Getting into this year’s festive swing calls for the whole shebang. From hearty Christmas delights and Dubai’s more preferred chilly weather to steaming hot chocolate and plenty of family time – it is officially that time of the year.
Our experts took the trouble to save you some time, and round up some of the most enjoyable winter gardens and Christmas markets in Dubai. These venues are all set up to welcome families, friends and couples in the region, to experience a month-long celebration for themed entertainment, retail markets, food trucks and so much more.
Al Habtoor Palace Dubai’s Winter Garden 2022
Located in the lush green landscapes of Habtoor Palace Dubai, the returning winter garden previously gained a lot of popularity among residents and tourists of all ages. This year, the family-friendly event space, embraces all the heart-warming themes the season has to offer including: seasonal Christmas delights, open retail stalls, live entertainment and kid-friendly activities.
Check out the vibe here:
https://www.instagram.com/wintergardendubai/
Venue Details:
Where: Habtoor Palace Dubai
When: Open from Sunday to Wednesday from 4PM to 12 AM and
Thursday to Saturday from 4PM to 1AM
Your Ideal Holiday Pick:
1BR Holiday Apartment at The Bay Business Bay
Our urban collection at The Bay offers everything from premium access to both Downtown Dubai and the Business Bay locale. As a leading home to the city’s cosmopolitan district, residents will have access to everything including fully-furnished interiors to the endless access to the nearby open parks, live entertainment and Christmas markets – making this a perfect choice for the season.
Starting from AED 600/day
Madinat Jumeirah’s Festive Winter Garden
The Downtown Dubai-based winter garden is a joyful happening in the city, adding to its equally eventful landmark location. Located adjacent to the record-breaking attraction – Burj Khalifa and World’s largest Mall – Dubai Mall, visitors will not only enjoy access to a chain of Christmas-friendly activities and entertainment but also the perks of Dubai Malls’ evening fireworks and fountain shows. The Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market offers free entry with a wide range of options for street food, light-bites and a meet and greet with Santa Claus.
Venue Details
Where: Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island
When: 15th of December to 30th of December 2022.
Open from Monday to Thursday from 3PM to Midnight
Friday to Sunday from 12 PM to Midnight
Your Ideal Holiday Pick:
1BR Holiday Apartment at Al Tajer Old Town Dubai
For those who prefer to stay closer to the region’s monumental attraction – Burj Khalifa, this is an incredible pick. Only moments away from the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain show, guests will have access to the area’s line of events for the season, including Madinat Jumeirah’s Christmas Market.
Starting from AED 1,100/day
McGettigan’s Dubai Media City
Winterfest by McGettigan’s is now back in motion, offering everything you could expect from a chilly Christmas day and, then some.
Not only is the open-space venue offering all the delights of live entertainment, delicious food and family-friendly games and activities, but also an open-space roller rink. The Christmas market also showcases unique street stalls and shopping venues perfect for sprucing up your own Christmas decorations.
Check out the vibe here:
https://www.instagram.com/winterfestbymcgettigans/?hl=en
Venue Details
Entry: AED 50 for general access
When: Until 24th of December 2022
Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Your Ideal Holiday Pick:
2BR Holiday Apartment Palm View Hotel & Suites Dubai Media City
Elegantly channelling everything you look for in a seaside home, our collection at Palm View, puts you in the front seat for everything that Dubai has lined up for the season. This includes enticing views of the Palm Jumeirah waterfront, Ain Dubai as well as Sheikh Zayed Road’s bustling skyline backdrop. The home is also within minutes from Dubai Media City’s many go-to restaurants, bars and avenues perfect for the Christmas season.
Starting from AED 1,400/day
Winter City at Expo City
The former EXPO venue has now transformed to feature a whole new platform to get into the festive season. The 55,000 Square Metre space splits into a three-part fun zone, featuring winter city activities, a fan-zone for football fanatics as well as a dedicated winter camp for children.
Activities range from plenty of games to gingerbread decoration, snow globe experience, ziplining and more. Moreover, visitors will never fall short of mouth-watering delights to try out including mince pieces, hot chocolate and more.
Venue details
Entry: Free
When: 23rd November to 8th of January 2023
Where: EXPO City, Dubai World Central
Your Ideal Holiday Pick:
1BR Holiday Apartment At The Pulse Residence At Dubai South
Known for its peaceful community, and proximity to the EXPO village, Dubai South offers a mix of leisure amenities on-site, along with a spacious layout to choose from. Our one-bedroom apartment for rent in The Pulse, enraptures the perfect ambience for busy travellers while giving them the perfect excuse to experience the EXPO village.
Starting from AED 380/day
Winter wonderland at Ski Dubai’s Indoor Snow Park
The indoor snow park located in Mall of The Emirates, Al Barsha – is back with another set of themed itineraries to celebrate another round of festivities. Blasting temperatures of minus 4 degrees Celsius, the indoor theme park transforms itself into winter wonderland, featuring Christmas carols, seasonal food and beverages, as well as an appearance from Santa Claus.
During this time of the year, guests can also enjoy ongoing winter-themed exclusives including the snow cinema, penguin encounters and much more.
Venue Details
Entry: From AED 75 onwards
When: 1st December to 24th December 2022
Where: Mall of The Emirates
Your Ideal Holiday Pick:
1BR Holiday Apartment At Mont Rose Residence
From chic interiors to an all-inclusive space that ensures easy and carefree staycations in Dubai; Our one-bedroom holiday apartment at Mont Rose Residence, offers major connectivity prime road networks including Sheikh Zayed Road and Umm Sequim Street, easily connecting occupants to nearby leisure space and events. Moreover, the locale is also less than 10 minutes away from the Al Barsha district, ensuring easy access to the Mall of The Emirates, Dubai Marina and JBR.
Starting from AED 720/day
See more: Short-term rentals blog; holiday homes in Dubai