Dubai offers endless possibilities for Christmas holiday fun.

It’s a place to make unforgettable memories with family, friends or that special someone, and a wondrous escape from the chilly climes of home. Delivering rejuvenating winter sun, as well as average daily temperatures of around 24℃, the festive period is an amazing time to embrace this dazzling emirate. Not only will you discover divine beaches, epic water sports and thrilling outdoor activities, but you’ll also enjoy all the Christmas gifts this phenomenal destination delivers. From yuletide markets and glistening light displays to firework extravaganzas and exciting parties, there’s no end to the seasonal joys. You might even wish to experience a show-stopping New Year’s Eve gala dinner. So, if you’re looking to end 2024 in style, or kick off 2025 with an experience you and your family, friends or love of your life will never forget, Dubai is the place to be. Here’s our guide to the festive treats that await.

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Time To Celebrate

Christmas time in Dubai sees the city adorned with fairy lights and lots of celebrations across the emirate catering for families, couples and groups of friends. Many resorts host their own events over December, providing decorations, extravagant displays, gala dinners, seasonal beverages and firework shows to delight guests of all ages. Concerts take place across the city as well, with the headliners in 2024 being Thirty Seconds to Mars on 12th December in the Coca-Cola Arena and Lionel Richie on New Year’s Eve, at Atlantis, The Palm. You can also enjoy a host of immersive attractions and festivals, such as Dubai Shopping Festival, Souk Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market and the Habtoor Palace Winter Garden, to help get you into the spirit of the season. All offer music, entertainment and excitement to delight visitors of all ages right throughout the festive period.

Festive Feasts

A multitude of international eateries, street food stalls and beachfront bistros offer mouthwatering dishes ideal for families, while a myriad of fine-dining restaurants deliver intimate meals perfect for couples. With many venues altering their menus for the winter period, you can choose from traditional Christmas fare, global cuisines or authentic Emirati food. Find festive brunch treats on the menus of Toro Toro, Sloane’s, City Social and Bistro Des Arts, or innovative Japanese dishes enhanced with classic Christmas flavours at SushiSamba. You can tuck into a traditional German meal in Ernst, where you’ll be seated in a Bavarian-inspired wonderland, or opt for a taste of home and a lively atmosphere in Bull & Bear. Many of Dubai’s superb hotels also host fabulous festive dinners where guests can enjoy delicious cuisine and superb entertainment. This includes the Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, which hosts the Grand Christmas Brunch, on December 25, with music, kids activities and gift giving.

Christmas Shopping

Dubai is a shopping paradise and at Christmas you can indulge in retail therapy and feel festive at the same time. The Christmas markets turn Dubai Harbour, Cityland Mall and the Golden Mile Galleria into a winter utopia where you can sip on hot chocolate while you peruse the traditional stalls. You'll find authentic food like German bratwursts and pretzels as well as Emirati dates and pastries. Children will adore visiting Santa and joining in with the carol singing. For luxury and high-street brands, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall are superb options. As well as retail outlets, the former offers ski slopes and gaming delights, while the latter features an ice rink and aquarium. Dubai is also famous for its traditional souks. Souk Festive Market is open until midnight throughout the entire festive period and is the perfect place to pick up Emirati souvenirs, clothing and gifts.

Seasonal Highlights

Many Dubai attractions fully immerse themselves into the Christmas period for holidaymakers to enjoy special days out. Expo City Dubai transforms into the Winter City, where a festive fairground offers fun child-friendly rides. Gingerbread making is also on offer, as well as the chance to visit Santa’s Grotto, while a towering Christmas tree provides the perfect backdrop for Instagrammable photos. Similarly, the Global Village takes inspiration from around the world and mixes Christmas traditions from near and far for everyone to experience. The whole family will love a day to LEGOLANDⓇ Dubai, where there are wooden huts, decorations made entirely from LEGO, including the Christmas tree, arts and crafts and meet-and-greets with your favourite LEGO characters. An array of seasonal shows should be on your itinerary, with the chance to watch the Nutcracker and other ballets, festive operas, Slava’s SNOW SHOW and Magic Phil’s Toyland Express across different venues.

New Year Fireworks

New Year’s Eve celebrations are huge events across the whole of Dubai and you can take your pick from exclusive ticket-only venues or chilled-out spots where you can watch the fireworks for free. Downtown Dubai has a number of lovely areas where you can ring in the new year, including restaurant rooftops. Take in the sights from your hotel balcony or from unrivalled viewpoints in the Skyview Observatory. Alternatively, the beach or on the deck of a rented boat will provide spectacular scenes. For those searching for something show-stopping, the Burj Khalifa has the best display in the world. The building itself turns into an L.E.D screen with a laser show, while fireworks light up the sky around it. At the ‘7-star’ Burj Al Arab, the fireworks countdown to midnight after you’ve enjoyed a gala dinner with dishes by renowned chefs, while the Global Village Dubai sets off brightly coloured fireworks every hour from 8pm until midnight.

“Christmas in Dubai is a magical experience for families, couples and friends, with an abundance of festive-themed activities and attractions to visit across the emirate.

“Winter wonderlands and Christmas markets create a world of fun for holidaymakers of every age with the chance to indulge and enjoy treats like hot chocolate, gingerbread and delicious food.

“Restaurants provide exceptional cuisines with influences from around the world, including mouth watering Christmas dinners in luxurious fine-dining establishments, as well as innovative infusions of traditional and modern recipes in chic eateries.

“Children will have the time of their lives in Dubai at Christmas with so many memorable days out catered for them. Explore the malls, where features such as an ice skating rink, ski slopes and an aquarium can be found, as well as theme parks, like LEGOLANDⓇ, where you’ll find imaginative decorations and lots of fun.

“New Year’s Eve is the biggest celebration on Dubai’s calendar. Expect show-stopping entertainment with concerts, ballets, operas and kids shows all on offer. The countdown to midnight is highly anticipated, with many of Dubai’s most famous landmarks and hotels arranging vibrant firework displays.”

Jumeirah Mina Al Salam (Madinat)

Embrace moments of pure serenity and bliss during a stay in this idyllic 5-star holiday sanctuary set amidst tranquil waterways. Elegant Arabian-inspired living spaces allow for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, while you can tantalise your taste buds in any of the exceptional dining destinations. A traditional abra awaits to ferry you around the resort, allowing you to discover the many delights on offer, which include the Talise Spa, J Club fitness centre, KiDS Club, pools and private beach. You’ll also enjoy complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark.

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Andaz Dubai The Palm

Andaz Dubai The Palm invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of Palm Jumeirah, where creativity, culture, and comfort come together. Enjoy luxurious beachfront living with a boutique touch, immersive dining, and personalized experiences that reflect the soul of Dubai. Perfect for those seeking a sophisticated yet playful escape in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

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Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah

A luxurious world of comfort and tranquillity awaits on the glorious Palm Jumeirah beachfront at this 5-star family-friendly retreat. Offering easy access to the delights of downtown Dubai, it’s an ideal choice for both exploration and relaxation. The sophisticated rooms and suites provide wonderful spaces to rest, while you’ll find a host of innovative dining venues to choose from. Other appealing features include a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and a kids club with a games room, playground and a children’s pool.

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Sofitel Dubai The Palm

Enjoy a taste of refined beach life with a stay at this premium resort set beside the sands of Palm Jumeirah island. Make yourself at home in your elegant room, suite, villa or apartment and embrace the impeccable hospitality on offer at this sublime resort. You’ll discover a myriad of gourmet restaurants, inviting bars, a stunning beach, fabulous water sports options and six splendid swimming pools. Other welcome features include a gym, spa and a children’s club.

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Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm

Celebrate the exotic side of life on the Palm Jumeirah with a scintillating Dubai holiday at this distinctive 5-star island oasis. Here, every exquisite room and suite offers an indulgent experience in luxury, while unique culinary concepts from around the world will delight even the most discerning of diners. Factor in features such as a private white sand beach, a spa, 24-hour fitness centre, a kids club, tennis court and a putting green, and you have everything you could possibly need for a sensational holiday.

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