Dubai winter festival opens December 1 at Dubai Festival City Mall, featuring Christmas markets, open-air cafés, funfair rides and family entertainment. Early-bird tickets offer 25% off.
DUBAI: Dubai is preparing to welcome a major new festive attraction as the Dubai winter festival arrives at Dubai Festival City Mall‘s waterfront on December 1, 2026, bringing Christmas markets, outdoor cafés, shopping stalls and family entertainment to the city.
Known as DXB Winter Festival, the event will run until January 10, 2027, transforming approximately 20,000 square metres of waterfront space into a European-inspired festive destination.
Visitors can expect more than 150 vendors, seasonal food, a giant Christmas tree, fairground attractions and live performances throughout the celebration.
What can visitors expect at DXB Winter Festival?
The festival will recreate the atmosphere of traditional European Christmas markets, featuring decorated shopping streets, seasonal lighting and outdoor dining spaces.
More than 150 vendors will offer a selection of products, including handmade gifts, festive merchandise and seasonal food.
Visitors can explore independent stalls, enjoy refreshments at open-air cafés and discover unique shopping experiences while overlooking Dubai Festival City’s waterfront.
A giant Christmas tree will serve as a central attraction, creating a festive setting for family photographs and evening outings.
The market will also feature a funfair with rides and entertainment suitable for different age groups.
What activities are planned for families?
The Dubai winter festival will offer several attractions designed for children and parents.
Younger visitors can explore Santa’s grotto, participate in creative workshops and enjoy fairground rides.
A dedicated main stage will host live music, festive performances and parades throughout the event.
Special entertainment programmes are also planned around UAE National Day, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
With activities changing throughout the festival, families may find different experiences to enjoy across multiple visits.
When and where is the festival happening?
The festival will take place along the waterfront beside Dubai Festival City Mall.
Location: Dubai Festival City Mall waterfront
Dates: December 1, 2026 to January 10, 2027
Weekdays: 4pm to midnight
Weekends: 2pm to midnight
The extended evening timings will allow residents to visit after work, while weekend opening hours offer more flexibility for families planning longer outings.
How much are DXB Winter Festival tickets?
Organisers have not yet announced standard ticket prices.
However, an early-bird promotion will offer a 25% discount on a limited allocation of 10,000 tickets.
Visitors can register through the official DXB Winter Festival website to receive a promotional code when ticket sales begin.
Those interested in attending during Christmas or New Year’s Eve may wish to register early.
Impact to expect
The Dubai winter festival could attract additional visitors to Dubai Festival City, supporting local retailers, food vendors and hospitality businesses. Its extended programme may also provide families and tourists with another seasonal entertainment option during Dubai’s busy winter tourism period.
