Top Things to Do This Christmas in Dubai
| Activity | Highlights | Top Locations |
| Visit Christmas Markets | Festive shopping and treats. | Souk Madinat, Global Village, Expo City |
| Christmas Lights | Beautiful light displays and decorations. | Dubai Festival City, JBR, Madinat Jumeirah |
| Christmas Eve at Restaurants | Gourmet dinners and live entertainment. | Burj Khalifa, Ivy, Dubai Marina |
| Christmas Day Brunch | Lavish family-friendly brunches. | Ritz-Carlton, Atlantis, Sofitel Dubai |
| Winter Fun at Ski Dubai | Snow activities and winter fun. | Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates |
| Christmas in the Desert | Camel rides, festive meals, and live music. | Desert Safari |
| Christmas Shows | Festive performances like The Nutcracker. | Dubai Opera, Jumeirah Beach Hotel |
| Explore Festive Attractions | Christmas events, light shows, and holiday displays. | Dubai Mall, Miracle Garden, Dubai Fountain |
Dubai is a tourist hotspot all around the year, but Dubai during Christmas is one-of-a-kind. With the pleasant weather of December foretelling Santa Claus’s arrival, Dubai is wrapped in a blanket of warm lights.
The city embraces and celebrates the rich traditions of Christmas in its own style. Saying there are many exciting things to do in Dubai during Christmas is rather an understatement.
If you’re looking to surprise loved ones, consider Same-Day Christmas Gift Delivery in Dubai to add an extra touch of joy to the festive season. Different types of celebrations take place all around.
We have taken the liberty to shortlist the top things to do this Christmas in Dubai. Take a sneak peek!
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Visit Dubai’s Christmas Markets
Markets in Dubai are quite iconic, and Christmas markets are a little more magical. The festive shopping spree in these markets will leave you with big shopping bags, huge smiles, and a heart filled with the warmth of the festive spirits.
Handmade ornaments, seasonal treats, holiday gifts – much more await your visit. The cosy traditional Christmas ambience, the festive decorations, and the wonderful taste and fragrance of the mulled wine will be the cherry on top of your Christmas cake!
By the way, some of the must-visits are the Christmas Market at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the Winter Wonderland at Global Village, Winter City at the Expo City, and the Winter District at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.
Looking for the best shopping and dining experience? Check out Everything You Need to Know About Dragon Mart for an insider’s look at what this iconic destination has to offer.
Experience the Christmas Lights at Iconic Locations
Christmas lighting is one of the most important traditions and one of the biggest attractions of Christmas in Dubai. If you are visualising big trees, endless festive lights, and sparkly decorations, you are absolutely correct.
Dubai Festival City Mall, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Madinat Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina are the first names that come to mind when we talk about breathtaking Christmas light displays in Dubai.
Checking out the holiday-themed light installations at the Dubai Garden Glow winter theme park is another must-have on any list of top things to do this Christmas in Dubai.
If you’re in search of a unique getaway, Jebel Hafeet should be at the top of your list—check out our guide to make the most of your visit to this stunning mountain.
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Iconic Restaurants
Dubai has long made its name on the culinary map of the world. From Michelin-star-winning restaurants to international award-winning chefs to the finest ingredients, the city has everything to take you on a culinary adventure. So, it is no surprise that Christmas Eve celebrations and dinners will be outstanding.
Christmas Eve dinners at the Burj Khalifa’s At.mosphere and Jumeirah Emirates Towers’ Ivy are renowned. Dubai Marina also provides the perfect spot for casual dining. Wherever you go, the festive decorations, live entertainment, and, obviously, the gourmet delights will take your breath away!
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate a festive business lunch this Christmas? Check out our full blog on the Best Business Lunch Destinations in Dubai this Christmas to discover top restaurants with a holiday twist.
Christmas Day Brunch in Dubai 2024
The Christmas Day brunch in Dubai is going to be as iconic as the Christmas Eve dinner. The Ritz-Carlton, Atlantis The Palm, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi – there are many exquisite hotels and restaurants serving lavish spreads for Christmas brunch.
Holiday-inspired decorations, warm and cosy family-friendly atmospheres, live entertainment, and much more are included in the experience. Want a more luxurious brunch experience? Check out Dubai Opera or Sofitel Dubai The Palm.
Looking for a romantic Christmas getaway? Read our full blog on Ajman’s Hidden Gems to discover the best spots for a memorable holiday with your loved one.
Winter Fun at Ski Dubai
What is Christmas without a little snow? And just because you are in the land of deserts doesn’t mean there can’t be any snow! The Ski Dubai has curated a unique experience, a winter wonderland, if you may, right in the middle of the desert.
The world outside may be warm, but the world inside Ski Dubai is exactly what you would like to have during Christmas. The snow-covered surrounding creates a magical environment, perfect for families. There will be skiing, snowboarding, and many other fun winter activities for you to participate in.
Celebrate Christmas in the Desert
Now that’s an experience you will never forget – Christmas in the middle of a desert! What will that entail? An adventurous desert safari! You can go for Christmas special holiday-themed camel rides amid sand dunes.
There can be Christmas decorations and even trees set up specially for the holiday. The festivities continue with lavish meals, barbecues, live music, and an overall cosy holiday atmosphere.
Christmas Shows & Performances in Dubai
How would you like to enjoy a classic show like The Nutcracker this Christmas in Dubai? If you are nodding your head in a big yes, Dubai Opera has exciting news for you. It will be showing the classic at the main auditorium starting from December 19. You can attend seasonal performances like Cirque du Soleil.
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel will be showcasing Aladdin between December 17 and December 29. Catch How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical at the Zabeel Theatre, Palm Jumeirah, from December 20 onwards, or Wizard of Oz at Theatre by QE2, starting from December 14.
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Explore Festive Attractions
The holiday season in Dubai always gives you something or the other to explore and enjoy. There is an array of festive attractions, like Christmas-themed events, light shows, and other entertainment you can attend at the Dubai Mall.
The Dubai Miracle Garden has stunning displays, which include many Christmas-themed sections. There is a special holiday edition of the water show at the Dubai Fountain to add to the magical aura of Dubai during Christmas.
If you haven’t yet, mark your favourite Christmas activities from this list and get ready for the fun. Wishing you and your family love and warm wishes for the festive season!
FAQ
1. What Christmas shows are happening in Dubai?
Christmas shows in Dubai include The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera, Cirque du Soleil, Aladdin at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Zabeel Theatre.
2. What activities are available at Ski Dubai during Christmas?
Ski Dubai offers a winter wonderland experience during Christmas. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and fun snow activities, all while surrounded by snow in the middle of the desert.
3. Where can I see a huge Christmas tree in Dubai?
You can see huge Christmas trees in Dubai at places like the Dubai Mall, Madinat Jumeirah, and many other festive events around the city during the holiday season.
4. What Christmas experiences are there in Dubai for kids?
For kids, Dubai offers fun Christmas experiences like snow play at Ski Dubai, holiday events at Miracle Garden, and festive performances at Dubai Opera.
5. What are the best places for Christmas photo spots in Dubai?
Great Christmas photo spots in Dubai include the Dubai Mall’s holiday displays, Global Village’s festive market, and Madinat Jumeirah’s Christmas decorations.
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