Christmas in Dubai: Best Ways to Celebrate the Festive Season

Although it may be quite surprising to associate Christmas with Dubai, this large city in the United Arab Emirates has warmly welcomed the holiday. 

Dubai goes into the festive mode as December sets in, but the celebrations are a fusion of Middle Eastern culture and western style holidays. 

In this guide, we will look at how you can enjoy the festive season in this fabulous desert city.

A Winter Wonderland in the Desert

It is very beautiful to see Dubai in December. The city’s skyline is filled with the lights of the festive season and large Christmas trees are placed at shopping mall and hotel foyers. However, there is no shortage of Christmas spirit throughout the city even though the weather is quite warm. Ice skating rinks, snow covered decorations, and other Christmas installations are not lacking in Dubai as the city tries to make the most out of the Christmas season.

Festive Markets and Shopping Extravaganzas

Another one of the top things to do in Dubai during the holiday season is to go to its lovely Christmas markets. The Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market is a must-visit, with a traditional German style market with wooden chalets, a giant Christmas tree and even Santa arriving by abra. Here you can buy souvenirs, taste sweet and spicy, listen to music and watch performances.

If you want to shop in more comfort and style, you should visit the Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates. These giant malls go all out for Christmas, with beautiful decorations, sales, and programs leading up to Christmas.

Dining and Feasting

It would not be Christmas in Dubai if one cannot have a taste of the delicious festive meals. Christmas Eve is a good time for dinner and Christmas Day is a good time for brunch in many hotels and restaurants. From the good old turkey with all the sides and gravy to the international dishes with a touch of the season, you are covered.

If you want to go out of the ordinary then the desert safari with a Christmas BBQ dinner under the stars is perfect for you. It is a mix of Arabian Nights and Christmas holiday.

Spectacular Shows and Entertainment

Entertainment in Dubai is considered to be one of the best in the world and the same goes for Christmas time. Watch a ballet performance of the Nutcracker at the Dubai Opera or the spectacular La Perle by Dragone show which adds some Christmas vibes in December.

Even the Dubai Fountain, one of the world’s largest, gets into the Christmas mood with performances to Christmas music. It is a spectacle not to be missed, and one of the must-do activities to do in Dubai at this time.

Winter-Themed Attractions

Nevertheless, there are many winter activities within Dubai, which is located in the desert. One of the most interesting places to visit during the Christmas holidays is Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates. You can ski, snowboard or just frolic in actual snow – a rather bizarre sight in the middle of the desert.

For a more laid back winter experience, visit the Dubai Ice Rink in Dubai Mall. The Olympic sized rink with decorations all around is a wonderful way to kick start the holiday spirit.

Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Dubai During Christmas

While Dubai is known for luxury, there are plenty of affordable ways to enjoy the festive season:

1. Go to Dubai Miracle Garden where flowers are arranged in a festive manner in December.

2. Watch the free Christmas tree lighting at different hotels and malls.

3. The Walk at JBR is very well lit and often people can enjoy free performances during the festive season.

4. Go to the Global Village which is an open air bazaar and entertainment city that hosts different cultures from different parts of the world including many Christian countries during Christmas.

5. Watch the Dubai Festival City Mall’s IMAGINE light and water show for free and catch its Christmas edition.

Beach and Outdoor Celebrations

In fact, one of the features of the Christmas celebration in Dubai is the chance to spend it outside in a relatively warm climate. Most of the beach clubs and resorts organize special Christmas Day beach events, people celebrating the holiday with joy, sunshine, sand, and sea. It is an unusual way to celebrate Christmas Day that you cannot come across often in other countries of the world.

New Year's Eve Spectacle

Although not a part of the Christmas celebrations, New Year’s Eve in Dubai is a spectacle that brings down the curtains on the festival season. The city is well known for its great firework shows, especially at the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Eating dinner while watching fireworks is among the best things to do in Dubai as you welcome in the New Year.

Conclusion

Dubai has all the usual trappings of a Christmas season, but with a Middle Eastern twist to it. Dubai is a city that offers everything from luxury shopping and dining to cheap things to do in this sparkling city. From constructing sand castles on the sandy shore to sledging at Ski Dubai, Christmas in this desert city will be a memorable experience.