What to do for Christmas in Dubai

By Roos Döll

Staff Reporter

The Pawprint

It is almost the most magical time of the year! Malls, stores, and restaurants are getting ready to hang all their beautiful decorations up, and soon enough the whole city will look like a Christmas wonderland – even if we are in the desert. If you are looking for fun activities to do and where to go to celebrate Christmas, here is a list of best Christmas events in Dubai for 2018.

“Nutcracker and I” at the Dubai Opera

On 12 December from 18:00 to 20:30, you are able to see the magical performance of “The Nutcracker and I” at the Dubai Opera. The story comes to life with breathtaking hand-drawn animations while the extremely talented Alexandra Dariescu plays the piano.   

Dubai Christmas markets

Every year the city surprises us with all the beautiful Christmas markets. If you are looking for something to do with the whole family, this is perfect to do. Not only does it give you the purest Christmas experience, but there is a huge variety of different activities to take part in; such as looking at decorations, festive games etc.

9 – 21 December from 15:00 to midnight at Habtoor Palace Christmas market

20 – 28 December from 12:00 to 15:00 at Winter market in Jumeirah Creekside

20-28 December from 12:00 to 15:00 at Fort Island festive market in Madinat Jumeirah

Meet and greet with Santa

It is never a bad idea to meet Santa! The Mall of Emirates has a special meet and greet with Santa from 7 December to Christmas day – for free.

Christmas party at Irish village

The Irish village is known for their extravagant Christmas events. On 25 December from 12:00 to 16:00 there will be a range of fun activities to take part in, ranging from a tree lighting ceremony to a massive Christmas buffet. It is only AED 199 for the buffet and an extra AED 99 for a gift from Santa (children twelve and under)

“Jingle bells” at Dubai opera

Another Christmas classic – carols! From 13 to 15 December, The Dubai Opera will set off the festive Christmas mood with moving Christmas classics and carols by The London Concert Orchestra Show Band and Capital Voices Choir. Be ready to hear “Jingle Bell Rock” “Silent Night “Christmas Coming To Town” and so many more!

Xmas yacht brunch

Want to spice things up for Christmas? Get tickets for the Mega Yacht brunch that sets sail around The Palm. There will be a special Christmas menu which includes live cooking and lastly a Santa price giveaway. Not only that, but there will be an onboard swimming pool, jacuzzi, cinema and a dance floor. The price ranges from AED 349 to AED 499 depending on if you want unlimited food and house beverages or premium beverages.      

New year’s eve fireworks at the Burj Khalifa

Don’t have any New Year’s Eve plans yet? Make sure to stop by the Burj Khalifa at midnight for an eye-opening light show, beautiful fireworks and the famous dancing fountains!

Happy Christmas and New Year!