Christmas Markets in Dubai 2025: Your Complete Guide to Festive Holiday Shopping

Compared to other Christmas markets across the world, the Christmas market in Dubai is unique. As they combine Dubai's incredible elegance and innovation with traditional Christmas fun. Alongside German sausages, there are Middle Eastern sweets, and you can hear Christmas carols in various languages. The majority of markets are equipped with air conditioning and overhead territory, so you can spend your Christmas shopping even in warm weather. It is among the most family-friendly destinations in Dubai during December.

This market is the largest and most thrilling Christmas market in Dubai is situated on Fort Island. The giant Christmas tree in the middle will make your jaw drop. Usually, this market is open 16 days from noon to late at night. Madinat Jumeirah is surrounded by traditional market stalls selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and seasonal treats. There is no entry fee, but Individual attractions require separate tickets. 

Highlights: 

• Snow play area with artificial snow 
• Bungee jumping platform 
• Carnival games and rides 
• Children's play zone 
• A cute little train that takes you around the market

Have you ever been to a Christmas market on a real cruise ship? This is your chance. Queen Elizabeth 2 ship becomes a floating Christmas wonderland for three special days. The main highlight of this market is the Tree Light Switch On ceremony. When they turn on those lights, it's like magic. Additionally, you can explore a real cruise ship while shopping for Christmas gifts. It operates on Thursday and Friday from 11 AM to 12 AM and on Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. 

Highlights: 

• Tree Light Switch On ceremony
• live music, and international cuisine
• The ship's multiple decks provide plenty of space for both shopping and entertainment.

One of the best places to visit in Dubai for shopping in winter is Habtoor Palace. Located in Business Bay, it hosts the city’s longest-running Christmas market every December for 20 days. It provides a fun, family-friendly overnight atmosphere with food courts, snow battles, kid-friendly activities, and a huge Christmas tree. The market operates daily from early evening through noon the following day. 

Highlights: 

• Giant bouncy slides that are super fun
• Snow fight areas 
• Carnival games where you can win prizes
• A miniature train ride around the market
• Christmas tree lighting ceremonies every evening

Located in Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Opera Christmas Market combines high-end shopping with world-class performances. It is an 11-day event that sells luxury commodities, jewellery and handmade products. The market features live performances, good food and colourful decorations. Additionally, you can also try food options, including traditional mince pies, hot chocolate, and international seasonal specialities. The market operates daily from noon to late at night.

Highlight

• Beautifully lit ambience
• Gourmet food stalls
• Live entertainment and  special performances

This market is inside a big shopping mall, which means it's always cool and comfortable. The Times Square Centre is an eight-day Christmas market dedicated to shopping and family fun in Sheikh Zayed Road. There are more than 100 vendors who are selling decorations, clothes, and other things. One of the most amazing things to do in Dubai during Christmas is to explore the market.

Highlight

• Over 100 shops selling Christmas gifts
• Special discounts when you spend more money
• Holiday movies are playing throughout the day
• Themed games and activities for children 
• Santa Claus meet-and-greet sessions

• By Metro: Dubai's metro system can take you close to most Christmas markets. The Red Line stops near Dubai Opera and Times Square Centre. It's easy and cheap.
• By Taxi: This is the easiest way to get around. Just book a cab to the Christmas market you want to visit, and they'll take you there.
• By Water Transport: Get on a traditional abra ride across the Dubai Creek while enjoying the skyline of Dubai.

Best Times to Visit 

Weekday evenings typically offer the best time to visit Dubai’s Christmas Markets. The majority of markets are usually lively between 7 PM to 10 PM, as this is the time of the day when temperatures are comfortable and families have just left the workplace and school.

What to Wear & Carry in Dubai’s Christmas Markets

December evenings in Dubai are pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F). Here are the things you must carry: 

• Light jackets or cardigans are recommended for evening visits.
• Comfortable walking shoes 
• A camera or phone for amazing photos
• Some cash for food and activities

The Christmas markets in Dubai feature international holiday food as well as traditional Middle Eastern dishes. There are food courts in most markets that offer food as local as street food and as fancy as fine dining. You'll find Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, roasted nuts, and traditional German bratwurst. Most markets sell local delicacies such as Arabic coffee, dates and sweets of the Middle East. There are options for everyone, including vegetarian food.

• Beautiful Christmas decorations and ornaments
• Handmade toys and crafts
• Traditional Christmas treats and cookies
• Unique gifts you can't find anywhere else
• Special Dubai-themed Christmas items

• Activities Fee: Visiting a Christmas market in Dubai is almost free. However, there are charges for some rides and other activities that cost anywhere between AED 20-50 per head. Groups that are interested in multiple activities can get more value with a family package or with a multi-ride pass.
• Food and Shopping: The amount of money you can expect to spend on food and snacks is AED 50-AED 100. Small gifts are priced beginning at AED 25, and luxury goods shopping in Dubai is priced in thousands of dirhams.

• Search for family packages and group discounts.
• Most stores issue vouchers when you buy a specific amount. 
• Go at golden hours (5 -7 PM) for the best photographs as the light is the best at this time. 
• Use social media to keep track of the markets and what is going on.

The Christmas markets in Dubai undoubtedly offer a unique experience of traditional holiday magic and modern luxury. Be it shopping, eating, or creating memories, you can get everything in these markets. Want to explore this market without any worries? Plan your next trip with pickyourtrail by checking out the top Dubai tour packages and make your trip memorable.