Urban bazaars usher in season of joy

MORE THAN 10 URBAN MARKETS AND CHRISTMAS FAIRS TO TAKE PLACE ACROSS DUBAI THIS DECEMBER

The festive season is here. From Christmas festivals to urban bazaars, more than 10 markets are taking place across Dubai — with some starting this weekend.

This winter, residents have a variety of open-air and indoor markets to visit, with new additions being placed on the annual event calendar. Starting today, the second Upcycled Urban Market will focus on recycled biodegradable items, and natural and organic products. The two-day event will include art, live music and food, workshops, and a range of fashion gift ideas.

Music and art

The open-air Urban Block Party will be dedicated to music, art and design lovers with live music by local artists. The largest bi-monthly handmade urban arts and craft market, the ARTE Christmas Edition Festive Market, will feature works from a community of 150 contemporary and original art and craft makers.

The Raffle Christmas Market, an outdoor festive fair, will feature 20 vendors selling seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts, turkey nuggets, minced pies and hot chocolate.

The following weekend, the UAE’s largest festive market will open at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Dubai Winter Festival will include Santa’s grotto and a large lit Christmas tree. Stalls will feature everything from real leather bags, art prints, jewellery, and home decor, to cupcakes and toys.

Fort Island’s Festive Market in Madinat Jumeirah will be converted into a playground of ice-rinks, slides, with a North Pole train that will tour visitors around the market.