Winter Markets and Festivals in Qatar 2026–2027
November 2, 2026 | 04:21 PM
Winter in Qatar brings a lively calendar of outdoor markets, seasonal festivals and family-friendly experiences. From festive shopping and handmade crafts to international food, local produce, cultural celebrations and activities for children, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the cooler months. Whether planning a weekend outing, looking for unique gifts or enjoying seasonal food and entertainment, these winter events offer something for the whole family.
Winter Markets and Festivals in Qatar at a Glance
Torba Market - Local Produce, Handmade Products and Family Activities
Torba Market is one of Qatar’s popular seasonal markets, bringing together local farmers, independent businesses, artisans and food producers in a welcoming outdoor setting. It is also a lovely place to enjoy freshly prepared food, grab a coffee and discover products made by local entrepreneurs.
Families can also look forward to Torba Junior, a special initiative that gives children aged 5 to 15 the opportunity to showcase and sell their own creations, encouraging creativity, confidence and entrepreneurship from an early age. Workshops, seed and plant swaps and other community activities add to the experience. Visitors can explore stalls along the waterfront, with local producers, farmers, craft makers and artisans. The new Qanat Quartier market is scheduled to open in December 2026, operating on Fridays and Saturdays.
Doha Festive Market
Doha Festive Market brings together local businesses, independent vendors and creative entrepreneurs for a day of festive shopping and community activities. Visitors can browse a selection of stalls featuring handmade crafts, gifts, fashion accessories, home products and specialty items while supporting small businesses in Qatar. The market offers an opportunity to discover unique products, shop for gifts and enjoy a relaxed day out with family and friends.
Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2026
The Qatar International Food Festival is one of the country’s major food events, bringing together local and international restaurants, cafés, chefs and food brands. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of dishes from different cuisines, explore food stalls and food trucks, and discover new flavours from participating vendors. The festival also features live cooking demonstrations, entertainment, family activities and special food experiences, making it a popular outing for food lovers and families.
The upcoming edition will take place in January 2027, making it part of Qatar’s 2026–2027 winter events season. The festival brings together local and international food vendors, with themed culinary zones, live-fire cooking experiences, cultural villages featuring Egyptian and Greek cuisine, and live cooking demonstrations by local and international chefs. Families can also enjoy QIFF Juniors, a dedicated children’s area with interactive activities, alongside daily fireworks and drone shows.
Doha Winter Trade Fair
The Doha Winter Trade Fair offers a large indoor shopping experience, featuring products and goods from more than 19 participating countries. Visitors can browse a wide range of merchandise and seasonal shopping collections, with products suited to the winter season and upcoming occasions. It is an opportunity to explore international brands, discover different products and enjoy shopping under one roof.
BCF Winter Bazaar
The BCF Winter Bazaar returns to the British Embassy Doha for a festive weekend of Christmas shopping, food, entertainment and family activities. Organised by the British Community Foundation (BCF), the community event brings together a variety of market vendors offering gifts, handmade products, festive items and other finds. Families can enjoy food stalls, children’s games, arts and crafts, and Santa’s Grotto, making it a fun seasonal outing for children and adults. The bazaar also features a raffle, adding to the festive atmosphere while supporting the foundation’s community activities.
Nova Paw Festival 2026
Nova Paw Festival 2026 brings two days of pet competitions, fashion shows, entertainment and family activities to The Pearl Island. Presented as Qatar’s first international pet festival, the event celebrates dogs and cats, bringing together pet owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians and animal lovers. Visitors can watch international dog and cat competitions judged under World Kennel Union (WKU) and World Cat Federation (WCF) standards, along with grooming competitions, pet fashion shows, K9 demonstrations and veterinary talks.
Families can explore six themed festival zones featuring pet care services, adoption opportunities, children’s games, food trucks, outdoor dining and interactive experiences. There will also be opportunities to meet adoptable pets, enjoy photo experiences and take part in family activities. Visitors can bring their own dogs or cats to the festival, subject to the organisers’ entry requirements.
MIA Bazaar
MIA Bazaar is returning to Museum of Islamic Art Park for the 2026/2027 season, bringing together local vendors, handmade products,
shopping and family-friendly activities in one of Doha’s popular outdoor locations. The new season starts on 30 and 31 October 2026, with the
bazaar continuing every weekend. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed stroll through the park while browsing stalls offering arts and crafts, traditional
clothing, accessories, jewellery, handmade items and more. Families can also look forward to a variety of sweet treats, desserts, children’s
toys and activities. Whether you are looking for unique handmade finds, gifts or a pleasant outdoor outing with the kids, MIA Bazaar offers an
opportunity to browse local stalls and meet local makers.
The Pearl Food Festival
he Pearl Food Festival returns to The Pearl Island for 11 days of food, entertainment and family-friendly activities. The festival brings together more than 40 local and international food brands, offering visitors a chance to sample different cuisines, enjoy street food favourites, discover specialty drinks and explore a variety of dining concepts. Alongside the food stalls, visitors can look forward to outdoor movie nights, photobooth experiences, a dedicated children’s area, roaming entertainment and live stage performances. Set against the waterfront surroundings of The Pearl Island, the festival offers a lively outing for families, friends and food lovers.
Heenat Salma Winter Bazaar
Heenat Salma Winter Bazaar returns for six days of culture, creativity, food and family experiences at Heenat Salma Farm. The seasonal event brings together local artisans, independent makers, creative brands and small businesses in a marketplace featuring handmade crafts, jewellery, gifts, fashion accessories and distinctive products. Visitors can explore a variety of activities, including creative workshops in embroidery, ceramics, candle making, calligraphy, bracelet making and decorative crafts. Children can enjoy a dedicated kids’ zone, family area and library, as well as opportunities to interact with farm animals and experience vegetable harvesting. The programme also includes a VCUarts Qatar art exhibition, outdoor cooking at the dome oven and barbecue, food and drink experiences, music, entertainment and open-air dining. As evening sets in, visitors can gather around the bonfire and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the farm.
Al Mina Market 2026–2027 - Seasonal Waterfront Market at Old Doha Port
Al Mina Market is a new seasonal waterfront market organised by Heenat Salma Farm at Old Doha Port, bringing together local businesses, artisans, food producers and creative makers. Running across four months, from December 2026 to March 2027, the market will feature eight rotating themes, with a new selection of vendors, products and experiences every two weeks. Visitors can browse stalls selling handmade crafts, locally produced goods, seasonal food, ceramics, fashion, jewellery, textiles, plants and botanical products. The programme will also include hands-on workshops, traditional craft activities, cultural performances, live music and opportunities to discover local products. With its changing themes and waterfront setting, Al Mina Market offers families and visitors a different shopping and cultural experience throughout the winter season.
Katara Traditional Dhow Festival
The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival returns for its 16th edition, celebrating Qatar’s rich maritime heritage and the seafaring traditions of the Gulf region. Held along the southern beach area of Katara Cultural Village, the 10-day festival showcases traditional wooden dhows and highlights the history of fishing, pearl diving and maritime trade. Visitors can explore displays of historic boats, traditional navigation tools, marine collectibles and heritage exhibitions, while watching demonstrations of traditional boatbuilding, rope-making and fishing-net weaving. The festival also features traditional craft markets, cultural pavilions representing participating countries, local food stalls, folk performances and maritime competitions. Families can enjoy a range of activities and educational experiences that introduce children to Qatar’s connection with the sea and its traditional way of life.
