Winter at Tantora AlUla 2026–2027

Winter at Tantora is AlUla’s annual cultural season, running each year from December through March. It transforms AlUla — a desert valley in northwestern Saudi Arabia containing some of the most significant archaeological sites on the Arabian Peninsula — into one of the country’s most visited destinations over the winter months. The name Tantora refers to a traditional sundial used by the local community to mark the seasons.

The 2026-2027 edition runs from December 2026 to 31 March 2027.

Maraya and the Concert Programme

The centrepiece of Winter at Tantora is the Maraya concert hall. Maraya (meaning “mirrors” in Arabic) is a building clad entirely in mirrored panels that reflect the surrounding sandstone mountains and desert landscape. Certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest mirrored building, it seats approximately 500 people for intimate performances. Concerts at Maraya have featured world-class classical musicians, jazz artists, and acclaimed Arabic performers.

Tickets for Maraya concerts are limited and sell out quickly. The full concert programme for the 2026-2027 season will be announced on the Experience AlUla website and app. Booking as soon as concerts are listed is strongly recommended; many shows sell out within days.

Archaeological Sites and Heritage Experiences

Winter is the optimal season to explore AlUla’s outdoor sites. The main heritage destinations open during Winter at Tantora include:

Hegra (Mada’in Salih) — Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Nabataean cities in the world. Around 100 monumental rock-cut tombs are spread across the valley floor, carved directly into sandstone outcrops. Guided tours are required to visit the site (entrance and tour packages are booked through the Experience AlUla website or at the visitor centre). This is the priority site for most visitors to AlUla.

Dadan — Capital of the ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, with carved lion tombs visible on the cliff face. Archaeological excavation is ongoing.

AlUla Old Town — A labyrinthine historic mud-brick settlement that was inhabited until the 1980s. Restoration is continuing, with sections open for self-guided and guided walks.

Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil) — A naturally formed rock formation resembling an elephant. It is one of the most photographed landscapes in Saudi Arabia and is accessible from a short desert trail.

Craft Markets and Cultural Activations

The Winter at Tantora programme also includes the AlUla Moments craft market, held in the old town area. Local artisans, regional food producers, and international exhibitors participate. Evening markets are more comfortable than daytime visits given the cooler winter temperatures.

Art installations are placed throughout the valley, and some are site-specific commissions created in dialogue with the Nabataean and Dadanite heritage of the landscape. Walking maps are provided at the visitor centre.

Practical Information

AlUla is located approximately 300 km northwest of Medina. The nearest airport is Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport (ULH), which receives direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and a growing number of international routes. The journey from the airport to AlUla town takes around 30 minutes.

Accommodation in AlUla is limited relative to demand during Winter at Tantora. Options range from desert luxury camps to mid-range hotels in the town. Book at least two to three months in advance for peak December-January weekends. Car hire is strongly recommended — distances between sites are significant and there is no public transport within the valley.

December through February temperatures are the most pleasant in Saudi Arabia: 15 to 24°C during the day and dropping to around 5 to 10°C at night. Pack layers for evenings and early mornings.

For more on visiting AlUla and Hegra, see our AlUla city guide.