Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market 2026 in Dubai

The Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market returns to Dubai from Friday 4 December to Sunday 27 December 2026, turning Fort Island at Madinat Jumeirah into a glowing Christmas village beside the waterways of Souk Madinat Jumeirah. It is one of the city’s longest-running seasonal traditions: the market was already an annual fixture on Fort Island back in 2018, and for many residents it is the moment December properly begins.

Entrance is free on a first come, first served basis, so there is nothing to book just to walk in, browse the stalls and take in the lights. That makes it an easy plan for a weeknight wander after work, a slow weekend afternoon or an evening out with relatives visiting for the holidays.

A 36-foot tree on Fort Island

The market covers roughly 1,750 square metres, and its centrepiece is a towering 36-foot Christmas tree hung with baubles, stars and candy canes, with oversized wrapped presents stacked around its base. It is the photo everyone queues for, and it works as a natural meeting point if your group splits up to explore.

The setting does a lot of the work. Fort Island sits in the middle of the Madinat’s canals, framed by wind towers and Arabian-style arches, and as the sun sets the stall lights reflect off the water. Few Christmas markets anywhere can offer a festive stroll in December sunshine followed by a mild evening by the water, and that contrast is a big part of why people come back year after year.

Rides, snow and Santa by abra

The Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market is as much about doing as it is about shopping. The line-up announced for 2026 includes:

• a snow fight zone, a rare chance to throw snowballs in Dubai
• bungee jumping for the more adventurous
• a North Pole train ride that loops around the market
• a Venetian carousel
• gingerbread house decorating
• an abra ride with Santa along the Madinat waterways

The Santa abra is the experience most families talk about afterwards: a short, scenic trip on a traditional wooden boat through the resort’s canals, with Santa on board. Entry to the market itself is free, but the rides and activities have their own charges, as they have in past seasons, so check the prices at each attraction on the day.

Stalls, mulled wine and live music

Between the rides, the market stalls are the place to hunt for gifts. Past editions have mixed seasonal crafts with homegrown UAE brands, which makes it a good spot for presents you will not find in the big malls. Food and drink are part of the evening too, with festive dining options and mulled wine, while a live band plays Christmas music through the afternoon and evening.

If you want a sit-down meal afterwards, the restaurants and terraces around Souk Madinat Jumeirah are a short walk from Fort Island, so it is easy to turn a market visit into a full night out.

Who the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market suits

This is a genuinely all-ages outing. Younger children will head straight for the carousel, the train and Santa, while older kids can burn off energy in the snow fight zone or settle down to decorate a gingerbread house. Couples and groups of friends can browse the stalls, warm up with a mulled wine and stay for the band. For visitors spending December in the city, it is a relaxed introduction to how Dubai celebrates Christmas.

Because entry is free, it also suits anyone watching their spending at an expensive time of year. You can make it a quick hour or stay for the whole evening. Weekend evenings in December are the busiest, so a weekday visit is the calmer choice with small children. For more family ideas this month, see our kids events in Dubai, or try gingerbread house making at Address Beach Resort if the decorating station leaves your children wanting more.

Opening hours, entrances and getting there

From Monday to Thursday the gates open at 3pm and the market stays open until late; from Friday to Sunday it opens at midday and also runs until late. In past seasons, Jumeirah hotel guests have entered through Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, while visitors from outside have used the Souk Madinat Jumeirah entrance.

Parking is limited and the venue recommends taking a taxi. If you do drive, paid parking is available at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre car park and at Sahat Al Qasr parking. For questions, Madinat Jumeirah can be reached on +971 4 366 8888 or at mjinfo@jumeirah.com, and the resort posts updates during the season on Instagram at @madinatjumeirah.

The Festive Market sits at the heart of a busy festive month. Browse our guide to things to do in December and our wider list of things to do in Dubai to plan the rest of your holiday season around it.