Christmas in Dubai is truly special, with vibrant seasonal festivities and delightful weather perfect for outdoor experiences at any time of the day. There are no boundaries to celebrating Christmas in Dubai, despite the city a part of the Muslim country. With its diverse population that forms a melting pot of global cultures, visiting the Christmas markets or participating in the festivities with loved ones and friends is the perfect way to enjoy a fabulous Christmas in Dubai. Fulfill all your shopping cravings or enjoy a delightful meal at uniquely themed restaurants during Christmas time. The buzzing Christmas events, elegant attractions, and festive decorations everywhere, even at the city’s most famous places, make it among the best global destinations around Christmas time.
Why Christmas in Dubai?
Christmas in Dubai is not just about observing a religious festival; a variety of fabulous experiences await you as part of the seasonal festivities. No stone is left unturned as Dubai celebrates Christmas in grand style – whether through festive decorations in shopping centers, hotels, or public areas adorned with dazzling illuminations, Christmas trees, and ornaments. The diverse population further enhances the overall experience here.
In addition, sunny days and pleasant weather are guaranteed. The largest malls in Dubai are decked out for the holidays with huge Christmas trees, glittering ornaments, and impressive snow displays. When shopping in Dubai, you can find anything you want, from fashion and designer handbags to electronics and jewelry, so you can treat yourself to a few gifts from ‘Santa.’ Dubai is the place to be if you want a flashy, glamorous Christmas filled with sun. In short, here are the things to do in Dubai in winter galore.
Christmas in Dubai: Things to Do
December is one of the best times to visit and explore Dubai , as the city illuminates itself with festive excitement and a pleasant weather welcomes you all through the day.
1. Dune Buggy
The desert wonders are best discovered while riding one of the most advanced and safest dune buggies available in Dubai, intended for enjoyment with family and friends! Do not know how to drive? No problem! The dune buggies are completely automatic and accompanied by a full roll cage, bucket seats, and safety harnesses, providing all the padding you require to energize your daring soul!
Highlights- Perfect for desert recreation and exploration as the buggies are customizable and fully automatic.
2. Dhow Cruise
Celebrations in Dubai are not complete without experiencing the Dhow Cruise Dubai. So why not get excited for an exclusive dining experience under the starry night sky while cruising on the waters of Dubai? The Dhow Cruise Dubai allows you to celebrate Christmas in a one-of-a-kind way. Imagine the amazing city views while sailing on a traditional wooden dhow boat. Furthermore, the lavish dinner will indulge you on Christmas Eve. The international cuisine and live entertainment (the Tanoura Dance Show) will make the night unforgettable. Therefore, you can reserve tickets to this innovative experience with your friends or family.
Highlights: It’s a memorable combination of stunning scenery, modern luxury, and traditional charm.
3. Themed Entertainment
December brings joyful and playful entertainment options in Dubai. Start the month with Slava’s SNOWSHOW, an enchanting theatrical production celebrating winter at Dubai Opera. The venue will also present Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, The Nutcracker, performed by the Ballet Theatre and State Opera Orchestra of Astana from Kazakhstan. For the little ones, popular children’s entertainer Magic Phil will enchant audiences with his Cirque du Silly show, featuring a mix of magic tricks and comedy at the Theatre by QE2. Families can also enjoy festive hits at the Christmas Cracker Concert at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium, featuring an 18-piece band performing Christmas tunes. Enjoy many entertaining options this holiday season, so stay updated with the Dubai calendar.
Highlights: Enjoy a plethora of entertainments options for all age groups.
4. Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest structure, Burj Khalifa, is one of the ultimate spots you may visit to make your Christmas celebration come to life. The many floors of the building are decorated and brightly lit for the holidays. As Dubai’s premier attraction, the Burj Khalifa’s beauty is heightened during Christmas, making it the most popular spot for a memorable Christmas evening. Plan Your Visit to The Burj Khalifa and Book your Burj Khalifa tickets in advance to experience the magic of Christmas at its best.
Considering Burj Khalifa vs View at the Palm, both are beautifully ornamented during Christmas, thus promising an exceptional experience.
Highlights: Witness a sunning display of fireworks and LED lights, with festive themes like snowflakes and Christmas trees
5. Winter City
Expo City Dubai will become a magical winter wonderland between December 6 and 31, 2024. There will be a market with chalet-style decorations and amusement park rides for the whole family to enjoy. Additionally, there will be activities and workshops like gingerbread baking, festive culinary treats and beverages, and Santa’s Grotto. Watch for details about the tree lighting ceremony for Winter City’s 16-meter-tall Christmas tree.
Highlights: Christmas markets, festive culinary treats, tree lighting ceremony
6.Light up the Christmas Tree at Irish Village
The Irish Village pub and restaurant erect a huge traditional Christmas tree with all the trimmings by the first week of the holiday season. On December 28, they hold a customary Christmas tree lighting event in which families can participate. You can string up lights, make entertaining light arrangements, and savor seasonal mulled drinks and homemade mince pies while having fun. Everyone also sings Christmas songs, so feel free to join in! Illuminating the Christmas tree at the Irish Village is one of the top Christmas activities in Dubai.
Highlights: Symbol of unity, joy and giving
7. Gold Spa
Make your way to the Versace Spa at the Palazzo Versace Dubai. The Golden Opulence Ritual is about indulging yourself with a foot treatment using 24-carat gold and a massage using hot golden stones. You would also receive a body massage using gold oil and be enveloped in gold leaves. There could be nothing more majestic than this! It is the ideal way to enjoy the Christmas celebration in Dubai.
Highlights: A world of pure indulgence, where all things are gold.
8. Dubai Resorts and Parks
Dubai Parks and Resorts is preparing in all ways for the Christmas and New Year seasons. You should not miss the Fireworks by the River event that will take place every Friday in December. Riverland Dubai is ready to illuminate the sky as night falls. View this incredible display from one of the 40 restaurants and stores in Dubai Parks and Resorts. The one-kilometer stretch of the artificial river will be illuminated with colorful fireworks to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. LEGOLAND also arranges special daily events and many gifts for the winners.
Highlights: A unique combination of festive experiences, merging entertainment, luxury, and holiday cheer.
9. Dine Underwater
A fine dining experience is a unique way to celebrate Christmas in Dubai. Relish an underwater dining experience at the Ossiano Restaurant in Atlantis, The Palm, as you treat yourself to a delightful seafood menu while exploring the fascinating aspects of the underwater world at the Ambassador Lagoon and its fascinating marine inhabitants through the surrounding windows.
Highlights: Savor-themed menus in stunning underwater setting
10. Shop at Christmas Markets
The local bazaars are synonymous with the Middle Eastern culture, where you can shop at exclusive markets during Christmas, such as Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market, Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, and Christmas Market at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Prepare yourself to immerse yourself in a setting that recreates bona fide Christmas activities and entertainment.
Highlights: Authentic Christmas entertainment and activities, holiday music shows, and exclusive Christmas activities
11. Christmas Concert, Dubai Opera
If you prefer Christmas tunes, the Dubai Opera is putting on its yearly holiday music shows. These performances will take place in the morning, afternoon, and night, along with festive food and plenty of opportunities for sing-alongs.
Highlights: Festive extravaganza, festive food, and a diverse range of artists and performers
12. Feast
Christmas Day dining in Dubai elevates overindulgence to unprecedented heights. As the premier hotels and eateries vie to present the most unforgettable festive banquet, Christmas day dining in Dubai provides far more than just turkey and sprouts. Numerous top-notch restaurants in Dubai put a seasonal spin on the classic Dubai brunch with hours of freely flowing champagne, buffet spreads of epic sizes, and festive afternoon amusement.
Highlights: Festive banquet, opulent settings, and traditional carol singing
The festivities in Dubai are not restricted to fancy dinners or dancing. Everything here is unique and phenomenal, and so are the Christmas is celebrated. These distinctive Christmas celebration concepts in Dubai will surely give you cherished memories to treasure forever. Not only this, you can also ring in the New Year with a fabulous New Year celebration in Dubai. Make your holiday season truly magical.
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