra ride, plenty of mince pies and Christmas tunes.

An impressive 36-foot Christmas tree acts as the centrepiece of the whole event, while you should also expect to take the little ones for a ride on the mini train or the Venetian carousel.

Free. From Fri Dec 5. Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island, jumeirah.com.

Snowbury Square at Times Square Center

Dates: Tuesday December 6 to Wednesday December 24

Snowbury Square is transforming Times Square Center into a cosy festive hub this December.

Expect Santa meet-and-greets, Christmas shows, winter-themed workshops and a UNHCR charity activation, plus a rotating weekend market featuring local makers and seasonal treats.

It’s an easy indoor stop for families looking to keep little ones entertained while picking up a few festive finds.

Free. From Sat Dec 6, noon–7pm. Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, timessquarecenter.ae

Winter City

Dates: Saturday December 6 to Wednesday December 31

One of Dubai’s iconic Christmas markets, the event sees Al Wasl Plaza transformed into a giant festive bonanza, with a tree so high that Santa’s sleigh might catch the top of it.

Each evening, one lucky guest will have the honour of lighting the Winter City Christmas tree, so remember to take a camera for that snap-worthy moment.

Wrapped head to toe in red and white, your ticket will get you access to the bustling Christmas market, family workshops and a front row seat to daily live entertainment. Dhs50. Sat Dec 6 to Wed Dec 31. Expo City, expocitydubai.com.

Winter District

Dates: Saturday December 13 to Sunday December 28

The pop-up Christmas market will be held at Jumeirah Emirates Towers this year, under the shadow of the Museum of the Future. Expect gourmet bites, inflatables for the little ones and of course, a massive Christmas tree to admire before you pop by Santa’s Grotto.

Free. Dec 13-28. Open Mon-Fri 2pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 2pm-1am. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, winterdistrict.com.

Winter Garden at Al Habtoor Palace

Dates: From Monday December 1

The Winter Garden returns to Al Habtoor Palace with a refreshed layout, cosy lighting and plenty of festive charm.

Guests can wander through food kiosks serving seasonal bites, sweet treats and international dishes, while little ones enjoy the dedicated kids’ play area.

It’s an easy spot for relaxed evenings, family outings or a quick weekend stop to soak in the festive spirit in the heart of the city.

Free. From Dec 1, weekdays 4pm–12.30am, weekends 4pm–1.30am. Al Habtoor Palace, Business Bay, alhabtoorcity.com.

Zabeel Theatre Festive Courtyard

Dates: Saturday December 20 to Wednesday December 24

Zabeel Theatre is setting up a small festive courtyard at the park, bringing a simple, neighbourly Christmas atmosphere to the city.

Expect a cosy outdoor setup, a compact stage and families drifting in throughout the evening. Local school groups will perform seasonal songs, there will be short storytelling moments inspired by Gulf winter traditions and a tiny stall selling hand-made ornaments created by women from the community.

Free. From Sat Dec 20, Mon-Thu 5 pm-9 pm, Fri-Sun noon-10 pm. Zabeel Park, Dubai.