A highlight of the winter season, Madinat Jumeirah Resort’s Fort Island is a holiday haven that will take you to the North Pole on a train, on an abra boat ride with Santa and to a winter wonderland in a snowball zone. Until 28 December, Fort Island is home to a German-style festive market where you can peruse incredible trinkets and sample delightful food, or get the whole family involved in one of the many games and slides.

The Winter Garden Market at Habtoor Palace (from 4 until 21 December)

The holiday festivities get into full swing from 4 December at the Habtoor Palace where the hotel’s stunning Versailles Garden is transformed into a delightful winter wonderland. Grab a tasty festive treat at one of the market’s many food stalls, enjoy entertainment for all ages and meet the main man himself straight from the North Pole during one of his special appearances. There will be a tree lighting ceremony on the opening night along with carol singing from the Emirates International School Kid’s choir which will really add to the festive atmosphere.

Winter Market @ Jumeirah Creekside

Dubai welcomes a new addition to its winter market scene at Jumeirah Creekside hotel, which will feature a traditional German market and fun activities galore including a two-lane bungee jump. Children will love the mini train which takes them on a magical ride to the North Pole as well as the many other family-friendly activities they can enjoy during their visit. Relax with friends as you explore a menu of seasonal food and soak in the sights of the city skyline as you get into the holiday spirit.

Santa’s Secret Island @ Bluewaters 

Cross the bridge from The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residences and you’ll find yourself transported to a whimsical winter wonderland with snow-laden trees and a festive atmosphere. Bluewaters has transformed into Santa’s Secret Island where visitors can experience an all-out white winter and a holiday market selling unique finds, little eateries and a range of live performances until 5 January.

Discover a whole world of picture-perfect sceneries, from a towering 12-metre-tall tree to welcome guests at the entrance to a ‘freeze wall’ that makes the perfect backdrop for quirky Instagram photos. For children, there is a giant post box where they can send letters to Santa and a range of themed activities to keep them entertained all day, such as ornament- making and decorating gingerbread men.

Win fabulous prizes, shop for last minute holiday gifts and enjoy live performances in this winter universe that will bring the North Pole to Dubai’s desert.

KidZania Winter Games @ The Dubai Mall

For children looking to experience the wonder of a white winter, KidZania, the amusement city run by kids, is bringing a holiday wonderland to its home in The Dubai Mall. Up until 5 January, families can explore the holiday wonderland at the Winter Games, which is decking out its halls with a whole slew of family-friendly activities like ‘Snow Hunt’ and ‘Pin the Snowman’.

Interactive and informative, KidZania lets children experience real-life roles and professions, and this month is all about the month of merry. Kids can participate in a themed fashion show or join in on a radio broadcast discussing the latest on wintertime styles, accessories and traditions from around the world. Last but not least, KidZania is turning the Main Plaza into a snowfield so children can challenge each other to a quintessential snow fight.

LIGHT IT UP – FESTIVE TREES

Keep your eyes peeled for the giant, richly decorated trees popping up across Dubai’s malls, hotels and top attractions. Some of our favourites include the awe-inspiring festive recreation at Wafi Mall and dazzling decor at Mall of the Emirates, and don’t miss the grand tree lighting ceremony accompanied by carolers at Royal Central Hotel on The Palm. Dubai Festival City Mall’s towering tree is another highlight this year – larger than life, you can see it twinkling all the way from Business Bay Bridge.