Christmas in Dubai: A Guide To The City’s Top Festive Attractions
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is here. And in Dubai, the holiday season sparkles even brighter! Forget boring old average celebrations – Christmas in Dubai means one-of-a-kind merrymaking. From festivals to feasts, sleigh rides to snowball fights, Dubai decks its dunes in full holiday spirit.
This Christmas, make your way to this winter wonderland for fairy tale fun you won’t find anywhere else. Our complete guide tells you everything you need to sleigh this magical season in style!
Best Places To Visit in Dubai During Christmas
1). Dreamy Christmas Dubai Malls – Spell-binding Displays!
As December dawns, Dubai transforms into a winter wonderland, with twinkling trees and festive displays everywhere you look. At mall atriums, hotel lobbies, and popular attractions across the city, it’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas!
Shop and snap selfies under the shimmering display at Mall of the Emirates’ Fashion Dome. This is where decorations and festive glows bring good tidings for all. Local favorites like Dubai Festival City Mall have also put up sparkling decor with a Santa’s grotto sure to check off Christmas lists.
And make your way through Dubai Mall’s Galeries Lafayette. It’s an Instagram-worthy fairytale brought to life that will sleigh this season with style. From tree-lightings to tinsel-trimmed titans, Dubai revels in holiday spirit from end to end.
2). Winter City at Expo City Dubai – A Winter Wonderland
This December, Expo City Dubai becomes a magical winter wonderland once again. From December 8th through January 7th, experience:
- Chalet-style markets
- Fairground activities
- workshops like gingerbread house building
- festive treats, and
- Santa’s very own grotto
Also, expect a lighting ceremony of Winter City’s 16-meter tall jolly Christmas tree. With endless festive fun for families, it’s the most wonderful time of the year at Expo City Dubai Christmas!
3). Visit Miracle Garden & Global Village Dubai in Christmas
As the holiday season kicks off, Dubai’s most magical winter-only attractions reopen their doors. At Global Village, an internationally themed fun zone, discover handcrafted gifts and artisan souvenirs from cultures across the globe.
Global Shopping Experiences
Wander Turkish glass lanterns, Indian embroideries, and European jewels as you sleigh through the shops.
Dubai Miracle Garden – A Botanical Wonderland
Meanwhile, Dubai Miracle Garden has bloomed into a botanical wonderland perfect for festive photos. Check out massive flower displays shaped like famous buildings and snap selfies in the all-new Smurfs floral fantasy.
Ring in 2024
And as December comes to a close, Dubai is set to host show-stopping New Year Eve celebrations across the city. Make sure to experience the best parties, dinners, and fireworks shows to ring in 2024 in headline-grabbing style!
Top Things To Do in Dubai on Christmas
1). Explore Bustling Dubai Christmas Markets
The holiday spirit is sparkling under the Dubai sun this December, with Christmas markets popping up across the city.
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
Grab the kids, ditch the shopping list, and make your way to the magical Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market.
Running from 15th December 2023 until January 7th 2024, you can:
- Hop on an abra cruise with Santa,
- Decorate gingerbread houses, and
- Even ride the North Pole Train.
With live music, food stalls with holiday nibbles, and plenty of one-of-a-kind gifts, it’s a jolly good time guaranteed. Don’t miss this exciting Christmas Market in Dubai!
Jumeirah Emirates Towers’ Winter District
New this year is the Jumeirah Emirates Towers’ Winter District. This place features IG-worthy views of the Museum of the Future all dressed up for the season.
Open from 14th December till January 4th, here, you’ll find:
- Christmas trees
- real snow (for faux snowball fights)
- festive bites from food trucks, and
- holiday shopping galore
Winter Garden at Al Habtoor City
Al Habtoor City’s Enchanted Garden will dazzle with entertainment until January 31st.
Whichever you choose, embrace the holiday spirit at Dubai’s merriest markets. Just get your Online Dubai Visa to experience it all!
2). Witness Incredible Theme Shows in Dubai during Christmas
The holiday season has arrived in Dubai, and with it comes a sleigh-full of festive performances to delight family members of all ages.
Mesmerizing Magic
Start off the month dazzled by Slava’s magical SNOW SHOW at Dubai Opera. You can also catch wonderful wizard Magic Phil lighting up the stage at Theatre by QE2 with plenty of giggle-inducing magic.
Toe-Tapping Tunes
For some toe-tapping musical merriment, don’t miss the beloved Christmas Cracker concert at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. An 18-piece band will have you rockin’ around the Christmas tree as they belt out all your favorite hits. Ballet lovers can also enjoy a lovely production of The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera.
This season, sleigh your boredom and make merry memories with Dubai’s festive shows. All you need is a Dubai Visa Online!
3). Go Meet Santa at Ski Dubai!
Glide down the slopes or meet Santa himself at Ski Dubai from December 1-25. Zoom down thrilling runs, greet the penguins, and brave icy rides before warming up with hot cocoa.
But the highlight for kids is a magical meeting with Mr. Claus in his toasty winter grotto.
For more wintery fun, check out the snowy, picture-perfect Dubai Ice Rink. Nestled inside Dubai Mall, this winter wonderland brings daily flurries and festive cheer all season long.
4). Enjoy Dubai Christmas Family Activities at Burj Al Arab
Head over to the stunning Burj Al Arab for a series of festive experiences perfect for the whole family. Go on a 60-90 minute hotel tour that will leave you starry-eyed before indulging in a festive feast fit for an Emirati king.
Capture priceless photos at Santa’s seaside grotto, pick up custom Burj Al Arab gift packages, or simply relax into the holiday spirit at the outdoor UMA Lounge.
With unmatched luxury and festive cheer, it’s a Dubai Christmas holiday highlight that’s sure to wow your family!
5). Christmas Festive Dining in Dubai – Go on a Culinary Adventure!
The season of joy and togetherness is here – it’s Christmas Eve!
As carols play in the crisp winter air, Dubai sparkles even brighter to bring families and friends together. This year, make merry memories at the city’s most festive spots by going on a Christmas Eve dinner. Here are some amazing places that you can choose from:
Seaside Celebrations at 101 Dining
For stunning views with your feast, 101 Dining Lounge rolls out an elegant four-course menu by Chef Alléno. Savor seafood creations as the live band croons Christmas tunes against the backdrop of Dubai’s glittering skyline.
Scrumptious Christmas Eve Dinner at 42 Midtown
Transport yourself to the Big Apple at 42 Midtown’s cosy restobar decked out for the season. Catch live jazz rhythms, seasonal bites and free-flowing cocktails around the glowing tree. Or settle in with tender turkey and toasty mulled wine!
So, why wait? Fill out today’s online Dubai Visa application for Christmas trip to get started!
Conclusion
Celebrating Christmas in Dubai is an amazing experience that you should definitely enjoy. With world-famous attractions, bustling markets and delicious food of Dubai, Dubai has it all for your Christmas vacay. Just apply Dubai Visa from UK and head over to this beautiful city for a magical time!
FAQs
Expo City Dubai turns into a magical winter wonderland from December 8th through January 7th, featuring chalet-style markets, fairground activities, gingerbread house building workshops, festive treats, and Santa’s grotto.
Yes, Global Village offers a unique shopping experience with handcrafted gifts and artisan souvenirs from various cultures, including Turkish glass lanterns, Indian embroideries, and European jewels.
Dubai hosts spectacular New Year Eve celebrations, including grand parties, dinners, and fireworks shows, making it a prime destination to ring in 2024 with style.
At Ski Dubai, from December 1-25, you can meet Santa, enjoy skiing, greet penguins, and try icy rides. Dubai Ice Rink offers a snowy winter wonderland with daily flurries and festive cheer, perfect for the entire family.
For Christmas Eve dining, 101 Dining Lounge offers a four-course menu with live music and stunning views. 42 Midtown provides a cozy atmosphere with live jazz, seasonal bites, and festive drinks, including turkey and mulled wine.