Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
The much-loved Swiss Christmas Market is returning to the Beach Rotana Residences Promenade from December 4 to 7. Offering a range of stalls selling all kinds of trinkets, toys and homeware, it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up some gifts before you head back home for Christmas. German restaurant and pub Brauhaus will also be serving up Swiss culinary delights in honour of the occasion.
Free. Dec 4 4pm-9pm, Dec 5 2pm-10pm, Dec 6 11am-10pm, Dec 7 11am-10pm. Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah (02 697 9011).
Bounty Beets
Taking place at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi’s pretty vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free-friendly café Bounty Beets, this market will spill out of the restaurant terrace and onto the lush hotel lawns. You will find loads of local brands selling their wares, plus little ones can enjoy entertainment, a crafts corner and also post their letters to Father Christmas.
Free. Fri Nov 22 & Sat Nov 23 10am–6pm. Bounty Beets, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh, Dubai (04 399 3333).
City Centre Me’aisem
Centre Me’aisem has created an outdoor winter wonderland where kids can climb aboard the Santa’s sleigh-themed photobooth and take some family snaps, before hanging out with Father Christmas himself, until Saturday December 28, who will be dishing out tasty chocolates for the kiddos. Plus, a group of festive performers will be putting on a magical show that will have the smallest family members (and the biggest ones to be fair) mesmerised. A full schedule of Christmassy family films will also be included in the awesome line-up. Energetic tots can also hit the ice rink and the snow park where they can have snowball fights and make snow angels.
Free (entry), Dhs30 (snow park and ice rink for 30 minutes). Until Sun Jan 5, 4pm-midnight (weekdays), 12pm-midnight (weekends). City Centre Me’aisem, Dubai Production City, Dubai, www.citycentremeaisem.com (04 437 4999).
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
The beachside hotel on JBR is bringing back its weekend-long Christmas Market, offering more than 20 festive stalls, Santa visits, gingerbread decorating and plenty of seasonal dishes. Food-wise, expect turkey ham croquettes with cranberry dipping, roasted turkey roulade and festive sweets.
Free entry, food from Dhs20. Fri Dec 6-Sat Dec 7, 10am-4pm. Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, The Walk, JBR (04 318 2319).
Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah’s popular festive market is back for another year, and needless to say, we’re excited. The market will run for 16 jam-packed days of festive fun. There’s going to be a live band, daily visits from Santa, gingerbread house decorating, tours with the big man himself, cookie decorating sessions and plenty of festive food and drinks.
Sun-Wed 3pm-late, Fri-Sat noon-late (Tue Dec 24-Wed Dec 25 noon-late). Fri Dec 13-Sat Dec 28. Fort Island, Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre, Umm Sequim, Dubai, www.jumeirah.com.
Reform Christmas Market
One of the most popular Christmas markets in Dubai is back and we can’t wait. Pick up some gorgeous gifts from the boutiques and have a bite to eat and a beverage or two. There’s a grotto and a chance to make your own Christmas baubles, too.
Free. Thu Nov 28–Sat Nov 30 10am–8pm. Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes (04 454 2638).
Sanderson’s Café
The stylish and family-friendly café is bringing back its Christmas fair on December 14. The wholesome restaurant will be hosting stalls from jewellery vendors, Balinese bag makers, wood carvers and more crafty businesses. While you’re purchasing your gifts for family and friends (or yourself, we reckon you deserve it), the kids will be kept busy with a variety of activities like face painting and festive-themed games.
Free. Dec 14 8am-10pm. Andalus Al Seef Resort, Khalifa Park area (02 222 1142).
Yas Winter Carnival
There will be a winter market with stalls selling accessories, art prints, home decor, toys, mosaics, candles, festive sweet treats and more. It will also feature a tree lighting ceremony, snow zone, gingerbread making, live entertainment and a huge firework display every evening.
Free. Dec 11-16 2pm-11pm. Yas Gateway Park, Yas Island, www.wintercarnival.ae.
