As the desert cools and the enjoyable winter months creep in, the ancient city of AlUla comes alive with a vibrant cultural festival.

Imagine starlit nights filled with mesmerising performances by world-renowned musicians, ancient ruins illuminated by candlelight, and a diverse array of culinary delights. From immersive theatrical experiences to traditional crafting workshops and musical performances, Winter at Tantora offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment.

Winter at Tantora runs from December 19 through to January 11 2025, but there are a selection of events taking place this month as part of the AlUla Ancient Kingdoms Festival, serving as a warm up to the winter calendar.

During the day, visitors can explore the stunning landscapes of AlUla, hike through ancient valleys, or soar through the skies in a hot air balloon. As the sun sets, the festival comes alive with a dazzling array of events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural performances.

Here are 5 exciting events, activities and dining experiences to book and look forward to this winter:

Sass Café re-opens in AlUla

Date: From November 20, 2024

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Sass Café is particularly popular for its chic decor, live entertainment, and vibrant nightlife scene, and it has become a go-to destination for those seeking a stylish and sophisticated dining experience. Despite being an open-air destination in AlUla, the dining destination and DJ hotspot has an intimate feel with dark, sultry and plush red velvet decor is offset by splashes of leopard print and dimly lit, overhanging chandeliers.

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Book your table here

Naseer Shamma & Khatia Buniatishvili concert

Date: November 29, 2024

A UNESCO Artist for Peace, Naseer Shamma will perform in front of the Kingdom's very first UNESCO recognised heritage site, Hegra; the oud master has toured the world, sharing the sounds of the traditional Arab instrument with the world. Naseer Shamma will be joined by Spanish guitar legends, the Barcelona Guitar Trio to showcase the blending of European and Arabic sounds. Naseer Shamma and the Barcelona Guitar Trio will be joined by the very talented Georgian pianist, Khatia Buniatishvili.

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Buy your tickets here

Ducasse in AlUla opens

Date: From December 4, 2024

Alain Ducasse in AlUla via ig 2

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The French fine-dining, farm-to-table pop-up dining experience will return to AlUla this December for a limited time period. Combining locally sourced, fresh ingredients from the oasis farms of AlUla with the traditional flavours of French cuisine blended with Ducasse's family-run farm background of his family farm, this 'farm-to-table' style restaurant is set to offer the Kingdom's epicureans a one-of-a-kind menu and pop-up experience.

Read more here
ducasse-alula.com

Discovery Tour: In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta

Date: From December 19, 2024 - February 28, 2025

AlUla Old Town via instagram

Taking place daily throughout the Winter in Tantora celebrations, the Discovery Tour: In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta will bring visitors to AlUla on a history-filled journey through the town's history, tracing the travels of adventurers along the Incense Road.

Immersive Theatre Experience

Date: From December 19, 2024 - January 25, 2025

Immersive theatre experience alula example via unsplash muriel-gargre

A unique movie experience, this immersive and cinematic theatre will see movies and short films projected onto the facade of the buildings in AlUla's Old Town. This allows for a multi-sensory and wholly immersive experience that the whole family will enjoy.

Sanaam AlUla Night

Date: December 20, 2024

Explore beyond the city limits of Jeddah on a day trip

Explore beyond the city limits of Jeddah on a day trip

Perfect for the whole family, Sanaam AlUla Night will celebrate the Kingdom's Year of the Camel with evening celebrations, music from local groups coupled with traditional Saudi Arabian hospitality.

Abeer Nehme and The National Arab Orchestra concert

Date: December 27, 2024

Abeer Nehme via ig 1

Abeer Nehme via ig 2

Bringing life and soul to Tarab, Rahbani and traditional Lebanese music, Abeer Nehme is a much-loved Lebanese singer. For one night only Nehme will bring the stage to life together with The National Arab Orchestra. Tickets are set to go on sale soon, so be sure to keep an eye on the AlUla Experiences Instagram.

Marwan Khoury and HAUSER concert

Date: January 10, 2025

Hauser Cello Alula via ig 2

Marwan Khoury Singer via ig

Prepare to be mesmerised by a unique collaboration featuring the legendary Lebanese singer-songwriter Marwan Khoury and the acclaimed Croatian cellist, HAUSER. Although the concert has been announced, tickets are not yet available - but keep an eye out as they are bound to sell out quickly.

What is Winter at Tantora?

Winter at Tantora is a winter festival held annually in the ancient city of AlUla: the UNESCO recognised desert landscape destination offers a unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment.

During the festival, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of activities and indulgent dining experiences. But it is in the evenings when AlUla and the Winter at Tantora festival really comes to life, the ancient city becomes a buzzy location with a dazzling array of events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural performances.

One of the highlights of Winter at Tantora is the opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. Visitors can witness traditional music and dance performances, explore ancient ruins, and savour delicious local cuisine.

Winter at Tantora
From December 19 to January 11
experiencealula.com
@experiencealula

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