Fantastically festive things to do for Christmas 2023 in Dubai
Get ready to whip out the decorations and festive sweaters because 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 2023 in Dubai is gonna be a special one. We’ve got all the details for you right here.
THINGS TO DO FOR CHRISTMAS IN DUBAI
If you’re looking for the best Christmas things to do in Dubai 2023, 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! Definitely some of the best places to visit in Dubai during Christmas 2023, there 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 15th December 2023 to 7th January 2024, Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market comes with retail stalls, food trucks, live entertainment, daily Christmas carols and a 36 ft. tall tree! You can shop for festive treats, create twinkling art or just sit down on a bean bag, sup a hot chocolate and enjoy that special Christmassy atmosphere – there’s something for everyone here!
- Entrance fee: Free
- Dates: 15th December 2023 to 7th January 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. And why wouldn’t it be?! The hotel is offering amazing Christmas deals this year to spread joyous splendor. From enchanted wonderland to festive-themed decor, the hotel’s calendar is pretty busy this Christmas.
- Entrance fee: Register with a minimum spend of AED 25
- Dates: Till 31st January 2024
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 04:00 pm to 11:30 pm
- Location: Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotel & Resorts
- Contact: +971-4-435-5577
MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS 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 150
- Dates: 1st December 2023 to 25th December 2023
- Location: Ski Dubai
- Contact: +971-480-0386
ENJOY THE YULETIDE CLASSICS AND CAROLS AT DUBAI OPERA
Dubai Opera is planning to add some shimmer to your festive season with two Christmas special shows. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s all-time favourite, The Nutcracker by internationally acclaimed Moscow Ballet “La Classique” is kicking off from 15th December 2023 to 17th December 2023.
Another equally exuberant event, Slavas Snowshow is also coming this year to serenade you with timeless and universal theatrical spectacles.
- Ticket price:
- From AED 300 for The Nutcracker
- From AED 225 for Slavas Snowshow
- Dates:
- 15th December 2023 to 17th December 2023 (The Nutcracker)
- 8th December 2023 to 10th December 2023 (Slavas Snowshow)
- Location: Dubai Opera
- Contact: +971-4-440-8888
FLY AWAY WITH PETER PAN AT QE2
Theatre by QE2 is all set to make your Christmas extra special! Peter Pan will take over the theatre with dazzling animations, colourful costumes and plenty of audience participation.
- Ticket price: From AED 95
- Dates: 15th December 2023 – 26th December 2023
- Timings: 06:00 pm| 11:00 am | 03:00 pm
- Location: Theatre by QE2
- Contact: +971-58-838-3107
FESTIVE FUN AT LEGOLAND DUBAI
This year, Legoland Dubai is transforming into a magical wonderland. A lineup of spectacular activities is organised for the whole fam to enjoy. Here’s a peek at all the fun things happening at Legoland:
- Countdown to Christmas: Daily advent ‘Door Opening’ where you’ll find LEGO sets behind every door.
- Festive Bricktacular: This happening event includes a Christmas market, festive treats and Holly Jolly Dance Show. You get to take a selfies with Santa sleigh and reindeer and decorate your own LEGO gingerbread house.
- Santa Sleepover: A chance to have a sleepover with Santa at his Legoland Grotto. It includes overnights stay, complimentary breakfast, full access to theme park and the Festive Bricktacular event.
Please note that you have to book Santa Sleepover to get access to the Festive Bricktacular event.
- Ticket price: Every activity has different prices
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 06:00 pm (park timings)
- Dates: Starting from 1st December 2023
- Location: Legoland Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-820-0000
WINTER DISTRICT
M2L Concepts in collaboration with Jumeirah Emirates Tower will transform the JET Plaza Terrace into a winder wonderland. Against the spectacular backdrop of the Museum of the Future, the event promises to be a magical experience for visitors of every age.
There will be outdoor markets for you to shop all kinds of festive gifts and trinkets for your loved ones. Other activities will include pop-up stalls, Santa’s Grotto, carolers and live entertainment.
- Ticket price: Free
- Dates: 14th December 2023 – 5th January 2024
- Timings: 02:00 pm – 02:00 am
- Location: Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road
A CHRISTMAS CRACKER WITH THE IRISH VILLAGE
To make your Christmas celebrations jollier, head over to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium where an incredible 18-piece band will perform timeless melodies.
- Ticket price: From AED 100
- Dates: 17th December 2023
- Timings: From 06:00 pm onwards
- Location: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
- Contact: +971-4-282-4122
FESTIVE WONDERLAND AT ROXY
Roxy Cinema in Dubai is hosting one-of-a-kind Christmas party. The cinema will screen all the classic holiday movies including Home Alone, The Elf, Love Actually, Muppet Christmas Carol and Die Hard till 26th December 2023. But that’s not it….there will be mince pies, Christmas spice popcorn, hot chocolate and traditional turkey roast!
- Dates: Till 26th December 2023
- Location: Multiple location
- Contact: 800-7699
WATCH FIREWORKS AT AL SEEF
One of the most popular things to do on Christmas in Dubai is the fireworks. This year, a breathtaking display of fireworks will take place at Al Seef.
- Ticket price: Free
- Date: 25th December 2023
- Timings: 09:00 pm
- Location: Al Seef
SAVOUR THE FESTIVE DINING OPTIONS
Just like every year, Dubai is putting all 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:
- Sofitel Dubai The Palm: From AED 599 (25th December 2023)
- FIVE Palm Jumeirah: From AED 450 (23rd December 2023)
- Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort: From AED 515 (25th December 2023)
FAQS ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI ON CHRISTMAS DAY
WHERE TO BUY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN DUBAI 2023?
Some of the best places to shop for Christmas decorations in Dubai are Home Centre, IKEA and Bloomingdale’s.
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, it’s best to book any reservations in advance. 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 some unique Christmas present ideas in Dubai, you should definitely 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 be a part of 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!
