As the summer heat fades away, Dubai welcomes its most vibrant season: winter. With cooler evenings and perfect outdoor weather, the city’s much-loved attractions and festivals are set to make a grand comeback. This looks promising with fresh experiences, new offerings, and plenty of festive fun for residents. If you’re wondering where to spend your evenings or plan your weekends in Dubai this winter. Here are the top attractions and upcoming events to mark on your calendar to visit with your loved ones.
Global Village Dubai
Global Village Dubai launched its spectacular 30th season on October 15, 2025, running until May 10, 2026. It welcomes you daily from 4 pm to midnight (Sunday-Wednesday) and until 1 am (Thursday-Saturday). Tuesdays are reserved for ladies and families. Tickets are budget-friendly, starting at AED 25 on weekdays and AED 30 on any day, with free entry for kids under three, citizens over 65, and People of Determination. VIP packages from AED 1,800 include premium access and perks. New highlights this season include “Gardens of the World” and the adventurous “Dragon Kingdom” walkthrough.
Dubai Safari Park
The Dubai Safari Park reopened for its 7th season on October 14, 2025, featuring six zones with over 3,000 animals. The theme this year is “Wild Rules,” focusing on education about biodiversity through workshops, live wildlife talks, and up-close animal encounters. New fast-track access and private tour packages enhance the visitor experience. Tickets and packages are available online.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden reopened on September 29, 2025, offering you a 72,000-square-meter floral paradise with over 150 million flowers. It features new floral sculptures under the theme “Blooming Wonders, Endless Memories.” The garden is open daily from 9 am to 11 pm on weekdays and until midnight on weekends. You can buy tickets online, including options for skip-the-line access and combo passes.
Winter City at Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai’s Winter City festive celebration returns for 2025 at Al Wasl Plaza from December 6th to 31st. Tickets are priced at AED 50, with free entry for children under three and people of determination, plus a caregiver. The event features a towering Christmas tree, story-themed interactive activities like the Candy Cane Comet, festive markets, workshops, and daily live entertainment. Ticket sales will be announced soon.
Ripe Market, Dubai
Ripe Market returned outdoors at Academy Park starting October 11, 2025, running Saturdays 9 am to 9 pm and Sundays 9 am to 7 pm until May. It features artisan stalls with jewellery, clothes, toys, gourmet food, and family entertainment, including pony rides and workshops. It is a perfect weekend outing to support local entrepreneurs and enjoy outdoor shopping this winter in Dubai.
Hatta Wadi Hub
Hatta outdoor attractions, including the Wadi Hub, have already reopened for the winter season starting September 15, 2025. You can now enjoy a full range of activities such as mountain biking, zorbing, archery, wall climbing, water slides, and aerial ziplining, along with new additions like a kids’ zone, shooting range, and spear throwing. The glamping facilities at Hatta Dome Park and Caravan Park are open, with Caravan glamping now dog-friendly.
Hatta Dam remains accessible year-round for kayaking and water activities. Also, drop-in access to a dedicated swimming pool with sun loungers is now available for visitors to relax between adventures. The venue hosts endurance events like Spartan and Tough Mudder in November and Ultra Trail Dubai in December.
Dubai Shopping Festival
The Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-2026 will run from December 15, 2025, to January 29, 2026, spanning multiple malls and locations. This includes Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Walk, and more. It boasts massive discounts, entertainment, and a vibrant shopping atmosphere.
Dubai Racing Carnival
The 2025 Dubai Racing Carnival will commence on November 7, 2025, and will run through March 13, 2026. The event takes place at the Meydan Racecourse, with race nights typically starting at 5:30 PM on Fridays. Key dates include November 7 and 21, December 5 and 12, and continuing through January, February, and March with weekly races every Friday evening. The Dubai Racing Carnival is a premier horse racing event in the city, featuring world-class races and associated entertainment for visitors and racing enthusiasts alike.
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
The Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market for 2025 will follow its popular seasonal tradition. However, the dates are tentative, and new ones will be announced by late October. It features over 1,750 square meters of immersive family activities on Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island. Key attractions include a towering 36-foot Christmas tree, light and sound Christmas tree shows, mini train rides, and bungee jumping.
Moreover, a Venetian carousel, festive abra rides with Santa, and gingerbread house decorating. You can enjoy festive shopping, dining, and live band entertainment playing seasonal favorites. The market is typically open from early December through the end of January, with daily hours starting from 3 pm on weekdays and noon on weekends. Entry to the market is free, although some activities may require payment.
Winter District in Dubai Media City
The Winter District in Dubai is returning for its third festive season in 2025 with a new location at the iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers, from December 13 to 28. This winter attractions & events in Dubai will have twinkling lights, oversized ornaments, and a large Christmas tree, offering a charming marketplace featuring locally crafted gifts and unique trinkets perfect for holiday shopping. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal food and drinks, including warming beverages and sweet treats. Family-friendly activities include Santa’s Grotto for photos, festive carolers, face painting, arts and crafts workshops, carnival-style games, and a snow-themed play area for kids.
UAE National Day
UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2 every year with city-wide festivities including fireworks, concerts, parades, and cultural shows across Dubai and the entire country, showcasing national pride and heritage. This year, the government has declared both December 2 and 3 (Tuesday and Wednesday) as official public holidays, creating a long weekend of four or even five days. This extended break offers residents ample time to enjoy the festivities.
Celebrations include grand fireworks, parades showcasing Emirati heritage, and live concerts featuring local and international artists. The city’s iconic landmarks, like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, will be lit up in the national colors with spectacular light shows and performances.
Maroon 5 Concert Dubai
The highly anticipated Maroon 5 concert in Dubai will be part of the exclusive New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner “Under The Stars”. The event will happen at Atlantis, The Palm on December 31, 2025. The event starts at 6 PM and features a black-tie gala with a Winter Wonderland theme. Maroon 5 will perform live open-air, delivering a full setlist of their greatest hits, including “Moves Like Jagger,” “She Will Be Loved,” “Payphone,” and more, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display over the Dubai skyline. Tickets begin at AED 6,500 for adults and AED 4,500 for children aged 4 to 13, with special luxury suites available at higher prices.
Images: Wow Emirates Archives
Also Read: Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining In Dubai This Winter
