Winter markets in the UAE: 9 places to visit with the family

The bells are jingling, the carols are ringing in our ears and a festive mood has settled in. Over the weekend though, you can take things up a notch by visiting your neighbourhood Christmas market, complete with activities for the kids, live entertainment for the adults and stunning backdrops for the ‘Gram. Don’t know where to start with your merry making? Check out our list for ideas.

Ripe Market: This market, with kiosks by local craftsmen and craftswomen, is always good to visit, especially at this time of year when the mercury is dipping. Head to the Academy Park and you’ll find yourself surrounded by Christmas cheer – and baubles. In the spirit of the thing, there are wreath-making and gingerbread decorating workshops, meet-Santa moments that are sure to delight the kids, real Christmas trees you can buy and festive music as you go about it all. You may even find yourself finishing your holiday shopping early here. DETAILS: 9am to 9pm on Friday; 10am to 9pm on Saturday.

Ski Dubai: Do you want to build a snowman? You can when you visit this cool spot. For this season, Ski Dubai is offering themed activities, think meet-and-greet Santa and his elves, hot chocolate – and even breakfast with the big fella. There’s a toy workshop, fun slides and even a cinema where it snows and you can watch a Christmas movie with the family. How’s that for getting into the jolly mood?

Winter Garden, Habtoor Palace Dubai: There’s something for each member of the family at this fair – even the furry four-legged ones. You can chill out with loads of sweet treats while the kids head over to a dedicated play area, take cool rides and even meet Santa. This market is on until December 31.

Time Square Centre: Sustainability – that’s the need of the hour, and this mall isn’t about to disappoint. Here, even the Christmas tree is made using recycled cups. When you go to the Floating Toy Factory, your child can take home a toy made using plastic waste. Carry the letters for Mr Claus along too – at Santa’s Grotto, you can post them. This is also where the kids can have their Santa encounter and the proud parents can get a cute picture of the meet. Come Friday, be sure to stop and see the lovely goods at Arte market, with offers handmade designer, art, fashion and crafts. There are also live musical performances until December 14. DETAILS: The Toy Factory Timings are: 11am to 2pm and 3pm to 6pm on Friday; 12pm to 3pm and 4pm to 7pm on Saturday.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort: Enjoy the nip in the air at this desert-themed winter market, which will run from December 10 to 21. There’s live music and entertainment – including carol singing – and stalls to help in your holiday shopping. Did we mention there’s a 40-foot tree on site? And a Santa visit?

Madinat Jumeirah: Check into this winter wonderland where you can shop till you drop and hum along to familiar Christmas tunes. Nosh on festive treats and take your kids on a ‘North pole train ride’. Of course there’s got to be some Dubai glamour in there too – ride aboard an Abra with St. Nick. DETAILS: December 16-30, from 3pm onwards between Sunday and Wednesday and 12pm onwards from Thursday to Saturday.

Cityland Mall: A Maker’s Market will pop up on Saturdays at this mall, so go prepared for some serious shopping. The kids can also pick up new skills here thanks to gingerbread house making, gingerbread men decorating and gemstone necklace making workshops. DETAILS: 10am-8pm

Trump International Golf Club: At the Caddy Shack you’ll get your pick of quirky goodies at this Christmas bazaar where local artisans will offer their creations. There’s also a bouncy castle for the kids and live entertainment. DETAILS: 3pm-10pm on Saturday

Dubai Gem Private School:This school is having a fete on December 17 where you can meet homegrown exhibitors and the little ones can enjoy activities such as face painting, balloon bending, bouncy castles, magic shows and train rides.