BackChristmas in Dubai may not be a snow-filled affair as it is shown in mainstream media, but there are still plenty of exciting activities that one can partake in during the festive season. Almost every brand and entertainment venue offers exclusive discounts and Christmas-themed product lines. So, with Halloween out of the way, here’s all you need to know about Christmas; plus ways to celebrate it with the right degree of pomp.
With the festive season in full swing, Luxury Property outlines some of the best things to see and do around the city in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
With the festive season in full swing, Luxury Property outlines some of the best things to see and do around the city in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
1. Heavenly Spa Massage
At the end of the session, enjoy a steaming cup of Dark Hot Chocolate and let any lingering stress melt away. This festive treatment is available from the 15th of November to the end of December. Session timings are between 9 am and 9 pm.
2. Christmas Brunches Dinners
The holiday season just wouldn’t be complete without a hearty festive meal or two. Restaurants and hotels around Dubai are offering lavish Christmas brunches and dinner options to be enjoyed throughout December. If you’re planning to enjoy a night in with family and friends, takeaway turkeys are on offer, complete with all the seasonal trimmings. Dates and timings differ from restaurant to restaurant.
3. Snow White Pantomime
Image Credit: Dubai Panto Website
As part of what has become an annual tradition, the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre (DUCTAC) will be hosting a Pantomime from the 20th to the 29th of December. This year’s production is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, with a blend of music, dancing and very colourful costumes. It’s ideal for a family outing, but will give kids of all ages something to enjoy. Show timings are available on the DUCTAC website.
4. Camel Racing
This may not be a themed event, but spending Christmas in Dubai just seems like it would be incomplete without taking in a camel race or two. The Dubai Camel Racing Club has races on during the holiday weekend, and throughout the rest of the week. The official website of the Racing Club has the dates and times of the races.
5. Dubai Shopping Festival
The Dubai Shopping Festival doesn't start until after Christmas, running from December 26th until the 27th of January. However, if you've missed out on getting the perfect Christmas gift, this is a great chance to make up for it. Every mall and department store in the city will be having big sales, and the month will be peppered with various events, which will be announced over the fourse of the festival.
6. Indoor Skiing at Ski Dubai
With Christmas hymns and Santa Claus greeting visitors, skiing instantly becomes a memorable experience. Furthermore, you can get up and close with the most adorable creatures from the animal kingdom - the penguins. Watch them flap their wings and hop around in their natural habitat.
7. Get Cosy at the Irish Village
The Irish Village is one of the classiest places to be at during the festive season, and for this year’s Christmas, the venue has already started taking reservations. The pub is famous for its exquisite European delicacies in a calm and casual atmosphere. The entire village has a very communal atmosphere, with live music being played, and sellers offering souvenirs and unique merchandise on every stall. For Christmas, expect the village to introduce Irish whiskeys and some mouth-watering Irish stews to keep your hunger at bay. Located in Garhoud, the village also has tranquil views of the lake and landscaped lands to enhance the Christmas experience.
8. Christmas on the Beach - Bluewaters Island
With temperatures dropping, it would be a great idea to bask under the sun during Christmas at the recently opened Bluewaters Island. Located adjacent to Dubai Marina, the Bluewaters Island has some of the most picturesque sights in the city; including Ain Dubai - the largest observation wheel in the world. Like with previous years, expect to see a host of food stalls, Christmas trees, as well as private cabanas for those who want to have a Christmas-inspired meal in privacy.
9. At the Top of Dubai - The Burj Khalifa
One of the most thrilling activities to partake in is to book the At the Top experience at Burj Khalifa, which takes you to the highest levels of the building, from where you can have a panoramic view of Dubai. Furthermore, the adjoining Dubai Mall has more than 1,200 retail shops that feature Christmas souvenirs and special festive discounts. You can also go to the Dubai Aquarium and the Underwater Zoo which features over 33,000 marine animals from 140 species.
10. Spend a Night in the Desert
With quad bikes, live music, camel rides, henna painting, bedouin tents, food and drinks, and the clear horizon above, the place is a testament to the rich history and culture of Dubai. For Christmas, expect to see plenty of trees, Christmas-inspired treats, and sand boards to launch from the highest of dunes. Wait for the sun to set to capture ethereal moments with your loved ones.