As the desert air cools and the landscapes of AlUla glow under winter skies, one of Saudi Arabia’s most anticipated cultural celebrations makes its return. Winter at Tantora, running two weeks straight, is a gathering rooted in history, storytelling, and shared experience.
Inspired by the ancient Tantora sundial in AlUla’s Old Town, which once marked the winter planting season and guided daily life, Winter at Tantora revives the spirit of community and celebration. Today, that legacy comes alive through weeks of music, art, gastronomy, and immersive cultural moments set against one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.
What Is Winter At Tantora?
At its heart, Winter at Tantora brings together the very best of AlUla, its heritage, creativity, nature, and contemporary cultural scene. The festival invites visitors to explore the region through curated experiences that blend the old with the new, from open-air performances and art installations to culinary journeys and family-friendly celebrations.
As part of the wider AlUla Moments calendar, Winter at Tantora plays a key role in showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural depth while positioning AlUla as a global destination in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
A Festival Rooted in History
The festival takes its name from the Tantora, a traditional mudbrick sundial located in the heart of AlUla’s Old Town. For centuries, locals relied on it to tell time, manage water distribution, and signal the start of the winter planting season. Winter at Tantora honors this tradition, turning a historic marker into a celebration of culture, rhythm, and renewal.
Throughout the season, visitors are invited to connect with AlUla’s civilisational legacy through storytelling, guided experiences, and heritage-led programming that brings the past vividly into the present.
Music, Arts, and Immersive Performances
Music remains a central pillar of Winter at Tantora, with performances staged across AlUla’s most iconic locations. From intimate rooftop concerts to large-scale shows, the lineup spans genres and styles, offering something for every kind of music lover.
Highlights include:
- Shorfat Tantora (Tantora Balconies), where live music fills the rooftops of the AlJadidah Arts District
- Major performances at the striking Maraya mirrored hall
- Open-air concerts at the Thanaya amphitheatre, set against AlUla’s dramatic terrain
Art installations and live performances further enhance the experience, transforming public spaces into immersive cultural playgrounds throughout Winter at Tantora.
Old Town Nights & Family-Friendly Festivities
Among the most atmospheric experiences is Old Town Nights, where heritage storytelling, curated dining, and candlelit settings come together at the historic AlUla Fort. It’s an evening designed to slow down, savour, and reconnect with AlUla’s soul.
For families, the AlManshiyah Carnival offers a festive escape filled with traditional games, parades, and interactive entertainment, making Winter at Tantora a celebration for all ages.
Celebrating the Year of Handicrafts
A special highlight this season is the Year of Handicraft Celebration, taking place on 26 December 2025 at Thanaya. This dedicated evening spotlights Saudi craftsmanship through live demonstrations, music, and cultural showcases, reinforcing the festival’s focus on genuine local culture and traditional artistry.
Street art tours through Old Town, hands-on workshops, and artisan-led experiences further underline Winter at Tantora’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Saudi heritage.
Luxury Gastronomy Meets Desert Dining
Food lovers will find plenty to indulge in during Winter at Tantora, with luxury gastronomy experiences woven throughout the festival. From refined dining moments to open-air culinary concepts, the season brings together world-class chefs, regional flavors, and unforgettable settings, all designed to give a one-of-a-kind journey.
Nature, Adventure, and Exploration
Located in AlUla’s breathtaking rock formations and ancient landscapes, Winter at Tantora also invites visitors to explore the outdoors. Adventure experiences, guided tours, and scenic explorations allow guests to connect deeply with the land, making nature an essential part of the festival story.
A Cultural Season That Defines AlUla
With its mix of heritage, music, art, food, and exploration, Winter at Tantora has firmly established itself as one of AlUla’s premier annual events, attracting both local and international audiences year after year.
More than a festival, Winter at Tantora is a celebration of time, past, present, and future, where ancient traditions meet contemporary creativity, and where AlUla shines at its most alive.
What else is on in AlUla?
Beyond the excitement of Winter At Tantora, AlUla is also set to host Desert Polo in 2026, and here’s what you need to know.
