This December, Dubai’s festive spirit comes alive with two spectacular events that promise to make the holiday season magical. The Winter District, one of Dubai’s most beloved Christmas pop-up markets, returns from December 13 to 28, 2025, at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, offering a perfect blend of fun, shopping, and seasonal cheer for families. At the same time, the 31st Edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) runs from December 5 to January 11, 2026, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of retail, entertainment, and gastronomy.
A Winter Wonderland for the Whole Family
Picture your children’s faces lighting up with joy as they step into a winter wonderland filled with laughter, adventure, and festive cheer. From bouncing on inflatables and solving puzzles in escape rooms to crafting holiday treasures in interactive workshops, there’s something for everyone. The excitement reaches its peak when kids meet Santa in his cozy grotto, where they can share their Christmas wishes and create memories they’ll cherish forever.
Families can enjoy a lineup of live shows, including top pantomime performances and hourly entertainment from 4 PM, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. A towering Christmas tree surrounded by twinkling lights adds to the festive atmosphere and seasonal buzz.
Dubai Shopping Festival Elevates the Celebrations
The 31st Edition of DSF further elevates the holiday spirit with dazzling drone and fireworks displays, nightly shows, and concerts featuring international and regional artists. Visitors can take advantage of mega sales, explore pop-up markets, and dine at MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Families can also enjoy outdoor concerts and the scenic Hatta Lights Trails, which illuminate the mountains with intricate displays from December 6 to January 4, 2026.
Winter Markets Across the City
Dubai comes to life with winter markets held across the city during the festive season. A much-loved local favourite is the annual Christmas Market at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, which features an impressive decorated tree, seasonal food stalls, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can even take a ride on an abra boat with Santa. Other popular markets include the Winter District, Habtoor Palace Dubai’s Winter Garden, and Expo City Dubai’s Winter City, which offers magical experiences like the Candy Cane Comet Story, festive lights, gourmet food, and live entertainment.
Shopping and Dining Experiences
Kids and the young at heart will discover everything they love in one place, including boutique brands offering fashion, jewellery, and homeware, as well as food stalls, children’s activities, and attractions. For parents, the Winter District offers a luxurious shopping experience with participating brands such as L’Occitane, ALDO, Maybelline, Eucerin, and Kitopi, while gourmet food and beverage options cater to every craving. Talabat, a key DSF partner, provides convenient food delivery options for visitors.
Shoppers can explore Majid Al Futtaim’s Mall of the Emirates and City Centre malls, Al Futtaim Malls, and Al Zarooni Group’s Mercato Shopping Mall, which feature exclusive festive activations, sales, and pop-up concepts.
Spectacular Drone Shows and Market Experiences
Adding to the festive magic, the DSF Drone Shows light up the night sky with over 1,000 drones, creating breathtaking displays free for all to enjoy. A highlight of the Dubai Shopping Festival is the e& Market Outside the Box (e&MOTB), scheduled from January 1 to January 11, 2026. This unique outdoor festival blends innovative retail concepts with live entertainment and interactive experiences, featuring 27 brand new foodie experiences and 56 retail brands.
Visitors can indulge in a diverse range of gourmet food and beverages from food trucks and stalls, featuring both international cuisines and local favourites, while enjoying live performances such as music, dance, and interactive art installations.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Dubai is the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere, ensuring many key attractions are equipped to accommodate children with sensory sensitivities. Certified locations include Dubai International Airport (DXB), Expo City Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, and parks like Zabeel Park and Al Mamzar Beach Park. Through initiatives like the Dubai Way training platform, over 70,000 tourism professionals have been trained to provide exceptional service to People of Determination.
Getting There from Nairobi
Traveling to Dubai is quick and convenient with direct daily flights from Nairobi. Flights typically take around 5 hours, with options available multiple times daily. For the best value, consider purchasing multi-park passes for attractions to experience the city’s iconic landmarks and entertainment hubs.
