After my leisurely browse around the new Ripe Market the other weekend, it got me thinking about what else the city has to offer in the way of markets and it suddenly seems that just like buses, as soon as one comes along, they all come along at the same time! Here’s what I’ve found on markets in Abu Dhabi for December…

So as I just mentioned, of course there’s the new Ripe market at The Collection, St. Regis, Saadiyat – you can read my full run down on that if you missed it by clicking here.

Swiss Christmas Market
This year marks the 10th annual Swiss Christmas market taking place at the Beach Rotana outdoor courtyard from December 4th to 7th, 2014. The market features 40 decorated Swiss chalets selling Christmas gifts as well as a whole heap of activities to keep everyone from young to old amused. There will be musical entertainment, food stations, a Lindt live chocolate kitchen and daily school choirs performing at 5pm and 6pm.

There’s also a bunch of kids activities planned including storytelling, face painting and decorating your own gingerbread house.

Entry is free. For activity timetables and more information please see their website.

Sheraton Charity flea market
The Sheraton charity flea market is a regular event, held every quarter and has become a hugely popular feature in the Abu Dhabi market calendar. You can find all sorts of unexpected goodies from the second-hand wares on sale including books, clothing, toys and more all at bargain prices – all funds collected from the exhibitors go towards children in need.

The next flea market takes place at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi hotel in the Arzanah ballroom on Sunday 6th December from 9am to 2pm. Entry is free for visitors. 

If you want to know more or are interested in exhibiting yourself at the market (tables cost Dhs285), contact 02 677 3333 for further information.

Baby Bazaar
Those from Dubai will probably already be familiar with the name Baby Bazaar which has quickly become another popular feature on the calendar in Dubai, so I’m pleased to see that Baby Bazaar is coming to Abu Dhabi on the 6th December from 12pm to 5pm at Yas Marina.

Baby Bazaar is a market where mums can buy and sell their good quality pre-loved baby and maternity items from toys, clothing, buggies and more.

Friends in Dubai absolutely love this market so mums and mums to be (and Dads!), do make sure you get down there and support it and hopefully we should see it becoming a regular monthly feature in 2015!

For more information check out their Facebook page by clicking here.

The Galleria’s first annual Festive Market
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island is going to be hosting its first festive Christmas market on the waterfront promenade in what is set to become an annual event. As well as a festive bazaar with seasonal gifts there will also be traditional treats to savour, a gingerbread decoration station and a snow ball park where kids can make their own snowmen. There will also be a grotto where kids can meet the big man himself – Santa, as well as Christmas singers performing carols.

The festive market will take place on the Galleria Waterfront Promenade between December 10th and January 5th from 4pm to 10pm on weekdays and 4pm to 12pm on weekends. For further details call The Galleria directly on 02 616 6999.

The Corniche Markets
Word on the street is also that the craft markets on the Corniche are making a comeback from 11th December although I’m afraid I have no further details than that at this stage.

So there you have it – it seems like it’s all happening for December! Now all that’s left is to go forth and enjoy! 🙂