Christmas in Dubai: Things to Do and Festive Events 2024
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Things To Do on Christmas in Dubai

Visit Ski Dubai, Feast at a festive dine-around, Head to a winter terrace, Sing along to a festive concert, Head to a magical winter garden, Catch a festive film, and many more.

Christmas in Dubai is all about spreading a lot of holiday cheer. Dubai Christmases are ideal for anyone who doesn't want to spend holidays covered in snowflake-print long johns, desperately trying to stay warm in front of a less-than-magical log fire. The skies are clear, the clouds are fluffy, and the temperature is ideal for a day at the beach. For those who yearn for a snowy Winter, Dubai may not be the first place that comes to mind for a holiday getaway. There's no shortage of festive enthusiasm, though, with so many diverse cultures coming together just to spend the holidays.

These are the fantastically festive things that are happening throughout Dubai this winter season, from dazzling winter terraces to snug ski chalet getaways, seasonal markets, and sing-along carol performances. All in all, Dubai is a great place to spend your next holiday season. 

Here is the list of things to do on Christmas in Dubai:

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Dubai Garden Glow is the largest and only one of its kind theme park in the world with distinctive concepts and unique backdrop. The park glimmers with mammoth figurines, magical exhibits, ice carvings, illuminated models and animated dinosaurs that are fabricated using recyclable products. Dubai Garden Glow comes up with novel innovations and ingenuity every year that amaze the visitors.

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Burj Khalifa, also known as the Burj Dubai is one of the largest skyscrapers in the world with a height of 828 metres. Drawing visitors from various corners of the world, the building is mostly known for its magnificent observation deck, lying on Level 148 which offers a panoramic view of Dubai's skyline..

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Imagine dancing to the thumkas of Bollywoood in Dubai, sounds interesting right. Well if you are recently planning for your Dubai trip then this is something which you should definitely visit. With a mixture of actions, adventure, romance and horror together with music and little bit of emotions Dubai Bollywoods Park is a must visit place for you. 

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Another interesting place which is a must visit for you in Dubai is the Dubai Global village. Whether you are looking for some enjoyment with your family or planning to explore the whole place for yourself, you will have the best of experience. The attraction features 30 pavillios. As the name goes global village is just the place where you will find everything. Global Village Dubailand, Dubai, is guaranteed to be the world's biggest tourism, recreation, shopping and amusement park. It is the district's first social, amusement, family and shopping goal. The stopping range at Global Village was intended to host more than 17,000 cars with extra flood stopping territories utilized amid pinnacle times.

 Highlights: Free shuttles are there in working hours to transport guests to and from the flood stopping regions. There are numerous items accessible in Global Village. African dark soap,Chea Butter and Argan Oil are just few to consider. Furthermore, there are numerous valid oriental home improvement items you can get from Tunisia Pavilion and the Egyptian Pavilion. There are likewise astounding nectar assortments in the Yemen structure.

Location: The Dubai Global Village is located at Exit No.37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.

Timings: Opens from 4:00 AM -12:00 AM.

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One of the world's most popular desert retreats, Bab Al Shams, is tucked away among the dunes. Rustic charm meets five-star service and luxury in this tranquil haven in the middle of the desert. Only 45 minutes from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports, this luxurious resort offers guests a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views and world-class hospitality. 

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Inside the Dubai Mall is a tiny replica of a real city where kids can role-play adult professions, from firefighters to car dealers and much more. From fighting “fires” and investigating “criminals” to flipping burgers and selling cars, let your little ones role-play in realistic settings at KidZania.

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About Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina:

Get on the traditional wooden dhow and glide on the crystal-clear waters of Dubai Marina. Consisting of an upper and lower deck, the dhow cruises are decorated in traditional Emirati style.They come with all the latest amenities with soothing music playing in the background. You can savour a lavish buffet dinner and enjoy captivating cultural performances including the Tanoura dance show. Dhow Cruise is an ideal way to spend an unforgettable evening in Dubai.

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08

Visit Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai will convert into a picture-perfect winter wonderland from December 1 to 25, offering guests the option to see Santa Claus in his grotto. Guests will get a chance to participate in a festive fun run on December 4, and watch a Christmas movie at Theatre in the Snow all through the month.

Guests can gaze at a dazzling 40-foot Christmas tree, be charmed by the soothing sounds of carols for Christmas in Dubai by a live choir, and nibble into festive sweet delights such as steaming mugs of hot chocolate, gingerbread penguins, and mince pies while strolling through the winter festival.

Location: 45MP+FG6 - Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Timings: 3 PM - 12 AM

Click Here to Book: Ski Dubai Tickets

Recommended Read: Best Things To Do in Dubai with Kids

09

Feast at a Festive Dine Around

Image Credit : washingtonian.com

For those spending Christmas in Dubai, Atlantis and The Palm's fantastically festive dine around continues on December 9, offering guests to savour the gourmet flavours of ten of the resort's greatest restaurants while enjoying free-flowing cocktails and world-class entertainment. Cirque de Cuisine returns to Atlantis,

The Palm's Christmas tree-lined Avenues for a four-hour holiday edition, allowing customers to stroll from restaurant to restaurant experiencing specialty dishes, live cooking stations, extravagant buffets, and live entertainment.

Popular Read: Best Places to See in Abu Dubai

10

Head to a Winter Terrace

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In December, the stylish Mina Brasserie patio, which is already magnificently decked out with decorative trees and foliage-filled walls, gets a stunning winter wonderland makeover for the celebration of Christmas in Dubai. From early December onwards, the walls are festooned with twinkling fairy lights, warm blankets, and luxurious ornaments in silver and white tones.

Explore the Dreamland Aqua Park the largest family water park in the region with over 250,000 square meters.

11

Get Creative at a Wreath Making Workshop

On December 13, join The Pangolin for an intimate, joyful evening of cocktails and light snacks to kick off the holiday season with a wreath-making workshop. Detailed instruction for making your own 25cm vintage-inspired style half wreath design will be included in the class. The wreath will be made of high-quality artificial and dried blossoms for a long-lasting, sustainable look that guests may take home with them.

Enjoy a festive environment, beverages, and munchies while relaxing at a fresh Christmas in Dubai Wreath workshop. Jane Robbins, winner at Chelsea and other events, will teach you new talent and introduce you to new people. You'll be guided step by step through the process of designing and making a stunning Christmas Wreath to put on your front door for the holidays

Suggested Read: Experience the Nightlife in Dubai

12

Staycation in a Cosy Ski Chalet

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Stepping into one of the quaint Aspen Ski Chalets at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates is the next best thing to flying off to the snow white mountains of the Swiss Alps, Val d'Isère, or Colorado. Each ski chalet, which ranges in size from a one-bedroom chalet to three-story, three-bedroom ski chalets, can sleep two, four, or six guests and has a view of Ski Dubai's icy slopes.

It seems as near to the festive season in Aspen as possible, with marble stand alone tubs, winter-themed amenities, private fine dining, and a crackling fireplace.

Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al Barsha - Al Barsha 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

You May Also Like: Guide to Deira Clocktower in Dubai

13

Sing along to a Festive Concert

The Dubai Opera Big Band comes back for a musical event on December 21 and 22. Festive fans spending Christmas in Dubai can attend the supreme festive, feel-good, family Christmas live show this December.

The 25-piece band will take you through every one of your favourite Christmas tunes, including Santa Baby, Jingle Bell Rock, Winter Wonderland, Feliz Navidad, All I Want for Xmas Is You, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, and many more, leaving you feeling all warm and cuddly inside.

Also Read: Best Time To Visit Dubai Creek Harbour

14

Catch a Festive Film

Back-to-back Christmas in Dubai flicks begin on December 19 with the legendary festive romance movie Love Actually and finish on December 20 with the cult family favourite Home Alone.

Grab a beanbag or a sun chair and settle in for an evening of Christmas cinema in the open air. Doors open at 7 p.m., with shows starting at 8 p.m., and tickets cost AED 75, which may be used on meals and drinks.

Recommended Read: Romantic Things To Do in Dubai
15

Shop for some Gifts at a Festive Market

Image Credit : facebook.com/HabtoorPalace

From December 10 to 21, the Dubai desert resort Bab Al Shams will be converted into a holiday market, featuring entertainment for the entire family during the 12-day event. Guests will be able to gaze at a 40-foot Christmas tree, sing along to carol performances at 6.30pm, and purchase a variety of gifts from a number of stalls from 6pm to 10pm each day.

Mulled wine, hot chocolates, and seasonal cuisine will be offered on the stalls, or guests can dine at Al Forsan restaurant's Christmas-themed buffet, which will be served every day at 7 p.m.

Location: Al Habtoor City - Sheikh Zayed Rd - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Click Here to Book: Mangrove National Park Abu Dhabi Tickets

16

Enjoy some Family Friendly Fun with Gingerbread House Workshops

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Raffles Salon's festive afternoon tea, along with a tiered tower of sweet and spicy delights, is served every year from December 1 for an exquisite afternoon. From December 12 to 18, there will be daily gingerbread making classes for kids from 3 to 5 p.m., when the hotel's top chefs will instruct the kids how to make their own gingerbread designs with frosting and candy decorations.

It's free for one child per adult who comes for Afternoon Tea, and it's AED 85 for extra children or children who don't want to partake in the afternoon tea experience.

Popular Read: Best Beaches in Dubai

This time remain awestruck while you visit one of the most wonderful theme parks of Dubai - The Ferrari world. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the ultimate fun destination situated on the Yas Island. It is the primary Ferrari-marked amusement park and has the record for the biggest space outline structure at any point assembled. The recreation center additionally holds the Formula Rossa, the world's speediest crazy ride.

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18

Head to a Magical Winter Garden

Habtoor Palace's gardens have been turned into a magnificent winter garden. During the holiday period, Habtoor Palace Dubai's magical Winter Garden will resemble a winter wonderland, bringing fun celebrations for the whole family, while the multi-month pop-up features vendors, foreign street cuisine, and local favourites until the end of March.

During December, visitors to Dubai can experience dazzling décor and Christmas carols, street performers and circus performers, Santa sightings, and seasonal goodies such as mulled wine and gingerbread.

Location: Al Habtoor City - Sheikh Zayed Road - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Timings: 5 PM - 12 AM

Click Here to Book: Dubai Butterfly Garden Tickets

People Also Ask About Dubai

  1. What are the best things to do on Christmas in Dubai?

    1. Christmas Celebration at Dubai Opera: A Gala Christmas celebration awaits you at Dubai Opera, where you can hear the sounds of Christmas. The orchestra, which features more than 20 superb jazz musicians, is perfect to impress you and sing your heart out to all of your Christmas classics.

    Checkout for
    Dubai Opera Tickets

    2. Having Brunch on Christmas Eve: 
    Nothing compares to the sensation of awakening on Christmas Eve knowing that the big day would be here in less than 24 hours. As the five-year-old in each of us rises to the top, enthusiasm springs up. So let your inner self out and get the party started early.

    3. Desert Party: Christmas in Dubai is a beach celebration, with beach barbecues and dessert feasts nearly compulsory. Take lots of good photos in front of the 40-foot Christmas tree, explore the holiday market stalls, sip some hot chocolate, and introduce your children to Santa.

    Recommended Read: Best Theme Parks in Dubai

  2. What are the best places to visit at Christmas in Dubai?

    1. Habtoor Palace Dubai: Every year, Habtoor Palace presents one of Dubai's most famous Christmas marketplaces, with a variety of activities for children, delicious food vendors, and fantastic Xmas shopping! It's one of the top spots in Dubai to enjoy Christmas. 

    2. Bab Al Shams: 
    Bab Al Shams is another option for those looking for a unique Christmas in Dubai. At this spectacular Christmas event in Dubai, you may relish exquisite Christmas snacks and delights. Prepare to be transported to a winter wonderland in the middle of the desert!

    3. Ski Dubai: The beautiful area of Ski Dubai is the only site in Dubai where you can experience a true white Christmas in Dubai. You can take your children to meet Santa Claus, admire the massive Christmas tree, or even enjoy a Christmas movie while snuggled up in the snow.

    4. Fairmont The Palm: For a truly scrumptious Christmas brunch, visit this ultra-luxurious resort. The breakfast will include turkey and a variety of roasts, as well as all of your favourite holiday treats. You'll even get to see a live performance of a Christmas play. At the Falcons' Kids Club, the little ones can meet Santa and participate in a variety of fun activities. 

    Checkout & Book: Green Planet Dubai Tickets

  3. Do they celebrate Christmas in Dubai?

    Dubai is now a multicultural metropolis that has welcomed the holiday season's brilliant lights and merriment with open arms. Dubai Christmases are ideal for anyone who doesn't want to spend holidays wrapped in crystal long johns, struggling to remain warm in front of a less-than-magical log fire. Dubai celebrates Christmas with all its enthusiasm.
  4. What are the best activities in Dubai that you can book via thrillophilia?

  5. Which are the top UAE attraction tickets that you can book via Thrillophilia?

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Amazing experience I enjoyed Burj Khalifa and underwater zoo alot. Thanks Thrillophilia for advance tickets booking options.
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"it was a great experience. I was bit apprehensive, when I booked through thrillophilia. but, they really organized it well. I booked a VIP package (costing 3800 per person). they arranged for private pick up in Nissan Petrol. They took us to camp, which is little far but better than Al Avir. \n\nLocal operator Mr. Danyal is a nice person. He took a great care of us. \n\nwe were provided land cruiser for dune bashing. then quad bike for 20-25 mins. after that, we did horse ride and camel ride. although camel ride and horse ride were namesake only. they would allow for 2 mins only and if you want to take a longer ride, you need to pay extra. so I skipped it. \n\nCamp had good performances like belly dance, Tanura show, Fire show and Jumba. Food was served on the table. Food quality was average.\n\nalthough, In the camp, they would try to get you money through multiple activities like sand art, Premium fruit salad, premium desserts, handbags, photo printouts, photo with eagle etc. And one needs to hard bargain. like I paid 20 dhiram for photos, they started with 150 dhiram."
02 March 2020
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Awesome experience with a very close view of such big fishes. Underwater zoo is also very big and needs atleast 2 hours to complete. Super package deal. Please go for it.
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Amazing journey with fast service and great host
25 February 2021
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Park is fine. Shopping inside is much expensive. Swimming costumes were more than expected price.
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10 February 2021
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Excellent
A definite watch. This is awesome. Thanks to thrillophilia for a very quick service. This is the cheapest price I found across various sites and I'm amazed with that.
04 February 2021
Excellent
Just loved the experience. the dune bashing was amazing and we were well informed in time about everything.

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