Christmas Attractions in Dubai

Christmas in Dubai is a journey of possibilities adorned with magic and a whole month of December filled with festive wonderland vibes, events, Christmas trees, Santa boxes, and shimmering lights glittering across the entire city.
Where will you choose to be this holiday season?
Whether you made plans to travel back to your homeland this holiday, or your family and friends are joining you in Dubai to celebrate together, we hope the memory of yet another happy Christmas spent together will linger well into the New Year.

Meanwhile, Dubai is going all out for Christmas, and every year the city is glowing more beautifully and adding more festive venues and Christmas markets to its already very long list of seasonal attractions. If you have decided to spend your winter holiday in the northern hemisphere, splashing in the sun, then Dubai’s beaches, the desert, the tax-free shopping in the biggest malls, and the stunning decorations will surely make you feel the strong Christmas aura gracing the city.
​Below we present you some of the top attractions where you can make happy memories this festive season in Dubai and even grab a chance to meet Santa and his elf helpers.

Winter City at Expo City

Expo City brings you a magical winter-themed wonderland this year, with the opening of Winter City at the end of November. The venue promises to deliver much festive cheer until the 8th of January 2023 with free entry for everyone.
A typical Christmas market and a variety of wonderful performances will be included during the celebrations at Winter City, located in the Mobility District. Bring the kids to see the real Santa, stop for a photo with the enormous gingerbread men on the way to the snow globe at Al Wasl Plaza, sing along to your favourite Christmas songs with the toy soldier band, and watch the incredible 52-foot Christmas tree become lit with a spectacle of stunning lights.
One of the main attractions you can experience is the unique recreation of Santa's home, with a cosy living area with a fireplace and his rocking chair.
For lovers of Christmas carols, Expo City is hosting Carols by Candlelight which runs from December 20 to December 25 and will transport you back to merry Christmas memories.
​Family favourites including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Silent Night, and Jingle Bells will be included in the two-hour performance and projection extravaganza at Al Wasl Plaza.

Global Village

The venue is preparing with an amazing display of “happy ho-ho-holidays” vibes that will run beyond the New Year until January 8th, 2023.
​Global Village is one of the most popular tourist destinations in UAE and Christmas this year is set to be bigger and better than ever before. You don’t want to miss the 21-meter-tall festive tree lighting ceremony and fireworks show this December, along with thousands of live entertainments, cultural shows, and a variety of 3,500 restaurants and cafes to feed your cravings.

Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah always offers some of the best seasonal highlights and your Christmas experience would never be complete without a visit to their festive markets.
Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market, a classic German market, invites you to indulge in their famous Christmas pies, mince pies, snow zone and other goodies. Santa can accompany you on a typical abra ride along the waterways while you gaze at the gigantic Christmas tree and enjoy the live band playing.
​For the kids, they will have a North Pole train and a ginger house decorating station. The market runs from the 16th to the 30th of Dec.

Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace

Visiting the Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace will definitely brighten up your Christmas season. Habtoor Palace has the most magical urban oasis in store for you, with surprises at every corner.
The Winter Garden comes alive during the entire month of December, with festive treats for everyone, including live music on Fridays, fresh grills, mulled wine, and culinary journeys around the world with international street food on display.
​Moreso, pet lovers will be thrilled to know the festive garden is open to four-legged furry friends and it has even prepared its own grooming center for them to enjoy at Miss Meow.

Christmas Spirit across Dubai Communities

The holiday season in Dubai is fully packed with festive adrenaline in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year.
Dubai dazzles and reaches new heights, officially becoming the best winter sun destination, as per the Winter Sun Index study, which also states that the city has received more than 111 million Instagram tags and enjoys the most winter-related Google searches worldwide.
But how is your community integrating the festive spirit?
Dubai residents are very active within their communities and keep themselves involved, particularly at this time of the year. From Christmas volunteering schemes to baking cookies and gathering in community centers to share and wish your neighbours, communities across Dubai embrace this season with fun activities and warmth.
Arabian Ranches, Damac Hills, Dubai Hills Estate, and Town Square are some of the most attractive communities in the festive season.
If you happen to live in any of these communities, I am sure you are already up to date with their festive schedules for December or maybe you have already been part of the Christmas tree lighting ceremony within your area.
Arabian Ranches is lining up a festive day brunch at Maison Mathis so bring your friends and family for a taste of succulent stuffed turkey before you enjoy an appearance from Santa.
Town Square’s holiday schedule is also packed with various performances as well as a Santa “meet and greet”.
The Christmas market at Dubai Hills Estate is kicking off in great style at the Hillhouse Brasserie with a festive spread of gingerbread workshops, a Santa Grotto, and magic shows.

​Wherever the festive spirit brings you, we hope Christmas will shine in your hearts and light your path in the New Year ahead.