Winter At Tantora

17 Dec 2026 to 9 Jan 2027

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Celebrate music, culture, gastronomy and vibrant experiences beneath AlUla’s winter skies

Overview

As the temperature cools, AlUla comes alive with the Winter At Tantora festival. Named in honour of the traditional sundial in Old Town, around which communities gathered to mark the start of the planting season, this iconic celebration is marked by weeks of musical performances, immersive installations, and sensory discoveries. From culinary experiences to artistic appreciation, Winter At Tantora invites every kind of explorer to connect deeply with AlUla's heritage, beauty, and spirit. 

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Key information


Event Type

Festival

Date

17 Dec 2026 to 9 Jan 2027

Location

Across AlUla


What to expect

  • Live concerts and performances in extraordinary venues
  • Cultural celebrations inspired by AlUla’s heritage and traditions
  • Culinary experiences, pop-ups and seasonal dining concepts
  • Family-friendly festivities, markets and community gatherings
  • Desert adventures, stargazing and outdoor exploration 
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Winter At Tantora Experiences

Immerse yourself in artistic wonders, open-air dining, and timeless cultural encounters - Winter At Tantora is AlUla at its most alive.

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Frequently asked questions

Winter At Tantora brings together the best of AlUla's culture, history, arts, music, adventure, and gastronomy in a seasonal spectacular. Named after the traditional sundial (Tantora) in Old Town used historically to mark the winter planting season, it is all about gathering together in celebration, as it was then.

The festival runs for several weeks each winter, typically from mid-December through early January. For the 2025-26 edition, the dates are 18 Dec 2025 to 10 Jan 2026

Many events unfold across AlUla's Old Town and its Oasis, as well as Hegra and the surrounding desert landscapes.

Music and performance: From the open-air Shorfat Tantora concerts in Old Town to amphitheatre showcases.
Cultural tours: Including the Old Town Culinary Voyage - uniting storytelling and local delicacies in a perfect pairing.
Heritage displays and workshops: Traditional crafts, storytelling, Old Town celebrations and art installations.

Yes - family-focused experiences at Winter At Tantora are clearly marked as being suitable for all ages. Some evening concerts and events may have age restrictions but this will always be noted.

Absolutely. Choose from desert hikes, hot‑air balloon flights over Hegra, stargazing sessions, rock-climbing, and guided hikes.

Tickets are required for most concerts, performances, guided tours, and culinary events. Free entry options exist for community celebrations and certain cultural activities. Pricing varies depending on event type and scale.

Warm, layered clothing is essential - days are mild, nights can be cool. Comfortable footwear is recommended for desert tours and Old Town exploration. Those attending performances often embrace stylish yet practical desert-wear.

Accommodation ranges from boutique heritage stays like Dar Tantora to luxury resorts such as The Chedi Hegra or Banyan Tree AlUla and eco-lodges like Cloud7 Residence.

AlUla International Airport expanded capacity to accommodate growing visitor numbers. Many flights connect from Riyadh and Jeddah. Once in AlUla, shuttle buses, car rentals or guided transfers are available.