Dubai is appreciated for its beautiful skyscrapers, fancy shopping, and pulsating nightlife. Arguably, this ever so surprising town may not be a destination one instinctively considers while thinking about a classic Christmas. But at the same time, Dubai has some strange yet exciting tricks up on its sleeves as people have found many jolly ways to celebrate the holiday all over town. That being said, being a Muslim country, Christmas is not a public holiday here.
Although rules are rules, Dubai’s multi-cultural fabric has made possible for an incredible array of festive experiences to draw visitors from all around the world.
As December sets in, Dubai turns into a glittery winter wonderland with festive decorations and twinkling lights against the backdrop of its iconic architecture. A dynamic atmosphere can easily be felt within the city as it hosts a multitude of events and activities regarding the spirit of Christmas. From lavish shopping festivals to the bright light shows, Christmas in Dubai is a unique seasonal experience, showcasing the festive atmosphere fully adorned with a flair that shows off its diverse population.
Although Christmas is not included in the list of public holidays in Dubai, the city welcomes this beloved holiday with open arms. As soon as the month of December kicks in, the streets and all shopping centers participate in showing their Christmas lights, decorations, inviting everyone to join in the spirit of festivity.
The festive season opens opportunities for most expatriates and visitors to participate in local merrymaking and traditions. From hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls, none leave any stones unturned to immerse visitors into an adventure of warmth and joy. It is a great time of the year when the festive spirit comes alive in Dubai, filled with people having a bond of intimacy and celebration.
Dubai is a city of never-ending magic. For fresh arrivals that are anxious to see and explore the most out of their visit, here is our Ultimate Dubai Travel Guide. Everything you need to know is there, although we have kept a little bit to reveal here so keep reading.
While snowfall is something rare in this metropolis, holiday decorations make the city take a magical winter twist. You can enjoy tall Christmas trees, strung up with shining ornaments; walk on streets wearing a dazzling light display, adding a festive charm to every nook and corner. Major shopping malls and hotels go all out to create festive deco, offering visitors chances for photo opportunities with Santa Claus, displaying beautiful window displays, and simply soaking into the cheerful ambiance.
The good weather at Christmas, with averages around 24°C, is very favorable for outdoor celebrations. It means families and friends can picnic in the park, stroll along the beach, or attend communal events free of the nip in the air that other parts of the world have to endure during winter. It really puts Dubai up there in the goodies list for Christmas holiday cheer in comfortable weather-major attraction for those who would like to avoid the cold.
Dubai is famous for its dazzling fireworks displays; Christmas does not lag behind. There are a number of events in town featuring bright fireworks shows, but the best of them usually gets reserved for New Year’s Eve. That being said, throughout December, smaller displays and festivities can be found at almost every neighborhood.
One of the best ways to watch the holiday fireworks is by attending an event at iconic locations such as the Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Marina. Give our latest guide on How to Use Public Transportation in Dubai a read so that getting there is easy. Lots of families and friends come together to watch the skies light up in brilliant colors-a truly magical experience.
Besides fireworks, many hotels and resorts organized festive events like themed dinners, live music performances, and holiday brunches. This helps the guests enjoy a scrumptious dosage of holiday goodies with jolly songs and dance that capture the essence of the season.
All this coincides with the equally famous Dubai Shopping Festival, which is among the major shopping extravaganzas in the region. This year, DSF 2023 starts on December 8 and will run till January 14, 2024. Some great discounts, sales, and special deals await shoppers in various malls and retail outlets across the city.
Major shopping centers are turned into a beehive of activities with discounts going up to as high as 90% in the Dubai Mall and Emirates Mall for fashion, electronics, among others. Live entertainment, street performances, and electrifying competitions add to the pulsating atmosphere, making shopping not a chore but a pleasing experience.
Besides the shopping frenzy, Dubai Festival City Mall offers stunning light and water shows that would charm any visitor or resident. The dazzling performance of music, lights, and water is something fascinating to see, adding to holiday cheer.
Along with traditional shopping experiences, Dubai offers a few pop-up Christmas markets where visitors can browse local handicraft and gourmet food stalls and holiday treats. These markets put up a cozy atmosphere where families bond over holiday activities like cookie decorating and crafting.
If you happen to crave some snow for your Christmas, then Ski Dubai is all yours, right inside the Mall of the Emirates. As we have argued at sufficient length before on Exploring the Best Theme Parks in Dubai, this giant indoor ski resort features 22,500 square meters of real snow, with a variety of winter activities bringing the magic of winter into the desert.
It also allows visitors to ski, snowboard, go snow tubing, and even see penguins.
Common chairlift rides with breathtaking views of the snowy landscape that families can enjoy together; zorb ball adventures are some fun rolling down snowy slopes inside giant balls for thrill-seeking visitors.
Ski Dubai is also organizing a meet-and-greet with Santa from December 1 to 25, where kids can share their Christmas wish list and take those memorable snaps with Santa Claus. This specially crafted experience will allow every family to build lifelong holiday memories amidst a winter wonderland in Dubai .
There are many Christmas festivals in Dubai that really bring out the holiday spirit of the city. Among these are the following:
Dubai Festival City Christmas Events
As we mentioned briefly before, Dubai Festival City turns into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy a place filled with magic in the air through lights, decorations, and festive spirit.
Pivotal attractions are the New Year’s Eve Celebration at Festival City with breathtaking views of fireworks, live music, and dazzling light displays. This is accompanied by a performance from leading artists making the atmosphere very vibrant, festive to celebrate New Years with families.
The event is inexpensive, so it can prove to be an amazing way for families to enjoy the holiday season. Its setting at the waterfront only enhances the beauty of the celebration; it therefore promises moments that you will not soon forget.
The Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market remains one of the most popular Christmas attractions in Dubai. This open-air market, running from December 15 through January 7, offers a variety of festive activities that are surely to delight both young and old alike.
They can take rides on the “North Pole Express,” go bungee jumping, or get in a spin on the Venetian-style Ferris wheel. The families can take in the Jumeirah waterways in sceneries by Madinat Jumeirah while they take a boat ride, offering them an unparalleled view of the stunning Arabian architecture that surrounds them.
The most popular activity could be the gingerbread house decoration, which lets a family get together and be loose with their creativity, making delicious masterpieces. Entry into the market is absolutely free, hence quite affordable for families who want to be plunged into an atmosphere of celebration.
Overlooking the traditional Arabian architecture, Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market presents one of the best ways to experience Christmas in Dubai. Be it participating in a few of the available festive activities, eye-catching decorations, or family-friendly atmosphere-the setting is just magical.
Food, as you know, is an essential part of Christmas, and when celebrated in Dubai, it is done perfectly. In fact, many enthusiastic restaurants and hotels offer holiday menus with traditional Christmas food and seasonal delicacies.
From succulent roasted turkey to festive desserts, such as gingerbread cookies and tasty fruitcakes, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Popular hotels in town, such as Atlantis The Palm, offer pricey Christmas brunches and dinners, promising a fine experience for families and friends.
For those looking for a very traditional Christmas dinner in pure opulence, many hotels offer festive afternoon teas complete with all the festive treats and warm beverages. It’s a great way to indulge in some holiday favorites while enjoying the luxurious atmosphere that Dubai has become so known for.
Christmas celebrations have become more popular in Dubai over the years, even though they were not part of the local culture at first. This has a wide repercussion in the city’s real estate market, especially within the expatriate community. During this festive season, majorly in the sectors of hospitality and retail, visitors get to enjoy a world of wonder.
Five-star hotels and resorts, starting with preparations for event decorations and activities, right down to themed packages, are looking to attract a large number of visitors from around the world. The whole atmosphere follows with increased occupancy in hotels and short-term rentals, which is an opportunity to make money for property owners in places like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.
Also, the festive shopping atmosphere surges in retail areas like The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. This retail rush, in turn, also has its positive impact on the property prices in Dubai, as there is a rise in demand for rental units in most areas. As you can guess, many families and working professionals strive to stay closer to festive amenities and events, further pushing up demand for residential real estate.
Besides, the Christmas season lures in developers to make luxurious property investments due to the increased interest of expatriates and high-end tourists. The increasing demand for apartments and villas at the high-end level will naturally raise prices in the prime locations.
Christmas in Dubai is indeed a grand experience that offers one an unexpected chance to celebrate the occasion amidst flourishes of modern-day luxury, joyfully paired with the festive feel of the holiday season. No wonder this city, with its unique charm and vibrant celebrations, will be a lifetime destination for those who would like to experience the holiday season in a different light.
From giant fireworks displays to bustling shopping festivals, from white powder snow fun at Ski Dubai to the magic of Christmas markets, there is something for everyone in this extraordinary city. Festive activities can bring the families closer together, delicious feasts of holiday can be indulged in, and memories can be made that will last a lifetime.
The bottom line is that Dubai knows how to include the spirit of Christmas in its cultural and modern prism in such a special way. If you are planning a unique and unforgettable celebration of Christmas, Dubai is where it’s at. Joy and excitement of the season will wrap you entirely, whether you are a resident or a visitor.
Yes, Christmas is celebrated in Dubai, even though it is not a public holiday. The town is filled with festive decorations, events, and activities starting from mid-December up to early January.
The visitors can join different activities: attending Christmas markets, enjoying festive light displays, shopping during the Dubai Shopping Festival, and even indoor snow activities at Ski Dubai.
Of course, Dubai offers a set of events during Christmas that includes Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market, Dubai Festival City Christmas Events, and special performances in major malls and public places.
During Christmas, the weather in Dubai is cool and pleasant; for this reason, it has an average temperature of about 24°C or 75°F, which is amazing for outdoor celebrations and beach activities.
Yes, since the month of Christmas falls within the time when the Dubai Shopping Festival is still in its heightened form, almost all the major shopping malls give huge discounts, promotions, and sales to the customer.
