All the Christmas markets coming to the UAE in December

Enjoy carols, festive treats, traditional German markets - even an abra ride with Santa

The Christmas market at Madinat Jumeirah. Courtesy Madinat Jumeirah

With Christmas a month away, festive markets will soon be springing up across the UAE. From traditional German markets to family-friendly grottos, there are plenty of places to get your festive fix this December. Here are some of the best markets taking place for 2018:

Madinat Jumeirah Dubai

Madinat Jumeirah will once again be hosting a traditional German market over the festive period, complete with food stalls, a giant Christmas tree and the opportunity to take an abra ride with Santa. There will also be a giant snow ball zone, a gingerbread house station and a play area to keep the little ones busy.

For the adults, there will be tradition foods such as roasted chestnuts and seasonal beverages, as well as festive menus at many of the restaurants inside the resort.

The festivities will run for nine days from December 20 to December 28, transforming Fort Island into a winter wonderland. The Jumeirah Creekside Hotel will also be hosting a festive market in December, taking place between the same dates.

La Farine Dubai

The entrance to La Farine will be taken over by a giant gingerbread house throughout December. The French restaurant, based at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, will transform into a pop-up market selling festive hampers alongside seasonal gifts and cakes. There will also be homemade waffles, strawberry fondue and hot chocolate on offer.

Habtoor Palace Dubai

Habtoor Palace’s winter wonderland will return from December 4 to December 21. This year’s festive offering will feature daily Christmas carols in the Versailles Garden from 4pm, along with a live band all evening. The launch night of the market will see the lighting of the Christmas tree take place, along with carol singing from the Emirates International School Kids’ Choir. The market itself will feature children’s rides and festive food, as well as daily visits from Santa.

Al Maryah Island Abu Dhabi

The annual Winter Wonderland on Al Maryah Island is back from December 13 to 26. Visitors can enjoy entertainment, featuring roaming performances and live stage shows, as well as a selection of festive food and drink, arts and crafts, and carnival games.

There will be live performances throughout the event, including professional dance troupes and choir performances. Winter cottages covered in snowflakes will host children’s activities including snow globe making, cookie decorating and face painting. There will also be train rides around the Promenade, along with photo booths and the chance to meet popular fairy tale princesses.

Swiss Christmas Market Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s Swiss Business Council will once again return with a festive market. Running from December 5 to 8, the market will take place at the Beach Rotana hotel in the capital. The market will feature dozens of chalets, hosted by local vendors selling festive gifts along with food and drink. There will also be lights and carols, along with traditional Swiss treats.

Reform Social and Grill Dubai

On Saturday November 24 and Saturday December 1, Children will have the chance to write letters to Santa before meeting him the Reform Social and Grill in Emirates Hills, Dubai. There will also be a magician on hand to keep the children entertained, along with festive stalls and food.

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