Dubai doesn’t do things by halves, especially when it comes to Christmas pop-ups. The Winter District, one of Dubai’s most-loved festive markets, is making a comeback this December. But here’s the twist: it’s moving to a brand-new setting. This year, you’ll find it tucked beneath the futuristic silhouette of Jumeirah Emirates Towers, right in the shadow of the Museum of the Future. Let’s face it, if there’s anywhere that can make a Christmas market feel cinematic, it’s here.
Dubai’s Winter District Is Back With A New Location
In previous years, the market transformed the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre into a winter wonderland. But in 2025, the organisers are shaking things up. From Saturday 13 December to Sunday 28 December, the Winter District will deck out Jumeirah Emirates Towers with twinkling lights, oversized ornaments, and that all-important Christmas tree. Truth be told, the location feels like an upgrade, more central, more striking, and with the Museum’s curved architecture glowing in the background, it’s bound to become an Instagram hotspot.
What To Expect This Year At Winter District Dubai
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill market where you grab a hot chocolate and go home. Expect gourmet food stalls serving everything from indulgent desserts to crafted coffee, plus plenty of cosy bites to keep you warm (or at least trick you into thinking it’s winter in Dubai). Kids won’t be left out either; there’s a vibrant play area with inflatables and daily workshops, not to mention Santa’s grotto where the little ones can snap a photo and whisper their wish list.
Hourly live entertainment kicks off from 4 pm every day, adding that extra buzz to the atmosphere. And if you fancy something a bit different, there’s even an escape room experience waiting to challenge you. To be fair, it’s not every Christmas market where you can step out of Santa’s grotto and straight into a puzzle-solving game.
Free Entry, Late Nights
Here’s the best bit: entry is completely free. Gates open at 2 pm daily, closing at midnight on weekdays and stretching until 1 am on weekends. That means you can swing by after work for a mulled drink, or make a full evening out of it with the family. The late hours also make it a great hangout spot for friends who want a festive backdrop without the formality of a sit-down dinner.
New Home, Same Festive Spirit
Winter District is more than just fairy lights and carols. Luxury and high-street brands set up shop here, turning it into a stylish seasonal hub. Expect to see names like L’Occitane, Maybelline, Eucerin, Aldo Shoes and Kitopi among the stalls. It’s window shopping with a festive twist, and you’ll almost certainly end up picking up gifts you didn’t plan on buying (come on, we all know how that goes).
Organised by M2L Concepts, the same team behind the hugely popular Ramadan District, the event is expected to draw over 30,000 visitors this year. In practice, that means it’s likely to be buzzing every evening, so get ready for crowds and energy, not quiet strolls.
The Festive Line-Up Doesn’t End Here
If the Winter District is already pencilled into your December plans, make space for more. Dubai is set to host plenty of live shows and pantomime performances through the festive period, offering families even more ways to soak up the season. After all, in a city that thrives on spectacle, Christmas is just another excuse to go big.
Cover Image Courtesy: Winter District Dubai/Website