Dubai's Christmas is unlike anything you've ever experienced. Forget snow-covered streets and roaring fireplaces— Trade in your winter coat for a swimsuit and join us on a journey to discover how the City of Gold celebrates the holiday season. A Christmas like no other, the sun, sand, and celebration take center stage in a desert oasis that knows how to make the Yuletide season sparkle. Shopping malls and public spaces are adorned with giant Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and festive decorations. Iconic locations like the Dubai Mall feature impressive displays, including a massive tree at the foot of the Burj Khalifa and enchanting light shows at places like Dubai Festival City Mall. The city hosts several Christmas markets where you can shop for unique gifts and enjoy seasonal treats. Popular locations include the Global Village, which showcases international traditions, and the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market, offering festive food stalls and activities like gingerbread house. Dubai in December might just be the best time to visit, when the city's simmering heat dials down to a comfortable warmth that's perfect for a cozy Christmas!
13 things to do during Christmas in Dubai 2024
#1 Festive fun on ice: Dubai Ice Rink
For a truly unique Christmas experience, trade your winter boots for skates at the Dubai Mall Ice Rink. This Olympic-sized rink, nestled within the heart of the city's iconic mall, offers a magical winter wonderland. Adorned with festive decorations and often hosting special Christmas events, it's a memorable way to celebrate the holidays under the Dubai sun.
#2 Visit Winter City at Expo City Dubai
From November 6 to December 31, 2024, Expo City Dubai will be transformed into a snowy winter wonderland. You can indulge in a variety of delectable holiday treats and beverages at the festive market with chalet-inspired stalls. There is also a lighting ceremony for Winter City's impressive 16-meter tall festive tree. Gingerbread classes, Santa's grottos and a lot more, await!
#3 Indulge in holiday cheer at the Christmas markets in Dubai
A major contribution to the Christmas celebrations in Dubai is the holiday markets clubbed with traditional delights and world-class entertainment. From fun stalls to glamorous fairs, Dubai has a range of wonderful Christmas markets to boost your holiday spirits! Among the best Christmas markets in Dubai are the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market, Winter District, JLT Park Christmas Market & Winter Garden at Habtoor City.
#4 Have a beachy Christmas!
Head to one of the many beaches in Dubai and have a blast on the beach. If you're a fan of fireworks, the Dubai JBR Beach will is the place to be for some Christmas fireworks!
#5 Have a little bit of everything at the Burj Khalifa
As the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa will be adorned with stunning festive decorations, transforming into a mesmerizing beacon of light and festivity in the heart of Dubai. We recommend the Burj Khalifa because it's a hotspot for the festive season in Dubai, and hosts holiday-themed events and activities, from enchanting light shows that illuminate the night sky to exclusive dining experiences with panoramic views of the city!
#6 Visit the Christmas Village at Burjuman Mall
BurJuman Mall's Christmas extravaganza is free and open to all! From December 12th (tree lighting at 6 pm!), enjoy a 9-meter sparkling Christmas tree, festive decorations, photo opportunities, parades, and daily visits from Santa (2-10 pm weekdays). It's a daily party until January 7, 2025 promising unforgettable Christmas memories in a dazzling indoor setting. Daily parades happen at 6pm.
#7 Treat yourself with a great feast at Dubai’s top dine-in restaurants
Celebrate Christmas by exploring Dubai’s culinary treasures as you eat, drink, and make merry with the dining experiences in Dubai! Whether you are looking for a seasonal Christmas dinner or a brunch, some restaurants are all set to quench your palette. You can indulge in the gourmet flavors with a Dinner Buffet at the Atlantis!
#8 Celebrate a snowy Christmas in Ski Dubai
Your ultimate winter wonderland in the heart of the desert, no better place to experience snow during Christmas in Dubai. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a first-time snow enthusiast, Ski Dubai offers an unforgettable experience with its range of snow activities, from skiing and snowboarding to tubing and snowball fights. So, don your winter gear and prepare for an exhilarating adventure, all while basking in the surreal contrast of enjoying winter sports!
#9 Shop till drop at the Dubai Shopping Festival for your Christmas presents!
This holiday season, the much anticipated Dubai Shopping festival is being held from December 6, 2024 to January 12, 2025. The Dubai Shopping Festival is an annual retail extravaganza that transforms the city into a shopper's paradise. This month-long event offers incredible discounts, promotions, and deals on a wide range of products! Join shoppers from around the world flock and take advantage of these unbeatable offers, while also enjoying live entertainment & fireworks!
#10 Hop aboard the QE2 for a luxurious Christmas
Spending Christmas on the QE2 cruise liner in Dubai is a luxurious and unforgettable way to celebrate the holiday season. The iconic ocean liner, now a floating hotel, decks its halls with festive decorations and offers guests a magical yuletide experience on the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf. If you're in Dubai with kids, make sure to catch the Peter Pan show on board!
#11 Celebrate Christmas with the world at Global Village Dubai
Christmas in the Global Village in Dubai is a multicultural celebration like no other. This diverse wonderland transforms into a festive spectacle, showcasing traditions from around the world. You can stroll through beautifully adorned pavilions representing various countries, savor international cuisines, and enjoy captivating live performances at the Global Village!
#12 Have a Christmas brunch in Dubai
Eateries across the city will, of course, partake in the festivities, and would it really be Christmas without a brunch to start off your day? Some of the best Christmas brunches in Dubai are whipped up at Cabana (Dubai Mall), Luchador, Nonya and Certo. The Budhha Bar also happens to be a very popular restaurant for a Christmas brunch!
#13 Enjoy an aerial view of Dubai’s Christmas decor with a helicopter tour
If you are in Dubai during Christmas time and are an adventure geek, you must hop onto that helicopter and experience a tour of zipping through the city sky like never before. Dubai has 5 different kinds of helicopter tours which provide you with some of the glorious views of the city’s famous landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Canal, Dubai Frame amongst many others. The duration of each tour differs from the other, giving you something more to see each time.
