Dubai is preparing for a new seasonal attraction, the DXB Winter Festival, at Dubai Festival City waterfront. According to the event details reported by Time Out Dubai on 8 October 2026, the festival will run from 1 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, with more than 150 vendors, festive food, market streets, a funfair and live entertainment. The event is expected to appeal to Dubai residents, families and winter visitors looking for seasonal activities.
At a Glance
- Location: Dubai Festival City waterfront, Dubai
- Organiser: DXB Winter Festival
- Reported dates: 1 December 2026 to 10 January 2027
- Who can visit: Residents, families and tourists
- Main attractions: Christmas tree, festive markets, funfair, Santa’s grotto and live performances
- Reported timings: 4pm to midnight on weekdays; 2pm to midnight on weekends
- Tickets: Prices yet to be announced; an early-bird discount has been reported
The DXB Winter Festival is expected to bring a new Christmas market experience to Dubai Festival City waterfront this winter. Scheduled to run from 1 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, the festival will feature a reported 20,000-square-metre outdoor space with more than 150 vendors, festive food, family attractions and live entertainment.
The festival’s proposed dates cover the UAE National Day period, Christmas and New Year, giving residents and visitors several weeks to enjoy seasonal activities. While ticket prices have not yet been announced, organisers are promoting an early-bird offer for the first 10,000 tickets, subject to the published registration terms.
What can visitors expect at the DXB Winter Festival?
The festival is expected to take inspiration from traditional European Christmas markets, with a mix of food stalls, shopping, entertainment and seasonal attractions.
According to the published event details, a large Christmas tree will sit at the centre of the venue. Visitors can also expect market streets, open-air cafés, a funfair and a main stage for live performances.
Food is expected to be a key part of the experience, with vendors offering festive treats and other dining options. The market-style setting will also give visitors an opportunity to browse different stalls while exploring the waterfront.
The programme is expected to change throughout the festival, with different entertainment and activities planned across the season. However, the full schedule of performances and participating vendors has not yet been confirmed in the available information.
Will there be activities for children and families?
Families are expected to have several attractions to explore at the DXB Winter Festival.
The reported programme includes Santa’s grotto, fairground rides and interactive workshops where children can take part in creative activities. Festive parades and daily entertainment are also planned, giving families more reasons to visit beyond shopping and dining.
The event’s extended run could make it an option for families planning outings during the school holiday period. However, parents should check the final programme for age restrictions, activity timings and any attractions that require separate tickets.
The festival’s reported opening hours are 4pm to midnight on weekdays and 2pm to midnight on weekends. This means visitors can plan an afternoon or evening visit, depending on the activities they want to experience.
Organisers have also indicated that they want to establish the festival as an annual event, with new experiences and programming in future editions.
How much are DXB Winter Festival tickets?
Ticket prices have not yet been announced in the available information.
The report published by Time Out Dubai states that the first 10,000 tickets will be available with a 25% early-bird discount after registration. Visitors can check the official DXB Winter Festival website for registration details and updates on ticket sales.
It is worth checking the terms before booking, including whether the discount applies to all ticket categories and whether individual attractions or activities require additional payment.
Until the organisers release the full ticket information, visitors should avoid relying on estimated admission prices.
How can visitors reach Dubai Festival City waterfront?
Dubai Festival City waterfront is part of an established shopping and entertainment destination, making it a practical location for an evening outing.
Dubai Festival City Mall lists Metro, bus and abra services among the transport options available to visitors. Those travelling by public transport should check the latest routes and operating hours before setting off, particularly if they plan to stay until the festival closes at midnight.
The waterfront is also home to IMAGINE, the mall’s regular light, water and laser show at Festival Bay. Visitors may want to check its schedule if they plan to combine the festival with other activities in the area.
Parking arrangements, any event-specific traffic measures and the best entrance for festival visitors should be confirmed closer to the opening date.
The DXB Winter Festival would add another seasonal attraction to Dubai’s winter calendar, giving residents and tourists more options for festive outings. Its combination of food, shopping, family activities and live entertainment could also support the wider leisure offering around Dubai Festival City.
The festival’s dates overlap with the UAE National Day period, Christmas and New Year, when residents often look for seasonal events and visitors plan winter holidays. Its reported 20,000-square-metre site and more than 150 vendors also suggest a substantial marketplace, although the final vendor list and programme remain to be confirmed.
For now, visitors can register their interest and watch for announcements about tickets, participating vendors and entertainment.
FAQs
When is the DXB Winter Festival 2026?
According to the published report, the festival will run from 1 December 2026 to 10 January 2027 at Dubai Festival City waterfront.
Where will the DXB Winter Festival take place?
The event is planned for the waterfront beside Dubai Festival City Mall in Dubai.
What are the DXB Winter Festival opening hours?
The reported timings are 4pm to midnight on weekdays and 2pm to midnight on weekends. Visitors should check the official schedule before attending.
How much do DXB Winter Festival tickets cost?
Ticket prices have not yet been announced. A 25% early-bird discount for the first 10,000 tickets has been reported, subject to the organisers’ registration terms.
What activities will be available at the festival?
The reported attractions include a Christmas tree, festive market stalls, food vendors, a funfair, Santa’s grotto, workshops, parades and live entertainment.
The DXB Winter Festival is expected to bring a new festive market experience to Dubai Festival City from December 2026 into January 2027. With seasonal food, shopping and family entertainment planned, it could become another option for winter outings in Dubai. Visitors should look out for official updates on ticket prices, the full programme and participating vendors before making plans.
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