These 10 Christmas Events in Dubai Always Make Me Giddy Like a Kid
Who doesn’t get excited for the Christmas season? I look forward to this time of year for many reasons – the feasts, the shopping, and of course, all the amazing Christmas events in Dubai.
In fact, I always feel giddy whenever I start to plan my holiday season around these events, and I’m not gatekeeping my favourites.
So if you’re planning to spend Christmas in Dubai, you need to experience these Christmas events around the city.
Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market
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Address: Souk Madinat Jumeirah – Jumeirah 3
Operating hours: Starts at 3:00 PM from Friday to Sunday for the entire month of December
Price: Free
Whenever December comes and I’m still not in a festive mood, I take myself to the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market and things change right away. It’s my favourite place to shop, eat good food, and just go around to feel the festive Christmas spirit.
When I tell you there’s a lot to see and do here, I mean it. Does the idea of riding on an abra with Santa sound good to you? How about watching singers singing cheerful carols?
Of course, it’s impossible to miss that massive 36-foot Christmas tree where you must take a picture for posterity. And if you have kids, let them ride the carousel or mini train in the market.
And what’s a Christmas market without some food and shopping? The Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market has a lot of stores selling everything from trinkets to local delicacies.
Pro tip:
If you want to visit Santa’s grotto at the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market, make sure that you go at 3:00 PM, right when the market opens, to avoid the long queues just to meet Santa.
Winter City at Expo City Dubai
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Website: https://www.expocitydubai.com/en/winter-city/
Address: Expo City – Al Wasl Avenue
Contact details: +971 800 397 62489
Operating hours: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM every Friday to Tuesday from December 6th
Price: $$
If you have kids, they’ll surely feel the magic of Christmas at Winter City, one of the best Christmas events in Dubai for families.
Every December, a part of Expo City Dubai transforms into a winter wonderland with its own Santa’s Toy Factory by TOYS “R” US. The festivities start with their Tree Lighting Ceremony, where they’ll choose one lucky child to light the tree with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Winter City also has a lot of activities in store, especially on the weekends. You don’t even need to pay any entrance fee to get into these shows!
Now, if you’re a foodie like me, you’ll have a grand time enjoying the different food offerings at the North Pole Market. I especially love their winter-themed food and drinks and that beautiful gingerbread house.
Pro tip:
Don’t just go around Winter City. Learn a new skill by joining different workshops and activities with your kids. Decorate your own gingerbread or build your own bear for a truly memorable experience.
Winter District at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
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Website: https://www.winterdistrict.com/
Address: American University in Dubai – Al Sufuoh – Dubai Media City
Operating hours: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM from 14-22 December
Price: $
If Expo City has a Winter City, Dubai Media City has a Winter District, one of the must-visit Christmas events in Dubai.
It’s set beautifully by the water and is perfect for an afternoon stroll with the family, especially with winter bringing in the crisp, cool air in Dubai.
But more than the scenery, I love the Winter District for the many things it offers. It has a record-breaking Christmas tree, one of the tallest in the city.
They also have Santa’s Grotto, live entertainment, and food stalls serving delicious grub. Of course, there are also shops offering locally crafted products that make for the perfect Christmas gifts.
Pro tip:
Who says that the Winter District is only for kids? You can also enjoy this place as adults, especially when you visit their licensed bar lounge.
Magic Christmas Village at the BurJuman Mall
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Website: https://www.burjuman.com/news-and-articles/theres-a-magical-christmas-village-you-need-to-see-at-burjuman-mall
Address: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road – Al Mankhool
Contact details: +971 4 352 0222
Operating hours: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM from December to January
Price: $$
Let’s admit it: Dubai can still be hot even during the winter season. Good thing, there’s the Magic Christmas Village at BurJuman Mall, where you get to have fun while keeping yourself cool.
It all starts with a magical tree lighting ceremony to kick off the festivities. Of course, Santa can’t be too busy for the little ones. So make sure your kid catches him from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays.
The Magic Christmas Village even comes with a winter wonderland with faux snow falling from above. You can shop for gifts, enjoy meals at the many restaurants, and let your little ones participate in the many activities here.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting BurJuman Mall for the first time, just take the Dubai Metro and stop at the BurJuman Metro Station right outside the mall.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas at Zabeel Theatre
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Website: https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/94862/dr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-the-musical-at-zabeel-theatre-dubai
Address: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel – West Crescent – The Palm Jumeirah
Contact details: +971 56 611 2719
Operating hours: Shows run from 20 December to 24 December
Price: $$$
I grew up knowing about How the Grinch Stole Christmas. So when I heard that there’s actually a musical for it, I knew it would be one of the best Christmas events in Dubai.
The grand production by Paul Taylor Mills, “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical” runs at the Zabeel Theatre of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray from 20 to 24 December.
If you’ve read about the Grinch story, you’ll surely love this musical featuring songs like “Welcome Christmas” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
More than the music, I love everything from the stage production to the actors who really brought this beautiful holiday tale to life. That’s why it wasn’t a surprise that the shows were all sold out last year.
Pro tip:
The musical only accepts children two years and older. But balcony seating is only for children 12 years old and above.
Al Habtoor Winter Garden
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Website: https://www.alhabtoorcity.com/winter-garden
Address: Al Habtoor City – Sheikh Zayed Road
Contact details: +971 4 394 1444
Operating hours: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM during weekdays and up to 1:00 AM on weekends from 1 November to 31 January
Price: $$$
If you’re still looking for more Christmas events in Dubai to give you that holiday magic, there’s Winter Garden at Al Habtoor City that starts as early as November.
This beautiful outdoor event takes place at Al Habtoor Palace. The hotel is transformed into a magical winter wonderland complete with deer, decorations, and a massive 18-meter Christmas tree.
I go to Winter Garden mostly for Christmas shopping because I love their wide array of products that help me tick off my gift list faster. They have everything from little trinkets to fancy jewellery pieces here, so I love the convenience.
If you have kids, don’t miss taking them to the petting zoo where they can meet and feed goats, emus, and other cute animals. They also have a massive play area for the kids to really run wild.
Pro tip:
Are you planning to visit Winter Garden, but you’re on a budget? Purchase your tickets online now to take advantage of vouchers and discounts.
Global Village
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Website: https://www.globalvillage.ae/en/
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road – Exit 37 – Dubailand
Contact details: +971 4 362 4114
Operating hours:
- 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM from Sunday to Wednesday
- 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM from Thursday to Saturday
Price: $$$
If there’s one Christmas event in Dubai that you should never miss, it has to be Global Village. In fact, I never skip a year without spending a day here, and I still get mesmerised each time.
Global Village isn’t just a Christmas village. It’s like traveling around the world while staying in one place because almost every country is represented here through games, rides, products, and food.
And when I say that you won’t run out of things to do here, I mean it. Continents and countries are represented in pavilions. Each of the pavilions features entertainment, food, and shopping options.
Global Village lights up during the holiday season with a lot of decor, more lights, and festivities lined up throughout Christmas.
Pro tip:
If you want to make the most of your time at the Global Village (and you’re willing to pay for it), book a VIP Pack. It will let you enjoy priority carnival access, VIP parking, and more.
Santa Meet and Greet in Ski Dubai
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Website: https://www.skidxb.com/en-ae/ski-dubai
Address: Mall of the Emirates – Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha 1
Contact details: +971 4 409 4000
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM from Monday to Friday
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM from Saturday to Sunday
Price: $$$
Ski Dubai already brings a winter wonderland to the city all year round. But when the holiday season rolls in, it brings the magic to the next level with Meet Santa, a special Christmas event in Dubai.
This isn’t just any Meet and Greet with Christmas’s most famous character. You also get a printed photo with Santa Claus, a surprise gift straight from the North Pole, a cup of hot chocolate to warm your heart, and even a pair of fleece gloves for you to keep.
And when you’re done meeting Santa, you can enjoy the slopes with the family for a truly memorable Christmas experience.
Pro tip:
The Meet Santa event only offers limited slots from 1 to 25 December. So if you don’t want to miss out on this special moment, make sure that you book your tickets for AED160 per person as early as now.
The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera
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Website: https://dubaiopera.com/en-US/product-details?ID=78ace88c-a875-ef11-a670-6045bd6a2400
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai
Contact details: +971 4 440 8888
Operating hours: Shows run from 19 December to 22 December
Price: $$$
Aside from Santa Claus and The Grinch, my Mum always told me the story of “The Nutcracker,” and it has been synonymous with Christmas ever since.
I’ve always dreamed of seeing the play live, and that came true when “The Nutcracker” finally came to the city at the Dubai Opera.
It was pure magic from start to finish as the performers of Astana Opera dazzled on stage with their beautiful movements to the tune of the orchestra.
I loved it so much that I plan to see the show again this year. And believe me when I say that seeing this show is one of the best treats that you can give yourself this Christmas.
Pro tip:
Seeing “The Nutcracker” is a truly special experience. So make sure that you dress the part by choosing a formal outfit for the occasion.
Bab Al Shams Christmas Market
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Website: https://www.babalshams.com/festive
Address: Al Qudra Road
Contact details: +971 4 809 6100
Operating hours: 24 hours
Price: $$
If you ever wondered if there’s a possibility of spending Christmas in the desert, yes, you can! The Bab Al Shams Christmas Market is definitely one of Dubai’s best Christmas events – and by far my favourite in this list.
The chic Bab Al Shams is located right in the middle of the Dubai desert. But you won’t even notice because of all the amenities that this beautiful resort has to offer.
The resort hosts Bab Al Shams Christmas Market and transforms part of it into a Christmas wonderland with a lineup of curated events throughout the holidays.
They have feasts over live entertainment and a Christmas tree lighting event. There’s even the option to transform your villa into your personal Christmas paradise filled with lights and Christmas decor.
Pro tip:
If you’re too busy during Christmas, welcome the new year at Bab Al Shams in their special Al Adheerah New Year’s Eve Gala dinner. This special event treats you to a culinary extravaganza of international dishes, live entertainment, and a magnificent fireworks display over the desert.