Nestled in northwest Saudi Arabia, the ancient town of AlUla has been long celebrated for its rich history, unique culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Celebrating this captivating destination, Winter at Tantora has returned for yet another season, packed with a lot more adventures, entertainment, and magic. To be held from 19 December 2024 to 11 January 2025, the festival promises an unforgettable discovery of AlUla's unmatched beauty, cultural heritage, art, and more. From immersive performances and events to fun-filled activities and thrilling adventures, every aspect of this 22-day winter carnival will connect you with the very best of AlUla. Get ready for this year's edition of Winter at Tantora, which invites you to embrace the magic of AlUla like never before!
Winter At Tantora: Celebrating the Rich Heritage of AlUla
Winter at Tantora is not just an annual event; it's an opportunity to uncover everything that makes AlUla unique and incredible. This winter fest features grand festivities, comprising a wide array of experiences, festivals, exhibitions, and live shows. Here, time seems to stand still. And, as you prepare to be a part of the magical event in the ancient city of AlUla, there are several key entails that you must familiarize yourself with. This blog covers the details about Winter at Tantora tickets, key events, attractions, unique adventures, and what makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Winter at Tantora: What is it All About?
Winter at Tantora, Saudi Arabia, is a one-of-its-kind festival that brings people from across the globe together to celebrate one of the world's most historically rich regions, AlUla. It is celebrated as a part of AlUla Moments, a series of cultural events inaugurated in 2021 by the Royal Commission. The festival is named after a traditional sundial positioned right in the heart of AlUla Old Town, which is a significant landmark in the town. It is around this sundial that people of AlUla for many centuries would gather to mark the beginning of the planting season. The annual carnival offers a remarkable mix of culture, history, adventure, music, art, and culinary delights, capturing the true essence of AlUla. Over the 22 days, musical performances, art displays, and historical theatre are organized amidst the desert terrain, aiming to showcase the true beauty of AlUla to the world and make the audience a part of its remarkable story.
Key details of Winter at Tantora 2024-25 are mentioned below:
Date: 19 December 2024 to 11 January 2025
Location: AlUla, Saudi Arabia
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Key Events in Winter at Tantora Festival 2024
The Winter at Tantora festival, held annually from December to January, showcases the region’s rich history through different events, activities, displays, and competitions. Listed below are the key events to look forward to during the Winter at Tantora 2024-25:
1. Immersive Theatre Experience
A flagship event at Winter at Tantora, the Immersive Theatre Experience allows you to discover the ancient traditions of AlUla while also enjoying the modern creative expressions of the region. The event blends art, culture, and technology against the desert backdrop of Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia. Held for 22 days, it offers immersive cultural indulgences beyond traditional boundaries. Every theatre performance hosted during the event is based on the region's natural beauty, rich heritage, generation-old philosophies, and growth story. The intricately designed, multi-sensory venue features mesmerizing light installations and audio-visual projections, creating a spectacle that merges storytelling with innovation and entertainment.
Date: 19 December 2024 to 25 January 2025
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ticket Price: SAR 70 Per Person
Age: 16 years and above
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2. Sanaam AlUla Night
Organized in the Old Town, this three-week event transforms AlUla into a world-class concert set against the dramatic desert backdrop! The 2024 edition of the Sanaam AlUla Night celebrates the Year of the Camel in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance and role of camelids in the country’s cultural heritage. This enchanting evening hosts live musical performances by globally renowned performers and local artists, presenting a captivating and artistic blend of Saudi and Arabic music. From traditional instruments and melodies to contemporary tunes, Sanaam AlUla Night creates a magical experience for everyone attending the AlUla Winter at Tantora festival!
Date: 19 December 2024 to 25 January 2025
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Ticket Price: SAR 100 to SAR 250 Per Person
Age: 12 years and above
3. Tantora Old Town Celebration
A prime highlight of the Winter at Tantora festival is the Tantora Old Town Celebration, which defines the traditions and culture of AlUla Oasis most beautifully! The event turns the town into a vibrant living museum, offering an interactive experience through myriad masterclasses, storytelling, and local crafts. This event is ideal for families, especially those with children!
Date: 20 December 2024
Duration: 7 hours
Ticket Price: Free Entry
Age: All Age Groups
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4. In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta
Named after legendary explorer Ibn Battuta, this Discovery Tour is a major part of Winter at Tantora festival! It takes you on an unforgettable journey through Saudi's golden desert as you explore AlUla Old Town and AlUla Oasis up close. Discover the natural beauty, cultural traditions, and history of these unique locations in AlUla. Learn about the significant historical role of the Incense Road in Old Town, a significant trade route lined with mud-brick houses, ancient buildings, artifacts, and aromatic gardens. In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta offers a piece of the medieval world blended with a serene escape in the lush AlUla Oasis, featuring more than 2.3 million date palm trees.
Date: 9 December 2024 to 28 February 2025
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ticket Price: SAR 35 for Children (5 to 12 years, Free Entry below 4 years) & SAR 70 for Adults
Age: 5 years and above
5. Macintosh Show
Immerse yourself in the world of music during this exclusive show. Macintosh Show showcases the musical creativity of the country and celebrates the iconic hits by maestro Ahmad Al Oud and a majestic orchestra. Enjoy the music while renowned stars Saber Rebai, Zena Emad, Aziz Maraka, and Daffy put on their best performances.
Date: 3 January 2025
Duration: 2 Hours
Ticket Price: From SAR 500 to SAR 9,900 Per Person
Age: 17 years and above
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6. Almanshiyah Carnival
A key event on the calendar of Winter at Tantora, the Almanshiyah Carnival is a wholly family affair. And the 2024 edition of this extravaganza brings a world of exciting activities. Tap your feet to the beats of trendy rhythms and listen to enchanting stories by professionals. Moreover, the concert features classic vintage games, colorful parades, and delicious local delights to enhance the experience for every attendee!
Date: 19 December 2024 to 25 January 2025
Duration: 8 hours
Ticket: Free Entry
Age: All Age Groups
7. AlUla Citrus Season
This special event celebrates the bountiful citrus harvest of AlUla's winter season. The festival offers a display of hand-made citrus products and a range of competitions, which highlight the rich tapestry of the region. Become a part of this event scheduled for 5, 6, 12, and 13 January to celebrate your winter vacation with AlUla’s fresh produce!
Date: 3 January to 11 January 2025
Duration: 8 hours
Ticket Price: Free Entry
Age: All age groups
8. Shorfat Tantora Concert
A key part of the Winter at Tantora festival, this transforms AlUla into an open-air concert. This 21-day event takes place in the neighborhoods of AlManshiyah and AlJadidah, where talented musicians come together to serve you with traditional and contemporary music.
Date: 19 December 2024 to 10 January 2025
Duration: 2 hours
Ticket Price: Free Entry
Age: Suitable for all Age Groups
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9. Abeer Nehme and The National Arab Orchestra Concert
Get ready for an unforgettable night of culture and music with prominent Lebanese vocalist Abeer Nehme and the renowned National Arab Orchestra (NAO) staged by Michael Ibrahim. Organized at Maraya Hall, the concert provides a remarkable glimpse into the country's classical musical journey along with complete entertainment. The performances during the concert include everything from liturgical melodies, and traditional Middle Eastern music to contemporary music, catering to diverse music taste!
Date: 27 December 2024
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ticket Price: SAR 500 to SAR 9,900 Per Person
Age: 17 years and above
10. Future Ancients Makers Space
Get hands-on with the history and culture of AlUla in the most engaging and interesting way at the Future Ancients Makers Space. Journey through the captivating landscapes of AlUla and explore and creativity of the region, dating back to ancient civilizations. This fun activity during the Winter At Tantora is ideal for families.
Date: 19 December 2024 to 23 January 2025
Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Ticket Price: Free Entry
Age: 6 years and above
Unique Experiences in AlUla
Apart from the cultural and historical events, Winter at Tantora has a wide range of experiences to make every moment memorable for the visitors. Some of these include:
Outdoor Adventure
Winter At Tantora invites you to experience a range of outdoor activities that connect you with nature in a unique way. Hot air balloon ride over Hegra, stargazing in the desert, hiking, and rock climbing in the magical landscape of AlUla are some of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia for those seeking some thrill during the trip.
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Maraya Concerts
Witness live musical performances in the most unique setting at Maraya, one of the most magnificent concert halls in the world. The mirrored exterior of Maraya merges with the desert backdrop, creating a mesmerizing gaze. The venue hosts a range of musical shows throughout the year, with genres ranging from classical Arabic to jazz and pop music.
Exclusive Hegra World Heritage Site Tours
Take a comprehensive tour of the Hegra archaeological site, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saudi Arabia. Explore the eye-catching architecture of 110 preserved tombs, ancient wonders, museums, and historic buildings in the area. Some popular tours include Hegra Day Tour (3 hours), Hegra Vintage Land Rover Tour (2 hours), Hegra Hop-On Hop-Off MMG Tour (1 hour 5 minutes), and Hegra After Dark (1 hour 30 minutes). Don’t forget to pick local handicrafts, elegant antiques, and souvenirs from traditional markets.
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World-Class Culinary and Hospitality
AlUla is globally renowned for its rich culinary scene and top-notch hospitality, which has greatly contributed to the growth of tourism in the city. The luxurious accommodations and fine dining options across the city ensure a comfortable stay in AlUla, allowing travelers to conveniently enjoy every moment. The restaurants serve mouth-watering traditional cuisine by world-class chefs in spectacular scenery, which in itself is a unique experience. In terms of stay, the options are diverse, from high-end resorts to glamping tents, combining premium services and facilities.
AlUla, an ancient cultural hub, is one of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia for a journey back in time. And if you are looking forward to discovering the best of AlUla, there is no better opportunity than the Winter at Tantora. Whether you are a history buff, adventure seeker, or a music lover, Winter at Tantora 2024-25 has something for every traveler. Book one of our AlUla tour packages to be a part of this grand cultural festival and experience the magic of AlUla's heritage, creativity, food, and natural beauty!
Winter at Tantora - FAQs
Winter At Tantora 2024 is a cultural extravaganza connecting AlUla to the world while throwing light on its ancient history, traditions, music, art, cuisine, and agriculture. This significant event encourages tourism and cultural exchange in the AlUla region, which will further help in achieving Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
Yes, you require a visa to visit AlUla, unless you are a Saudi Arabian citizen. The passport must be valid for six months after the return date from AlUla.
The best time to visit AlUla is during winter (October to April), when the weather is pleasant, required for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Winter at Tantora festival is also held during this season, which makes it perfect for those seeking to dive into the art, nature, and culture of AlUla.
Hegra, Old Town, AlUla Oasis, Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil), Harrat Viewpoint, and AlUla Museum are the popular places to see in AlUla.
To reach AlUla, catch a flight to the Al-Ula International Airport (ULH). Taxis and rental cars are easily available from the airport to travel to the city center, about 35 km away.
Banyan Tree AlUla, Our Habitas AlUla, Shaden Resort, Dar Tantora The House Hotel, and Cloud 7 Residence AlUla are some top-rated hotels for a luxurious stay in AlUla.
Tabbouleh, Mansaf, Jareesh, Kabsa, Falafel, Mutabbaq, Al Harees, and Mulukhiyah are some must-try traditional foods in AlUla.
For an ultimate shopping experience in AlUla, visit Old Town Market Street, Deerah Souq, Kingdom Centre Mall, and the House of Otta.
Some of the best souvenirs to buy in AlUla are Al Qatt Al Asiri art, homemade perfumes, palm fronds, natural essential oils, antique pieces, and Saudi fashion and accessories.
During Winter at Tantora 2024-25, you can enjoy diverse cultural events, live concerts, fun activities, city tours, and food.
