To many of us living here, Christmas in Dubai means the festivities and cheer know no bounds. Although daytime temperatures averaging 21 degrees and nights assuring a drop down to 16 degrees Celsius are a far cry from a white Christmas, the December air is abuzz with celebrations and activity.
Ice-rinks, Christmas markets, extraordinary dine-in options, striking sight-seeing venues… watch the winter “chill” transform the city into a truly memorable place to be.
With a wide assortment of experiences, Dubai has something for everyone. Want to stay at a snug ski chalet? Or harmonize to some carols, perhaps? Or maybe visiting holiday markets are more your cup of tea?
Come, let us explore more ideas together… because after all, some of the best memories are the ones we share with the ones that mean the most to us.
Satiate your inner Garfield with a feast at a top dine-in restaurant:
Whether brunch or dinner, choose to be transported to the Mediterranean or culinarily experiment with the flavors of Atlantis and partake in unearthing Dubai’s gourmet treasures. With lip-smacking meals, some of these restaurants are all set to make your palate’s dreams come true.
Shop till you drop at the Dubai’s largest Mall:
With 1200 retail outlets spanning an amazing 12.1 million square feet, the Dubai Mall boasts of being one of the biggest malls in the world. Just like the rest of the city, the Dubai Mall is decorated to aid bring out the yuletide cheer. Out-of-this-world leisure, dining and entertainment too mesh to create the perfect amalgamation under one roof.
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo located at the Ground level of the mall also happens to be the largest suspended aquarium in the world.
Surround yourself with the chime of Christmas at the Dubai Opera:
Tradition meets entertainment in these markets chock-full of amusing stalls and captivating fairs:
Winter City at Expo City:
Commencing on December 9th with the igniting of 16-meter-tall Christmas trees, stalls, letters to Santa stations, games and the second edition of Expo 2020’s Mrs. Claus Christmas Show this market is the place-to-be.
Gratifying rides, movies, food stalls and snowman-building activities are few of the many charms of this winter wonderland that are available everyday up until the 25th of December.
Winter Garden, Habtoor City:
Come 4 o’clock in the evening and later stalls selling pretty handmade knick-knacks, clothes, Christmas decorations and some rarer items too, come alive.
Madinat Jumierah Festive Market:
Open from the 15th of December till the end of the month enthrall your family with shopping, the option of creating your own art, Santa’s grotto, and a Venetian Carousel.
In need of a posh escape? Then book in advance to guarantee a spot at Atlantis, The Palm or a ski chalet that resembles the Aspen Mountain lodges at the Kempinski Hotel, Mall of Emirates or stay at JA the resort to hop on a themed ride, play a game or witness live entertainment from December 16th to January 7th.
