Fantastically festive things to do for Christmas 2024 in Dubai
Get ready to whip out the decorations and festive sweaters because the Christmas season is here! With festive cheer descending upon the city, there are plenty of things to do for Christmas in Dubai! From winter wonderlands decked out in twinkling fairy lights to meeting the big jolly guy himself, Christmas 2024 in Dubai will be special. We’ve got all the details for you right here.
THINGS TO DO FOR CHRISTMAS IN DUBAI 2024
If you’re looking for the best Christmas things to do in Dubai 2024, our list of the most happening activities is here to help.
SHOP AT MADINAT JUMEIRAH FESTIVE MARKET
Is the festive season truly a festive season without a festive market? Absolutely not! There is a whole host of Dubai Christmas markets to choose from. But there’s no doubt that the famous Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market stands out from the crowd.
Taking place from 6th to 31st December 2024, Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market features an array of activities such as:
- 36-foot tall Christmas tree
- Light and sound Christmas tree shows
- Festively decorated abra rides
- Mini train rides
- Bungee jumping
- Venetian carousel
- Festive shopping
- Delicious dining options
- Live band entertainment
- Charming gingerbread houses
You can also shop for festive treats, create twinkling art, sit down on a bean bag, sip a hot chocolate and enjoy that special Christmassy atmosphere—there’s something for everyone here!
- Entrance fee: Free
- Dates: 6th to 31st December 2024
- Timing: Monday to Thursday 03:00 pm onwards | Friday to Sunday 12:00 pm onwards
- Location: Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island
EXPLORE THE WINTER GARDEN AT HABTOOR PALACE
Habtoor Palace is the talk of the town these days. At its pet-friendly Winter Garden, you can bring your four-legged furry friend to enjoy the festivities with the entire family.
Enjoy tempting food and bevvies from the various food stalls and find the right gift for your loved ones from the several pop-up stores.
The hotel is offering amazing Christmas deals this year to spread joyous splendour. The hotel’s calendar is busy this Christmas, from enchanted wonderland to festive-themed decor.
- Entrance fee: AED 25 per person (redeemable at food stalls)
- Dates: Till 31st January 2024
- Timings: 04:00 pm – 12:00 am (Weekdays) | 04:00 pm – 01:00 am (Weekends)
- Location: Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotel & Resorts
- Contact: +971-56-996-5019
MEET SANTA CLAUS AT SKI DUBAI
Are your kids all excited to meet Santa this year? Then you’ll be pleased to know that Ski Dubai is all set to welcome Father Christmas where you can choose from different packages to meet him and snap a memorable selfie. And don’t forget to ask Santa for a surprise gift and hot chocolate!
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 160
- Dates: 1st December 2024 to 25th December 2024
- Location: Ski Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-800-386
ENJOY THE YULETIDE CLASSICS AND CAROLS AT DUBAI OPERA
Dubai Opera plans to add some shimmer to your festive season with two Christmas special shows. For this year’s Christmas celebrations in Dubai, be a part of Tchaikovsky’s all-time favourite, The Nutcracker, by the internationally acclaimed Astana Opera House Ballet Company and Orchestra, choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich.
- Ticket price: From AED 290
- Dates: 19th December to 22nd December 2024
- Location: Dubai Opera
- Contact: +971-4-440-8888
LEGO Santa at Festive Bricktacular
This festive season, LEGOLAND Dubai is transforming into a winter wonderland. From December 7th to January 7th, 2025, the park will be filled with holiday cheer, dazzling decorations and exciting festive activities.
- LEGO Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Kick off the season with a dazzling dance show, fun crowd interaction and a magical snowfall.
- LEGO Santa’s Toy Factory Tour: Become an honourary elf and build festive wonders alongside merry toy characters.
- LEGO Santa’s Joyous Workshop and Toy Troops: Meet LEGO Santa himself, discover his sorting room and catch the playful antics of his Toy Troops.
- Grotto Lotto: Join in for a festive twist on Bingo with awesome prizes.
- Build To Give Workshop: Spread some cheer by building hearts and helping children in need.
- Festive Fun Calendar: From December 7th to 31st, one lucky guest will open a door each day to reveal a special LEGO surprise.
- LEGO Santa’s Sleigh Photo Op: Snap a memorable photo with the life-sized LEGO Santa Sleigh model.
- Character Meet and Greets: Meet your favourite LEGO characters dressed in holiday outfits.
Santa Sleepover at the Hotel
Enjoy free entry to two parks, LEGOLAND Theme Park and Water Park, this festive season for one-night stays booked from 15th December onwards. It features cosy, festive-themed rooms and breakfast. You can get an upgrade for AED 300 to enjoy more perks.
Guests will also get a limited edition bag, exclusive LEGO brick, festive LEGO box set, an engraving voucher and a letter from LEGO Santa.
- Ticket price: Every activity has different prices
- Timings: Vary
- Dates: Starting from 7th December 2024 to 7th January 2025
- Location: Legoland Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-820-0000
WINTER DISTRICT SEASON 2
Experience an enchanting wonderland at Winter District Season 2, powered by Jetour – Elite Group Holding. This season will be held at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, where a dazzling array of activities awaits!
Indulge in gourmet food and bevvies, test your skills at exciting carnival games or glide gracefully across the ice rink. For the little ones, a fun-filled inflatable play area promises endless joy. Adults can unwind in the cosy bar lounge, sipping festive cocktails and enjoying live performances.
With captivating live entertainment, unique holiday shopping and a host of festive activities, the Winter District is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories this Christmas in Dubai 2024.
- Ticket price: From AED 25 per person
- Dates: 14th to 22nd December 2024
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Location: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
A CHRISTMAS CRACKER WITH THE IRISH VILLAGE
To make your Christmas celebrations jollier, head to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, where an incredible 21-piece orchestra will perform timeless melodies.
- Ticket price: From AED 120 per person for anyone aged 16 and above (Each adult ticket holder can bring up to 2 kids aged below 16 for free)
- Date: 15th December 2024
- Timings: From 06:00 pm onwards
- Location: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
- Contact: +971-4-282-4122
FESTIVE WORKSHOPS AT JONES THE GROCER
Jones the Grocer offers some of the most amazing workshops for kids and grownups.
CHOCOLATE YULE LOG MASTERCLASS
Be a part of the festive workshops and masterclasses where you can learn to create a stunning chocolate Yule log with award-winning pastry chef Karim Bourgi.
- Ticket price: AED 299 per person, inclusive of all materials
- Date: 21st December 2024
- Timings: 03:00 pm onwards
- Location: Jones the Grocer Al Manara
FESTIVE CHEESE AND CHARCUTERIE WREATH MASTERCLASS
Or learn to create your own show-stopping cheese and charcuterie festive wreath to impress your guests celebrating Christmas in Dubai 2024. Don’t miss the upcoming masterclass!
Join Jones the Grocer at Al Manara on December 14th and 21st, the Emirates Golf Club on December 8th and the Delta Hotel, JBR, on December 14th and 15th, 2024.
- Ticket price: AED 249 per person, inclusive of all materials
GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP
The little ones will also be able to unleash their creative sides with the engaging gingerbread house workshop.
The festive class will be available at multiple locations at different times, such as
- Al Manara on December 1st, 2nd, 14th and 22nd from 03:00 pm
- Emirates Golf Club on December 1st and 15th from 12:00 pm
- Mall of the Emirates on December 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th from 03:00 pm
- Ticket Price: AED 149 per person, inclusive of all materials
- Contact: +971-4-346-6886
MAKE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE
One of the best things to do for Christmas in Dubai 2024 is to be a part of the exciting gingerbread house-making at Address Beach Resort. The special festive class is designed for the little ones to build, decorate and create a delicious masterpiece.
- Ticket price: AED 250 per set to build your own gingerbread house
- Date: 6th to 30th December 2024
- Timings: 01:00 to 04:00 pm
- Location: Address Beach Resort
- Contact: +971-4-879-8866
BE A PART OF WINTER NIGHTS IN JBR
Make memories with your loved ones this festive season, as Winter Nights in JBR is back for a new season. One of the popular Christmas events in Dubai is watching a classic flick with your family, and Winter Nights has all the family favourites lined up. Apart from the movies, there’s an array of themed activities and arts and crafts workshops for the little ones.
- Ticket price: AED 250 per set to build your own gingerbread house
- Date: Until 31st December 2024
- Timings:
- Movie Night: Friday and Saturday, 05:00 to 07:00 pm
- Arts and Crafts Workshops: Saturday and Sunday, 05:00 to 09:00 pm
- Location: JBR
Watch iconic Christmas tree lighting ceremonies
What better way to get in the festive spirit than seeing a Christmas tree light up with sparkling decor? Here are the best venues to enjoy a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
- Andalucia at Al Habtoor Polo Resort – December 5, 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm. Enjoy a live choir, Santa’s grotto and festive activities.
- Meliá Desert Palm – December 5, 07:00 pm to 08:00 pm. Mulled grapes, ginger cookies and tree lighting at the terrace.
- Novotel Dubai Al Barsha – December 5, 05:30 pm to 06:30 pm. Tree lighting with entertainment by Gems Academy children.
- Taj Dubai – December 4, 05:30 pm to 06:30 pm. Witness the tree lighting followed by cake mixing and mulled grapes at MEDA Tapas & Bar.
- Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates – November 28, 05:30 pm to 06:30 pm. Christmas carols by GEMS Jumeirah students and festive treats.
- Raffles Dubai – December 6, 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm. Iconic tree lighting with festive treats, mulled grapes and Santa’s presence.
- The Irish Village Al Garhoud- December 3, 07:00 pm to 08:00 pm. Outdoor tree lighting, carols, mulled wine, and minced pies.
- The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi – December 4, 05:30 to 06:30 pm. Sparkling tree lights, festive bites and beverages.
- Dubai Racing Club – December 6, 05:30 pm to 06:30 pm. Christmas village activities, Santa, carols, and tree lighting.
- Park Hyatt Dubai – December 6, 06:30 pm to 07:30 pm. Tree lighting at the piazza with carols, chestnuts and Santa.
- QE2 Dubai – December 6, 04:00 pm to 05:00 pm. Tree lighting with carols, festive buffet available post-ceremony.
- Shangri-La Dubai – December 6, 06:00 pm to 09:00 pm. Festive canapés, beverages and a visit from Santa.
- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa – December 6, 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm. Toy donations are encouraged alongside carols and festive snacks.
- W Dubai – The Palm – December 6, 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm. Tree lighting with cookies, drinks and a chandelier light show.
- Bab Al Shams – December 7, 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm. Desert tree lighting, mulled wine, carols and Santa.
- Fairmont The Palm – December 7, 04:00 pm to 06:00 pm. Tree lighting, choir, pantomime and Santa.
- Raffles The Palm – December 10, 07:00 pm to 09:00 pm. Festive buffet, Santa & Mrs. Claus and a children’s choir.
- JA The Resort – December 13, 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm. Tree lighting, carols, DJ and gingerbread house decorating.
- Jumeirah Golf Estates Clubhouse – December 14, 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm. Tree lighting, carols, face painting and bouncy castle.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai – December 10, 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm. Celebrate with seasonal drinks, cookies and mulled grapes.
SAVOUR THE FESTIVE DINING OPTIONS
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH AT MEDIA ONE HOTEL
Celebrate Christmas in style at your neighbourhood British restaurant and gastrobar – QWERTY, at Media One Hotel! Guests will enjoy a festive welcome drink and an indulgent 3-course meal with petit fours, packed with delicious British classics. Gather your closest family and friends and head to QWERTY for a Christmas to remember.
- Cost: AED 149 per person
- Date: 25th December 2024
- Timings: 01:00 pm to 05:00 pm
- Location: QWERTY, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City
- Contact: +971-52-144-7348
ENJOY A FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA
Experience the season’s joy with an exclusive festive afternoon tea at SocialBee featuring a variety of seasonal treats and wholesome holiday flavours.
Enjoy gingerbread-spiced pastries alongside a premium selection of teas and freshly brewed coffee. Celebrate the festive season in style and capture those picture-perfect holiday moments.
- Cost: AED 349 for 2 guests
- Date: 11th to 30th December 2024
- Timings: 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm
- Location: SocialBee, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
- Contact: +971-4-230-0073
BRUNCHES AND DINNER GALORE
Just like every year, Dubai is pulling all the stops this Christmas season, too. Choose from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brunches in Dubai to enjoy festive flavours. Chef’s specials and unlimited beverages have graced the Christmas menus of various restaurants. The breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline are a bonus!
Here’s a look at some of the places offering festive dinner options this year:
- Porterhouse Bar and Grill: From AED 364 (24th December 2024)
- Crescendo at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort: From AED 360 (25th December 2024)
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner at Splendido: From AED 495 and AED 695 (24th and 25th December 2024)
FAQS ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI ON CHRISTMAS DAY
WHERE TO BUY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN DUBAI 2024?
Home Centre, IKEA and Bloomingdale’s are some of Dubai’s best places to shop for Christmas decorations.
WILL I BE REQUIRED TO BOOK RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE?
Christmas is usually a busy day for all dining establishments, so seating may be limited. To make the best of Christmas celebrations in Dubai this year, booking any reservations in advance is best. You can also make merry with Santa meet-and-greet or these special Christmas brunches in Dubai.
WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE CHRISTMAS PRESENT IDEAS?
If you’re looking for unique Christmas present ideas in Dubai, you should put Smash Room, Shooting at JA Resort and Sky Walk Dubai on your list.
And that’s a wrap, guys! We’ve listed all the top activities and fun things to do for Christmas in Dubai. You can also visit the Dubai Winter Garden to participate in magical festivities.
But if you would rather spend the day with your family at a hotel in the city, there are some exciting Christmas staycation offers in Dubai to check out!
We wish you a very Merry Christmas!
