Fantastically festive things to do for Christmas 2025 in Dubai

• Things to Do in Dubai This Christmas
• FAQs

Get ready to whip out the decorations and festive sweaters because the Christmas season is here! With festive cheer descending upon the city, there are plenty of things to do for Christmas in Dubai! From winter wonderlands decked out in twinkling fairy lights to meeting the big jolly guy himself, Christmas 2025 in Dubai will be special. We’ve got all the details for you right here.

THINGS TO DO FOR CHRISTMAS IN DUBAI 2025

If you’re looking for the best Christmas things to do in Dubai 2025, our list of the most happening activities is here to help.

WINTER CITY AT EXPO CITY

Expo City Dubai is gearing up for an unforgettable winter celebration from December 6th to 31st, 2025. Get ready for a festive experience filled with dazzling lights, fun workshops, live performances and the iconic tree lighting ceremony at Winter City.

Whether you’re spending time with family or friends, it’s the ultimate destination to embrace the Christmas magic, meet Santa and enjoy the joyful atmosphere of Al Wasl Plaza lit up in holiday cheer.

• Ticket price: AED 50 per person
• Timings: 02:00 pm – 11:59 pm
• Location: Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai

SHOP AT MADINAT JUMEIRAH FESTIVE MARKET

Is the festive season truly a festive season without a festive market? Absolutely not! There is a whole host of Dubai Christmas markets to choose from. But there’s no doubt that the famous Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market stands out from the crowd.

Taking place from 5th December 2025, Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market features an array of activities such as:

• Christmas tree
• Light and sound Christmas tree shows
• Festively decorated abra rides
• Mini train rides
• Bungee jumping
• Venetian carousel
• Festive shopping
• Delicious dining options
• Live band entertainment
• Charming gingerbread houses

You can also shop for festive treats, create twinkling art, sit down on a bean bag, sip a hot chocolate and enjoy that special Christmassy atmosphere—there’s something for everyone here!

• Entrance fee: Free
• Dates: 5th December 2025
• Timing: Will be announced soon
• Location: Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island

MEET SANTA CLAUS AT WINTER WONDERLAND IN SKI DUBAI

Are your kids all excited to meet Santa this year? Then you’ll be pleased to know that Ski Dubai is all set to welcome Father Christmas, where you can choose from different packages to meet him and snap a memorable selfie. And don’t forget to ask Santa for a surprise gift and hot chocolate!

• Ticket price: Starting from AED 160
• Dates: 1st to 25th December 2025
• Location: Ski Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-800-386

ENJOY THE YULETIDE CLASSICS AT DUBAI OPERA

Dubai Opera plans to add some shimmer to your festive season with two Christmas special shows. For this year’s Christmas celebrations in Dubai, be a part of Tchaikovsky’s all-time favourite, The Nutcracker, by the internationally acclaimed Astrakhan Theatre Opera Ballet and choreographed by Vasily Vainonen.

• Ticket price: From AED 290
• Dates: 18th December to 21st December 2025
• Location: Dubai Opera
• Contact: +971-4-440-8888

LEGO Santa at Festive Bricktacular

This festive season, LEGOLAND Dubai is transforming into a winter wonderland. From December 13th 2025 to January 4th, 2026, the park will be filled with holiday cheer, dazzling decorations and exciting festive activities.

• LEGO Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Kick off the season with a dazzling dance show, fun crowd interaction and a magical snowfall.
• LEGO Santa’s Toy Factory Tour: Become an honourary elf and build festive wonders alongside merry toy characters.
• LEGO Santa’s Joyous Workshop and Toy Troops: Meet LEGO Santa himself, discover his sorting room and catch the playful antics of his Toy Troops.
• Grotto Lotto: Join in for a festive twist on Bingo with awesome prizes.
• Build To Give Workshop: Spread some cheer by building hearts and helping children in need.
• LEGO Santa’s Sleigh Photo Op: Snap a memorable photo with the life-sized LEGO Santa Sleigh model.
• Character Meet and Greets: Meet your favourite LEGO characters dressed in holiday outfits.

• Ticket price: Every activity has different prices
• Timings: Vary
• Dates: Starting from 13th December 2025 to 4th January 2026
• Location: Legoland Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-820-0000

WINTER DISTRICT SEASON 3

Experience an enchanting wonderland at Winter District Season 3, powered by M2L Concepts. This season will be held at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, where a dazzling array of activities awaits!

Indulge in gourmet food and bevvies, test your skills at exciting carnival games or glide gracefully across the ice rink. For the little ones, a fun-filled snow play area, Santa’s Grotto and kids’ workshop promise endless joy. Adults can unwind in the cosy bar lounge, sipping festive cocktails and enjoying live performances.

With captivating live entertainment, unique holiday shopping and a host of festive activities, the Winter District is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories this Christmas in Dubai 2025.

• Ticket price: From AED 25 per person
• Dates: 13th to 28th December 2025
• Location: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre

A CHRISTMAS CRACKER WITH THE IRISH VILLAGE

To make your Christmas celebrations jollier, head to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, where Christmas classics will be performed by Ciaran Fox, Alicia Florez and Naz Holland with a 21-piece Orchestra.

• Ticket price: From AED 99 per person for anyone aged 16 and above (Each adult ticket holder can bring up to 2 kids aged below 16 for free)
• Date: 14th December 2025
• Timings: From 06:00 pm onwards
• Location: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
• Contact: +971-4-282-4122

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AT IRISH VILLAGE

Celebrate the festive season at Irish Village Dubai with the Christmas Tree lighting! Enjoy mulled wine, minced pies, and live performances by St. Mary’s Filipino Choir and the Dubai Duty Free Nightingales.

• Ticket price: Free entry
• Date: 3rd December 2025
• Timings: From 07:00 pm onwards
• Location: Al Garhoud and Studio One Hotel
• Contact: +971-4 -239-5000

FESTIVE CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH AT IRISH VILLAGE

Besides the concert and the Christmas tree lighting, patrons can indulge in a festive Christmas Day lunch at Al Garhoud (for AED 299), at Studio One Hotel (for AED 279) and AED 99 for kids under 12 at both venues.

FESTIVE WORKSHOPS AT JONES THE GROCER

Jones the Grocer offers some of the most amazing workshops for kids and grownups.

FESTIVE CHEESE AND CHARCUTERIE WREATH MASTERCLASS

Learn to create your own show-stopping cheese and charcuterie festive wreath to impress your guests celebrating Christmas in Dubai 2025. Don’t miss the upcoming masterclass!

• Al Manara
  • 21st November at 5:00 pm
  • 12th December at 5:00 pm
• Delta JBR
  • 22nd November at 4:00 pm
  • 19th December at 4:00 pm
• Jones EGC
  • 14th December at 6:00 pm
• Ticket price: AED 249 per person, inclusive of all materials

GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP

The little ones will also be able to unleash their creative sides with the engaging gingerbread house workshop. The festive class will be available at multiple locations at different times, such as:

• Al Manara
  • November 12th and 26th from 03:00 pm
  • December 3rd and 17th from 03:00 pm
• Jones Delta JBR
  • November 8th and 29th from 02:00 pm
  • December 6th and 20th from 02:00 pm
• Mall of the Emirates
  • November 12th and 26th from 04:00 pm
  • December 2nd and 16th from 04:00 pm
• Ticket Price: AED 149 per person, inclusive of all materials
• Contact: 800-56637

MAKE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE

One of the best things to do for Christmas in Dubai 2025 is to be a part of the exciting gingerbread house-making at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. The special festive class is designed to build, decorate and create a delicious masterpiece.

• Ticket price: AED 160 per person (maximum of 8 people)
• Date: 13th to 27th December 2025
• Location: Hilton Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
• Contact: +971-4-230-0073

MOVIE NIGHTS AT STUDIO ONE HOTEL

Make memories with your loved ones this festive season with Festive Screenings at Studio One Hotel. One of the popular Christmas events in Dubai is watching a classic flick with your loved ones and this is your chance to watch the family favourites on a private screen. Book for a group of 12 or more and bring two extra friends for free!

• Ticket price: AED 79 per person (with candy, popcorn and soft beverage)
• Date: Throughout December 2025
• Timings: +971-52-767-9300
• Location: Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City

Watch iconic Christmas tree lighting ceremonies

What better way to get in the festive spirit than by seeing a Christmas tree light up with sparkling decor? Here are the best venues to enjoy a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

• Park Hyatt Dubai: December 6, 06:30 pm to 07:30 pm. Tree lighting at the piazza with carols, chestnuts and a chance to meet Santa.
• Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah: December 5, 06:00 pm. Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with live choir, mulled wine and Santa’s appearance.
• Studio One Hotel: November 27, 05:00 pm onwards. Big Festive Switch-On Tree Lighting with community celebration and Santa’s Grotto.
• garden on 8, Media One Hotel: November 28, 06:00 pm onwards. Christmas Tree Lighting with carols, sing-along and welcome drinks.
• Anantara Downtown Dubai: December 10, 06:30 pm. Christmas Tree Lighting in the lobby followed by a festive dinner with traditional flavours.
• Emirates Golf Club: December 5, 06:00 pm onwards. Tree lighting on the clubhouse terrace with kids’ craft stations, live band and Santa gift distribution.
• Queen Elizabeth 2: December 12, 05:00 pm – 07:00 pm. Tree lighting under the stars at The Pavilion, with carolers and Santa’s appearance. And at Lido Restaurant from 06:30 pm – 11:00 pm.
• Al Habtoor Polo Resort: December 4, 05:30 pm. Watch the tree light up with carols from the Nord Anglia School choir, gingerbread decorating, and a visit from Santa.
• Hillhouse Brasserie and The Duck Hook, Dubai Hills Golf Club: November 27, 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm. Tree lighting with mulled grapes or hot chocolate and a live choir.
• Palazzo Versace: December 6, 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm. Tree lighting with live carol performances, mulled grapes, Santa’s visit, and a mini Christmas market.
• The Bolt Hole: December 4, 06:00 pm onwards. Cosy tree lighting with mulled grapes, hot chocolate, marshmallows, and carol singing. Pooches welcome for a festive puppaccino.

SAVOUR THE FESTIVE DINING OPTIONS

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH AT MEDIA ONE HOTEL

Celebrate Christmas in style at your neighbourhood British restaurant and gastrobar – QWERTY, at Media One Hotel! Guests will enjoy a festive welcome drink and an indulgent 3-course set menu that includes a scrumptious roasted turkey breast with all the trimmings, followed by minced pie. Gather your closest family and friends and head to QWERTY for a Christmas to remember.

• Cost: AED 90 for 2-course meal, add AED 10 for the dessert of the day
• Date: 25th December 2025
• Timings: Weekdays throughout December, 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm
• Location: QWERTY, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City
• Contact: +971-52-144-7348

ENJOY A FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA

Experience the season’s joy with an exclusive festive afternoon tea at SocialBee featuring a variety of seasonal treats and wholesome holiday flavours.

Enjoy gingerbread-spiced pastries alongside a premium selection of teas and freshly brewed coffee. Celebrate the festive season in style and capture those picture-perfect holiday moments.

• Cost: AED 399 for 2 guests
• Date: 11th to 30th December 2025
• Timings: 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm
• Location: SocialBee, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
• Contact: +971-4-230-0073

BRUNCHES AND DINNER GALORE

Just like every year, Dubai is pulling all the stops this Christmas season, too. Choose from Christmas Eve and Christmas brunches and dinner in Dubai to enjoy festive flavours. Chef’s specials and unlimited beverages have graced the Christmas menus of various restaurants. The breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline are a bonus!

Here’s a look at some of the places offering festive dinner options this year:

• CLAW BBQ, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah: From AED 199 to AED 399 (20th and 27th December 2025)
• Ciao Bella, Media One Hotel: From AED 150 per person (Throughout December 2025)
• Secret Parties – Big Fat Greek Brunch: From AED 395 to AED 575 (26th and 27th December 2025)
• Secret Parties – Bisou Bisou Brunch: From AED 400 to AED 600 (26th and 27th December 2025)
• Secret Parties – Naughty Noodles Brunch: From AED 350 to AED 550 (27th December 2025)
• Studio One Hotel – Saturday Brunch: AED 699 for 2 adults and 2 children (29th November – 20th December 2025)
• Elaia, Pier 7, Dubai Marina: From AED 245 to AED 415 per person (3rd – 23rd December 2025)

FAQS ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI ON CHRISTMAS DAY

WHERE TO BUY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN DUBAI 2025?

Home Centre, IKEA and Bloomingdale’s are some of Dubai’s best places to shop for Christmas decorations.

WILL I BE REQUIRED TO BOOK RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE?

Christmas is usually a busy day for all dining establishments, so seating may be limited. To make the best of Christmas celebrations in Dubai this year, booking any reservations in advance is best. You can also make merry with Santa meet-and-greet or these special Christmas brunches in Dubai.

WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE CHRISTMAS PRESENT IDEAS?

If you’re looking for unique Christmas present ideas in Dubai, you should put Smash Room, Shooting at JA Resort and Sky Walk Dubai on your list.

And that’s a wrap, guys! We’ve listed all the top activities and fun things to do for Christmas in Dubai. You can also visit the Dubai Winter Garden to participate in magical festivities.

But if you would rather spend the day with your family at a hotel in the city, there are some exciting Christmas staycation offers in Dubai to check out!

We wish you a very Merry Christmas!