Dubai celebrates the festive season with a blend of vibrant Christmas markets, exclusive shopping deals,
and unique dining experiences across the city. This guide provides a roundup of the best spots to enjoy holiday cheer, perfect for families, friends, and travelers in Dubai this year.
Christmas Markets in Dubai
Winter Garden at Al Habtoor Palace
Located at Al Habtoor Palace on Sheikh Zayed Road, Winter Garden runs from November 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. It features a beautifully decorated holiday market filled with artisan crafts, gourmet treats, and festive live music, creating a lively atmosphere for families and holiday enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy diverse food stalls
offering international flavors and a dedicated kids’ area to keep little ones entertained.
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Souk Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
Running from December 13, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market offers a
traditional Christmas market experience. With a 36-foot Christmas tree, live band performances,
and charming gift stalls, this market is a must-visit for families. Interactive areas such as the North Pole train ride, bungee jumping, and a snow fight zone add excitement for kids and create a magical holiday atmosphere.
Winter City at Expo City Dubai
Taking place from December 6 to 31, 2024, Winter City at Expo City Dubai offers a European-style market ambiance complete with a towering Christmas tree, Santa’s Grotto, and cozy holiday cabins. Activities like a Santa letterbox, climbing walls, and holiday ziplines make it perfect for creating holiday memories.
Winter District at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Open from December 14 to 22, Winter District is designed for those who enjoy a festive outdoor setting with
holiday lights, live music, and an array of handmade gifts. Families and friends can immerse themselves in the season’s spirit with holiday treats and cozy ambiance.
Christmas Shopping Deals at Dubai Malls and Stores
The Dubai Mall
One of the largest malls in the world, The Dubai Mall celebrates the season with “Festive Shopping Week,” featuring discounts up to 50% across fashion, electronics, and home décor. Shoppers can find exclusive holiday deals and enter raffles for luxury prizes, making it a prime destination for holiday shopping.
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Mall of the Emirates
With its December “Mega Weekend,” Mall of the Emirates offers major savings across top luxury brands and
retailers. The mall’s “Gift Concierge” service helps shoppers find holiday gifts, enhancing the shopping experience.
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City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif
These family-oriented malls offer holiday discounts on a variety of items, including toys, electronics, and home goods. Bundled deals and festive promotions make them a go-to destination for budget-friendly holiday shopping.
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Festival City Mall Winter Wonderland
Dubai Festival City Mall combines holiday shopping with entertainment through its “Winter Wonderland” theme, featuring festive parades, Santa’s Magical Workshop, and exclusive discounts. Shoppers can also enjoy the mall’s impressive holiday-themed fountain show, adding a magical touch to the shopping experience.
Festive Dining and Holiday Brunches
Soluna Beach Club
Soluna Beach Club invites guests to Santa’s Soluna Vacation on December 25, from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The event features a Christmas-inspired buffet, BBQ setup, and a dedicated Kids Corner, complete with a surprise visit from Santa. On January 1, enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free Bloody Mary deal to start the new year.
TRYP by Wyndham – Local Restaurant
TRYP by Wyndham’s Christmas Eve Buffet takes place on December 24, from 7 pm to 10:30 pm, transforming the venue into a festive street market with live music, holiday cocktails, and a variety of intercontinental dishes. On December 25, enjoy the Christmas Day Buffet from 1 pm to 4 pm with holiday food and Yuletide cocktails, perfect for families and friends.
Millennium Place Marina – Ikigai Restaurant and Bar
Ikigai Resto + Bar offers several festive options throughout December. From December 1 to 21, the Christmas Group Party offers a 3-course Japanese menu and a 3-hour beverage package.
The Festive Edition Brunch on December 21 features unlimited sushi, dim sum, sparkling wine, and live entertainment. The Christmas Eve and Christmas Night Celebrations offer special brunches with live music and festive décor.
Canal Central Business Bay – La Cruise
Event: Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24, from 7 PM to 10:30 PM
Located at Canal Central Business Bay, La Cruise invites guests to a gourmet buffet dinner with two exclusive packages: AED 175 for a soft drinks package or AED 299 for unlimited house beverages. The evening is designed to bring festive cheer with a sumptuous buffet and seasonal décor.
C Central Resort The Palm – Waves Restaurant
- Event: Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24, from 7 PM to 10:30 PM
Celebrate Christmas with a traditional buffet featuring holiday classics like turkey and Yorkshire pudding. Waves Restaurant provides two packages: AED 280 for soft beverages or AED 399 for house beverages, enhanced with live entertainment from a DJ and band for a memorable evening. - Event: Christmas Day Brunch on December 25, from 1 PM to 4 PM
This holiday brunch features a festive buffet, seasonal favorites, and live entertainment in an inviting atmosphere for families and friends. Choose from AED 280 for soft beverages or AED 399 for house beverages.
Royal Central Hotel The Palm – La Maison Restaurant
- Event: Christmas Eve Buffet on December 24, from 7 PM to 10:30 PM
La Maison offers a traditional Christmas buffet with turkey, Yorkshire pudding, and live entertainment, featuring packages at AED 280 for soft beverages or AED 399 for house beverages. - Event: Christmas Day Brunch on December 25, from 1 PM to 4 PM
Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive brunch accompanied by live music. Packages are available at AED 280 with soft drinks or AED 399 with house beverages, creating a warm and joyful Christmas atmosphere.
Paprika – Christmas Grazing Table
Paprika Catering offers a luxurious Christmas Grazing Table featuring mini wraps, tacos, sliders, and more, tailored for gatherings of 10 to 20 guests. Starting at AED 1800, this table includes six pick-up items, dips, two desserts, and a holiday setup.
SLS Dubai
- Event: Festive Light Switch-on at S Bar on December 12
Experience the festive light switch-on at S Bar on the 71st floor with spectacular views and holiday cheer, making for a magical evening. - Event: Festive Afternoon Tea at S Bar from December 6 to 30, 3 PM to 7 PM
A luxurious afternoon tea with holiday-inspired pastries and savory bites is available for AED 249, offering a cozy setting to enjoy festive flavors with premium teas or bubbly. - Event: La Chalet and Gingerbread House from December 4 to January 7
Enjoy seasonal dining surrounded by enchanting holiday décor with a special violinist performance and Santa visit at S Bar. - Event: Carna Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24, 6:30 PM to 1 AM
Carna offers a fine-dining a la carte experience on the 74th floor, featuring premium cuts and Italian dishes with stunning views. - Event: Christmas Ladies Day at Privilege on December 24
Privilege hosts a festive ladies’ day with unlimited cocktails and a 30% discount on a la carte dining, perfect for a stylish holiday celebration.
Costa Coffee UAE – 2024 Festive Drink Range
Costa Coffee UAE brings the magic of the season with its highly anticipated 2024 Festive Drink Range, available from November 4. The Gingerbread Latte, a returning favorite, combines rich espresso, steamed milk, and gingerbread syrup, topped with whipped cream and gingerbread dust. New for this Christmas season are the Toffee Cake Latte and Toffee Cake Frappé, offering a creamy fusion of toffee and espresso, available both hot and iced.
For those preferring something non-caffeinated, the Toffee Cake Hot Chocolate is a decadent treat for chilly winter days. These festive beverages are perfect for cozy moments with friends or as a sweet break during Christmas shopping. Costa Coffee’s festive range is available in stores or for delivery through popular apps like Deliveroo, Talabat, and Smiles.
Holiday Entertainment and Experiences
Theatre Performances
Enjoy classic holiday shows like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at Zabeel Theatre (Dec 2024) and “Aladdin” at Jumeirah
Beach Hotel. Both performances offer holiday-themed entertainment that’s perfect for families.
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Festive Brunches Across Dubai
Dubai’s top hotels host special Christmas brunches with traditional and international fare.
Yas Winter Fest in Abu Dhabi
Yas Winter Fest offers a festive family destination with snow zones, carnival rides, and tree-lighting ceremonies. This event makes for a magical day trip from Dubai, adding a unique touch to the holiday season.
Café de Palma
December 24 and 25, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Café de Palma offers a magical Christmas brunch featuring exceptional dishes like Turkey Roll stuffed with spinach, feta, and hazelnuts, Pate en Croute with foie gras and duck fillet, and the sweet Cinnamon Bun for dessert. Live music, a DJ, holiday decor, and activities like face painting, storytelling, and Santa visits enhance the festive atmosphere.
For More festive fun and Dubai Christmas updates
Stay connected with Social Kandura for all the latest holiday happenings and Dubai Christmas updates! For more travel, dining, and shopping updates, check out our “Things to Do” category, covering everything from seasonal events to local guides that will keep you entertained throughout the festive season.
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