AlUla's Winter at Tantora is back - here's what everyone will be talking about
World-class concerts, immersive experiences, and luxury gastronomy highlight the next Winter at Tantora in AlUla
Love AlUla’s cool winter nights? Then you’ll love what’s returning even more.
Winter at Tantora is back from Thursday December 18 to Saturday January 10, 2026, inviting visitors to experience the magic of AlUla during its most enchanting time of year.
This year’s theme, Winter Brings Us Together, captures the festival’s spirit of connection, creativity, and celebration. Over three weeks, Winter at Tantora will transform the ancient oasis into a living tapestry of heritage, music, art, gastronomy, and shared stories, bringing together communities and visitors from around the world.
Here’s everything you need to know about Winter at Tantora 2025.
Journey through time and tradition
Rooted in AlUla’s fascinating history, Winter at Tantora offers a deep dive into the region’s timeless traditions. The Midday at Tantora tour provides visitors with a glimpse of the Tantora sundial – the ingenious timekeeping method that inspired the festival’s name.
Meanwhile, the Tantora Square Community Celebrations mark the beginning of the winter planting season through ritual, storytelling, and communal gatherings.
In the historic Old Town, guests can explore the essence of AlUla through Old Town Nights, a remarkable dinner-and-show experience that combines live performances, heritage storytelling, and fine dining at the AlUla Fort.
Nearby, the Old Town Culinary Voyage immerses visitors in the flavours and stories of local cuisine, while the Old Town Wall Art Walk showcases hand-painted murals celebrating the Year of Handicraft.
Music comes alive with a series of performances
The season opens with Shorfat Tantora, where music flows from the rooftops of AlJadidah as ensembles perform from balconies along the Incense Road. This multi-level concert experience blends Saudi classics, operatic pieces, and contemporary sounds, transforming the lively district into an open-air symphony unique to AlUla.
As part of the official Winter at Tantora programme, the Thanaya Concert Series returns to captivate audiences in one of AlUla’s most stunning natural settings. Situated among towering canyons, this open-air venue invites visitors to enjoy stirring performances beneath the night sky. Emirati singer and actress Ahlam, renowned for her commanding stage presence and expressive Khaleeji sound, will deliver a highly anticipated performance for her loyal fans on Friday December 26.
To conclude 2025, a remarkable double bill will feature two of the Arab world’s most acclaimed voices: Assala Nasri, the queen of Arab music, will captivate audiences with her timeless repertoire, alongside Lebanese star Adam, who will showcase his signature emotive style, on Wednesday December 31.
Beyond the festival, Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored venue, continues to host world-class performances. Acclaimed vocalist Wael Kfoury will perform on Friday December 19, followed by Lebanese superstar Elissa on Friday January 9, with additional concerts to be announced.
Luxury dining and community celebrations
AlUla’s reputation as a destination for world-class dining continues to flourish during Winter at Tantora. Highlights include Prima Classe, which offers a refined dining experience inspired by the golden age of Italian travel, and Ducasse in AlUla, blending French sophistication with local flavours.
Winter at Tantora celebrates community at its core. The AlManshiyah Carnival will energise weekends with entertainment, local food markets, family-friendly performances, and cultural dance displays, while outdoor adventures invite visitors to explore AlUla’s stunning landscapes and connect with nature.
So, don’t miss out… get your tickets today to experience the festival that everyone’s talking about.
First launched in 2018, Winter at Tantora is part of the AlUla Moments 2025-26 calendar – a year-round programme celebrating the destination’s creativity, heritage and natural beauty.
Visit: ExperienceAlUla.com
Images: Supplied
