This December, Dubai transforms into a festive playground for families with two major events that bring the holiday spirit to life. The Winter District, one of Dubai’s most popular Christmas pop-up markets, returns from December 13 to 28, 2025, at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, blending shopping, entertainment, and holiday charm. At the same time, the 31st Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) runs from December 5 to January 11, 2026, filling the city with retail experiences, dazzling shows, and culinary delights.
Families can look forward to a winter wonderland filled with laughter and adventure. Children can bounce on inflatables, solve escape room challenges, or create handmade gifts in festive workshops. A visit to Santa’s grotto promises magical photo moments and memories that last a lifetime.
Live performances and pantomime shows will keep visitors entertained throughout the day, while the towering Christmas tree and glittering lights set the perfect festive scene.
Beyond the Winter District, the Dubai Shopping Festival takes the celebration up a notch with fireworks, drone shows, concerts, and mega sales. Shoppers can enjoy unbeatable deals, visit pop-up markets, and explore outdoor concerts. Families can also head to Hatta Lights Trails, where the mountains glow with spectacular light installations from December 6 to January 4, 2026.
Dubai’s festive markets are another highlight of the season. The Souk Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market is a local favourite, featuring a beautifully decorated tree, festive foods, and even abra boat rides with Santa. Other must-visit destinations include Habtoor Palace’s Winter Garden and Expo City’s Winter City, which feature themed experiences like the Candy Cane Comet Story, gourmet food, and live entertainment.
At the Winter District, visitors will find boutique brands offering fashion, jewellery, home décor, and gourmet treats. Luxury names such as L’Occitane, ALDO, Maybelline, Eucerin, and Kitopi will showcase their collections, while Talabat ensures food delivery convenience for guests on the go.
Shopping malls including Mall of the Emirates, City Centre malls, and Mercato Shopping Mall will feature special activations, festive décor, and exclusive offers throughout DSF.
The DSF Drone Shows are a must-see, featuring more than 1,000 drones lighting up the night sky in creative displays. Another fan favourite is e& Market Outside the Box (e&MOTB), happening from January 1 to 11, 2026, where 27 new food experiences and 56 retail brands combine with live entertainment and interactive art installations for an unforgettable outdoor festival.
Dubai is also recognized as the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere, ensuring inclusivity for all families. Certified attractions include Dubai International Airport (DXB), Expo City Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, and parks such as Zabeel Park and Al Mamzar Beach Park.
Reaching Dubai from Nairobi is easy, with direct flights taking about five hours and multiple departures daily. For visitors planning to explore more, multi-park passes offer great value for experiencing Dubai’s iconic attractions and theme parks.
This December, Dubai offers more than a vacation, it delivers a celebration of joy, lights, and unforgettable family experiences.
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