Dubai’s Winter Gardens
Dubai’s Christmas season brings lights, festive music and a handful of winter gardens and markets, each with its own mix of food, entertainment and activities for children. This guide covers six of them, from Madinat Jumeirah to ICD Brookfield, with what to expect at each. If you’re visiting year-round, our guide to Dubai through the seasons shows how the city changes beyond the holidays too.
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
This festive market sits among the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah, with views of the Burj Al Arab. A tall Christmas tree hung with ornaments stands among stalls selling handcrafted gifts. Activities include gingerbread decorating, Abra boat rides with Santa and live performances, and families can try seasonal food and hot drinks. In 2025 it ran from 5 to 31 December on Fort Island at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, with free entry. For more family-oriented ideas beyond the festive season, check out our roundup of family-friendly things to do in Dubai.
Must-Experience:
- Traditional German Christmas treats
- Santa’s Grotto for the kids
- Festive Abra rides on the waterways
Winter City at Expo City
Expo City turns its pavilions into a winter market every Christmas season, lit up after dark. There are immersive experiences and interactive workshops for children, plus a large Christmas tree, an ice skating rink and carol singers. In 2025 Winter City was held at Al Wasl Plaza and was ticketed, with adult tickets from AED 50.
Highlights:
- Light displays and fireworks
- Pop-up gift stalls
- Family-friendly entertainment zones
Winter Garden at Habtoor City
The Winter Garden at Habtoor City is strung with fairy lights and decorated Christmas trees. It hosts live music, a range of festive food and children’s activities including face painting and a merry-go-round. Boutique stalls sell gifts and crafts.
Don’t Miss:
- The festive lighting ceremony
- Seasonal food and beverage options
- Photo opportunities with Santa Claus
Winter District at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Dubai Media City Amphitheatre hosts the Winter District, which leans towards music, film and food. There is live music and dance, and festive films are shown under the stars, with street food and warm festive drinks on the side. An artisan market sells gifts.
Top Attractions:
- Open-air festive movie screenings
- Live performances by local and international artists
- Artisan market for unique gifts
Festival at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
The Festival at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club is set beside the green polo fields and takes a more traditional approach to the holidays. Visitors can take horse-drawn carriage rides, have a festive brunch and listen to live music. Children get pony rides and Christmas-themed workshops, so the whole family is catered for.
What to Expect:
- Festive brunch overlooking the polo grounds
- Carriage rides and equestrian activities
- Holiday-themed decor
ICD Brookfield Festive Market
The ICD Brookfield Festive Market is in DIFC, Dubai’s financial district, and takes a modern approach to traditional holiday celebrations. Expect contemporary decorations, food stalls, live music, carol performances and gift stalls, with a crowd of families and friends. The run can be short: in 2025 it was held from 9 to 11 December, from 10am to 7pm, at ICD Brookfield Place.
Standout Features:
- Seasonal treats from food stalls
- Live performances and carol singing
- Gift shopping
Why Visit Dubai’s Winter Gardens?
Dubai’s winter gardens are more than festive markets. Each venue has its own character, from the traditional Christmas feel of Madinat Jumeirah to the polo-field setting of the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. Between them they offer live entertainment, festive food and hands-on activities for children.
Tips for Visiting Dubai’s Winter Gardens:
- Plan Ahead: Check event timings and schedules before you go. Dates, hours and ticket prices are set each year, and the 2025 details above may not carry over.
- Arrive Early: Early arrival means smaller crowds and a calmer visit.
- Dress Festively: Many events encourage visitors to dress in holiday attire.
- Capture Memories: Bring a camera for the decorated venues.
Conclusion
Dubai’s Christmas winter gardens offer six different ways to spend the season. Each suits a family outing, an evening for two or a gathering with friends. Craving sun instead of fairy lights? Our guide to Dubai's best beaches is worth bookmarking for the warmer months.
Check each venue’s dates and ticketing before you go.
