Dubai: The festive season is here.
From Christmas festivals to urban bazaars, more than 10 markets are taking place across Dubai — with some starting this weekend.
This winter, residents have a variety of open-air and indoor markets to visit with new additions being placed on the annual event calendar.
Starting this Friday, the second ‘Upcycled Urban Market’ will take place on Al Serkal Avenue, with a theme that focuses on recycled biodegradable items, and natural and organic products. The two-day event will include everything from art, live music and food, to workshops, activities, and a range of fashion gift ideas. The market will be open from 11am to 8pm on both days.
Another market following a similar theme, the ‘Urban Block Party’ organised by Dubai Properties, is also taking place for the first time on Friday at Bay Square in Business Bay. The open-air event will be dedicated to music, art and design lovers, and fashion fanatics to enjoy a full day out. The official kick-off will take place on December 10 at 6pm, with live music by local artists and bands, and a range of performances throughout the weekend.
Also taking place this Friday, the largest bi-monthly handmade urban arts and craft market, the ARTE Christmas Edition Festive Market will be open at Time Square Centre from 12pm to 7pm. The market will hold its Christmas edition, featuring works from a community of 150 contemporary and original art and craft makers.
Another community-based Christmas market will also take place in Raffles Garden, Wafi. The Raffle Christmas Market is an outdoor festive fair that will feature 20 vendors selling seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts, turkey nuggets, minced pies, hot chocolate and mulled grape treats. Similarly, Mall of the Emirates will also hold the ‘Things Yule Like Market’ on Saturday, to celebrate the festive season with unique handmade gifts by local vendors.
December 17
The following weekend, residents can continue their Christmas celebrations at the UAE’s largest festive market at the Dubai World Trade Centre on December 17-19. The Dubai Winter Festival will include everything that is loved about Christmas under one roof in its fourth edition.
From Santa’s grotto and a large lit Christmas tree to a buzzing winter market, the annual event will offer activities for the whole family. Stalls will feature everything from real leather bags, art prints, jewellery, and home decor, to cupcakes, toys, pottery and other unique treats.
The winter festival is also coinciding with the Fort Island’s Festive Market in Madinat Jumeirah. Starting December 17 to 27, the Fort Island will be converted into a playground of ice-rinks, slides, with a North Pole train that will tour visitors around the market. Set over 1,750 square meters, the market will also include dozens of food stalls and others featuring handicrafts.
For those who love spending time at the mall, the Dubai Mall’s ice rink will be transformed to a magical winterland called the Village Market. With Santa’s elves, the Christmas celebrations will continue with 40 stalls selling gifts and goodies as visitors enjoy the live music, food and beverages. The village market will take place between December 16 and January 5, with entry tickets at Dh20.
