Dubai redefines opulence with its diverse selection of luxury hotels, gourmet flavours from Michelin-rated restaurants, and the architectural marvels of the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa. With the upcoming holiday season, it is natural to consider the city as a viable vacation destination. Christmas in Dubai offers a luxurious blend of experiences, from snow and Santa for a traditional white Christmas to festive performances, shopping, beach parties, and bottomless brunches.
Plan your excellent desert escape to the UAE with our guide to Dubai’s finest beach clubs.
Christmas in Dubai: How to make your holiday memorable?
Catch Christmas musicals at Dubai’s finest theatres
The Nutcracker, a beautiful classical ballet that narrates the adventures of a child’s imagination, has come to the city! Dubai Opera will showcase the performance from December 19 to 22, 2024. The show will run for two hours and fifteen minutes, and tickets start at AED 290 (HKD 614).
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Join the adventures of Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas as the musical comes to life at Zabeel Theatre. From December 20-24, watch the tales of the Grinch through 1 hour and 30 minutes of songs and fun. Tickets start from AED 200 (HKD 423.35).
Address: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel, West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Attend Winter Wonderland at Ski Dubai
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While Dubai’s hot climate means there’s no chance of natural snow, it doesn’t stop you from experiencing a white Christmas! Ski Dubai is a massive snow-covered entertainment zone spanning 22,500 square metres, where you can hop on ski lifts, ride to the top of great snow-covered slopes, and practise snowboarding, skiing and bobsleighing. For Christmas in Dubai, they have created Winter Wonderland, where you can greet Santa and get clicked with him. It is open from December 1-25, 2024.
Entry: Starts at AED 160 (HKD 338.70)
Timings: 10 am to 11 pm
Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Barsha, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, UAE
Love skiing? Peruse our guide on the world’s finest ski resorts.
Book your stay at W Dubai via Booking.com
Book your stay at W Dubai via Agoda
Visit Santa’s Grotto at the Dubai Ice Rink
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Another great place to feel the cold is the Dubai Ice Rink, where you can spend your day skating around or learning ice hockey! The Ice Rink has also created a Santa Grotto for Christmas, where Santa’s Elves will assist you in delivering your letter to Santa and take you on a festive journey to the North Pole.
Entry: Starts at AED 99 (HKD 209.55)
Timings: 10 am to 12 am
Address: Dubai Mall, Unit GF – 207, Financial Center Rd, next to Ice Rink, Downtown Dubai, UAE
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Have a fun-filled day at the Global Village
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Dubai’s iconic seasonal theme park is one of the exciting things to do for Christmas! Experience over 90 cultures and more than 200 eateries as you navigate the mini-worlds created in this massive amusement park. They also host a festive special where the Christmas tree is lit at night. Spend the day enjoying rides, ice skating rink, markets, live musical performances and more at Season 29 of Global Village.
Entry: Starts from AED 25 (HKD 53), with separate admission costs for all the activities
Timings: 4 pm to 1 am
Address: 38C5+F57, Dubai, UAE
Book your stay at The St. Regis Dubai via Booking.com
Book your stay at The St. Regis Dubai via Agoda
Shop at Christmas markets in Dubai
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Spend Christmas in Dubai by shopping your heart out at its festive markets!
- The iconic Dubai Shopping Festival will take place from December 6, 2024, to January 2025. The days will be filled with massive deals, and the nights will feature drone shows and fireworks.
- Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market is open from December 6 to 31. It spreads festive cheer through stunning displays of gingerbread houses, a Santa and North Pole Train, live performances, and festive stalls.
- Dubai Media City Amphitheatre’s Winter District runs from December 14 to 22. There are festive stalls, and Santa will welcome visitors.
- Al Habtoor City’s Winter Garden is open until the end of January and features food trucks, entertainment, and more.
- Expo City Dubai has its Christmas Market from December 6-31.
Indulge in Dubai’s iconic brunch
Brunch in Dubai goes beyond the usual! Restaurants offer brunch packages with a menu that provides all kinds of cuisine, not just pancakes, eggs, and mimosas. Sushisamba, Hutong, Nikki Beach Club, La Dame de Pic, FIVE Palm, Armani/Mediterraneo, Asia Asia, Boardwalk, Cinque, Jun’s, and Koko Bay are a few of the many restaurants offering bottomless brunches in Dubai for Christmas.
Shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature image credit: Sebi Pintilie/Pexels)
Related | Holiday Math: Here’s How Much Your Trip To Dubai Will Cost
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Dubai is located in a desert so it runs hot during Christmas, but it is pleasant enough to enjoy the beach and the outdoors.
Yes, Christmas is a good time to visit Dubai. There are a series of festivals that make the city livelier.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelPriyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
