Winter in Dubai is a magical time filled with festive events that capture the holiday spirit in truly unique ways. Dubai hosts many ‘winter’ events, Christmas markets and firework shows. Winter Festival Dubai has listed for you the best events and activities not to be missed during your winter holiday in Dubai.
Garden Glow Festival
Experience the magic of the Garden Glow Festival in Dubai as part of the Winter Festival Dubai! Located in Zabeel Park, this enchanting festival transforms the park into a dazzling wonderland of lights and creativity. With over 500 artisans crafting breathtaking light installations, Garden Glow offers a visual spectacle like no other. Wander through the Glow Park, where stunning displays bring nature, wildlife, and fantasy to life in a kaleidoscope of colors. Don’t miss the Ice Park, where intricate ice sculptures create a frosty paradise in the heart of the desert. For families, the Dinosaur Park with lifelike animatronic dinosaurs adds an educational and fun element to the experience.
Global Village
Global Village is a cultural extravaganza that transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months in Dubai. Featuring pavilions from over 90 countries, you can experience the world’s cultures through food, crafts, and entertainment. During winter, Global Village offers special seasonal attractions like snow-filled play areas, ice-skating rinks, and festive decorations that make it a perfect spot for families and friends to enjoy the holiday spirit.
Winter Wonderland at Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, turns into a winter wonderland every holiday season. This frosty escape features snowball fights, a meet-and-greet with Santa, and even a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, exploring the ice cave, or indulging in a hot chocolate, Ski Dubai offers a unique winter experience that feels like a slice of the North Pole in the desert.
Christmas Market at Madinat Jumeirah’s
The Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market is a charming festival set against the backdrop of traditional Arabian architecture. This market features festive stalls, live entertainment, and a beautiful Venetian carousel. With activities for children, such as gingerbread house making and meeting Santa, and a selection of international holiday treats for adults, it’s a perfect family outing. The market is a picturesque destination where the spirit of Christmas comes alive in Dubai.
Winter City at Expo City Dubai
Expo City’s Winter City is a grand celebration of the season, offering an array of winter-themed activities and attractions. The area is transformed into a festive city with twinkling lights, holiday markets, and live performances. From ice skating rinks to themed parades, Winter City at Expo City provides a perfect blend of entertainment and festive cheer, making it a must-visit for both tourists and residents.
Christmas Market at Dubai Festival City Mall
The Christmas Market at Dubai Festival City Mall is one of the city’s most popular markets. Featuring a giant Christmas tree, festive decorations, and a variety of stalls selling holiday gifts and treats, the market is a vibrant hub of holiday activity. Don’t miss the nightly IMAGINE show, which combines lights, water, and music to create a spectacular festive experience.
Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
The Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers offers a chic, modern twist on the traditional winter market. With gourmet food stalls, artisan crafts, and live performances, this event is perfect for those looking to enjoy a stylish and festive atmosphere. The Winter District also features an ice-skating rink and a Santa’s Grotto, making it a complete winter experience in the heart of Dubai.
Ice skating in Dubai
For those who love ice skating, Dubai has several indoor rinks where you can glide across the ice in style. The Dubai Ice Rink, located in The Dubai Mall, offers a full-sized Olympic rink that hosts public skating sessions, figure skating lessons, and even ice hockey games. Another popular spot is the Galleria Ice Rink, which provides a more intimate skating experience in the heart of the city. These icy retreats offer a refreshing contrast to the warm weather outside, making them perfect for a fun winter day out with family or friends.
- Dubai Ice Rink at Dubai Mall
- Galleria Ice Rink at Hyatt Regency Dubai
Fireworks, light, and drone shows across Dubai
Dubai is famous for its spectacular fireworks, light, and drone shows, especially during the Winter Festival Dubai. These shows, held across various locations like Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and JBR, are a dazzling display of innovation and artistry. The New Year’s Eve celebrations are particularly iconic, featuring some of the most impressive fireworks displays in the world, along with coordinated drone shows that light up the Dubai skyline in mesmerizing patterns.
Dubai is a city that knows how to celebrate, and the winter season is no exception. Whether you’re visiting the vibrant markets, skating on ice, or watching the skies light up, there’s a festive event for everyone. With so many options, Dubai is the perfect destination to enjoy a winter full of wonder and excitement. Of course, besides winter activities, you can also enjoy the highlights of Dubai. We therefore definitely recommend the following Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Abra Cruise, Desert safari, helicopter flight over Dubai, Aquaventure water park and for the real daredevils a skydive over Dubai.
Popular links on Winter Festival Dubai
- Christmas Markets in Dubai
- Ice Skating in Dubai
- Indoor skiing in Dubai
- Visit Global Village Festival
- Shopping during Winter Festival Dubai
- Recommended hotels during Winter Festival Dubai
- Firework and drone shows in Dubai
- View the Winter Festival Dubai events calendar
- Transport in Dubai during the Winter Festival