Unmissable Festive Markets & Events In Dubai And Abu Dhabi

This December, Al Wasl Plaza turns into the ultimate festive playground as Winter City bursts back to life with sparkling lights, swirling snow, and nonstop holiday magic. From Santa meet-ups to candy cane dreams, every corner is a mini adventure waiting to be unwrapped.

Yas Winter Fest is back, turning Yas Gateway Park into ten days of pure festive magic, think snowfalls, Santa, carnival rides, and cozy holiday treats at every corner. From glittery workshops to snowy play zones, it’s the ultimate winter wonderland your family won’t stop talking about.

This season, Rapunzel lets her hair down in a sparkly, laugh filled pantomime that turns the classic tale into a musical holiday adventure for the whole family. Packed with humor, songs, and festive magic, it’s the perfect show to kick off your little one’s love for theatre.

Step into a festive world where sparkling lights, global traditions, and snowy surprises transform every corner into pure holiday magic. With Santa meet-and-greets, cultural shows, and a Christmas Market bursting with handmade treasures, it’s the perfect family escape of the season.

Madinat Jumeirah’s Christmas Market is back, wrapping the whole island in twinkling lights, cozy treats, and festive magic the whole family will love. From Santa’s Grotto to abra rides and carols floating through the air, it’s the ultimate Dubai holiday tradition.

Magic Phil is back to sleigh the season with a Christmas Cracker Show bursting with belly laughs, cheeky tricks, and festive mayhem. It’s a magical, heartwarming ride that keeps families giggling while reminding everyone what the holidays are truly about.

Dubai Festival City Mall brings all the festive feels with a waterfront Christmas Market packed with twinkling lights, yummy treats, and nonstop kids’ fun. Whether you’re meeting Santa, hopping between carnival games, or strolling under glowing displays, it’s the perfect family day out this season.

The Great Christmas Elf Bake Off lands at Theatre by QE2 this December, bringing a hilarious, flour flying showdown perfect for kids ages 3–11 and their families. With messy elf antics, stunning costumes, and a meet and greet after the show, it’s the sweetest festive outing of the season.

Bluewaters lights up the season with Festive Glow, a sparkling celebration featuring roaming performers, live music, neon kids’ workshops, and dazzling projection displays. Running from 6 December to 7 January with free entry, it’s the perfect evening outing for families looking to enjoy festive entertainment by the waterfront.

Dubai’s Winter District transforms its new Jumeirah Emirates Towers location into a festive wonderland filled with inflatables for kids, games, workshops, and daily performances. Open 13–28 December with free entry, it’s an easy, must-visit stop for families craving holiday magic and memorable photos.

Cinderella takes the stage this December at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, bringing a sparkling pantomime filled with music, laughter, and festive magic for the whole family. With stunning costumes, classic humor, and shows running 17–29 December (excluding the 25th), it’s a must-see holiday outing starting from 100 AED.

This December, Town Square Main Park transforms into an Enchanted Christmas filled with a festive market, snow park fun, kids’ workshops, and a special tree lighting on 5 December. Running every Friday from 5 to 8 PM with free entry, it’s an easy, family-friendly way to enjoy all the holiday magic in one place.

Set sail on a festive adventure as Sinbad the Sailor brings the magic of A Thousand and One Nights to life with music, laughs, and a treasure hunt the whole family can join. Running Dec 18–27 at Theatre by QE2, this two-hour, all-ages show is packed with fantastical creatures, silly antics, and holiday fun.

Annie The Musical lights up Zabeel Theatre this festive season with a heartwarming story, Tony® Award winning songs, and a dazzling UK cast bringing 1930s New York to life. From festive workshops and a charming market to timeless tales of hope and family, it’s a must-see holiday experience for children and grown-ups alike.

1. Winter City at Al Wasl Plaza

Q: What is Winter City?
A: Winter City transforms Al Wasl Plaza into a glowing, magical holiday playground with lights, music, rides, and festive experiences for families.

Q: When and how can we catch the magic?
A: Daily, 6-31 December, 4:00 to10:00 PM. Entry AED 50 per person; free for kids under 3 and People of Determination with a caregiver.

Q: Are all activities included in the ticket price?
A: Entry (AED 50 per person) covers general access; some workshops or special experiences may have extra charges. Children under 3 and People of Determination with one caregiver enter free.

Q: What can we actually do there?
A: Write to Santa, visit the North Pole Bakery, play in Nutcracker Land and Sugar Plum Land, light the tree with Santa, enjoy Disney movie screenings, Elf on the Shelf games, and complete your Winter City passport.

2. Yas Winter Fest

Q: Is it worth going with young children?
A: Yes! Snowfall Park, rides, Santa’s Village, and creative workshops make it fun for kids aged 4–12, with family-friendly areas for all ages.

Q: How do tickets work?
A: Child tickets (4–12) are AED 25, Festival tickets (13+) are AED 35, and children under 3 enter free.

Q: Are there long waiting times for attractions?
A: Some rides and workshops may have queues, so plan ahead. Check age and height restrictions before booking.

3. Rapunzel and Her Holiday Wish

Q: Is this show interactive for kids?
A: Yes, the production includes audience participation alongside music and humor.

Q: How long is the performance?
A: Typically around 90 minutes, perfect for children and families.

4. Christmas Market at Global Village

Q: Can we really experience international traditions?
A: Yes, with 30+ cultural pavilions, live performances, and seasonal foods from around the world.

Q: Is it family-friendly?
A: Absolutely, activities, entertainment, and displays cater to all ages.

5. Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market 2025

Q: Do I need to buy tickets for kids’ rides?
A: Entry is free, but rides and special attractions may require separate tickets.

Q: Can we meet Santa?
A: Yes! Santa’s Grotto is available for meet-and-greets and festive photos.

6. Magic Phil’s Christmas Cracker in Dubai

Q: Is the magic suitable for children?
A: Yes, all tricks, skits, and humor are family-friendly.

Q: How long is the show?
A: Each performance lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Q: Are there multiple showtimes?
A: Yes, shows run on 12, 13, and 14 December at different morning and afternoon slots.

7. Christmas Market at Dubai Festival City Mall 2025

Q: Can we just walk around for free?
A: Yes! Only pay for rides, workshops, or activities you choose to enjoy.

Q: Are there food options?
A: Yes, from festive snacks to seasonal beverages and comfort foods.

8. The Great Christmas Elf Bake Off

Q: What ages is the show for?
A: Suitable for children 3–11 and their families.

Q: Is there a chance to meet the characters after the show?
A: Yes! Families can take photos with Holly-Berry, Pepper-Mint, and the Sugarplum Fairy.

Q: How long is the show?
A: Approximately 1 hour per performance.

9. Festive Glow at Bluewaters Dubai

Q: Is it free to attend?
A: Yes, entry is free. Workshops or special activities may have extra charges.

Q: What kind of entertainment is included?
A: Roaming LED performers, jugglers, live bands, projection displays, and family-friendly photo moments.

10. Winter District Dubai 2025

Q: Is it suitable for younger children?
A: Yes, there’s a kids’ zone with inflatables, games, workshops, and Santa’s Grotto.

Q: How long can we stay?
A: Visitors can enjoy activities at their own pace; the market is open until late.

11. Cinderella at Jumeirah Beach Hotel Theatre

Q: How long is the performance?
A: Approximately 2.5 hours with an intermission.

Q: Is it suitable for all ages?
A: Yes, the show is designed to entertain both children and adults.

Q: Are there multiple showtimes?
A: Yes, from 17–29 December, with morning and afternoon slots, excluding 25 December.

12. Enchanted Christmas at Town Square Dubai

Q: Do I need to buy tickets?
A: Entry is free; some activities and market items may cost extra.

Q: Can we attend on any day?
A: Only on the four Fridays: 5, 12, 19, and 26 December, 5:00–8:00 PM.

13. Sinbad the Sailor

Q: Is this show suitable for very young kids?
A: Yes, it’s appropriate for all ages, with a family-friendly adventure and accessible venue.

Q: How long is the show?
A: 2 hours per performance.

Q: Where is it held?
A: Theatre by QE2, Dubai.

14. Annie The Musical

Q: Why should we see this version of Annie?
A: A UK cast delivers West End-level performance quality with festive markets, workshops, and Christmas décor.

Q: Is it suitable for children?
A: Yes, families of all ages can enjoy this heartwarming story of hope, resilience, and holiday magic.