The Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market is Always on My Christmas Wishlist
I’m a sucker for anything related to Christmas. So when the holiday season rolls around the corner, you can already find me planning what I’ll be doing during this time of the year.
On top of my list is always a visit to the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market. In fact, I look forward to this market all year round, so forgive me if I get giddy at the thought of having it open very soon.
Of course, we’re not in the game of gatekeeping here. So while we wait for the Christmas market to finally open, here’s a guide with everything that you need to know about the market.
Why Visit the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market
The Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market is a festive event combining our idea of the classic European Christmas and the Middle Eastern beauty of Dubai.
It takes up 1,750 square meters of Souk Madinat Jumeirah and is the perfect place to shop for gifts, eat good food, and experience different activities.
Whether you’re alone or with family, there’s surely something for you at the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market.
Where is the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market?
The Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market is located in Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island. It’s surrounded by several hotels and resorts, including Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, which offers direct access from its property to the Christmas market.
Things to Know About the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market
Dates and Operating hours: The Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market runs from 5 December to 31 January. It opens from 3:00 PM to late during weekdays and from noon until late during weekends.
Parking: Since the market is located within the Souk Madinat Jumeirah complex, you can park at the designated parking area for the souk. However, parking spaces are limited, and you will need to pay a parking fee.
Entry Fees and Booking Information: The Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market is free to visit for everyone. You only need to pay fees for certain activities within the market.
How to Get Around
Trains: You can take the Dubai Metro and stop at the Mall of the Emirates Station. From there, you can ride a taxi to Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Buses: Bus routes 8, 81, 88, F55A, and X28 all stop near Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Taxis: A taxi is the most convenient way to get to Souk Madinat Jumeirah since you can be dropped off right at the entrance.
Car: If you’re traveling by car, make sure that you allocate some time to drive to Souk Madinat Jumeirah since traffic in this area can get quite heavy during peak hours. Use navigation apps to show you the best routes depending on the time of your visit.
What to Do at the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market
Take a photo of the massive Christmas tree
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At the heart of the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market is the massive Christmas tree that stands over 36 feet tall. Being the highlight of the festivities, it lights up the entire market, making it a favourite spot for guests to take photos.
Just make sure that you come early, especially on the weekends. That way, you don’t need to wait a long time just to get your photo taken without any photobombers in the background.
Go on a traditional abra ride
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Another highlight of the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market is the abra ride that takes you around the waterways of Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
This magical experience doesn’t just let you see the entire market from the water, but it also lets you try a piece of Dubai’s history by riding its traditional boat.
And if you’re lucky enough, you can even share the abra ride with Mr. Santa Claus himself. We did, and that became my children’s core memory, for sure.
Try the different rides in the market
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While you do all the shopping and eating, your little ones can enjoy the many activities around the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market, like the Venetian carousel and mini train.
And if the kids still have a lot of energy after trying the rides, you can let them join the many workshops in the market, including a gingerbread house-making activity that they’ll surely love.
Where to Stay Near the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market
Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
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Address: Jumeirah Street – Madinat Jumeirah – Umm Suqeim 3
Contact details: +971 800 623 4628
Pricing: $$$
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Jumeirah Mina Al Salam is a beachside hotel near Souk Madinat Jumeirah, where the Christmas market is located.
This beautiful resort celebrates Arabian architecture, where you can find every intricate detail in your bedroom and in the common areas.
Aside from their rooms, you can also stay at one of the resort’s suites, where you get your own balcony overlooking the sea.
Tips When Visiting the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market
The Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market is one of the most visited locations in Dubai during the Christmas season. So if you want to enjoy your trip, here are some tips that you can follow:
- If you don’t want to deal with the heavy crowd, go to the market right after it opens. There are fewer people, and you won’t have to deal with the traffic getting there.
- If you don’t want to brave the Dubai traffic to get to the market, consider staying at the Jumeirah Mina Al Salam. It will give you private access to the market.