The holiday spirit is officially in full swing as Christmas approaches, transforming Dubai into a magical winter wonderland. From towering Christmas trees and gingerbread houses to snowy playgrounds and surfing Santas, the city is adorned with festive delights. In this guide, discover the extraordinary ways Dubai celebrates Christmas, offering a unique and unforgettable experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Get ready to explore everything on your festive checklist and anticipate the extraordinary celebrations that await in this vibrant city.
Gingerbread House
You may have seen various gingerbread houses but here is one with a difference. At the lobby of H Dubai, visitors can see a magnificent 6-metre-long, 2.5-metre-wide, and 2-metre-high gingerbread house inspired by the Al Wasl Dome, echoing the essence of COP28. This display will be a fixture throughout December, where visitors can see and take photos with it.
Madinat Jumeirah Market
If the anticipation of Christmas has you feeling merry and bright, you’ll be delighted to know that one of Dubai’s most iconic holiday celebrations is back this Friday: Madinat Jumeirah’s festive market. From Friday, December 15, to Thursday, January 7, 2024, Fort Island will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland, welcoming visitors from 3 pm until late on Monday to Thursday and from 12 pm until late on Friday to Sunday. Spanning 1750 square meters of the souk, the Madinat Festive Market features a spectacular 36-foot Christmas tree adorned with shiny baubles, stars, and candy canes, surrounded by large white and red presents with festive ribbon accents. Immerse yourself in the market’s festive charm, offering a delightful blend of shopping and entertainment, including live bands playing seasonal tunes. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of the season in this enchanting setting.
Movie Plans
Dubai offers a plethora of unique experiences, and among them are the diverse theaters that cater to every taste. This Christmas, indulge in the magic of cinema in private theatres, snow theatres, and drive-in theatres. Round up your friends and family for a delightful time watching your favorite holiday movies while savoring delicious festive treats. Roxy Cinemas presents “Holly Jolly Matinees” every Saturday at 2 pm at Dubai Hills Mall. Immerse yourself in heart-warming festive classics like “The Elf” and “Home Alone,” as well as new releases such as “Wonka.” Enhance your experience with special Santa meet and greets, creating cherished memories for the holiday season.
Nakheel Mall
Experience the enchantment as Nakheel Mall undergoes a magical transformation into a Festive Garden, featuring a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree, captivating water fountain displays, vibrant flowers, and whimsical installations of gazelles and rabbits. The mall invites children to unleash their creativity at arts and crafts stations, where they can craft festive ornaments, paint festive jars, and create candy cane bead masterpieces this season. To extend the festive joy, make your way to West Beach and marvel at the dazzling Dubai Lights fixtures, adding a luminous touch to your holiday celebrations.
Ballets and Operas
Indulge in the festive spirit by treating yourself to the enchanting performances of timeless classics and captivating Christmas-themed operas and ballets. Dubai’s illustrious theatres and opera houses come alive with the magic of the season, offering an extraordinary musical experience that will truly get you into the Christmas mood.
Immerse yourself in the artistry and elegance of these shows, bringing the joy of the holidays to life on stage. It’s the perfect way to create lasting memories and celebrate the season with a touch of theatrical brilliance.
