Festive food, arts and crafts and lots of entertainment for the little ones…

One of the best things about Christmas has to be the festive markets that pop-up all over the capital. We may not have snow, but that won’t stop us from filling our festive markets with lavish decorations, super sized Christmas trees, festive foods and loads of oh-so-pretty arts, crafts and trinkets just waiting for you to take them home.

Here are 5 Christmas markets in Abu Dhabi to visit this year… 

Swiss Christmas Market at Beach Rotana Residences Promenade

When: Wednesday December 4 to Saturday 7, 2019

Looking to buy gifts for loved ones? Why not check out the Swiss Christmas Market at Beach Rotana that’ll be home to over 40 nicely adorned wooden chalets showcasing gifts like ornaments, decorative gifts and handicraft items typical of the season? For food, expect Swiss food specialties like Raclette, a Swiss potato and cheese dish and Swiss Fondue, a dish best enjoyed with friends. The Christmas market runs over the course of four days starting from December 4 to December 7. Timings below:

Wednesday December 4: 4pm to 9pm
Thursday December 5: 2pm to 10pm
Friday December 6 and Saturday December 7: 11am to 10pm

Beach Residences Promenade, 10th Street, Al Zahiya Area – Abu Dhabi, Wednesday December 4 to Saturday December 7, timings vary, Tel: (02) 207 0000 rotana.com

Sanderson’s

When: Saturday December 14 , 2019

Located at Al Seef Village Mall, Sanderson’s will be hosting a charming Christmas market starting from 10am until 4pm on Saturday December 14. You will find jewellery vendors such as Le Elegancia and Bead Talks, as well as Balinese inspired bag maker, Cacade Rattan and artisanal local wood carvers, Woodstock UAE. If you have children, head down from 1pm to 4pm where there are activities such as face painting and games.

Sanderson’s,  Al Seef Village Mall, Abu Dhabi, Tel: (02) 222 1142 wearesandersons.com 

Winter Market at Yas Winter Carnival

When: Tuesday December 10 to Saturday December 14 , 2019

While the Christmas market isn’t the only reason to visit the Yas Winter Carnival, don’t skip checking it out. You will find everything from fashion accessories, art prints, jewellery, home decor, toys, festive gifts and more. The five day event is free to enter, but you’ll need to register online here.

Yas Winter Carnival, Gateway Park South, Yas Island, Tuesday December 10 to Saturday 14, 2pm to 10pm on Dec 10 and 11, 2pm to 11pm Dec 12 to 14, wintercarnival.ae

Festive Market at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa

When: Saturday December 7 , 2019

The Westin Events lawn transform into a winter wonderland on Saturday December 7, packed with stalls and plenty of activities for the whole family. Performances include dances by children from local dance schools around Abu Dhabi and a special choir performance at night. For the little ones there Christmas cookie decorations and a fun colouring zone. However, the highlight of the festive market at Westin Abu Dhabi is their annual Santa chase (don’t forget to register!) which will see the little ones running behind Santa Claus trying to catch him. There’s even a special prize for the one who catches him first! To keep things fair, there are three age categories: 9 to 12 year old which  begins at 3pm, 5 to 8 year old which begins at 4pm and 2 to 4 year old which begins at 5pm. Best news: it’s free entry.

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa, Abu Dhabi, noon to 7pm on Saturday December 7 , 2019,  Tel: (02) 616 9999 marriott.com 

Yas Mall

When: Thursday December 12  to Tuesday December 24, 2019

The largest mall in Abu Dhabi will be transformed into a sensational winter wonderland complete with festive decorations and Santa’s Grotto for the weekend over December 12 to 14. There will also be a festive market that will leave you spoilt for choices for Christmas gifts for your family and friends.

Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily from December 12 to 24, noon to 11pm on Thursday and Friday, noon to 10pm Saturday to Wednesday, Tel: (02) 414 6401 yasmall.ae 

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