Barkfest: Christmas for Dogs

If your dog could talk, I’m pretty sure they would ask for two things in December, snacks and the beach. Barkfest is basically that wish coming true, with a festive twist. On Saturday 13 December 2025, Barasti at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi in Dubai Marina is turning into a proper dog friendly beach festival from 1pm to 9pm, and yes, it is built for both the pups and the people holding the leads. It is basically a Christmas party where your pooch is the main character. Entry starts from AED 20, and once you’re in, it is a full afternoon and evening of dog friendly fun, with a festive market, an off leash splash zone, live music, and a chance to meet Santa and grab a quick selfie. It is the kind of day where you arrive thinking you will stay for an hour, then look at your phone later and realise half the day has disappeared.

Barasti is a proper setting for it too. You have the beach energy, the open space, the sea nearby, and that relaxed Marina sort of buzz where people show up in casual clothes but still somehow look put together. It is festive without being forced. You do not feel like you are walking into something overly staged, it feels more like Dubai saying, right, let’s do something fun for the dogs, because they have sat through enough brunches and shopping trips this month.

The dog themed Christmas market is one of the nicest parts, because it gives you little moments to slow down. You browse stalls packed with pet treats, accessories, and quirky finds, and you inevitably start doing that thing where you pick something up and say, this is silly, I’m not buying this, while your dog looks at you like, please be serious, it’s for me. You will see everything from stocking fillers for dogs to festive bandanas and toys, and there’s usually a mix of pet focused brands and lifestyle bits that still fit the vibe. Even if you do not buy much, it is a fun wander, and it is a good way to break up the day so your dog is not sprinting nonstop.

Then there’s the off leash splash zone, which is where the real joy happens. If your dog loves water, this will be their favourite thing all month. Watching dogs meet water with absolutely no hesitation is one of life’s simple pleasures. Some go straight in like they have trained for it, others do the cautious paw dip first, then suddenly get brave. A few will spend ages splashing like toddlers, and you will hear owners laughing because nobody can pretend to be cool when their dog is having the time of their life. If your dog is more of a spectator, that is fine too. Some dogs like to watch, sniff, and just be part of the vibe without going full chaos mode.

Live music running through the day gives the whole event a proper festival feel. It keeps the mood upbeat, even when you are in the slightly sweaty phase of chasing your dog away from their new best friend. It also helps if you’re there with friends or family, because it feels like there’s always something happening, even during the quieter moments. You can grab a drink, stand back for a minute, and just enjoy the scene, the dogs bouncing around, the Marina skyline nearby, the sun shifting as the afternoon moves on.

And yes, there is Santa. A proper Christmas moment, right there at the beach. Dogs meeting Santa is honestly hilarious, because you get every possible reaction. Some dogs sit politely like they have done this a hundred times. Some try to lick Santa’s face. Some look confused and offended, like, who is this person and why are you encouraging it. The selfie moment is worth it even if your dog is not thrilled, because months later, when you scroll back, it will still make you smile. It is the sort of photo you end up sending to people who do not even like dogs, just to prove the point that Dubai really does everything.

Now, let’s make this practical, because a great day out can turn into a stressful one if you don’t prepare a little. Think of Barkfest as a beach day plus a dog park plus Christmas energy, all at once. So pack like you actually know your dog. Bring water and a bowl, because even if there are places to top up, it is easier to keep your dog hydrated without queueing or hunting around. Bring more poop bags than you think you need, because you will probably end up helping someone else too, that always happens. Bring a towel you do not mind getting sandy, and if your dog is going anywhere near water, bring a second towel for the car, unless you enjoy the smell of wet dog lingering in your upholstery for days.

Timing matters as well. If your dog is a little anxious in crowds or gets overexcited, arriving earlier can help. Early in the day tends to be calmer, giving your dog time to adjust, sniff around, and settle before the busiest hours. If your dog is social and thrives on energy, later afternoon into evening can be brilliant, because that’s when the event usually feels most alive. The light is also softer, the photos look better, and you get that lovely December evening feeling where it is not hot, just pleasantly warm.

It is also worth being honest about your dog’s personality. If your dog is reactive or easily overwhelmed, Barkfest might not be the best match, and there is no shame in that. A quieter beach walk and a new toy at home can be a much kinder Christmas treat for some pups. But if your dog is friendly, curious, and enjoys other dogs, this is the kind of environment where they can do what dogs are meant to do, run, sniff, play, and be social.

The other thing people forget is pacing. Dogs do not always know when to stop, especially when everything is exciting. Give them breaks. Find a bit of shade, let them sit, offer water, and then head back in. It makes the whole day better. You want your dog pleasantly tired, not completely wiped out or cranky. The best moments often happen after a rest anyway, when they go back in with a calmer brain and still plenty of happiness.

One of my favourite things about events like this is the community feel. Dubai can be a fast city, everyone is busy, and weeks disappear. But put dog owners in one place and suddenly people talk to each other. You will hear strangers swapping recommendations for groomers, trainers, vet clinics, dog friendly cafes, and even the best parks for evening walks. It is the sort of conversation that starts because two dogs are sniffing each other, and five minutes later you are exchanging names and laughing about how impossible it is to keep white fur clean in this city.

You also get that little emotional moment, the one you do not expect. You look at your dog running around, tail wagging like mad, and you realise, this is their version of a big festive day out. No emails, no shopping, no planning, just pure happiness. It is oddly grounding. It reminds you that the nicest parts of the season are not always the flashy ones. Sometimes it is just giving your dog space to play and watching them enjoy it.

So if you are looking for something different to do in December, something that feels cheerful but not overdone, Barkfest at Barasti is a proper shout. You will get a beachy Christmas vibe, a fun market, music, Santa photos, and a dog that goes home feeling like life is perfect. Expect sand in your shoes, a camera roll full of blurry action shots, and a pup who falls asleep the second they get into the car. Honestly, that is the best ending you could ask for.