10 Things to Do in Dubai in December That Beat Building a Snowman
When I was a kid, I always dreamt of celebrating winter in the snow—building snowmen, ice skating, and drinking hot cocoa by the fire. But now, as an adult, I don’t want that anymore.
Dubai in December is just too amazing to pass up. The weather is perfect (not too cold but not too hot either), there’s so much to do, and the sun is always shining.
Winter in Dubai is everything you want, without the cold. If you’re tired of snow and looking for something warmer, this place has it all. Here are 10 things to do in December that beat building a snowman any day!
1. Celebrate UAE National Day
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Dubai becomes extra special every year on 2 December, when the city celebrates UAE National Day, also called Eid Al Etihad. This important day marks the time when the United Arab Emirates was formed in 1971.
Before the big day, you’ll start seeing red, white, green, and black decorations all around—on buildings, parks, beaches, and malls (locals celebrate this day seriously).
The celebration is full of exciting things to see and do. Visitors can enjoy fireworks shows lighting up the sky at famous spots like Dubai Festival City Mall.
There are even live music concerts, parades, and traditional dances. You might even catch a performance from a top Arabic singer or see local performers in beautiful Emirati outfits!
But here’s the best part–if you love to shop, you can get big discounts up to 90% during the 3-Day Super Sale in different malls in Dubai.
Pro Tip:
Go to places like Dubai Festival City Mall to watch the fireworks. Get there early to grab a good spot and enjoy the fun before the show begins.
2. Go on a Desert Safari
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Website: https://dubaidesertsafarii.com/
Address: Arcade Tower – Dubai Marina – Dubai (in Al Seef Tower)
Contact Details: +971 56 711 6656
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Price Range: Start at 130 USD
If you’re in Dubai in December, a desert safari is a must-do! The cooler temperatures make it the perfect time to enjoy the desert’s golden sands.
There are different timings to choose from–a morning safari, an evening safari, and an overnight safari. For those doing it the first time, we recommend doing the evening safari because sunsets in the desert are absolutely magnificent behold!
But whichever schedule you choose, the desert safaris in Dubai always begin with dune bashing while riding a luxury 4×4 SUV. The red sand dunes transform into a roller coaster-like landscape that will have everyone screaming and hanging on for dear life.
While recovering from the dune bashing, there are other activities to enjoy like sandboarding, camel rides, and quad biking. When it’s time for dinner, there’s a traditional feast served alongside a Tanura show and a fire dance as entertainment.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to stay hydrated! The desert heat can be intense, so be sure to take advantage of the free cold drinks and water provided throughout the tour to stay refreshed.
3. Shop at the Dubai Shopping Festival
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dsf
If you’re in Dubai this December, don’t miss the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). It’s the best time to shop, enjoy great entertainment, and experience the city’s pleasant winter weather. Taking place usually from December to January, DSF offers amazing shopping deals and festivities around Dubai!
This months-long event is a dream for shopaholics. Discounts can go up to 90% on beauty, fashion, electronics, and more. Over 500 brands participate in the festival so everyone’s sure to find something they’ll want to buy.
But the DSF is more than just shopping. The city lights up with fireworks, drone shows, and amazing outdoor light displays. There are also live concerts, comedy acts, and theater performances scheduled all over Dubai.
Of course, a festival isn’t complete without feasts! Food is another highlight during this time—shoppers can enjoy everything from food trucks and street snacks to fine dining in the different malls in Dubai.
Pro Tip:
Feeling lucky? During the DSF, there are daily and weekly raffles to win exciting prizes like new cars, luxury watches, shopping vouchers, and cash. Just check store offers and the DSF app to join and boost your chances of winning!
4. Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden
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Website: https://www.dubaimiraclegarden.com/
Address: Street 3 – Al Barsha – Al Barsha South – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 422 8902
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 9 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Price Range: Start at AED 100 (over 12 years old); AED 85 (ages 3 to 12)
Dubai Miracle Garden is a special place full of color, flowers, and fresh air. It’s the biggest natural flower garden in the world, with over 150 million flowers in bloom. The garden feels like a dream, and December is a great time to visit because the weather is cooler!
The whole place is packed with creative floral displays. There are flower-covered castles, heart-shaped walkways, and even a full-size Emirates A380 plane covered completely in flowers. Every corner is the perfect spot for a photo op!
In true Dubai fashion, there are even giant horses covered in greenery! One of the biggest highlights of the park is the giant Floating Lady–a display of a woman floating in the air, completely made up of flowers, of course.
There are plenty of places to sit, and sometimes, there are live shows. Food and drinks are sold throughout the garden, but prices can be high! Still, it’s worth hanging out in the unique dining spots around the garden.
Pro Tip:
Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and consider bringing an umbrella. Even in winter, Dubai’s sun can be strong, especially when walking outside for long periods.
5. Discover Dubai Culture in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
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Website: https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/ar/attractions/heritage-sites/al-fahidi-historical-neighbourhood
Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 33222
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 8 PM
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood is a must-visit in Dubai, no matter the time of the year. But thanks to December’s cooler weather, visiting this area becomes even more pleasant!
Walking through the narrow streets feels like going back to the 19th century. The neighborhood is a snapshot of old Dubai with its traditional wind towers and well-preserved, century-old buildings.
This area is also home to many cultural attractions! The Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre of Cultural Understanding is a must visit in the neighborhood. Here, guests can learn all about Emirati culture and history.
The Coins Museum is another cool place to visit, with 470 historical coins on display. For those who love art, the Calligraphy House is a great showcase of Arabic calligraphy, while the Municipality House puts a spotlight on traditional Dubai architecture.
Pro Tip:
To avoid the weekend crowds, plan your visit on a weekday when there are fewer people, and you can enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace. Most attractions have little to no wait time during these quieter hours.
6. Experience Snow at Ski Dubai
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Website: https://www.skidxb.com/ar-ae/ski-dubai
Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Barsha – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 409 4000
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 11 PM;
- Friday – 10 AM to 12 AM;
- Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 12 AM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 220
When you think of Dubai, you might picture deserts and warm weather. But at Ski Dubai, inside the Mall of the Emirates, you can enjoy snow and have a fun winter experience right in the middle of the city!
The best part of this indoor ski park is its Snow Park, where kids and adults can have snowball fights, go down snow slides, or even try tobogganing. There’s so much to do in the park alone!
For those who enjoy winter sports or at least want to try it in a confined space, the slopes are perfect for skiing and snowboarding! There are different levels of difficulty to choose from, there’s even lessons available!
Another special feature everyone will love is the Penguin Encounter! It’s a rare chance to see Gentoo and King Penguins up close!
Pro Tip:
The socks given at Ski Dubai are thin, so if you’re sensitive to the cold or plan to spend a lot of time in the Snow Park, it’s a googld idea to bring your own warm socks so you can stay comfortable and enjoy your time in the snow.
7. Go Ice Skating at Dubai Ice Rink
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Website: https://www.dubaiicerink.com/
Address: Dubai Mall – Unit GF – 207 – Financial Ctr St – next to Ice Rink – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 382246255
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 90
If you’re looking for something fun and different to feel the Christmas spirit, head to the Dubai Mall and check out the Dubai Ice Rink!
Located in the heart of one of the world’s biggest shopping malls, this Olympic-size ice rink is a great place to have fun and make special memories.
There’s a learn to skate program for those who are interested in the sport. For those who just want to pass time in Dubai Mall, skating around while a DJ plays fun disco music is a great way to enjoy yourself.
Another reason why December is a good time to drop by the ice rink? Sometimes they host special events like Santa meet and greets! There’s holiday season-themed events like dance parties on ice.
Pro Tip:
Want to try something fun and different? Join a game of Broomball—no skates needed! You’ll wear regular shoes and use sticks to hit a ball into the goal. It’s perfect for groups and a great way to get some laughs!
8. Catch a Show at the Dubai Opera
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Website: https://www.dubaiopera.com/
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 440 8888
December in Dubai is full of lights, fun, and exciting things to do, and one of the best ways to enjoy the season is by watching The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera!
The Dubai Opera is often admired for its architecture, but it’s also known for excellent shows they host during the most festive season of the year.
Every December, the opera brings The Nutcracker to the stage. This classic story follows the story of Clara, who receives a Nutcracker doll for Christmas. The doll comes to life, and Clara is taken on a journey through fantastical lands.
The tale is brought to life on stage by expert ballerinas and ballerinos, as well as the music of Tchaikovsky, performed live by an orchestra.
Aside from the holiday classics, the opera also hosts Christmas-themed big band and jazz concerts like The Sound of Christmas concert last December 2024. The shows change each season, but we can look forward to similar shows every year!
Pro Tip:
Dubai Opera has a formal dress code, so avoid casual clothes like shorts and flip-flops. Dress smart to make the experience feel extra special and stylish!
9. Visit a Winter Wonderland at Global Village
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Website: https://www.globalvillage.ae/
Address: Exit No.37 – Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 362 4114; [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 4 PM to 12 AM;
- Thursday to Saturday – 4 PM to 1 AM;
- Sunday – 4 PM to 12 AM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 30
If you’re in Dubai during December, make sure to visit Global Village. This fun, multicultural destination is full of holiday cheer this time of the year and is perfect for a family outing!
One of the main attractions is the 22-meter festive tree, decorated with lights, big baubles, and falling snowflakes—perfect for holiday photos! The whole park is decorated in even more lights, making everything feel even more magical.
For shoppers, this place may be a one-stop shop to find special presents for loved ones. With over 3,500 outlets from over 80 countries, there are plenty of unique finds to discover here.
No holiday experience is complete without the appearance of Santa and his elves, and Global Village makes it extra fun by having them arrive in camels instead of a sleigh! Families can meet with Santa and even watch performances of his little helpers.
Pro Tip:
Looking for a spot to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Global Village puts on fireworks at different times to match New Year celebrations around the world, so you can enjoy more than one countdown in one night!
10. Ring in the New Year at Burj Khalifa
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Website: http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai (in Burj Park)
Contact Details: +971 4 888 8888
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re in Dubai on December 31st, you’re probably thinking of where to ring in the new year. Well, there’s no better way to end the year than by seeing the amazing New Year’s celebration at the iconic Burj Khalifa!
The amazing firework show is accompanied by a light show at the Dubai Fountain. The whole area gets very busy, but the Burj Park is a great spot to watch the whole event!
It requires a ticket to enter, but it also comes with a food and drink voucher to make the night more meaningful. Aside from the unobstructed views, the ticketed access also includes kids’ workshops and live entertainment for everyone.
For those who’d rather stay indoors, the Dubai Mall is also a good place to celebrate! Tables at restaurants facing the fountain can be booked in advance so that you can watch the whole show from the comfort of your table as you dine!
Pro Tip:
Roads start closing in the afternoon, and traffic gets heavy fast. Try to arrive by 4:00 PM to avoid delays. Getting there early lets you find a good spot, grab some food, and relax before the show starts.