The festival runs from 18 December 2025 to 10 January 2026.
With its vast deserts, rich history, and unique cultural experiences, Saudi Arabia has something to offer to every type of traveller. Among the destinations making a mark in the Kingdom is AlUla. While rooted in history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers much more. Winter at Tantora transforms AlUla into a living cultural stage, where ancient history, art, music and gastronomy come together under the desert sky.
Set against sandstone cliffs, fragrant oases and centuries-old mudbrick homes, Winter at Tantora reimagines heritage through immersive experiences, intimate performances and interactive storytelling. From guided walks through Old Town to evenings filled with music in AlJadidah Arts District, Winter at Tantora invites visitors to connect with AlUla’s past while celebrating its dynamic creative present. The festival gets its name from the Tantora sundial, a traditional timekeeping device used by locals to mark the start of the winter planting season.
What to do?
One of the first things on your agenda should be Midday at Tantora. The experience invites guests to gather around AlUla’s historic sundial and uncover how it once governed daily life between the Old Town and the Oasis. During this guided heritage talk, a local expert explains how farmers, traders and residents relied on the Tantora to mark seasons, prayer times and market rhythms. With the sun at its peak, you will see how a simple shadow-shaped community routines in one of Arabia’s oldest cultural landscapes.
Old Town Nights brings AlUla’s heritage to life with an atmospheric evening of storytelling, performance and dining. Set within the historic open-air amphitheatre and framed by the ancient fort, the experience combines live heritage shows with a culinary journey. Guests can wander lantern-lit alleys, watch traditional acts inspired by local folklore and sit down to a multi-course meal that nods to regional flavours.
Shorfat Tantora celebrates the soundscape of AlUla as live music spills through the lanes of AlJadidah Arts District. Intimate stages and streetside performances showcase regional musicians, blending traditional melodies with contemporary rhythms. Guests can stroll between cafés, galleries and installations while the district hums with energy. Whether you pause at an outdoor terrace or linger beneath the lights, Shorfat Tantora captures the creative spirit of AlUla in a relaxed, open-air musical gathering.
The Old Town Wall Art Walk offers a fresh perspective on AlUla’s heritage through its painted mudbrick homes and contemporary murals. Guided by a local Rawi storyteller, the tour winds through narrow streets where colourful artworks echo age-old symbols, crafts and customs. Along the way, you will hear tales of merchants, families and festivals that once animated these walls.
The Old Town Culinary Voyage is a tasting tour that turns AlUla’s flavours into a storytelling experience. Moving from stall to courtyard, guests sample traditional dishes and ingredients while hearing how recipes were passed down through generations. Local hosts explain the significance of spices, preservation methods and seasonal produce, linking each bite to moments of daily life and celebration. By the end, you will have explored AlUla’s culture not just through its stories, but through its cuisine.
AlManshiyah Carnival channels the nostalgia of classic funfairs with a distinctly AlUla twist. Vintage-style games, live concerts and heritage parades bring the historic railway district to life, while food stalls and interactive zones create a playful, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can snap retro-inspired photos, enjoy roaming performers and soak up the festive soundtrack. Blending old-world charm with modern entertainment, AlManshiyah Carnival turns an evening out into a joyful celebration of community, memory and music.
Where to stay?
AlUla offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveller. If you’re looking for a lodge-like experience, Cloud 7 Residences, set against the backdrop of AlUla’s mountains, is a great choice. And if a luxurious abode is what you’re seeking, then head to the newly-opened Chedi Hegra, offering unparalleled elegance and comfort. But if you crave experiencing the region’s authentic culture, then Dar Tantora, with its traditional mudbrick architecture, should be your accommodation of choice.
Where to eat?
Much like the activities at Winter at Tantora, AlUla’s culinary scene also boasts many options. If you’d like to indulge in Levantine dishes, then Villa Fayrouz in Old Town is where you ought to be. The area also houses the newly-opened Jazean, a Saudi cafe serving coffee made from local beans. For a more fine-dining experience, Ducasse in AlUla, by renowned Chef Alain Ducasse, for a Michelin-worthy French dining experience.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.