From tree-lightings to tasty eateries and stalls of gifts – Dubai is ready to surprise visitors at several Festive Markets. And while adults are looking for something from their Christmas lists, kids can meet Santa and get stuck into some festive activities, gingerbread decorating, face painting, carol singing and more.
The desert festive market is on at Bab Al Shams will offer last-minute gifts with a huge Christmas tree complete and Santa Claus carriage. It’s AED 50 for kids, which is redeemable against food and drinks, while adults get in for free.
AED 50 (kids), free (adults). Daily 06:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Dec 12 – Dec 20.
The first-ever Studioville Festive Market will be carried out in the courtyard of Studio One Hotel, where the festive market will provide various stalls full of gifts and activities for the whole family. There will be free pizza for the little ones and fun festive workshops provided by Busy Kids Studio, while adults can explore stalls for gifts, homemade treasures and stocking fillers.
Free entry. 10:00 AM – 07:00 PM, Dec 12.
This year, The Ripe Market will bring plenty of festive fun for everyone. The kids will be able to meet Santa in his grotto, try gingerbread making, decorate some cookies and take part in some Christmas workshops. All the visitors can even pick up a real Christmas tree, and unique gifts waiting for the afternoon tree lighting ceremony.
Free entry. 09:00 AM – 07:00 PM Fri, 10:00 AM – 07:00 PM Sat, Dec 4 – Dec 26.
City Walk welcomes visitors for a Christmas-themed Turkish bazaar, where everyone can try Turkish ice cream and all the fun with the metal rod pounding, plus Turkish coffee, retail artisan items, kids activities such as face painting and various eateries.
Free entry. Dec 3 – Dec 5 and Dec 24 – Dec 26.
Another popular Christmas market, Habtoor Palace prepares The Winter Garden with entertainment and themed activities for everyone to enjoy, including a selection of retail and food stalls, children’s activities and attractions, and even an appearance from Santa himself. The Christmas market is even pet-friendly!
Free entry. Daily 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM, December 5 – 28.
Joining the festivities, guests are welcome to feel the festive spirit with a grand choir performing before the huge tree lighting ceremony at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray.
Free entry. 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM, December 10.
On the eve of the Christmas holidays, little residents of the emirate will be able to send a letter to the North Pole – just visit the wooden Santa Claus Post Office on the ground floor. All that is required of the child is to seal the letter in an envelope and put it in a wooden mailbox – there is no need to purchase stamps. To get a response from Santa Claus, parents are advised to leave their contact details.
Letters are accepted until December 18, 2020.
Organized by: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Habtoor Palace Dubai, Butcha and Babaji, The Ripe Market, Studio One, Bab Al Shams
Venue: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Habtoor Palace Dubai, Butcha and Babaji, The Ripe Market, Studio One, Bab Al Shams
Ticket price: free entry
Admission: Places’ hours of work
