If you’re a long-time resident of Dubai, you know our December weather is basically perfect. Forget the grey skies and cold rain; this is the time for outdoor fun, family time, and that distinctly Dubai-style celebration. And honestly, no place nails the “global celebration” vibe better than Global Village.
For its 30th landmark season, Global Village is already a winner, bringing 90+ cultures, foods, and crafts together. Now, they’re wrapping all of that up in a beautiful, glittering blanket of festive cheer.
This isn’t just about putting up a few decorations. It’s a complete transformation into a winter wonderland, running from December 10 to 28. Expect twinkling lights everywhere, from the iconic gates to the Dragon Lake, along with lively parades, meet-and-greets, and all the seasonal atmosphere you need.
The Tree Lighting Spectacle
In Dubai, we like to do things on a grand scale, and the 21-metre Festive Tree is proof of that. It’s massive. It’s the kind of tree that will make your neighbours back home raise an eyebrow when you share the photos.
The main event—the official Tree Lighting Ceremony—is set for Wednesday, December 10 at 7 pm. Trust me, you’ll want to be there for the countdown. As the thousands of lights on the tree blaze to life, the sky above will erupt with a dazzling fireworks display and a choreographed drone show. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way, creating a genuinely magical moment that truly marks the start of the holiday season in the city.
For those looking to capture the perfect festive selfie, there’s a new, equally charming decorative tree installed at the Restaurant Plaza. It’s surrounded by cheerful elves and classic holiday decorations, making it an ideal, brightly lit backdrop for your family photos. Skip the effort of setting up a photoshoot at home; this spot has you covered.
Roving Elves and Festive Beats on Celebration Walk
The magic isn’t static; it’s roaming! The Celebration Walk is the heart of the festive fun, completely illuminated with sparkling red and green lights. It’s an easy, joyful path to wander down, with music filling the air and the energy level constantly high.
You’ll find a whole crew of roaming performers here, including Santa and his team of multicultural elves. This is a lovely Dubai touch—elves from around the world reflecting the city’s own incredible diversity. They’re ready for meet-and-greets, photo ops, and are generally spreading cheer. For kids, running into Santa’s entourage in a place where they’ve just been touring the world’s pavilions is pure joy.
And for those with children enjoying the school holidays (December 8 to January 4), the entertainment gets ramped up. The schedule is packed with elf shows, adorable polar bear displays, and, of course, a constant rotation of cultural performances across the park. It’s the perfect, safe family outing that keeps everyone entertained, from the little ones to the Khaleejis looking for a fun evening. Planning a day out for the kids? The festive shows here are a must-see.
Celebrating 30 Seasons and Two New Must-See Spots
This December celebration is extra special because Global Village is celebrating its impressive 30th anniversary. They’ve marked this huge milestone by opening two new attractions that are proving to be major draws this season, adding even more photo-worthy spots to the mix.
First up is the Dragon Lake Kingdom, an immersive 3D walk-through adventure that’s perfect for kids (and big kids!). It’s a modern, creative space that lets you step into a mythical world. Then there is the beautiful Garden of the World, which is all about stunning, beautifully themed gardens and flower arrangements, including a huge love heart made from colourful blooms. If you’ve enjoyed the Miracle Garden before, this will give you that same feeling of vibrant, expertly crafted natural beauty.
These additions show that Global Village is always evolving, keeping the experience fresh for its millions of visitors. Make sure to check out these new attractions while you’re there for a fresh experience.
Your Local Guide to Visiting
Dubai can get busy in December, so a few local tips are always helpful. The festive celebrations run until December 28. Remember that Tuesdays are reserved for ladies and families only (except on official public holidays), which is a nice tradition that gives families a more relaxed, dedicated evening.
The park timings are:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday to Saturday: 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
The atmosphere, the smells of international street food, the buzz of shopping for unique gifts, and now the added festive sparkle—it all makes Global Village the quintessential Dubai winter experience. It’s a place where you genuinely feel the city’s multicultural heart beating, especially when everyone is gathered around a giant tree, celebrating together. Go early, plan your food stops, and enjoy the vibe!
The Global Village Festive Season is the perfect blend of local culture, international flair, and pure holiday joy. With the 21-metre Christmas tree, fireworks, a drone show, and non-stop family fun, it offers an incredible experience that you just can’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss this one.
Read More: Global Village Season 30 in Dubai to Open on 15 October 2025
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