Magic in the Desert: The Upcoming Winter Carnival Season in Dubai

Magic in the Desert: The Upcoming Winter Carnival Season in Dubai

With the passing of the mid-November "Winter Carnival" at Creek Park, the door has officially opened for Dubai’s primary festive season. As the calendar turns toward December, the city is gearing up for a series of massive "winter carnival" style events that transform the desert metropolis into a polar wonderland.

While the singular one-day carnival has passed, the real excitement lies ahead. The upcoming weeks will see the launch of three major winter festivals that define the holiday season in Dubai: the Winter District at Emirates Towers, Winter City at Expo City, and the Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace.

The Winter District: A New Home for 2025

The most anticipated event of the season is the return of the Winter District, running from December 13 to 28, 2025. Previously held at Dubai Media City, this year’s carnival has moved to a prestigious new location: the Plaza Terrace at Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

This relocation places the carnival directly in the shadow of the Museum of the Future, promising a stunning backdrop for holiday photos. The event is designed as a classic European winter market with a Dubai twist. Visitors can expect a massive Christmas tree, snow play areas for children, and a "Santa’s Grotto" that usually requires advance booking due to high demand. Entry is typically free, making it a popular evening spot for families to enjoy hot chocolate, carnival games, and live music against the glittering skyline of the DIFC area.

Winter City at Expo City

For those seeking a more immersive experience, Winter City at Expo City Dubai is set to open its doors from December 6 to December 31, 2025. The iconic Al Wasl Plaza—the beating heart of the Expo site—will be transformed into a magical "White Christmas" zone.

This carnival is famous for its scale. It features a chalet-style market, a toy factory, and nightly "Carols by Candlelight" shows projected onto the massive Al Wasl dome. Unlike smaller pop-ups, this feels like a theme park, offering workshops for kids (like gingerbread decorating) and a letter-to-Santa station. It is perhaps the most "carnival-like" atmosphere, complete with roaming entertainers, jugglers, and festive parades that march through the Expo streets.

The Classic: Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace

Already open as of November 1st and running until January 31, 2026, the Winter Garden at Al Habtoor Palace remains the sophisticated elder sibling of Dubai’s winter carnivals. While less focused on rides, it offers a nostalgic, fairground atmosphere with its famous array of food kiosks, live singers, and towering Christmas decor. It is the quintessential spot for a "winter vibe" Instagram post, attracting long queues of residents looking to enjoy the cooler evenings.

Whether you are looking for the European market feel of the Winter District or the grand spectacle of Expo’s Winter City, Dubai’s upcoming carnival season proves that you don’t need snow to celebrate winter. With most events kicking off in early December, residents are advised to plan their visits now—especially for weekends—to avoid the inevitable festive rush.