Winter at Tantora

الشتاء في تنتورة

View on map
Nature & SeasonAlUla
DatesDates TBA · Usually DecemberCheck locally before booking
Duration24 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forSeasonal rites, water traditionsWinter at Tantora stands out as AlUla's
Language["ar"]Currency: SAR
CategoryNature & SeasonFestival type
The story

Winter at Tantora in AlUla

Winter at Tantora is AlUla's flagship winter cultural festival, running roughly December through March and named for a historic winter marker once used by the oasis's farming community. It combines hot air balloon flights, equestrian and heritage shows, concerts, and craft markets set against AlUla's sandstone canyons and ancient Nabataean tombs.

Winter at Tantora is AlUla's original flagship winter festival, the event that first established the region as a serious tourism destination before the broader AlUla Moments umbrella brand was built around it.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Winter at Tantora stands out as AlUla's original anchor festival, predating the broader AlUla Moments branding and giving the region its first sustained tourism identity beyond archaeological site visits alone

02

The mystery stays covered

Its name references Tantora, a traditional winter solstice marker historically used by AlUla's farmers to time agricultural cycles, grounding a modern entertainment festival in genuine local heritage

03

The city starts moving

The festival's setting, staged among Hegra's Nabataean tombs and AlUla's dramatic sandstone formations, gives its hot air balloon flights and outdoor concerts a backdrop unmatched by most winter festivals anywhere in the world

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival's name honors Tantora

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a historic winter solstice date once tracked by AlUla's agricultural community to guide planting cycles

The sacred route

Living ritual

connecting the modern festival directly to the oasis's centuries-old farming heritage

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually December

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of AlUla you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Warm layers are essential for AlUla's cold desert winter mornings and evenings, even though daytime temperatures can still be mild; modest, comfortable clothing suits both outdoor heritage...

Safety

Winter at Tantora is best approached as a guest: follow local crowd guidance and avoid blocking participants.

Where to stay

For busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Winter at Tantora does not become the hardest part.

Tickets/cost

Public water rituals are often open, but boat, viewing, or activity access may be paid.

Language/currency

["ar"] · SAR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map26.56 N, 37.96 EOpen in Google Maps

AlUla, Medina Province, Saudi Arabia

Nearest airportULH — Al-Ula
TransportStay close enough to the part of AlUla you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaFor busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Winter at Tantora does not become the hardest part.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to AlUla via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near AlUla, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for December.Compare faresFestival gearWarm layers are essential for AlUla's cold desert winter mornings and evenings, even though daytime temperatures can still be mild; modest, comfortable clothing suits both outdoor heritage sites and evening concert venues.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Saudi Arabia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Winter at Tantora?

Winter at Tantora is listed for Past edition: 18 December 2025–10 January 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Winter at Tantora take place?

The festival is listed in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

24 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

AlUla, Medina Province, Saudi Arabia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLexperiencealula.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually December
Source statusOfficial source linked
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