Thinking of spending Xmas in Dubai?
Boy you’re in for a treat! Christmas in Dubai is absolutely amazing and I say that as a Muslim! But I did grow up as a British Christian celebrating the festive season.
As much as I love my family, Christmas in Dubai is just way better than it is back home. The hotels are all decorated with incredible displays, the malls have giant decorations hanging from the ceiling and nearly all of the restaurants do A-MAZING Christmas brunches.
If you’ve been to a Dubai Brunch, it’s very similar, just with a Christmas twist and usually a few extras. Such as more luxury food choices and a range of entertainment. Some even give prizes!
What is Christmas in Dubai like?
The majority of residents, if they haven’t flown back home, will attend a Christmas Day brunch, but these aren’t just your standard buffet, oh no! These are luxury buffets! You’ll often find oysters, foie gras and other fancy delicacies!
For those that stay home, of course Dubai being the city of convenience, you can get an entire Christmas dinner delivered to your home with all the trimmings. There’s also the less Dubai way of actually cooking it yourself with turkey available in supermarkets like Spinneys and Carrefour.
Every year, I went with my friends for a Christmas brunch, then on boxing day we gathered at our friend’s house to do Secret Santa. It was lovely and I enjoyed it more than being home with my family but shhh don’t tell my family that!
We also visited the Christmas markets every year in the run-up to Christmas, where you’ll find everything from German sausages being served to Christmas carols and mulled wine.
At work we had festive drinks before people flew home, sometimes Secret Santas and other Christmas fun activities. My old company had a large amount of British people, so this depends on the company you work for.
It is a bit odd because the weather is warm and you can go to the beach in the day time while donning a Christmas hat by the evening. Which brings me on to our next topic…
Weather in Dubai at Xmas
Christmas weather in Dubai is nothing like the snow you might be used to elsewhere, unless you to go Ski Dubai of course, but Dubai is magical in it’s own way! If you’re looking for some winter sun while enjoying the festivities, Dubai is the perfect climate.
Daytime temperatures have an average of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F) at night. It’s the ideal time to enjoy all the outdoor activities Dubai has to offer such as watching the magical Dubai Fountain
I have more information about the weather in Dubai in Decemeber if you really want to know everything, such as expected rainfall, what clothes to wear and even average sea temperatures!
Best Xmas Bruches in Dubai
For most Chrismas Brunches, you’ll pay for a mid-range brunch around 250 to 350 AED ($68 – $95 USD), including drinks. 400 to 600 AED ($109 to $163 USD) for the mid to higher end option and 650 + AED ($177 +) for your ultra luxury brunches and dinners.
Most do a cheaper option if you want only soft drinks or you can upgrade to a premium beverage package that’ll include sparking wine for more.
Many restaurants offer a Christmas Eve option as well but may not be a buffet style or have a different theme compared to Christmas Day.
These are some of my personal favourites for a Christmas brunch in Dubai. I personally prefer the buffet style rather than set courses served while sitting.
- Brasserie 2.0 in JBR – International buffet brasserie – $$$ – *Need to book early as gets booked up!
- The Bay at Mandarin Oriental at Jumeirah – Traditional & Italian brasserie – $$$$
- Benny Mack’s by Ben’s Farmhouse at Town Square – Family friendly British gastro pub – $$
Things to do during Christmas in Dubai
1) Visit the Christmas markets at Madinat Jumeirah
Get in the pre-xmas mood with a trip to these German style Christmas markets in the outdoor section of Madinat Jumeirah. You’ll find wooden huts selling trinkets, festive bites and drinks.
This is the largest one in Dubai and takes place every year in the same location. You’ll find lots of people getting into the Christmas spirit with live music too.
If you’re interested in other Christmas markets in Dubai, check out my other article but this is the most popular market in Dubai and gets very crowded on the evening. It’s more focused on food and drinks than shopping.
2) Ski the slopes at Ski Dubai
If it just doesn’t feel like Christmas without some snow then you’ll love heading over to Ski Dubai at Mall of Emirates.
This isn’t just a ski slope, there’s a cafe and rides especially for the kids. If you don’t feel like taking part in the sports, you can enjoy the Snow Cinema for a winter experience or hot chocolate with marshmallows in the cafe.
They also host their Winter Wonderland during this time of year, where you meet Santa and enjoy activities with the kids. Tickets are sold separately to Ski Dubai admission if you’re wanting to ski or go on the rides.
3) Buy Christmas presents at Global Village
Global Village is the perfect place to wander around for present ideas and pick up those little stocking fillers. Just like everywhere else in Dubai, Global Village adds Christmas touches during the festive season.
Including being able to meet Santa, parades with elves and tasty Christmas treats in the European quarter.
4) Take the whole family to Winter City
This is an affordable day out for the whole family to get in the Christmas mood and has a really good range of activities for the price. It’s a perfect day out with kids, with Santa’s Sustainable House and Santa’s toy factory. Along with workshops for children of various ages.
There’s also places to eat, drink and be merry. The central dome of Expo city turns into a stunning Christmas village and even snows!
5) See a show at the QE2 Theatre
QE2 is one of the most unique places to visit in Dubai, you’ll get to board the giant cruise ship Queen Elizabeth 2 which is now permanently homed in Port Rashid in Dubai.
The theatre is the refurbished original used to entertain guests as they sailed the seas. During the Festive Season you’ll find unique and exciting shows specially for the month of December.
For December 2024 you can choose from the family-friendly Magic Phil’s Toyland Express or The Wizard of Oz. There’s also something more for the adults with a Tribute to Michael Buble.
6) Grab some deals during Dubai Shopping Festival
What’s Christmas without some Christmas shopping? The best part about the festival is that it starts in early December so you can have a hunt for some bargains for your Christmas presents.
The shopping festival lasts all the way until around mid-January.
7) Visit Atlantis The Palm
There are many hotels across Dubai with Christmas decorations; however, Atlantis is one of the most Christmassy there is and often has special festive events at it’s many restaurants.
Against it’s backdrop of giant aquariums feels like a really magical underwater Christmassy fantasy.
If you’re planning to visit Dubai or fancy a staycation and have the money to spend, staying at Atlantis over the Christmas period is an amazing choice.
8) See a pantomime
A British Christmas classic must is the pantomime and Dubai doesn’t disappoint.
If you’re not from the UK, a pantomime is a family friendly slapstick comedy play. A fun tradition that brings all the magic of Christmas to life, complete with over-the-top costumes and plenty of audience participation – such as shouting “He’s behind you!”
The themes of the pantomime change every year and this year in Dubai is Aladdin, performed at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel Auditorium.
9) Take the kids to Legoland Dubai
Are your children obsessed with Lego or perhaps they’d just love to get their photo taken with a giant Lego santa?
Either way, Legoland Dubai is a unique Christmas experience with various workshops and fun activities during the season.
10) Enjoy a festive afternoon tea
If you’re looking for something to do as a get-together in the run-up to Christmas, this is the perfect option for a popular Dubai experience with a bit of Christmassy sparkle.
There are many different options across the city, and you’ll typically pay anything from 75 AED pp to nearly 600 AED per person for an ultra-luxurious one at somewhere like restaurant in Burj Al Arab.
Best festive afternoon teas in Dubai
Voco Bonnington at JLT – Family-friendly with ginger bread house making – 145 AED pp
Fairmont The Palm – Luxury afternoon tea served in iconic sleighs – 245 AED pp
Raffles at Wafi Mall – Refined afternoon tea with ginger bread house making for kids – 195 AED pp
*Prices correct at time of writing but are subject to change
11) Attend an infamous Dubai Christmas Brunch
Last but not least, attend a Christmas Dubai Brunch, which is a must for the festive season.
I personally prefer the buffet style rather than a set menu, and if you haven’t experienced a Dubai brunch before, I highly recommend trying one for Christmas.
See our most recommended ones above! There’s many options across Dubai depending on the food you love and whether you prefer a more party style, family friendly or sit down dinner.
Looking to save money on dining out & activities?
🤩 Join our DUBAI DEALS group 🤩
Don’t go just yet! Find out about other holidays and festivities in Dubai:
- The best Dubai New Year’s parties and dinners across the city
- What is Ramadan in Dubai like and should I avoid visiting during Ramadan?
- 11 family friends activities for Halloween in Dubai to enjoy for the spooky season
- Is there a Halloween Drone show in Dubai? Where to watch drones in Dubai
- Dubai Thanksgiving: Whether you want to eat out or eat it, we’ve got to covered!
FAQs about Christmas in Dubai
Can you celebrate Christmas in Dubai?
Yes, you can celebrate Christmas in Dubai in a multitude of ways at various locations across Dubai. Churches have services, malls & hotels put up decorations and host festive dinners. There are even Christmas markets and events. You certainly won’t have any trouble finding ways to enjoy the festive season.
What day is Christmas in Dubai?
Christmas Day is celebrated on the 25th of December; however, it isn’t a public holiday, and most businesses remain open on Christmas Day, including all government services. Some private companies close or give employees from Western backgrounds time off.
