The Habtoor Winter Garden at Al Habtoor Palace is an outdoor event that takes place in Dubai. This is a garden where the Christmas trees and the holiday lights are located. It starts in December and ends in January. So, last time it was there from November 2024 to January 2025. This time it will take place on December 1, 2015. There are a lot of things to see and many lights all over the place, and it is a good spot for taking photos. This event will have holiday shops and a children’s play area. The transformation of Dubai into a winter wonderland brings forth the spirit of Christmas and new dimensions of fun.
Habtoor Winter Garden Location and Dates
The Habtoor Winter Garden is located in the hotel yard of Al Habtoor City on Sheikh Zayed Road, which is close to Al Habtoor Palace. Most of the fun takes place between December and January. It went from November 1st to January 31st in 2024. That year, it also started on December 1st.
Weekdays from 4:00 pm to 12:30 am, on weekends until 1:30 am are the times it opens to the public and operates the same way. Therefore, it allows people to experience the mild Dubai weather under the moon and stars. The Winter Garden would work when there is small amount of rain, which Dubai’s rain usually is. It will not be able to open if Dubai’s rain stays.
Tickets and Entry
The main way of getting inside the Habtoor Winter Garden is free. However, you should get a voucher for AED 25, which is equal to US$7. This voucher can be used for food, drinks, or games. So, I pay AED 25 to go in, but I can use the money in the Winter Garden. The voucher can be purchased at the entry gate or online through the Al Habtoor Group Loyal App, thus avoiding the exhaustive waiting time. Remember, one voucher means one person and is valid for all food, games, and shopping items. You should definitely spend it so that you won’t be left with any credit. In case your kids are too small to use it you will have the option to buy gifts or Snacks.
Family Fun and Activities
Winter Garden is a wonderful place for kids because they have made it a place for the whole family, which means you do not even have to worry about parking! There are interactive games, rides, and entertainment for every age group. On Saturdays at 8:00 pm, a teenager is the one who comforts the children and gives them some of the candies and gifts.
For the big children, there are other activities such as the playground, the ring tossing game and the fishing games as well as having a ballroom. There’s also a mini zoo for younger travelers to visit. You are allowed to make a decision with your ticket money. You can pay for anything you choose. Families can take advantage of the amusing bands, singing choirs, and dancers, as well as do some free dance themselves.
- Santa Visits: Have your kids meet Santa at eight o’clock in the evening, on weekends, the photographs are free, and the treats are included.
- Kids’ Play Area: In this park you can see petting zoo, swings, and water slides for kids. A zoo that teaches about biodiversity can be good for science students.
- Pet-Friendly: People are allowed to bring on-leash pets. Small dogs can also stroll around and receive treats as well.
Winter Garden is the place to be if you want to enjoy a carnival of fun and be the first people to see the shining lights.
Food and Dining
The Winter Garden is a wonderful place to visit owing to various food stalls. Hot chocolate, warm apple drink, sweet pies, and other holiday treats are some of the things you can get there. Snacks are numerous such as pizza, burgers, fries, and spasificates. They ensure people that they will prepare popular foods, even from countries far away.
Some popular items are really huge turkey legs, kebabs, churros, or candy from the Arabic area. It is a nice time to sit around the garden at night and eat while enjoying the stars. Do not miss those awesome holiday drinks such as spicy apple juice and hot chocolate with fluffy marshmallows. In addition to that, you can taste also some Emirati snacks.
Furthermore, there are top-tier restaurants near Al Habtoor Palace where guests can dine in or just enjoy the tea. However, the majority of people prefer the traditional market food; it is similar to a Christmas market in warm Dubai. All food stalls accept AED 25 vouchers as a payment method.
Shopping and the Winter Souk
Shopping is nice. In 2024, Al Habtoor City had opened “Souk Al Habtoor City Winter Garden”. There are lots of small shops. You can buy gifts that are usually seen on the streets and crafts and special Christmas clothes.
Among the things you might purchase are winter candles, warm scarves, pretty jewelry, local art, wooden toys, etc. Some things are for holidays and trips. The shops change, so there is always something new to see.
People will surely enjoy the good smelling candles, the beauty items like hand cream, and funny lamps, and then toys and kids’ clothes at this very place.
At the hotel, La Boutique is another store where the hotel is. This shop is also open during the winter garden Al Habtoor hours. La Boutique provides luxury products like chocolates, teas, perfumes, jewelry, and other nice gifts.
Between La Boutique and the outdoor shops, you might have come across original gifts and fun souvenirs. There are cool clothes, attractive decorations, flavored teas, a beauty chair, independent gifts, and many unique gifts.
Hotels and Nearby Attractions
In Al Habtoor City there are three great hotels that are close to the Dubai Water Canal. Al Habtoor Palace is one of the hotels at the right side of the city. Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City and V Hotel Dubai are the other two hotels that there are.
They have these hotels provided private beaches, pools, and spots where eating is possible. For instance, the hotel sometimes offers special prices for people who want to stay longer. A little further down the street is the Winter Garden, a great place for kids out with the family.
Not to mention the fact that the Al Habtoor Theatre is not out of your reach. The show, La Perle by Dragone, has achieved international acclaim. It is on almost every night just for Sunday when it is usually not opened. Families are often taken to the show right from the Winter Garden. The show contains some never before seen stunts and special effects.
You can even look out to the skyline and visit the Dubai Mall, which might not be that far at all. As you walk beside Dubai Canal, you also get to see a pleasing visual that pops up from time to time. Families are said to be always interested in checking some other very fun places near Winter Garden and the upper names of the show.
Other Winter Events in Dubai
They have several winter events in Dubai.
- Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market: you can have a Winter Wonderland with a big Christmas tree, boatrides, carousel, and music. The Christmas Market runs Dec 5-31 and you’ll get in for free.
- Winter City at Expo City: They will have real snow, shows, workshops, and lighting of the trees. It’s going to be such a family-friendly attraction and will be open from November all the way until January.
- Winter Wonderland at Ski Dubai: This is where the snowball fights, Santa, and the rides are scheduled to happen. Conditions apply for the ride tickets.
- Global Village: It’s your best option to be there in October through April. By winter, they introduce snow shows and New Year events. The staff will assist you with your purchase.
Dubai travelers now have numerous holiday destinations to choose from, including Habtoor Winter Afternoon Tea, which is a nice taste of Dubai and all free!
Tips for Visiting
Best Time to Visit
Must visit on weekday evenings because in this time this place is less crowded, so you can spend your time with your family and friends. If you want to see the lights so come at 5 to 6pm. Also, if you want to see santa, the best time is 8pm on weekends.
What to Wear
The nights are cold as it starts at 15–20°C in winter. A light coat or sweater will be needed. Because it is an open area, it is necessary to check the weather beforehand.
Bring Your Pet
Your small pet is allowed to the event. A walk at the park would surely be a great way for them to enjoy it. In addition make sure your pet is pleasant and leashed inside the park.
Use Your Voucher
There is a 25 Dirham voucher that you can use to pay for drinks, food, and games. The best plan would be to decide how you want to use it. Grab a hot drink, find a snack for kids, or take a chance on a game. Make sure you use all your credit before leaving.
How to Get There
Winter Garden is located on Sheikh Zayed Road at Al Habtoor City. The hotel parking is paid but usually gets full. Call a taxi or ride a taxi; there is a drop-off place right by the entrance. Likewise, you can use the Dubai Metro Red Line too, and Business Bay Metro is the closest station, either a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride from there. There are also buses and so many taxis at night.
Buy Tickets Early
Hold the line by booking a spot on the Al Habtoor app or website in advance. You can easily enter your code scanned when you arrive.
Food and Fun
Get full at the Winter Garden. The family can enjoy such goodies like pancakes, which also has relatively good taste.
Extra Activities
On top of that, you can add memories by having selfies at the Habtoor Palace or maybe, go for the La Perle show. And of course, look for those Saturday and Sunday special deals!
Stay Updated
Via the Al Habtoor City website or @WinterGardenDubai on Instagram; up-to-the-minute info is available. Each year is similar to the other years such as the 4 pm opening and Santa at 8 pm each year.
The Habtoor Winter Garden is great for kids to enjoy. In a single location, get the lights, the music, and the Christmas stuff all in one go. Here are the basic steps to a fun-filled outing!
Faq’s
Where is the Winter Garden in Dubai?
It is at Habtoor Palace Dubai in Al Habtoor City on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Is Habtoor Hotel a luxury hotel?
Yes, it is the hotel which is holiday home for many people and is very nice the rooms are comfortable, delicious foods, things to do, etc.
Who is the owner of Al Habtoor?
The owner of Al Habtoor is Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor. He started the company and is still the boss.
What is a winter garden?
A winter garden is a place for plants and greenery inside a building or with glass, and where plants and greenery are showcased throughout the year.
