The much-anticipated Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla from December 19 to January 11, promising visitors an immersive journey through history, culture, music, and gastronomy. As a flagship event of the AlUla Moments calendar, the festival offers a rich program of performances, activities, and culinary delights, all set against the stunning backdrop of AlUla’s timeless landscapes.
A Festival Rooted in Tradition
Named after the traditional sundial in AlUla Old Town, which historically marked the beginning of the winter planting season, Winter at Tantora is a celebration of the region’s cultural and agricultural heritage. This year’s edition is packed with vibrant events, world-class concerts, and unique cultural activities that reflect AlUla’s status as a hub of creativity and history.
Musical Extravaganza
Winter at Tantora’s musical lineup features unforgettable performances by renowned artists:
- Marwan Khoury, the celebrated Lebanese composer, will join forces with the Croatian cellist HAUSER for a spellbinding collaboration.
- Abeer Nehme and the National Arab Orchestra will present a classical music experience steeped in tradition and artistry.
- The Macintosh Show will reimagine the greatest hits of iconic Arabic artists, featuring contemporary stars such as Ayedh, Aziz Maraka, Zeina Imad, and Daffy, led by Maestro Ahmad Al Oud.
Cultural and Artistic Highlights
- Sanaam AlUla Night: A special celebration of the Year of the Camel, blending traditional music and Saudi hospitality.
- Immersive Theatre Experience: A sensory fusion of film and theatre designed to captivate moviegoers and art enthusiasts alike.
- In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta: A discovery tour tracing the journeys of the legendary explorer along AlUla’s ancient Incense Road.
- Tantora Old Town Celebrations: Vibrant traditional performances, storytelling sessions, crafts, and masterclasses highlighting AlUla’s rich heritage.
A Feast for the Senses
The festival also celebrates AlUla’s culinary culture with a range of gastronomic experiences:
- Ducasse in AlUla: A fine-dining experience curated by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, offering an oasis-to-table journey.
- SASS’ AlUla: A Mediterranean-inspired dining experience infused with a touch of Saudi elegance.
- AlUla Citrus Season: Showcasing the region’s bountiful citrus harvest with markets, hand-made citrus products, competitions, and more.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families can enjoy engaging and educational programs like the Future Ancient Makers Space, which brings AlUla’s history to life through hands-on activities inspired by ancient civilizations.
Heritage Meets Modernity
Winter at Tantora perfectly balances tradition and modernity, offering something for every visitor, from history enthusiasts to music lovers and food connoisseurs. The Shorfat Tantora concerts, where balconies become stages for enchanting melodies, further amplify the festival’s unique charm.
A Destination Like No Other
Winter at Tantora is more than a festival—it’s an invitation to explore the cultural and natural treasures of AlUla, a city with 7,000 years of continuous human civilization. From its ancient monuments to its cutting-edge events, AlUla seamlessly bridges the past and the present.
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of culture, heritage, and artistry. For more details about the festival and to plan your visit, go to experiencealula.com.
About AlUla Moments
AlUla Moments is AlUla’s dedicated event calendar, launched in 2021 to highlight the region’s rich history and vibrant culture. The calendar includes five major festivals:
AlUla Arts Festival: Bridging contemporary and ancient art practices.
Winter at Tantora: Celebrating heritage, culture, and music.
AlUla Wellness Festival: Engaging the mind, body, and soul.
Ancient Kingdoms Festival: Immersive experiences exploring ancient civilizations.
AlUla Skies Festival: Featuring hot air balloon rides and stargazing.
