Dubai’s Christmas Market has quickly become a staple in the city’s tourist calendar, and with good reason! In the Dubai Christmas Market, the brightly-colored booths offer local crafts, home decor, delicious food, and even some unusual Dubai holiday gifts to take home as souvenirs from your trip. Whether you’re traveling with kids or looking to make your Christmas shopping easier (and more affordable!), there are plenty of reasons to get to the Dubai Christmas Market before it closes on January 1st.
Discover the Dubai Christmas Market: A Traveler’s Guide
Read on for our full guide to everything you need to know about the 2018 Dubai Christmas Market!
How to Enjoy a Trip Like A Pro
What is the Dubai Christmas Market?
Often called the city of gold, Dubai is a cultural melting pot with a unique personality that can be appreciated even during wintertime. From November 15 to January 1, 2017, Dubai transforms into a European-style winter wonderland and features many family-friendly activities in its various themed markets. While finding an authentic Christmas market in New York City may be tough (trust us), you can find plenty of them in Europe, Germany in particular.
As such, it was only natural for a Middle Eastern country to create one for those who would like to experience a foreign holiday without having to travel too far.
When is it?
The Dubai Christmas market is up and running through December 25th, 2018. But, you can also shop all year long in Dubai for decorations, gifts and other holiday gifts. With lots of tourists each year, Dubai really makes an effort to cater to those coming from outside their borders for business or pleasure.
If you’re traveling to or from here during other parts of the year and want a taste of what’s going on during December, check out some of these great stores that sell everything needed for an authentic Arabian holiday.
They even offer party supplies like plates, napkins and balloons! When it comes to festive food options, there are plenty to choose from including Middle Eastern specialty dishes as well as American favorites like turkey dinner with all of its fixings.
Where is it?
The first-ever Dubai Christmas market is located in Downtown Dubai at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. The event opens on November 11 and runs through December 18, 2017.
The Markets Structure
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) features several open-air markets including an outdoor mall and a covered shopping area. The outdoor mall is called Al Souk Al Bahar, which translates to the marina market.
It’s located directly adjacent to Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s tallest buildings. As you walk down from Jumeirah Beach Residence toward Burj Khalifa and pass by all of these towering buildings, you are entering DIFC and coming into a whole new district that offers dining options from around the world, high-end retail shops like La Perla, and now a taste of Germany in December with their DIFC Christkindlmarkt.