FamilyDubai's best markets for festive family fun

Celebrate Yuletide with wreath making workshops, real snow and tree lighting ceremonies at Dubai’s most delightful festive markets. 

 

Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market

Step into an extraordinary winter wonderland at Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island. From Thursday 16 to 30 December 2021, the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market will offer an impressive array of shopping, dining and entertainment for all the family to revel in from early afternoon until late. Entry to the market is free and once inside, this year guests at Jumeirah Dubai hotels and members of Jumeirah One will be able to pay using their points. Spread across 1750 sqm, the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market comprises interactive childrens' activities such as a North Pole Train, a four-lane bungee and a Venetian carousel. Jump aboard a traditional Abra boat with Santa and weave through our picturesque waterways, twinkling with festive lights. A live band will play seasonal favourites whilst guests will enjoy traditional festive food and beverage to ensure you step into the spirit of the season.

 

Time Out Festive Market

Follow your nose as the scent of pine and ginger mulled grape and Terry’s Chocolate Orange ice cream will guide you to Time Out Festive Market, which is coming to Souk Al Bahar from Sunday 5 December to Wednesday 5 January 2022.

Foodies can choose from 30 new dishes served from 18 open kitchens – order what you want in person or through an app, then collect your meal and eat it at communal tables. Sample giant Yorkshire puddings with roast turkey and chestnut stuffing from Folly Workshop or turkey ramen from Reif Japanese Kushiyaki followed by Balkan Bakery & Deli’s chocolate and hazelnut baklava. Unless Little Erth’s pecan pie appeals?

As well as a Santa’s Grotto, the fairylit market will be decked with Christmas trees and mistletoe. Live entertainment on Thursday evenings (and Tuesday 28 December) will also create a festive atmosphere. DJ Ivo Morello will perform on 2, 9, 16 and 23 December, Danny Eid on 6 December, the soul singer songwriter Jamil Jabbour on 14 December and the acoustic guitarist Laporte Dessy on 20 December. The Jordanian pop star Dina Starts will take to the stage on 28 December while the Morello Twins will hit the decks on 30 December.

Ripe Market’s festive market

The singer and guitarist Fae Miranda will perform at Ripe Market’s festive edition, which is on Fridays and Saturdays until Saturday 25 December in Academy Park.

If a three-metre high Christmas tree and having your photo taken with Father Christmas in a Santa’s Grotto doesn’t get you in the festive mood then wreath making and gingerbread decorating workshops certainly will.

You can also browse more than 100 stalls. Buy wreaths from the Flower Shop and Fair Trade Santa bags from Richmond Works, which are handmade by Bangladeshi women who receive fair wages, education and a pension – ’tis the season for giving, after all. Local artist Noel Kair will be on hand to paint a message of your choice on them.


Book your winter escape to Jumeirah Al Qasr to combine the best of the city’s festivities with a relaxing beach holiday.