What’s On In Dubai At Christmas

Take the festive magic up a notch this year, with a Christmas holiday in Dubai.

Whether your visit is during the lead up to the big day or you’re staying to join in the celebrations of December 25, you’ll have the time of your life enjoying a feast of fun, excitement, entertainment and food. As well as all the wonders Dubai is renowned for, you’ll find a whole host of festive delights on offer. What’s more, with typical December temperatures of 21°C to 27°C, and more than eight hours of sunshine per day, you don’t have to worry about the weather spoiling your plans. So, without further ado, here’s Destination2’s guide to what’s on in Dubai this Christmas.

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Christmas Markets

Get yourself into the festive mood during your Dubai holiday with a visit to one of the Emirate’s Christmas markets. A stroll around the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market will definitely put you in the spirit of the season. Open daily from December 4 to December 31, you’ll find a host of artisanal market stalls, as well as live performances, a mini train ride, fairground rides and a towering Christmas tree. Another opportunity to shop for unique festive gifts usually arrives in mid-December, when the Winter District opens at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, with a market place, food stalls, entertainment, play areas, Santa’s grotto lights, decorations and much more. Other events to explore include Habtoor Palace Winter Garden markets and the Winter City markets at Expo City Dubai, taking place from December 5 to December 31. You can also enjoy a Christmas shopping expedition at Dubai Mall, with the destination transformed into a festive wonderland filled with colorful decorations, lights and baubles.

Festive Attractions

The festive fun is all around during December in Dubai and you can expect a plethora of superb attractions serving up Christmas-themed excitement right throughout the month. Share in the delight of Christmas traditions, food and entertainment from all around the world at the Global Village, while you’ll also get to meet Santa and enjoy spectacular seasonal parades. Santa and his elves will also be visiting Ski Dubai, where you can pay a visit to his grotto in between having fun on the slopes in this snowy playground. Alternatively, head to Dubai Mall to chill out with a skating session at Dubai Ice Rink. Festive entertainment, activities and movie screenings are just a few of the treats on offer at Winter City at Expo City Dubai, while the fabulous floral displays at Dubai miracle gardens get a Christmas makeover to add extra colour and a touch of sparkle to the season.

Christmas Entertainment

IFrom family-friendly fun to candlelit concerts, you’ll find festive entertainment to please everyone this December in Dubai. Kids will love a trip to the Panto during their Christmas holiday. Options include Cinderella at Mall of the Emirates, between December 5 and Christmas Eve, and Snow White, at Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s Meyana Theatre, from December 16 to December 28. Children are also invited to join the fun at Mission Elf Possible, at Theatre by QE2, from December 5 to December 12, and Magic Phil’s Croc ‘N’ Roll Christmas, at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, from December 11 to December 13. If you’re visiting Dubai without Children in tow, the Candlelight Christmas Classics concert, at Shangri-La Dubai, on December 19, might be more your thing, with timeless festive favourites performed by a string quartet. For an utterly unforgettable experience, however, head to The Fort, Lisaili, on December 18, 19 or 20, for Carols in the Desert, with a talented choir performing under the twinkling stars.

Christmas Celebrations

If you’re looking to celebrate in style this Christmas, Dubai is the place to be. Lavish gala dinners and lively brunches can be enjoyed in a variety of hotels, with Atlantis, The Palm renowned for its Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus of food and fun. The celebrations on the QE2 start early, with the historic vessel hosting Fabulously Festive Parties every Saturday afternoon from November 28 to December 19. You can also enjoy a sumptuous Christmas Day lunch, Christmas dinner BBQ and a Boxing Day BBQ. An extensive five-course Christmas Eve dinner is on offer at The One&Only Royal Mirage’s The Residence, while Christmas Day brunch is served at the resort’s Rotisserie Restaurant & Gardens, or by the Arabian Gulf, at the resort’s Beach Bar & Grill. Turkey and all the trimmings can be enjoyed at The Ritz-Carlton, from December 1 to December 27, with a Legendary Christmas Day Brunch served outdoors on the big day itself.

New Year’s Eve

A New Year’s Eve that will be remembered for a lifetime can be expected when you welcome in 2027 on the shores of Dubai. The glittering parties, dazzling lights and epic fireworks displays will thrill every visitor, with legendary landmarks including the towering Burj Khalifa, lit up with colourful pyrotechnics. The gala dinner at Atlantis, The Palm will surely be one of the highlights, with US songstress Katy Perry the star of the show. Elsewhere, The Ritz-Carlton is hosting a black tie dinner with live entertainment throughout, while One&Only Royal Mirage is serving up a spectacular four-course meal, with music provided by a live band and a DJ. McGettigan’s, Barfly by Buddha-Bar, Jones The Grocer, CLAW BBQ and Trader Vic’s provide plenty of New Year’s Eve options at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. Alternatively, The St. Regis Downtown’s grand terrace is the perfect spot to watch the city’s scintillating firework displays, with the addition of live music and dancing.

Raffles The Palm

Feed your craving for luxury with a heavenly stay on the golden shores of the iconic Palm Jumeirah at this haven of 5-star sophistication and style. Here you’ll be treated to elegant accommodation and feast on superb gastronomy in a choice of wonderful restaurants. The splendid swimming pool provides a delightful spot to cool off in the Dubai sun, while you can revive your senses in the serene surrounds of the sumptuous spa. Other superb features that await at this elegant sanctuary include a stunning beach, state-of-the-art fitness centre and a kids club.

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Centara Mirage Beach Resort

Family fun awaits in this incredible resort, with a water park, lazy river and swimming pools promising you a splashingly good time. There’s also a high ropes adventure park for even more adventure on your Middle East escape. Refuel after your action-packed day in one of the enticing restaurants offering cuisines including Arabian, Thai and Argentinian. Adults will enjoy spending the evening sipping beverages in the bars or in the shisha lounge.

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Atlantis, The Palm

Jet off and live the dream at this spectacular ocean-inspired resort which is home to the world’s largest waterpark, Aquaventure World, an amazing attraction featuring more than 105 thrilling rides and slides. Spend restful nights in exquisitely-appointed rooms and suites and dine like royalty, with more than 36 world-class restaurants, bars and lounges where Michelin-star chefs showcase their talents. A myriad of other incredible attractions includes Lost World Aquarium teeming with 65,000 marine creatures, a fabulous AWAKEN spa and fitness centre, tennis courts and a private beach.

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Sofitel Dubai The Palm

Live the good life at this sensational 5-star beachfront retreat which boasts fashionable design, luxurious decor and a touch of French elegance. Dine like royalty in an array of gourmet restaurants, enjoy head to toe pampering in the plush spa and take to the sea for a feast of water sports action. This magnificent family-friendly getaway, one of Dubai’s premier hotels, also boasts swimming pools, tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a lively kids’ club for young guests.

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Jumeirah Al Naseem

Find your bliss on the golden shores of Dubai at the Jumeirah Al Naseem. Part of the majestic Madinat Jumeirah complex, this elegant beachfront sanctuary features plush rooms and suites, perfect for rest and recuperation. The extensive dining offering provides options for all tastes and occasions, with spellbinding settings to make every meal memorable. Leisure highlights include a state-of-the-art gym, the KiDS Club, water sports, pools and the Talise Spa. Guests can also visit the rescued turtles at the Jumeirah Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and shop for unique souvenirs at Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

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