Must-See Christmas Decorations and Events in Dubai

Christmas is a season that fills hearts with joy and lights up the world in its own magical way. The spirit of togetherness, the sparkle of decorations, and the warmth of festive celebrations make it a time like no other. It’s a festival that brings people closer, wrapped in the glow of holiday cheer.

Dubai welcomes this season with open arms, transforming itself into a city of twinkling lights and endless festivities. From glittering Christmas trees to enchanting markets, every corner offers something special to experience.

This guide explores the places where the festive spirit shines the brightest, offering moments of joy through beautifully lit displays, seasonal treats, and activities to celebrate the magic of Christmas.

Madinat Jumeirah

The centerpiece of the festivities is a magnificent 36-foot-tall Christmas tree, adorned with sparkling lights and ornaments, creating a captivating holiday atmosphere.

The market spans 1,750 square meters, with twinkling lights illuminating the pathways and festively decorated abra boats gliding along the waterways, enhancing the enchanting setting.

Events:

Live entertainment with bands playing seasonal favorites.
A snow fight zone for playful fun.
Bungee jumping for the adventurous.
A North Pole train ride for children.
A Venetian carousel adding to the festive charm.
Abra rides with Santa Claus.
Gingerbread house decorating workshops.
Festive shopping with various stalls.
Delicious dining options offering seasonal treats.

Timings:

Monday to Thursday: 3:00 pm to late
Friday to Sunday: 12:00 pm to late

Dates: December 6th to 31st, 2024

Entry Fees: Entry to the market is free

Al Seef

Al Seef comes alive with festive charm, blending Dubai’s rich heritage with the magic of the holiday season. A towering 39-meter Christmas tree stands proudly at the center, decorated with shimmering ornaments and sparkling lights. Visible from across the creek, it’s a sight that instantly fills the air with holiday cheer.

The entire 1.8-kilometer waterfront transforms into a glowing wonderland as part of the Dubai Lights display. Inspired by the city’s pearl-diving history, the lights feature beautiful sculptures of fishing nets filled with glowing sea creatures. Visitors can stroll along paths lined with illuminated sand dunes and creative light installations, making every corner of Al Seef feel like a storybook brought to life.

Events:

Santa meet-and-greets, kids’ workshops, and lively stage performances.
A dazzling Winter Parade where Santa, elves, and acrobats bring the souks to life with circus-style shows and festive music.
The Harlequin Circus is a fun and colorful performance filled with laughter and excitement for all ages.

Timings: 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm daily

Dates: December 6th to January 19th, 2025

Entry Fees: Free for all visitors

Expo City

There’s a special kind of joy that fills the air at Expo City Dubai during Winter City. Al Wasl Plaza becomes the center of it all, with festive lights and colorful projections transforming the space into Santa’s Toy Factory. A grand Christmas tree, decorated with sparkling ornaments, stands tall, drawing families and friends together to celebrate the season. Every detail feels carefully planned to bring the spirit of Christmas to life in a way that’s both warm and welcoming.

Events:

A wide range of dining options with over 30 food stalls serving festive dishes, from traditional German treats to globally inspired flavors. Restaurants around the plaza offer special menus, including winter-themed dishes like gourmet burgers and holiday-inspired desserts.
Carols by Candlelight, featuring performances by school choirs and the Firdaus Orchestra, creates a serene and festive atmosphere with classic holiday tunes.
The North Pole Market offers adults the opportunity to shop for unique festive gifts and artisanal crafts, making it an ideal spot for holiday shopping.
The daily tree lighting ceremony provides a beautiful moment to gather and enjoy the spirit of the season.

Timings: 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily.

Dates: December 6th to 31st, 2024.

Entry Fees: General admission is AED 40 for adults, with free entry for children under 5 and people of determination. Additional charges may apply for specific dining or shopping experiences.

Mall of the Emirates

The holiday spirit comes alive with every step at Mall of the Emirates. A grand Christmas tree, beautifully adorned with shimmering ornaments and glowing lights, takes center stage in the atrium, filling the space with a warm, festive glow. The mall’s walkways are lined with garlands and wreaths while twinkling fairy lights create a cheerful ambiance that feels magical yet inviting.

Events:

From December 1 to 25, 2024, Ski Dubai transforms into a Winter Wonderland, offering guests the chance to meet Santa Claus, enjoy snow-filled activities, and experience festive decorations. Packages start at AED 160 per person for a standard Santa meet-and-greet, with options including Snow Park access.
Available daily from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM until January 8, 2025, Aspen Café offers a festive-themed afternoon tea featuring sweet and savory treats accompanied by premium teas from the London Tea Exchange. Priced at AED 200 for one person and AED 375 for two.
On December 25, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Olea Restaurant hosts a luxurious Christmas brunch with live carving stations, seafood delicacies, a festive kids’ corner, and a special visit from Santa. Prices are AED 400 for soft beverages, AED 550 for house beverages, AED 950 for Champagne, and AED 250 for children aged 6-12.
Ring in the New Year with style at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. Olea offers a Levantine menu with raw seafood bars and live cooking stations, while Salero presents authentic Spanish tapas, paella stations, and live flamenco entertainment.

Timings: Mall of the Emirates operates daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 am. Event timings vary; please refer to the specific event details.

Dates: Festive activities commence on November 27th until January 8, 2025.

Entry Fees:
General admission to the mall is free. Specific events, such as the Festive Afternoon Tea and New Year's Eve Gala Dinner, have associated costs as detailed above.

Dubai Festival City Mall

What sets this destination apart is the way it blends innovative technology with traditional holiday charm. At the heart of the celebrations is a towering Christmas tree that not only dazzles with its lights and ornaments but also serves as the centerpiece for the mall's famous IMAGINE show. This extraordinary display combines water, laser projections, and festive music to create an unforgettable spectacle.

Events:

A festive-themed IMAGINE show that combines lights, water, and laser projections.
From December 8, 2024, to January 7, 2025, visitors can explore a charming alley of festive kiosks offering holiday treats, gifts, and crafts, accompanied by appearances from characters like Gingerbread Man and Frosty the Snowman.
Throughout the festive season, enjoy performances by carolers, festive parades, and meet-and-greets with beloved characters such as Winnie the Pooh and Rudolf the Reindeer.

Timings: Mall operating hours are from 10:00 am to 12:00 am daily. Event timings vary; please refer to the specific event details.

Dates: Festive activities commence on December 7th, 2024 until January 7th, 2025.

Entry Fees: General admission to the mall and participation in most festive activities are free.

Al Barari

A delightful sense of magic fills the air as lush green spaces turn into a charming winter wonderland. The centerpiece of it all is a magnificent 12-meter Christmas tree, adorned with shimmering ornaments and glowing lights, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for holiday memories. A life-sized Snow Globe adds a touch of enchantment, offering visitors the chance to step inside and experience a gentle snowfall.

Events:

Meet Santa Claus and his elves for memorable photo sessions.
Ride the Winter Fest Train through the festively decorated zones.
Enjoy ice skating on a specially installed rink.
Slide down the snow tubing slide for thrilling fun.
Engage in friendly battles at the snow fight zone.
Navigate through a playful snow maze.
Participate in gingerbread house decorating workshops.
Children can enjoy face painting and messy play zones.
Live entertainment includes figure skating shows, live bands, and DJ performances.

Timings: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM).

Dates: December 14th-15th and December 21st-22nd, 2024.

Entry Fees:

AED 49 for adults.
AED 89 for children (under 2 years free).
Some attractions may have additional costs.

As you explore these festive places, you’ll find more than just lights and decorations. You’ll discover the shared joy of a community coming together, the wonder in a child’s eyes, and the quiet moments of reflection that make the season special. Dubai’s celebrations may end when the season does, but the memories will stay long after the lights have faded. Let this be a season to cherish, and perhaps, to carry the spirit of giving and connection into the year ahead.