Christmas in Dubai is truly one of the biggest festive events of the year, although it may come as a surprise to some! Although Dubai is a Muslim-majority city, you may be interested to know that Christmas is celebrated there. This vibrant metropolis is a melting pot of cultures and home to a thriving international community. This diversity ignited the city's Christmas spirit. Dubai now offers a host of lively Christmas events, enchanting markets and festive decorations on every corner, including the city's most famous attractions.
Tired of traditional festivals and winter celebrations Looking for an unconventional Christmas experience? If the prospect of frigid temperatures, endless family dinners and gray days no longer appeals to you, perhaps it's time to consider a surprising alternative: spending Christmas in Dubai! This futuristic city, located in the desert of the United Arab Emirates, offers a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.
Far from the typical snowfall and conventional traditions, Dubai will invites you to embark on an extraordinary adventure full of thrills and impressive activities. From thrilling speedboat rides to thrilling desert safari adventures, camel rides and close-up dolphin encounters, there's something to capture every traveller's heart.
I Even the mild and pleasant weather in December makes the United Arab Emirates an ideal destination for winter holidays. Get ready to learn everything you need to know to plan a unique Christmas vacation. Read on to find out what to expect and how to organize your own extraordinary Christmas in Dubai.
Christmas in Dubai: celebrate the season with these unmissable activities
Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market
Come and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Christmas in Dubai at the wonderful Dubai Christmas Markets! When we think of Christmas celebrations we cannot help but imagine that the traditional markets and those of Dubai offer a unique experience not to be missed.
One of the most famous is the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas market, located on the enchanting fortified island of Madinat Jumeirah, behind the famous Burj Al-Arab. Imagine a two-kilometer-long five-star luxury resort that captures the charm of an authentic Arabian city with its narrow streets and picturesque canals. Here you will find three of Dubai's most renowned hotels: Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel, Jumeirah Mina A'Salam and Jumeirah Al Naseem, as well as charming holiday residences in Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf.
The enchanting atmosphere of the market begins in mid-December and lasts until the end of the year. In an impressive area of 1,750 m2 you will discover a wide range of interesting activities for the whole family. Imagine the North Pole train taking you on a magical journey, a majestic 11 meter tall Christmas tree, a four-lane bungee jump for thrill seekers and a Venetian carousel transporting you to a world of fairy tales. And don't miss the opportunity to board the Abra boat, accompanied by Santa Claus, as he glides through the canals illuminated by festive lights.
The Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market offers not only attractions, but also a wide range of shops and restaurants. From the variety of shops where you can find unique gifts and holiday treats to restaurants offering culinary delights for every palate, there's something for everyone in the family. And while you enjoy live entertainment, Christmas carols and incredible shows, you will have fun from dawn until late at night.
Start planning your visit to the Markets of Dubai Christmas at Visit Madinat Jumeirah and you will have an unforgettable experience that will leave you with beautiful memories and the warmth of Christmas in your heart. Don't miss the opportunity to experience Christmas in Dubai in an extraordinary way!
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Meet Santa Claus in Dubai
Christmas at Ski Dubai It is a magical experience that brings the festive atmosphere to the heart of the Dubai desert. This unique indoor ski facility at the Mall of the Emirates offers a unique winter experience that will put you in the Christmas spirit, even when the outside temperature reaches 30°C. If you like skiing, this is definitely the right place to spend Christmas in Dubai!
During the Christmas period, Ski Dubai transforms into an enchanting and rich land of glittering wonders. Festive lights and decorations. The main attraction is the Christmas Grotto, where visitors have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself, take unforgettable photos and receive a special gift directly from him. The presence of Mrs. Claus adds a touch of warmth and affection to the magic of Christmas with her captivating stories about Santa Claus, reindeer and elves.
Inside Ski Dubai, enjoy seasonal treats that capture the essence of Christmas. Gingerbread penguins, tarts and mint hot chocolate will get you into the festive spirit. The Ski Dubai snowpark offers a world full of exciting adventures. With a surface area of over 22,500 square meters and a vertical drop of 60 metres, this space offers five different slopes, the longest of which is 400 metres. Winter sports enthusiasts have the opportunity to ski and snowboard and experience the pleasure of sledding.
If you start skiing or snowboarding, you can do it. Take part in courses at specialized schools, where expert instructors will accompany you in your first experiences on the snow. There is a Christmas atmosphere in every corner of the park, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Winter Garden in Dubai
From early November to March, Habtoor Palace Dubai transforms into a fabulous winter oasis with its enchanting Winter Garden, an outdoor space that comes to life during the warmer months and colder. Its lush gardens give way to an enchanting wonderland, where the magic of winter creates an enchanting atmosphere with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, on the banks of the Dubai Water Canal, this area is dedicated to family winter fun and offers a variety of interesting activities for all visitors.
This is one of the most popular places to celebrate Christmas in Dubai, and at the center of this winter magic is a majestic Christmas tree, surrounded by a wide variety of food stalls. With more than 50 options, visitors can satisfy any culinary craving. The stalls offer a wide variety of delicacies, from traditional hot chocolate to delicious gingerbread, from sandwiches to more elegant snacks.
Dining options include Delicious Shawarma Vibes. snacks, while the Magic Corn stand offers corn chips and waffles with popsicles. As for Lebanese dishes, the Coop restaurant stand offers delicacies such as Lebanese fried chicken and shawarma cake. If you want a healthy snack, the Hamba Fruit and Vegetable Shop is the perfect place for you. It's impossible to miss the vintage vibe of Sauce, which offers treats ranging from hot dogs to french fries, blue cheese sandwiches to milkshakes. This culinary corner is a true delight for the palate.
As December approaches, Santa Claus appears every day to welcome children and adults alike. Furthermore, the iconic Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the date of which will be announced soon, promises to enthrall viewers. Christmas carols and performances by singers Alice Kube and Maria B add a musical touch to the festive atmosphere.
What makes the Habtoor Palace Christmas Market still more special is that you can bring your pets with you. Dogs and cats can enjoy the festive atmosphere and relax in the petting and grooming station. And if you want to capture the charm of the conservatory, don't forget your camera. This winter wonderland offers breathtaking scenery for unforgettable photos.
Where: Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotel & Resorts
Christmas on Bluewaters Island
Bluewaters Island, a short walk from Dubai Marina, is one of the liveliest Christmas centers in Dubai, where the magic of Christmas comes to life in an extraordinary way. Transformation. During this special period, the island transforms into Santa Claus's secret home, an enchanted place where adults and children can immerse themselves in a world of joy and wonder.
Imagine walking through an enchanted village where the snow sparkles beneath your feet and the trees are decorated with twinkling lights and colorful decorations, while the reindeer sculptures transport you to a world of wonder and surprises. At the heart of this Dubai Christmas village lies a lively cave where the legendary Santa Claus lives. Here dreams come true when you can meet him, exchange happy words and take a magical photo that will forever preserve the memory of this extraordinary meeting.
And if you had a special wish in your heart, don't worry. You can write it carefully in a letter and put it in the letterbox specially prepared for Christmas greetings. But the charm doesn't stop there. The streets of the island come alive with a festival of colors and sounds. A Christmas orchestra fills the air with joyous melodies as cheerful dancers dance in perfect harmony with the music. Traveling performers, including an adorable polar bear, transform every corner into a wondrous scene.
And the drone show that paints the night sky with flashing lights? Hundreds of drones come together to choreograph amazing lights and shapes in the sky, bringing the magic of the holidays to the airwaves. It is a sight that enchants and fascinates, connecting people to the wonders of modern technology and human creativity.
Which makes this place one of the most exciting places to enjoy . The magic of Christmas in Dubai is that action and adventure are never far away. An ice rink awaits adrenaline seekers, the snowball challenge guarantees laughter and fun for all and the Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel offers a unique experience: ultra-modern, air-conditioned cabins that take you to the next level. Rising 250 meters above the ground, it offers spectacular views of Dubai's stunning skyline and the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. And don't forget to stop by the famous Madame Tussauds wax museum, where you can show off your style by taking selfies with your favorite stars immortalized in incredibly realistic wax figures.
Christmas at the Dubai Global Village
One of the most popular places to celebrate Christmas in Dubai is the Dubai Global Village, which on this occasion offers an even more enchanting and magical experience, designed to delight guests families from all over the world. . the world. world - tourists and locals - with a sensorial journey through the cultures of the world and many fun attractions for families. It is also a very popular destination for New Year celebrations in Dubai!
From October 18, 2023 to April 28, 2024, Global Village opens its doors offering an exceptional season full of entertainment, shopping, dining and attractions. With its 27 pavilions dedicated to continents near and far, it offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures and discover local craftsmanship, traditional gastronomy and cultural entertainment.
The Global Village is home to thousands of shops offering a wide variety of products from different regions of the world. You can get lost in the aromatic spices of India, admire the adorable matryoshka dolls of Russia, adore the wood carvings of Africa and discover trendy finds in Europe. The shopping experience is complemented by authentic Persian carpets from Iran and fine Sidr honey from Yemen.
During the Christmas season, the atmosphere is full of magic. The enormous Christmas tree becomes a center of attraction and offers a bright and inviting sight that will delight visitors, young and old. The world's smallest Santa exhibit at Ripley's Believe It Or Not adds a touch of curiosity and fun and is another reason to explore the park's diverse attractions.
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Christmas in Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden is a true floral wonderland and offers visitors a spectacular view of flowers in full bloom during the Christmas period. As temperatures begin to drop in early winter, the gates of Dubai Miracle Garden open to reveal a dazzling display of more than 150 million flowers in bloom.
This floral O Paraíso occupies an area of 72 thousand square meters and for more than a decade has been one of the most fascinating and fragrant destinations in the region. The garden is home to numerous famous monuments and buildings, represented by beautiful floral arrangements that are brightly colored and offer unique photo opportunities.
One of the most evocative attractions of the garden. There is a huge replica of an Emirates A380, the floral copy of the imposing Burj Khalifa, quaint houses and cottages and many more. notable exhibitions. Another unmissable gem of Miracle Garden Dubai is the Lake Park. This coastal area offers a peaceful refuge in nature and is perfect for a relaxing walk by the lake.
In addition to the Dubai Miracle Garden, there is another equally impressive attraction: the Dubai Butterfly Garden. This butterfly sanctuary is home to over 15,000 specimens of 50 different butterfly species. The 10 unique temperature-controlled domes allow these delicate creatures to fly freely in a comfortable and spacious environment. The garden is also home to a trampoline park with 12 trampolines tailor-made for the whole family, the impressive Flower Castle which will delight fans of fairy tales and fantasy, as well as the amphitheater where live shows and theater performances take place.
Christmas in the Dubai Desert
Without a doubt, the Dubai Desert Safari is a must see and definitely tops the list of best things to do take a Christmas holiday in Dubai. Get ready for a unique experience by climbing aboard a powerful 4×4 jeep that will take you into the heart of the desert. As you slide down the dunes, you'll feel an adrenaline rush as you cruise along the golden sandy beaches.
Winter is the best season for a desert safari, as temperatures are pleasantly mild. You can have a thrilling sandboarding experience by grabbing a board and hurtling along the glittering peaks of the tallest dunes. Additionally, you can enjoy a short and exciting camel ride in one of the Bedouin camps outside Dubai.
The Bedouin desert camps also offer performances of traditional dishes accompanied by music and dancing, as well as the possibility of enjoying a dinner with local products. They usually include grilled meats and vegetables, plus the chance to sample award-winning local dates, accompanied by Arabic tea and coffee. If you're looking for more adventure, you can also opt for a quad or buggy ride.
Dragon's Pearl: the most incredible sight in Dubai
Immerse yourself in a world of pure wonder and extraordinary artistry by booking your tickets for La Perle de Dragone at Al Habtoor City, in the heart of downtown Dubai, a show that redefines the art of theatre. Created by the creative genius of award-winning director Franco Dragone, it is more than a show, it is a sensory experience like no other. As the lights dim and the curtain rises, you will be transported to a world where breathtaking choreography reaches new heights with daring acrobatics.
The extraordinary Aquatic theater, the waterfalls and streams flowing across the stage create an enchanting effect. Inspired by Dubai's pearl fishing tradition, the show is an incredible mix of acrobatics, lights, sounds and technology. This story comes to life with the help of 65 world-famous artists from 23 different countries. From breathtaking aerial acrobatics to daring gravity-defying dives and stunts aboard a moving motorcycle, each sequence is an explosion of adrenaline and amazement.
Dubai Shopping Festival
In winter, from the beginning of December to the end of January, the excitement in Dubai reaches its peak as the emirate transforms into an epicenter of global shopping thanks to the famous Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). transformed). Since its inception in 1996, DSF has captured the world's attention with its seven weeks of glittering celebrations and fantastic shopping.
The Dubai Shopping Festival offers a 'unique experience. A unique shopping experience where the city's major shopping centers come together to offer great deals on a wide range of products, from the latest electronics to high fashion from the most prestigious brands. In addition to the classic places such as the Dubai Mall, it is also worth discovering other shopping opportunities in historic Deira.
Rendering Famous for the Dubai Gold Souk, the pedestrian area covered As the areas of this market are filled with numerous boutiques offering a large selection of gold, silver, diamond and precious stone jewelry. The brilliant display of ornaments and craftsmanship is truly admirable. Not far away, the Dubai Spice Souk will enchant you with its seductive colors and scents. In the narrow streets you will find a variety of shops selling herbs and spices, often in large open bags that invite you to explore.
DSF offers much more What a shopping paradise. Entertainment comes to life every day with impressive shows, art exhibitions and raffles. Outside the mall's walls, the streets come alive with a variety of glamorous events, including dining experiences exploring flavors from around the world, cutting-edge fashion shows, performances by internationally renowned artists, and immersive, spectacular fireworks street fireworks that illuminate the shopping center Night Sky Shopping Center.
Christmas in Dubai Beach
While the rest of the world decorates its streets with twinkling lights and Christmas trees illuminating squares, Christmas in Dubai has a truly special atmosphere. Pleasantly mild temperatures and bright sunshine welcome you here and create a unique setting for celebrations. And what better way to celebrate Christmas in such an environment than by taking a dip in the emirate's warm waters?
The many options available include tourist beaches and public beaches. The beaches offer several opportunities to enjoy the sea, including a visit to Kite Beach, opposite Sunset Mall, is a must. The golden sand and turquoise water form the ideal setting for relaxation and fun. Don't forget to stop at Jumeirah Beach, just steps away from the famous Burj Al Arab, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Dubai also has several free public beaches. For the best beaches, check out our guide to Dubai beaches.
But if you want to have a more active and adventurous Christmas, Dubai has some unique beaches to offer and exciting recorded experiences. To start in style, take a thrilling speedboat ride from the picturesque Dubai Marina. Passing iconic landmarks such as Atlantis, Palm Tree and Burj Al Arab, enjoy breathtaking views as you sail through the waters of the Persian Gulf.
And if so, the thirst for adrenaline is always insatiable. Why not try flying 150 meters above the coast of Dubai with a parachute towed by a speedboat? Yes, OK! Parasailing allows you to experience the thrill of free flight in the air and the sensation of floating among the clouds attached to a tugboat. It's an experience that will make your heart beat faster and leave lasting memories. For something less extreme but extremely rewarding, consider a helicopter tour where you can enjoy the most incredible views of Dubai: the city's monuments from above!
Dubai Garden Glow
In the heart of Zabeel Park, one of Dubai's green jewels, Dubai Garden Glow offers a magical experience that shines even brighter during the Christmas season. Although it is not necessarily a Christmas event, the park enchants its visitors with a fairy-tale atmosphere and is therefore an unmissable visit for those looking for an extraordinary experience on winter nights.
The charm of Dubai Garden Glow comes to life at night, when the park is illuminated by thousands of lights and luminous creations, transforming the environment into a world of fantasy and wonder. And it's not just a light show; is a complex of five unique attractions, each offering its own charm and entertainment. Glow Park is the glowing heart of the park and is filled with art exhibits from talented artists from around the world. For dinosaur enthusiasts, Dinosaur Park features more than 120 incredibly lifelike animatronic dinosaurs, offering visitors a unique opportunity to travel back in time and see these ancient creatures up close.
The diverse ART Park pays homage to environmental sustainability by transforming recyclable materials into works of art that celebrate creativity and environmental stewardship. Magic Park is a realm of optical illusions and 3D art where reality seems to defy logic and imagination takes control. To complete this range of attractions, the Ice Park offers a breathtaking contrast: ice sculptures covered in a hot desert. With temperatures below zero, this space offers a relaxing and fascinating experience, creating an impressive harmony between the desert heat and the arctic cold.
The Dubai Garden Glow opens in September and welcomes visitors to Dubai throughout the winter. Opening hours are: Monday to Friday, 5pm to 11pm; Saturdays and holidays, from 5pm to midnight.
By SSP