A Living Celebration Of AlUla’s Traditions As AlManshiyah Carnival Returns

One of AlUla’s most beloved community celebrations returns to Winter at Tantora as AlManshiyah Carnival once again fills the historic AlManshiyah Plaza with colour, music, and an unmistakable spirit of togetherness.

Running every Friday and Saturday from 19 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, the open-air carnival invites visitors of all ages to step into a world where tradition meets play. It will feature vintage carnival games, roaming mini parades, live concerts, workshops, food stalls, local crafts, and numerous opportunities for shared memories.

Vibrant, welcoming, and full of life, AlManshiyah Carnival perfectly captures the essence of winter in AlUla. No ticket is required, making it one of Winter at Tantora’s most accessible and family-friendly attractions.

From the lively streets to the glow of evening lights, AlManshiyah Carnival transforms the neighbourhood into a festive playground. Local artisans and culinary vendors bring the craftsmanship and flavours of AlUla to the forefront to offer visitors the chance to engage with the region’s creative traditions.

With programming designed to unite families, friends, and tourists, the carnival stands as a living expression of AlUla’s cultural heritage; a place where sound, scent, and smile reflect the warmth of the community.

Set within one of AlUla’s most characterful neighbourhoods, AlManshiyah Plaza provides the perfect backdrop for the carnival. The plaza is a lively gathering point featuring cafes, restaurants, playgrounds, and communal seating areas.

The area is home to the beautifully preserved AlUla Railway Station – a landmark that connects the plaza’s modern vibrancy with the region’s storied past – and the AlManshiyah Farmers Market, a daily destination offering farm-fresh produce, local delicacies, handcrafted goods, and gifts made by AlUla’s artisans. The market adds an additional layer of discovery, allowing guests to shop, taste, and explore alongside the carnival atmosphere.

Across each evening, AlManshiyah Carnival offers a full programme of live entertainment, interactive experiences, and family-friendly activities running from 6pm to midnight every Friday and Saturday throughout the event.

The Main Stage hosts a rotating schedule of traditional music and performance, including folkloric Daha and Rifaihi dances, Oud and Qanun performances, and live musical showcases taking place at regular intervals across the evening.

Beyond the main stage, the carnival experience unfolds throughout the plaza with roaming entertainment and hands-on activities. Visitors can enjoy puppet shows, magic performances, stilt walkers, balloon artists, and children’s entertainment across the site, alongside a Kids Zone and Gaming Zone featuring classic carnival-style games available in timed sessions.

Creative workshops, including wool weaving, bread making, and hat making, invite guests to engage directly with AlUla’s traditional crafts, while pop-up food stalls and local vendors add to the carnival atmosphere.

Event details:

• Dates: 19–20 December, 26–27 December 2025; 2–3 January, 9–10 January 2026
• Time: 18:00–00:00
• Location: AlManshiyah Plaza
• Price: Free entry (food, games, and workshops payable on site)
• Age Policy: All ages welcome (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
• Parking: Complimentary parking at AlManshiyah Parking
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible (event includes loud noises and flashing lights)
• Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket for winter evenings.

AlManshiyah Carnival is a signature attraction of Winter at Tantora, AlUla’s flagship cultural festival running from 18 December 2025 to 10 January 2026. Named after the historic sundial in AlUla Old Town, the festival celebrates heritage, creativity, and community through performances, immersive experiences, and cultural encounters across the region.

Winter at Tantora forms part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 calendar – a year-round programme of festivals and events showcasing the best of AlUla across culture, heritage, sport, nature, and the arts, reinforcing the region’s position as a global destination for meaningful and memorable experiences.

To explore upcoming events and plan your AlUla experience, please visit experiencealula.com.