Santa Claus is coming to town riding on an… Abra?! For the next 21 days he is, yes. The Jolly Old Man and a troop of merry elves and more will descend upon Jumeirah at the annual Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market. The 2023 edition of the popular festive market will open its doors to Dubaiians on Thursday, December 15.
Spanning a massive 1750 sqm, the festive market is spread out across Souk Madinat’s Fort Island area and will transport merrymakers straight to an enchanting wintry landscape with stunning decorations, scrummy festive food and a sprinkling of snowfall! We’re pretty pumped for this winter wonderland that is free to enter and is open until January 7! Here are 6 reasons why you should be too:
1. Santa arrives in an Abra
Sleighs are so basic. As are chimneys. Kris Kringle will arrive from the North Pole via the Madinat’s waterways every evening perched on top of an Abra, bells jingling to herald his arrival. Where else in the world but Dubai can you see Santa Clause ditch his herd of reindeer for a traditional Arabian boat? Even Santa’s grotto is set amidst Arabian burjeels (wind towers) blending the best of balmy Arabian nights and frosty North Pole vibes.
2. A 36-feet-tall Christmas tree
Christmas without a photo-op in front of a towering tree is no Christmas at all and the Madinat Jumeirah’s tree is one to always watch out for. Decked from tip to root in dazzling ornaments and lights, this 36-foot tree truly sets the mood. The lights on this spectacular tree go up on the evening of December 15, so make sure you’re there to catch it in all its glory. Find other Christmas tree-lighting events here.
3. You can bungee jump
Now, here’s an experience that blows every traditional Christmas market in Austria or Germany straight out of the water. Bungee jumping. Because we’re all bouncing off the walls with excitement about the festive season and it’s only fair you get to experience the thrills, quite literally, under the supervision of experts. Mind you, they’re the catapult/slingshot bungee jump rides that theme parks and arcades have. So the risk is low but the reward is high.
4. Eat, drink and be merry
If there’s ever a time to feast on foot-long hot dogs and munch on roasted chestnuts, candy canes and toasty pretzels, it’s Christmas time. And the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas market doesn’t disappoint all with some of the best wursts in town. Although they look like wooden chalets, the food stalls around the Madinat Jumeirah Festive market weaves in the theme of an Arabian winter wonderland by serving quirky delicacies like festive shawarma, doners and more.
This is also your chance to switch up the year-long brunch staple of chilled wine and cosy up with some warm, spiced mulled wine. Meanwhile, a live band will be belting out Christmas classics from Mariah Carrey to Michael Buble and every iconic carol in between. On repeat.
5. Train rides, merry-go-rounds and shopping
The Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market has its own version of The Polar Express with a magical little North Pole train that chugs around Souk Madinat, ferrying excited little kids and their parents. There’s also the Venetian Carousel adding that touch of whimsy and magic that sees us all flocking to these wonderful winter markets. For a different kind of dopamine high, indulge in some retail therapy at the wooden chalet-style stalls selling all kinds of Christmas goodies, from mince pies to toys and souvenirs that work as last-minute stocking fillers.
6. Gingerbread house decorating
Visitors will have the opportunity to decorate their very own gingerbread houses at the festive market this year and fulfil their Hansel and Gretel dreams of biting a hunk out of the edible little cottages.
Starts 3pm from Monday to Thursday and 12pm from Friday to Sunday. Free underground parking is available at Souk Madinat but they fill up pretty quickly so taxis are recommended.