❄️ Winter Carnivals & Festive Markets in the UAE – December 2025

Your ultimate guide to magical family-friendly festive experiences across Dubai & Abu Dhabi

December in the UAE is when the country truly comes alive. Streets, malls, resorts, and outdoor venues transform into winter wonderlands, filled with twinkling lights, festive music, joyful markets, and even snowy moments — all without leaving the desert.

Whether you're planning cozy evenings with your family, magical Santa meet-and-greets for the kids, or simply want to soak in festive vibes and shop for unique gifts, December 2025 brings some of the best winter carnivals and Christmas markets the UAE has ever seen.

Here’s your complete guide to the top festive experiences this season — from Dubai’s iconic waterfront markets to Abu Dhabi’s snow-filled family events, plus Ski Dubai’s winter magic.

1. Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market (Dubai)

📍 Where: Fort Island, Madinat Jumeirah

📅 When: December 5–31, 2025

💵 Entry: Free

Highlights

🎄 36-foot Christmas tree with stunning décor

❄️ Snow fight zone for kids

🎠 Festive rides including a carousel & North Pole train

🛍️ European-style market stalls

🎅 Santa’s Grotto and festive photo ops

🍭 Seasonal treats like crepes, gingerbread, and hot chocolate

WHY FAMILIES LOVE IT

A magical waterfront setting with views of Burj Al Arab — this market blends Christmas charm with Dubai elegance.

⭐ Pro Tips ⭐

✅ Visit early evening for fewer crowds

✅ Santa Grotto queues get long — plan ahead

✅ Bring a camera — every corner is Instagram-worthy

2. Winter City at Expo City (Dubai)

📍 Where: Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City

📅 When: December 6–31, 2025

Highlights

✨ Daily tree lighting ceremonies

🍬 “Candy Cane Comet” themed village

🎅 Santa’s Grotto + Elf Village

🛍️ Festive shopping village

🎤 Musical shows & live entertainment

🎨 Workshops and creative zones for kids

Why families love it

It’s big, beautifully themed, and full of entertainment — a full festive day out.

⭐ Pro Tips ⭐

✅ Best visited at night for the full immersive light shows

✅ Some sections may require tickets

✅ Great for strollers — spacious pathways

3. Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers (Dubai)

📍 Where: Jumeirah Emirates Towers

📅 When: December 13–28, 2025

Highlights

💡 Grand festive tree & lighting displays

🎪 Branded pop-ups & seasonal food stalls

🎈 Kids’ inflatables & fun zones

🔐 Escape room experience

🧸 Arts & crafts workshops

Why families love it

More than a market — this is a complete festive zone with activities for all age groups.

⭐ Pro Tips ⭐

✅ Perfect for after-work or weekend evenings

✅ Go earlier in the day with younger kids

4. Yas Winter Fest (Abu Dhabi)

📍 Where: Yas Gateway Park, Yas Island

📅 When: December 12–21, 2025

💵 Tickets: AED 25 kids / AED 35 adults

Highlights

🎅 Santa’s Village & Grotto

🎄 Nightly tree lighting

❄️ Snow fight zones & giant snow globe photos

🎢 Carnival rides & inflatables

🎤 Daily entertainment & stage shows

🛍️ Craft & festive stalls

Why families love it

This is Abu Dhabi’s most popular family winter event — especially for kids who want snow-play experiences.

⭐ Pro Tips ⭐

✅ Limited run → book early

✅ Arrive at 4 pm to avoid crowds

✅ Plenty of parking but weekends get busy

5. Winter Market (Abu Dhabi)

📍 Where: Abu Dhabi Mall

📅 When: December 12–24, 2025

Highlights

🛍️ Gift & handmade craft stalls

🎉 Festive parades & performers (Thurs–Sun)

📸 Holiday décor & photo zones

⛄ Indoor winter-themed atmosphere

🎅 Santa appearances select days

Why families love it

Easy, convenient, and indoors — a great spontaneous festive outing.

6. Ski Dubai – Winter Wonderland (dubai)

📍 Where: Ski Dubai, MOE

📅 When: All December

💵 Tickets: Vary by package

Highlights

❄️ Real snow experience

⛷️ Ski & snowboard lessons

🐧 Penguin encounters

🎢 Snow Park rides (zorb ball, toboggan, tubing)

🎅 Santa’s Grotto inside the snow park

Why families love it

This is the UAE’s most magical indoor snow adventure — perfect for kids who want a “real winter” experience.

⭐ Pro Tips ⭐

✅ Santa Grotto sells out — book early

✅ Gloves aren't included in outfits

✅ Great morning or late afternoon activity

7. Santa’s Grottos Across the UAE

Additional Grottos to visit in December 2025:

🎅 The Dubai Mall – Santa’s Cabin

🎄 Dubai Hills Mall – Santa’s Village

🎁 Motiongate Dubai – Santa Meet & Greet

✨ Galleria Al Maryah Island (Abu Dhabi)

🎅 Yas Mall (Abu Dhabi) – Santa’s Grotto

Perfect for quick festive outings and photos.

🌟 Practical Tips for Visiting UAE Festive Markets

🕗 Best time: 4–7 pm

🎟️ Book in advance for Yas Winter Fest, Expo City & Ski Dubai

🧥 Carry a light jacket for kids

🚗 Arrive early on weekends for parking

📸 Capture key photo spots (trees, Grottos, snow zones)

💸 Budget AED 100–200 per child for rides/snacks at paid events

🎉 Before You Go…

We’d love to hear from you!

Which winter carnival or festive market are you planning to visit this year?

Share your plans in the comments — your experience might inspire someone else’s perfect festive day out! 🎄✨