The best Christmas markets in Dubai are the Festive Market on Fort Island at Madinat Jumeirah, Winter City at Expo City Dubai, the seasonal stalls and lights of Global Village, and the festive markets at Dubai Festival City Mall. Most run through December, in perfect winter weather.
Dubai's best-known Christmas market, on Fort Island.
Madinat Jumeirah's Festive Market fills Fort Island with wooden chalets, festive food, a tall Christmas tree and light shows, set among the resort's waterways.
It usually runs through December and has been free to enter.
Good to know: Take an abra ride along the canals after dark.
Madinat Jumeirah, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, UAE
A big winter festival with stalls, rides and shows.
Expo City Dubai's Winter City brings festive markets, rides, a skating rink and shows to the former Expo site over the winter season.
Check the 2026 dates and ticket prices.
Good to know: Combine with Carols by Candlelight if it returns to Expo City.
Expo City Dubai, Expo Road, Dubai, UAE
A huge winter fair of world pavilions and festive lights.
Global Village's season runs through the cooler months, with pavilions from dozens of countries selling food and crafts, and festive decorations in December.
Great for unusual gifts from around the world.
Good to know: Go on a weekday evening; weekends are packed.
Global Village, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Festive stalls, a big tree and the IMAGINE show on the creek.
Dubai Festival City Mall hosts festive markets and Christmas decorations in December, beside its waterfront IMAGINE light and water show.
An easy family outing.
Good to know: Watch IMAGINE from the Festival Bay promenade after dark.
Dubai Festival City Mall, Crescent Drive, Al Kheeran, Dubai, UAE
Yes. Christmas is widely celebrated by Dubai's expat communities, and hotels, malls and venues host festive markets each December, led by the Festive Market at Madinat Jumeirah.
It's usually held through most of December. One report gives December 4 to 27, 2026; check Jumeirah's website for confirmed dates.
The Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market has been free to enter in recent years. Winter City at Expo City and Global Village charge admission.
Perfect for outdoor markets: daytime highs of about 24–26°C and cooler evenings.