Christmas in Dubai is one of the most amazing holiday celebrations of the year, even if some people find it unusual. Although Dubai is primarily a Muslim city, Christmas is celebrated here. This lively city has people from all over the world living together; so many cultures mix together. It is this diversity that has sparked Dubai’s Christmas excitement. Dubai now has many fun Christmas events, charming markets, and festive decorations everywhere, even at the city’s most famous places.
Why Christmas in Dubai?
Spending Christmas in Dubai can be a one-of-a-kind and thrilling experience for many reasons. Dubai goes all out with Christmas embellishments. Shopping centers, hotels, and public areas are adorned with festive illuminations, trees, and ornaments. Dubai is a fusion of cultures, and during Christmas, you will discover a diverse range of festivities. Many expatriates and travelers from around the world celebrate Christmas in their own distinctive ways, contributing to a multicultural celebratory atmosphere. Many hotels and restaurants host extravagant Christmas brunches, dinners, and events. If you are looking for a high-end and lavish celebration, Dubai has a lot to offer. You might notice impressive fireworks & light displays at different iconic spots, such as the Burj Khalifa or Palm Jumeirah.
In December, sunny days are pretty much assured, and the temperature is pleasantly warm without being overly hot. 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’. If you want a flashy, glamorous Christmas filled with sun, Dubai is the place to be. In short, things to do in Dubai in winter galore.
Christmas in Dubai- Things to Do
December is a lively and enjoyable time to visit Dubai, as the city is filled with festive excitement and the weather is very nice. December in Dubai offers a pleasant change from the extremely hot summer months.
1. Dune Buggy
The desert wonders are best discovered while driving the Desert Fox, the most secure dune buggy 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 you all the padding you require to energize your daring soul!
Highlights- perfect for desert recreation and exploration as they 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. Marvel at 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, paired with 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- memorable combination of stunning scenery, modern luxury, and traditional charm
3. Themed Entertainment
The month of December brings joyful and playful entertainment options in Dubai. Start off the month with Slava’s SNOWSHOW, an enchanting theatrical production celebrating winter at Dubai Opera. The same 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 delight with his Cirque du Silly show full of magic tricks and comedy at 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. There are many entertaining options to enjoy this holiday season, so stay updated with the Dubai calendar.
Highlights- Plethora of playful and joyful entertainments options for all age groups
4. Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest structure, Burj Khalifa, is one ultimate spot 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 the Christmas season, making it the most popular spot for spending 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.
Now, considering Burj Khalifa vs View at the Palm, both during Christmas are beautifully ornamented thus promising an exceptional experience.
Highlights- Display of stunning LED lights, festive themes like snowflakes and Christmas trees
5. Winter City
Between December 8, 2023 and January 7, 2024, Expo City Dubai will once again be turned into a magical winter wonderland. 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. Keep an eye out 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 erects 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 take part. You can string up lights, make your own 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 offered here is all 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- world of pure indulgence, all things 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 is also arranging special daily events and many gifts for the winners.
Highlights- Unique combination of festive experiences, merging entertainment, luxury, & holiday cheer
9. Dine Underwater
If you prefer to dine during the Christmas holiday, you can have a truly one-of-a-kind underwater dining experience at the Ossiano Restaurant located in Atlantis, The Palm. Treat yourself to a delicious seafood menu, all while taking in the awe-inspiring underwater sights of 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
Local bazaars are the main highlight in any nation, be it Middle Eastern or European. And the best thing about Dubai is that 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. They are more than just a place to shop, as you can immerse yourself in a setting that recreates bona fide Christmas activities and entertainment. 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 singalongs.
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, 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, traditional carol singing
The festivities in Dubai are not restricted to fancy dinners or dancing. Everything here is one-of-a-kind and phenomenal, and so is the way 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.
FAQs