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Christmas in Dubai is a truly extraordinary and unconventional festive experience. While Dubai’s main culture is predominantly Muslim, it has embraced the Christmas spirit thanks to its diverse and international community. The city comes to life with Christmas events, charming markets and festive decorations adorning its famous landmarks.
In December, Dubai’s mild and pleasant climate makes it the perfect destination for a winter getaway. The city magically transforms into a Christmas wonderland immediately after the UAE National Day on December 2, with colorful lights, events and activities taking over the streets.
If you’re looking to get away from traditional winter celebrations, Dubai offers an extraordinary alternative. This futuristic desert city invites you to embark on a unique vacation adventure full of exciting activities. From speedboat rides to desert safaris, camel treks and dolphin encounters, there is something to capture the heart of every traveler.
While Dubai’s Christmas celebrations may not be as visually prominent as they are in many cities around the world, the festive spirit is not to be missed. The United Arab Emirates offers an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience under the winter sun, with plenty of places to visit, things to do and a lively atmosphere for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
Winter Garden
From November to March, Habtoor Palace Dubai transforms into the Winter Garden, a magical outdoor space full of festive charm. This winter wonderland features lush gardens adorned with sparkling lights and decorations, creating a captivating atmosphere for families.
It is a popular place to celebrate Christmas in Dubai, with a large, majestic Christmas tree surrounded by a variety of food stalls offering more than 50 culinary options, from traditional hot chocolate to gourmet snacks. Visitors can also enjoy visits from Santa Claus, the lighting of the Christmas tree and musical performances. The Winter Garden also offers a variety of engaging activities and a pet-friendly environment, making it the perfect place to capture unforgettable moments.
Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market
Dubai’s popular Christmas market returns for 16 days in mid-December, with traditional delicacies, live music and a large Christmas tree. The Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market, located behind the Burj Al-Arab, offers an enchanting experience with activities for the whole family, such as a North Pole train, a towering Christmas tree and a Venetian carousel. Don’t forget the Abra boat ride with Santa through beautifully lit canals. It is a festive celebration not to be missed.
Christmas at Ski Dubai
Christmas at Ski Dubai is a unique and magical experience that brings the festive spirit to the heart of the Dubai desert. Located in the Mall of the Emirates, this indoor ski facility transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. The main attraction is Santa’s Grotto, where you can meet Santa Claus, take memorable photos and receive a special gift, while Mrs. Claus will add warmth with interesting stories.
You can also enjoy Christmas treats such as gingerbread penguins, mince pies and peppermint hot chocolate. The snow park offers exciting adventures, with skiing, snowboarding and toboggan runs for all ages. Expert instructors are available to help beginners, ensuring an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Blue water island
Annually, Bluewaters Island, located near Dubai Marina, undergoes a vibrant Christmas makeover. Imagine strolling through a charming town adorned with sparkling snow, twinkling lights, and colorful decorations. Reindeer sculptures watch over you as you enter a world of wonders and surprises. You can meet Santa, share words of joy, and capture a magical photograph as a treasured memory. Enjoy a Christmas band, dancers, and a captivating drone show in the night sky. Action and adventure abound with an ice rink, snowball challenges and the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel offering spectacular views. Don’t forget to visit Madame Tussauds wax museum to take celebrity selfies.
Winter City Expo
The futuristic pavilions of Expo 2020 have been transformed into Expo City, becoming a charming family destination for Christmas in Dubai. The Winter City event at Expo City, which runs from mid-November to mid-January, offers 50 days of festive celebrations.
The event features a 52-foot-tall Christmas tree and a white Christmas theme, creating a mesmerizing winter wonderland inside the iconic Wasl Dome. Visitors can enjoy exciting zip lines, climbing walls and fun slides. Mrs. Claus entertains children, while “Carols by Candlelight” fills the air with classic Christmas songs. Gingerbread decorating and baking workshops add a creative touch to the festivities. The toy factory offers personalized teddy bears and Santa’s Grotto allows children to write letters to Santa, generating excitement for Christmas Day.
Dubai Shopping Festival
From early December to late January, Dubai hosts the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), a global shopping extravaganza established in 1996. This seven-week festival offers great shopping deals at major shopping malls and historic markets such as Dubai Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. Beyond shopping, DSF offers daily entertainment, art exhibitions and street events, including culinary experiences, fashion shows, performances by international artists and spectacular fireworks in the night sky. It is a must-visit festival for shoppers and entertainment enthusiasts.
Queen Elizabeth 2
Dubai’s QE2 cruise ship hosts a special floating Christmas market as part of its winter celebration. This market offers crafts, holiday gifts, live cooking stations, and live music. The QE2, known for its history and charm, has been transformed into a floating hotel, becoming a unique venue for Christmas celebrations. You can enjoy festive dinners and shop for unique gifts at the onboard Christmas market. The highlight is the sumptuous Christmas dinner, expertly prepared by the ship’s renowned chefs.
Global village
Dubai’s Global Village is a popular Christmas destination. From October 18, 2023 to April 28, 2024, Global Village offers a unique fusion of entertainment, shopping, diverse cuisine and cultural attractions in its 27 pavilions, representing various regions of the world. It is a cultural journey that allows visitors to immerse themselves in different traditions, local delicacies and captivating shows.
The sprawling market features thousands of shops displaying a wide range of products, from spices from India to matryoshka dolls from Russia, African wood carvings, European fashion, authentic Persian rugs and premium sidr honey from Yemen. During the Christmas season, the park is transformed into a festive wonderland, with a large Christmas tree and charming attractions, including the world’s smallest Santa Claus at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, making it a must-see destination for both for locals and tourists.
Christmas events and shows to enjoy:
To be guaranteed a place, it is a good idea to reserve your seat withoutand delay.
Magic Phil’s Cirque du Silly
Date: December 9 and 10, 2023 | Theater by QE2
Magic Phil, a beloved children’s entertainer, will perform at the QE2 Theatre. This family-friendly show features festive elements to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Performances are scheduled in the morning, including a matinee show, making it convenient for younger guests to enjoy themselves without staying up too late and potentially watching Santa delivering gifts.
Peter Pan
Date: December 15 and 26, 2023 | Theater by QE2
Embark on a journey to Neverland with Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Wendy and The Lost Boys as they grace the stage of the Theater by QE2. This eternal story of eternal youth will come to life twice a day from December 15 to 26. The show lasts two hours with a short 15-minute break in between. Don’t miss this classic adventure!
Dear Santa Claus live
Date: December 8 and 9, 2023 | Zabeel Theater
Celebrate the holiday season with a special show, Rod Campbell’s “Dear Santa,” featuring a lively cast of performers. This 40-minute production is perfect for young children and includes sing-along songs and opportunities for the audience to join in the fun. It is a festive and interactive experience designed to delight the little ones.
The Nutcracker
Date: December 15 to 17, 2023 | Dubai Opera
Dubai will host an enchanting performance of “The Nutcracker” presented by Kazakhstan’s Astana State Opera Ballet Theater and Orchestra. This magical show takes audiences into a child’s fantastical kingdom, where the story unfolds on Christmas Eve under a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
Slava Snow Show
Date: December 8 to 10, 2023 | Dubai Opera
“Slava’s SnowShow,” a timeless winter performance that has appeared on stages around the world since 1993, offers a delightful multi-sensory theatrical journey. With clowns, snow effects and audience participation, it’s a delightful show for the whole family, making it a perfect choice for the holiday season.
Beauty and the Beast
Date: December 14 and 26, 2023 | Fairmont – La Palma
The Dubai Panto group returns this year with “Beauty and the Beast.” You can see this pantomime in the ballroom of the Fairmont The Palm from December 14 to 26. It’s a charming Christmas production you won’t want to miss.
In this cosmopolitan city, which boasts one of the most diverse expat communities in the Middle East, Dubai’s Christmas festivities truly cater to all tastes. Whether enjoying a Christmas shopping extravaganza or enjoying enchanting Christmas-themed shows, Dubai ensures that the Christmas season is a time of joy, unity and celebration for all.
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