Upcoming Dubai events to look forward to in December 2025
- National Day Celebrations
- Christmas Festivities
- New Year Eve
- Musical Shows
- Sports Events
- Comedy
- Other Shows
- FAQs
Are you looking for exciting upcoming events in Dubai? With a long list of activities, concerts and festivities, this month’s calendar has something for everyone. Let’s explore the top upcoming Dubai events for December 2025.
UAE NATIONAL DAY EVENTS IN DUBAI
Get ready to celebrate the 54th UAE National Day with a bang! The spirit of Eid Al Etihad fills Dubai with fireworks, parades and cultural performances that honour the union of the Trucial States.
From family-friendly events to vibrant citywide celebrations, activities during National Day in Dubai offer it all. Watch the skies light up with mesmerising displays or join in the festivities that reflect the UAE’s rich heritage and dynamic future.
CHRISTMAS MAGIC IN DUBAI
If you’re searching for heart-warming things to do on Christmas in Dubai, you’ll find plenty to love. The city transforms into a festive wonderland filled with winter villages, twinkling lights and joyful events for all ages.
Kids can meet Santa, while adults explore cosy markets and seasonal treats. Don’t forget the famous Christmas brunches in Dubai, where hotels and restaurants serve festive feasts and desserts that taste like pure holiday magic!
NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 in style with Dubai’s famous New Year fireworks. The city is renowned for its extravagant displays, and the New Year fireworks in Dubai promise even more magic.
Many city malls, restaurants and leisure destinations are going BIG to ensure 2026 starts in spectacular style. Want to know where all the festivities are taking place? Check out our guide on New Year celebrations in Dubai.
DUBAI EVENTS: POPULAR MUSICAL SHOWS IN December 2025
Peggy Gou live
Calling all music lovers! Peggy Gou, the South Korean sensation, is hitting FIVE Luxe JBR with her unique house-meets-disco sound at Pacha ICONS. With sold-out performances at Coachella, Tomorrowland and Glastonbury, she’s bringing Dubai a night of world-class electronic beats. Be part of the hype and mark your calendars for one of the top upcoming events in Dubai!
- Tickets: AED 250 – AED 1,500
- Date: 6th December 2025
- Timings: 07:00 pm – 03:00 am
- Location: FIVE Luxe JBR
Angham live
Get ready to sing along! Angham, the Voice of Egypt, is lighting up Dubai Opera on 12th December 2025. With a career spanning over 30 years, she’s bringing hits, heart and plenty of magic to the stage.
- Tickets: AED 550 – AED 1,550
- Date: 12th December 2025
- Timings: 09:00 pm
- Location: Dubai Opera
Franz Ferdinand live
Get ready for a night where indie rock royalty meets Dubai’s electrifying energy! Franz Ferdinand returns to the Coca-Cola Arena on 13th December, bringing chart-topping classics and fresh tracks from The Human Fear.
Make sure your Dubai event calendar is ready for pulsating rhythms, crowd sing-alongs and a show that will stay in memory.
- Tickets: AED 295 – AED 2,000
- Date: 13th December 2025
- Timings: 08:00 pm
- Location: Coca-Cola Arena
Black Coffee live
Heads up, partygoers! Black Coffee is spinning his Grammy-winning beats at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour on 27th December. Expect Afro-house grooves, stunning visuals and a night packed with energy. From Drake collabs to global stardom, this is the event everyone will be talking about.
- Tickets: AED 250 – AED 100,000
- Date: 27th December 2025
- Timings: 06:00 pm – 03:00 am
- Location: Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience
The Dubai events in December 2025 music scene is thriving with many more gems worth attending:
- Balqees live at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall on 2nd December 2025.
- The Yemenis Orchestra live at Dubai Opera on 14th December 2025.
- Rock and Opera live at Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on 18th December 2025.
- Omar Khairat live at Dubai Opera on 24th December 2025.
SPORTS EVENTS IN DECEMBER 2025 IN DUBAI
Wellrun 2025
Looking for a fun day out? Wellrun 2025 at Meydan is calling! On 7th December, join runners of all ages and abilities across 1km, 3km, 5km and 10km routes. Walk, jog or sprint while enjoying stunning scenery, upbeat music and a lively atmosphere.
With prizes for top finishers and something for everyone, it’s a must-attend among Dubai events in December 2025. Bring family or friends and make memories while staying active!
- Tickets: AED 73.50 – AED 105
- Date: 7th December 2025
- Timings: 07:00 am
- Location: Meydan
Skyline Trail Edition 2
Challenge yourself on Hatta’s rugged ridgeline! Skyline Trail Edition 2 returns with an 8.5km high-intensity hike featuring 500m of elevation gain, steep ascents and dramatic descents. Enjoy improved signage, extra refreshment stations, GPX data, commemorative shirts and scenic photo stops. This is a must for serious hikers seeking adventure and breathtaking views.
- Tickets: AED 105
- Date: 13th and 14th December 2025
- Timings: 07:00 am
- Location: Hatta Outdoor
Dubai Racing Carnival
Get ready for an adrenaline rush at the Dubai Racing Carnival! Taking place at Meydan Racecourse, this event promises thrilling races with the world’s top jockeys and horses competing head-to-head. Racing fans, don’t miss this chance to see live action with the grand finale happening on 13th March 2026.
- Tickets: From AED 10 (General admission)
- Date: 5th December 2025 till 13th March 2026
- Timings: 05:30 pm
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
DIMC Season 2025/26
The Dubai International Marine Club launches its 2025/26 season with a dynamic line-up of water sports and heritage events. From dhow sailing and aquabike racing to offshore powerboating and kitesurfing, the calendar blends tradition with innovation.
Hosted at prime locations like Dubai Harbour, Dubai Islands, Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and Al Jaddaf, the season promises exhilarating competition along the city’s vibrant coastline.
- Tickets: Vary as per activity
- Date: Till 17th May 2026
- Timings: Vary as per activity
- Location: Multiple, including Dubai Islands
Other popular sports events happening in Dubai this December are:
- Oceanman Swim World Final 2025 at Kite Beach from 5th to 7th December 2025.
- NMC Community Run at Ripe Market on 14th December 2025.
- Dubai Basketball matches at Coca-Cola Arena till 17th April 2026.
COMEDY SHOWS
Ilya Sobolev live
If your plan for Dubai events in December 2025 needs a good dose of laughter, Ilya Sobolev has you covered. Loved for his fast-paced wit and playful humour, he brings a fresh stand-up show to Zabeel Theatre. He mixes absurd jokes with spontaneous interactions, keeping the audience thoroughly entertained from the moment he steps on stage.
- Tickets: AED 300 – AED 900
- Date: 6th December 2025
- Time: 07:00 pm
- Location: Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
The Jamie Lever Show Live
Comedy fans, brace yourselves! Jamie Lever is gearing up for her Dubai debut at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium and it’s going to be electric. Her hit act The Jamie Lever Show lands in the city with a dynamic mix of mimicry, music and sharp stand-up. For 2.5 hours, she turns the stage into a whirl of characters, clever sketches and unstoppable laughter.
- Tickets: AED 95 – AED 275
- Date: 13th December 2025
- Time: 06:00 pm
- Location: Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Oud Metha
OTHER SHOWS AND EVENTS HAPPENING IN DUBAI IN December 2025
Dubai Shopping Festival
Kick off the holiday season with the 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Running from December 05 to January 11, DSF transforms the city into a shopper’s paradise. With unbeatable deals, live concerts and thrilling family activities, every day is packed with excitement.
The festival promises a whirlwind of celebrations, highlighting Dubai’s renowned retail and entertainment scene.
- Tickets: As per the activity
- Date: 5th December 2025 – 11th January 2026
Sole DXB 2025
Dubai’s coolest street culture festival, Sole DXB, returns with an unbeatable line-up of live performances, DJ sets and creative workshops. Set in Dubai Design District, the event celebrates lifestyle and street culture, attracting global talent and enthusiasts alike. With international rap stars, inspiring talks and cutting-edge fashion brands, it’s a hotspot for trendsetters.
- Tickets: AED 299 – AED 999
- Date: 12th – 14th December 2025
- Timings: 04:00 pm – 02:30 am
- Location: Dubai Design District
Winter City
Step into a winter wonderland at Winter City at Expo City, where festive cheer meets spectacular entertainment. Under the twinkling dome of Al Wasl Plaza, guests can enjoy carolling, dazzling light shows and even a magical Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The air is filled with holiday spirit as Santa and Mrs. Claus spread joy among families. Unique dining experiences and live music make Winter City an enchanting celebration for everyone.
- Tickets: From AED 50
- Date: 6th – 31st December 2025
- Timings: 04:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Location: Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai
DSF Drones Show
Experience the night skies of Dubai come alive with the DSF Drones Show. This breathtaking spectacle features 1,000 drones synchronised in captivating performances, accompanied by stunning compositions. Hosted every evening during the Dubai Shopping Festival, the show offers a visual and auditory feast at Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR.
- Tickets: Free
- Date: 5th December – 11th January 2026
- Timings: 08:00 pm | 10:00 pm
- Location: Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR
La Perle by Dragone
Witness a spectacle unlike any other at La Perle, the region’s permanent resident show. This innovative aqua theatre combines stunning choreography with heart-stopping stunts, leaving audiences in awe. La Perle’s world-class performers will have you on the edge of your seat, with feats ranging from breathtaking aerial acrobatics to gravity-defying dives.
- Tickets: AED 270 – AED 520
- Date: Wednesday to Sunday
- Timings: 06:30 pm – 08:00 pm | 09:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- Location: Al Habtoor City
FAQS ABOUT DUBAI UPCOMING EVENTS
WHICH WINTER/CHRISTMAS MARKETS ARE OPENING IN DUBAI?
The city’s festive spirit shines bright with famous Christmas markets in Dubai, like the Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers and the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market. Each offers unique attractions, food stalls and holiday cheer.
What types of events take place in Dubai throughout the year?
There’s always something happening in Dubai! From glamorous fashion shows and international concerts to food festivals and family-friendly fairs, the city never runs out of reasons to celebrate. Popular highlights include Dubai Shopping Festival, Art Dubai, Dubai Food Festival and Expo City attractions all year round.
When is the peak season for major events in Dubai?
The peak season typically runs from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and outdoor venues are bustling with activity. During these cooler months, Dubai’s calendar is packed with large-scale events, concerts and global festivals that attract visitors from around the world.
WHAT ARE THE OTHER CONCERTS HAPPENING IN DUBAI AND ABU DHABI?
From international music legends to emerging artists, here’s the complete list of upcoming concerts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for 2025 you can’t miss!
That concludes our guide to the Dubai events in December 2025. We hope you have a great time at any of Dubai’s upcoming events that you attend. If you’re into music, film or fine art, you’ll love the range of cultural events in Dubai this year.
If you plan to visit the capital, several events in Abu Dhabi may tickle your fancy too.
Like annual events in Dubai, many festivals are happening in Abu Dhabi this year. Whatever your passion, our guide to the annual events in Abu Dhabi has you covered!
Please share your experiences with these top Dubai events in the comments section below.
