The festive season in the UAE has a unique charm and signature flair. Whether it's the lively Christmas markets or festive dinners, the holiday spirit here is vibrant and unforgettable, offering something special for everyone. Here are some of our top-recommended ways to enjoy the festive season this year in the UAE.?
Top Festive Activities to Enjoy in the UAE?
Christmas Markets?
Busy, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, Christmas markets in the UAE offer a magical atmosphere where the spirit of the season comes alive. This year's highlights include:?
- Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market: Featuring a towering Christmas tree, a North Pole Train, gingerbread house decorating, and Santa-led abra rides along the waterways. Guests can enjoy live music, traditional food stalls, and plenty of holiday cheer.?
- Winter Garden at Al Habtoor City: A magical setup with entertainment, shopping stalls, food trucks, and festive décor creating a lively atmosphere.?
- Winter District at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre: Offering Christmas trees, snowball fight zones, and more holiday fun at its new venue.?
- Expo City Dubai Christmas Market: Bringing back its much-loved market with festive activities and attractions.?
- Vibes by the Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall: A family-friendly destination featuring a petting zoo, fairground games, toy shops, food outlets, and the daily IMAGINE light and sound show on the waterfront.?
- Yas Island Winter Fest: A family-friendly festival that offers a range of winter activities, including ice skating, snow play, and a Christmas market. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, festive food, and a variety of rides and attractions.?
Christmas and New Year's Dining Experiences??
From show-stopping gala dinner parties to family brunches, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve are always memorable occasions in the UAE. This year, some of the best venues to enjoy celebrations with unique experiences include:?
- Atlantis The Palm: Atlantis The Palm’s Under the Stars gala is one of Dubai’s most iconic New Year’s Eve events and this year it's set to feature a headline performance by Lionel Richie. In addition, guests can enjoy a gourmet buffet with indulgent offerings like caviar and lobster, along with dishes from world-renowned restaurants such as Nobu and Hakkasan. The evening also includes a champagne reception, live entertainment, and the resort’s legendary fireworks display.
- Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: For those looking for an opulent way to bring in the new year, Emirates Palace is the place to be. New Year’s Eve begins with a breathtaking performance by Andrea Bocelli. Guests will also be able to enjoy unlimited premium beverages and gourmet tasting stations as part of the evening. When the clock strikes midnight, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the night sky. The celebration continues with an after-party, featuring world-class international performers and renowned DJs, ensuring that the night remains full of energy and excitement long into the early hours.??
- Burj Al Arab: For a special Christmas experience, guests can enjoy a seaside dinner in a private Royal Cabana, or gather for a sophisticated evening at SAL, with the Royal Dining Experience on Christmas Eve at
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
. On Christmas Day, SAL Restaurant continues the festive cheer with a spread that reflects the season’s best flavours. As the year draws to a close, Al Muntaha will be serving up a Michelin-starred, six-course menu, complete with live entertainment. After the festivities, guests can head to The Terrace to continue the celebration, with breathtaking views of Dubai's fireworks.
- Madinat Jumeirah: Madinat
Jumeirah
will be offering a range of luxurious experiences set against the iconic backdrop of the Burj Al Arab. Guests can enjoy magical Christmas feasts, exclusive New Year’s Eve celebrations, and indulgent New Year’s Day brunches at renowned restaurants such as Pierchic, Pai Thai, and Rockfish. With curated menus, live entertainment, and stunning surroundings, the resort promises unforgettable moments for guests seeking relaxation, exquisite dining, and vibrant festivities.
- Barceló Al Jaddaf: From elegant Christmas dinners to dazzling New Year’s Eve galas, Barcelo Al Jaddaf offers gourmet dining, live entertainment, and cosy settings for family gatherings or vibrant celebrations. With events like the NYE Dinner at Souk Restaurant, the hotel ensures a joyful end to the year and a bright beginning to the next.
- Anantara Mina Al Arab: As part of the festive celebrations at Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort guests can enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners, as well as an Orthodox Christmas celebration. For New Year's, the resort provides diverse dining options, including Italian feasts, beach fiestas, a carnival-themed party, and a luxurious gala dinner. Whether it’s dining at Levantara, Cucina, Senor Pico, or Above Eleven, there are plenty of options to choose from.?
- JA The Resort: The resort presents a variety of festive celebrations, including a Christmas Eve dinner with live entertainment and a Santa's grotto, a family-friendly Christmas Day brunch by the pool or beach, and Boxing Day activities featuring sports and a traditional turkey pot. Guests can enjoy a vibrant New Year’s Eve Gala with live performances and a DJ, as well as an Orthodox Christmas celebration with festive cuisine and live music, all designed to create memorable holiday moments.
- Marriot Resort Palm Jumeirah: This festive season
Marriott Hotels
- Palm Jumeirah is celebrating with diverse dining experiences across its signature restaurants. Guests can enjoy Christmas Eve dinners and festive Christmas Day brunches at venues like Cucina, Smoke Moto, Bal Harbour Beach Club, and Okku. New Year’s Eve offers a grand gala dinner on the beach or intimate celebrations at renowned dining spots. Orthodox Christmas features a festive brunch, completing a season of unforgettable culinary delights in a luxurious setting.
- Al Habtoor Grand Resort: This festive season,
Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection
offers grand celebrations, exclusive dining, and bespoke New Year’s Eve events. Guests can enjoy gourmet feasts, live entertainment, and breathtaking views creating a magical atmosphere for unforgettable holiday memories.
- Raffles Dubai: This year, guests can enjoy elegant Christmas feasts, indulgent afternoon teas, and a grand New Year’s Eve gala, complemented by gourmet dining, and live entertainment, at
Raffles Hotels & Resorts
, Dubai. Whether relaxing with a seasonal spa retreat or savouring lavish brunches, Raffles Dubai promises a magical holiday experience blending opulence, comfort, and festive cheer.
Enjoy Festive Hotel Stays?
For a complete festive experience, visitors can consider staying at Jumeirah Al Qasr or Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, both located within Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah.?
- Jumeirah Al Qasr: At Jumeirah Al Qasr, with a minimum stay of five nights for rooms and seven nights for suites, this offer includes a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a breathtaking fireworks display and a special dinner to welcome 2025. Families will appreciate the unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark and the KiDS Club, entertaining for all ages. Additionally, guests will enjoy complimentary access to Dubai Parks and Resorts, ensuring a complete festive experience.??
- Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf: At
Jumeirah
Dar Al Masyaf, guests can enjoy festivities with an Arabian twist. The offer, available with a minimum stay of five nights for rooms and seven nights for suites, includes a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration with a dazzling fireworks display and an enchanting dinner. Each day begins with complimentary apéritifs and gourmet nibbles to enhance the festive atmosphere. Guests also receive complimentary access to
Dubai Parks and Resorts
.?
Other Winter Activities?
In addition to Christmas markets and festive dinners, the UAE offers a variety of other winter activities for visitors to enjoy:?
- Winter Wonderland at Ski Dubai: Those looking for a snowy adventure can explore Ski Dubai, a winter wonderland offering a range of activities including sliding down the slopes, interacting with the resident penguins, and exciting Snow Park rides.? A key highlight is Santa's Grotto, where Santa himself greets visitors—though he occasionally steps away to care for his reindeer. Guests can also savour a holiday breakfast with Santa at North 28, capturing cherished moments with Santa and his cheerful elves.??
- Live Festive Entertainment: December brings a magical lineup of live entertainment to the UAE, perfect for spreading festive cheer. The
Dubai Opera
sets the stage for a classic rendition of The Nutcracker, captivating audiences with its enchanting tale. Over at Zabeel Theatre, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas promises to delight young ones with its heartwarming story. Adding to the festive fun, Magic Phil returns with his popular show, Toyland Express, at Theatre by QE2, offering an entertaining journey filled with humour and holiday spirit.??
- Decorative Displays: December transforms the UAE with stunning festive displays across malls, hotels, and attractions, with tree-lighting ceremonies adding to the holiday magic. The
Mall Of The Emirates
dazzles with its Fashion Dome adorned in shimmering baubles, creating a festive shopping ambiance. Dubai Festival City Mall also has a sparkling display, complete with a Santa's Grotto for family fun. At
The Dubai Mall
, Galeries Lafayette enchants shoppers with a whimsical fairytale-inspired setup, bringing festive cheer to one of the world’s most visited destinations.??
- Longbeach Campground: On Christmas Eve, Longbeach Campground in Ras Al Khaimah will be transformed into a festive wonderland, complete with carol singing, toasted marshmallows, and Christmas movie screenings. Guests can enjoy live acrobat shows, meet Santa, and indulge in a delicious BBQ buffet dinner, making for a fun-filled, family-friendly evening.
Looking for unforgettable festive experiences in the UAE? Reach out to our team at Desert Adventures for a range of discounted stays and dining offers. Whether it’s booking luxurious accommodations, securing a table at some of the finest dining venues, or creating a personalized itinerary that combines visits to Christmas markets, holiday events, and top attractions, we are here to make every festive moment memorable. Contact us today at [email protected] to plan the perfect festive getaway.?
