Christmas? In a Muslim nation? You higher consider it!!
If you’re searching for out a northern hemisphere winter vacation within the solar however don’t need to miss out on the enjoyable and festivities of Christmas, Dubai may simply be the vacation spot for you!!
Christmas in Dubai is just not a public vacation however is broadly celebrated by the big expat neighborhood and vacationers.
So apart from the reassurance that the retailers will nonetheless be open on Christmas Eve (and Christmas Day!!), what do you have to anticipate in Dubai at Christmas? We’ll take you thru all the pieces it’s essential to know to plan your journey at this particular time of yr:
Weather in Dubai at Christmas
In late December, it’s best to anticipate fantastic gentle climate – common daytime highs of 26°C/78.8°F and seawater temperature of 25.6°C/78°F.
Rain is just not unprecedented in December, however actually don’t anticipate an extended string of dreary gray days. Fog might be a problem in December, notably within the early mornings.
You can discover our full information to Dubai climate in December right here.
The fantastic climate in December, mixed with the actual fact it is usually faculty vacation time in Dubai (together with a lot of the world) signifies that the week from Christmas to New Year in Dubai is among the busiest of the yr. You can anticipate lodge & AirBnB costs to skyrocket and in some circumstances, your first alternative of lodging will not be out there.
2022 Christmas Celebrations in Dubai
Christmas festivities in Dubai, typically talking, begin as quickly as National Day occasions have concluded (the weekend round 2 December). From shopping center Santas to Christmas tree lightings at a lot of the metropolis’s inns, you’ll not escape the jubilant ambiance of Christmas in Dubai.
Winter City
New for 2022, Expo City is remodeled into Winter City for the festive season, from 23 November 2022 to eight January 2023. Al Wasl Plaza once more takes centre stage, with a 52ft Christmas Tree and a festive village.
From 20 to 25 December, a nightly Carols by Candlelight efficiency will happen.
Entry is free, with fees for some actions and workshops. Carols by Candlelight is 100 AED, with advance tickets required.
Learn extra at expocitydubai.com
Winter Wonderland at Ski Dubai
A Dubai basic winter expertise that by no means disappoints. Home to one of many metropolis’s hottest Santa Grotto at Mall of the Emirates, not simply Santa meet and greet’s with a Christmas goodie bag and a scorching chocolate included.
You may take pleasure in enjoyable adventures within the snow park, together with Snow Movies, snowman constructing and breakfast with Santa. Packages begin from 125 AED for the standard meet and greet.
Learn extra at skidxb.com/christmas (1 to 25 December 2022)
Want to make it further particular? Add on a keep on the Aspen Ski Chalets at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates. Ranging in measurement from a one-bedroom chalet as much as the three-floor, three-bedroom ski chalets, every sleeps between two to 6 visitors, overlooking the slopes of Ski Dubai.
Winter Wonderland at JBR
Found on the in style beachfront venue The Walk in JBR, you’ll discover ice skating by to bouncy castles earlier than taking a novel audiovisual journey to the North Pole. Live leisure is on provide, and Santa shall be making some appearances. Learn extra at @magiclaplandia360 (dates TBC)
Festive Garden at Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah’s Festive Market makes its return from 15 to 30 December 2022. Festive meals and drinks with enjoyable actions for the youngsters, that is at all times top-of-the-line locations to benefit from the festive season in Dubai.
Held at Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island, among the highlights embrace a North Pole prepare and Venetian Carousel, don’t miss gingerbread home making, stay leisure and embellished abra rides.
Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace
One of the longest-running festive celebrations from 1 November 2022 till 31 March 2023, the Al Habtoor City rooftop is remodeled into a fascinating winter backyard. Expect dazzling decorations, carols, avenue artists, acrobats, mulled wine, gingerbread and even Santa in December!
Weekdays from 4:00 PM till 12:00 AM and 1:00 AM on weekends.
Register upfront with a minimal price of 25AED (absolutely redeemable) by way of the “Loyal App by AHG“ iOS | Android
Learn extra at alhabtoorcity.com.
Winterfest by McGettigans at Dubai Media City
As nicely as internet hosting one of many greatest FIFA World Cup venues within the metropolis, Winterfest at Dubai Media City Ampitheatre will begin the festive season with a tree lighting ceremony on 20 November 2022, adopted by 4 weeks of festive markets and Santa’s grotto.
Entry for each World Cup and Winterfest is mixed, with entry 50AED pp, absolutely redeemable on F&B.
Learn extra at mcgettigans.com/fanzone
Santa’s Secret Island, Bluewaters Island
Enjoy Santa’s winter grotto and large snow globe; there’s additionally a skating rink on provide and festive workshops for youths.
This occasion is free from the tenth to the twenty ninth of December 2022, from Midday to 10:00 pm.
Learn extra at bluewatersdubai.ae.
* Also look out for the Dubai Shopping Festival drone present, anticipated to return on the waters between JBR and Bluewaters in late December.
Dubai Garden Glow – all winter
Although not completely a Christmas occasion, the splendidly enchanted setting of Dubai Garden Glow makes the right attraction to go to round Christmas for a magical night.
Cirque de Cuisine 2022: Naughty or Nice Edition
A particular adults-only occasion at Atlantis, one night time solely on 16 December 2022. Roam across the Avenues and expertise dishes from Atlantis’ signature eating places, such because the world-renowned Nobu, Bread Street Kitchen, Hakkasan, Seafire, En Fuego and lots of extra!
Expect roving leisure and free-flowing drinks with an after-party at The Wavehouse. Tickets begin from 695 AED.
Dubai Santa Run
Taking place on 10 December 2022, Dubai Festival City will play host to this enjoyable household occasion. Adults have to register and pay 125 AED upfront; children go free with an grownup. There are 1km, 2.5km and 5km occasions, the prospect to satisfy Santa himself and prizes on provide for finest dressed.
Christmas Shows in Dubai 2022
Kids’ Christmas reveals in Dubai 2022
In addition to the above reveals, you’ll discover the next occasions, particularly for households in December:
Free night reveals in Dubai
These occasions run all year long however are notably particular within the festive season and an amazing low cost night time out in Dubai:
Christmas Day Brunch 2022
If you assume being in Dubai on Christmas Day means you’ll miss out on a standard Christmas dinner, then assume once more!
Many inns and eating places in Dubai will present a vastly extravagant lunch with all of the trimmings – the one actual query is – what’s your price range? From pub feasts to 5-star luxurious, right here’s the place you’ll get Christmas dinner in Dubai.
We are nonetheless confirming if all these brunches are working in 2022
Budget Christmas Brunch in Dubai
Less than 250 AED per head with home drinks
- Claw BBQ – JBR
- Irish Village – Al Garhoud and Studio City
- O’Leary’s – Hilton Dubai Creek, Deira
Mid-range Christmas Brunch in Dubai
250 AED to 500 AED per head with home drinks
- Belgian Café – Dubai Festival City
- BiCE Ristorante – Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
- Bistro Des Arts – Dubai Marina
- BOCA – DIFC
- Boardwalk, Casa de Tapas & Lakeview – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
- Cascades – Fairmont Dubai
- Crown & Lion – Byblos Hotel, Barsha Heights
- Indya by Vineet, La Strega, Rhodes Twenty10 & Zengo – Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa
- JA Hatta Fort Hotel – Hatta
- Café Artois, Kitchen6 & Prime68 Steakhouse – JW Marriott Marquis
- McGettigan’s JBR – Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
- Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Nobu, Seafire Steakhouse & Bar & WHITE Beach & Restaurant – Atlantis The Palm
- Picnic Pantry – Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
- Publique – Souk Madinat Jumeirah
- Pure Sky Lounge & Dining – Hilton Dubai the Walk
- Raffles Dubai – Raffles Hotel, Oud Metha
- Spark by Caramel – DIFC
- Trader Vic’s JBR – Hilton Dubai The Walk
Luxury Christmas Brunch in Dubai
500 AED+ per head with home drinks
- Manava – Sofitel Dubai The Palm
- Reform Social & Grill – The Lakes, Emirates Living
- folly by Nick & Scott – Souk Madinat Jumeirah
- Geales, Maya Mexican Kitchen + Bar & Brasserie 2.0 – Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa
- Hakkasan – Atlantis the Palm
- Hidden Brunch – Taj Hotel, Business Bay
- Il Ristorante Niko Romito & Yacht Club Restaurant – Bulgari Resort Dubai
- Marina Social – Intercontinental Dubai
- Rhodes W1, Siddharta Lounge, Sloane’s, Toro Toro – Grosvenor Hotel
- Traiteur – Park Hyatt Dubai
- Winter Wanderlust Brunch – JW Marriot Marquis
Church companies in Dubai at Christmas
Dubai is a proudly tolerant metropolis in the case of faith, and there are a number of completely different denominational church buildings in Dubai.
- St Mary’s Catholic Church (companies in English, French & Arabic Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass & Christmas Day)
- The Mar Thoma Church, Dubai (Services in English & Malayalam on Christmas Eve)
- United Christian Church of Dubai
- St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Jebel Ali (Services in English, Arabic, German, Tamil, French, Sinhalese, Arabic, Italian and Tagalog)
- Fellowship: A Christian Church in Dubai nondenominational
- St. Thomas Cathedral (Orthodox)
- The Holy Trinity Church (Anglican)
More occurring in Dubai over Winter
For an entire image of what occurs in Dubai over the winter, together with many extra seasonal occasions, pop over right here for our Dubai winter information.
We even have month-by-month guides for what’s occurring in Dubai:
November | December | January | February | March
Keep your eye out as we’re additionally updating our information to New Year’s Eve in Dubai! Be warned, high venues e-book out quick, and this yr, particularly with COVID restrictions, it’s best to anticipate decreased numbers and venues that shall be unable to function, so you’ll actually need to plan forward.
You can discover a detailed information on what’s occurring in Abu Dhabi over Christmas right here
Before you go… More vital issues it’s best to know when planning a visit to Dubai
Take me again to the Dubai Travel Blog
Please notice we aren’t a journey company. This website is a journey weblog to assist newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their journey, we can’t e-book your flights, inns, visas or connections for you. We might make a small fee in case you click on on any of our advice hyperlinks.
Dubai Travel Planner