Things to do in Christmas in UAE
The UAE offers a unique, festive experience for Christmas, blending traditional celebrations with a Middle Eastern flair. Here are some top activities and events to enjoy during the holiday season:
1. Explore Festive Markets
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi host various Christmas markets featuring holiday treats, crafts, and entertainment. The popular Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market in Dubai is a winter wonderland with decorations, festive foods, live music, and even an appearance by Santa Claus. The market also has a Venetian carousel, gingerbread house-making sessions, and snowball fights for a magical family experience.
2. Ice Skating and Skiing in the Desert
- The UAE is known for its desert landscape, but during Christmas, you can experience winter activities like ice skating and skiing. Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates offers snow-filled fun, including skiing, snowboarding, and encounters with penguins. Many shopping malls also set up festive ice-skating rinks for a wintry experience.
3. Attend Christmas Tree Lightings
- Hotels and malls across the UAE hold Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, often accompanied by carol singing, holiday treats, and fun activities for children. The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi and The Ritz-Carlton in Dubai are renowned for their opulent Christmas trees and holiday decorations, creating an atmosphere of holiday cheer.
4. Enjoy Christmas Brunches and Dinners
- Many restaurants and hotels across the UAE offer special Christmas brunches and dinners featuring traditional holiday cuisine, such as roasted turkey, stuffing, and festive desserts. Resorts like Atlantis, The Palm and Jumeirah Al Naseem have lavish holiday-themed buffets and live entertainment, providing a memorable dining experience for families and friends.
5. Visit a Festive Winter Garden
- Al Maryah Island Winter Wonderland in Abu Dhabi is a seasonal attraction where you can enjoy light installations, family-friendly rides, festive workshops, and food stalls. You’ll find the Winter Village in Bluewaters Island as well, a destination filled with snow-themed decorations, light shows, and Christmas parades.
6. Attend Church Services
- For those who want to celebrate the spiritual side of Christmas, there are several churches in the UAE that hold Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai, for instance, has a large congregation, and their Christmas services are attended by residents and visitors from various nationalities.
7. Take a Dhow Cruise on Christmas Eve
- Many dhow cruises in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer Christmas-themed dinners on board, where guests can enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline, festive decorations, and holiday music. It’s a unique way to spend Christmas Eve, combining traditional Middle Eastern charm with holiday festivities.
8. Winter City at Expo City Dubai
- Expo City Dubai transforms into a Winter City, complete with holiday decorations, light installations, a Santa’s grotto, and a festive fairground. There are also food stalls and a daily schedule of live entertainment, including carolers and themed performances, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
9. Christmas-Themed Desert Safari
- Some companies offer Christmas-themed desert safaris, where you can celebrate in a unique desert setting. These safaris include dune bashing, camel rides, falconry, and a festive barbecue dinner with a holiday twist. It’s a great option for families looking to enjoy a festive celebration in the beautiful Arabian desert.
10. Shop for Holiday Gifts at Malls and Boutiques
- Malls across the UAE are adorned with holiday decorations, and many shops offer seasonal discounts. Mall of the Emirates, The Dubai Mall, and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi go all out with decorations, light shows, and even Santa visits. These malls also have winter pop-up stores for unique holiday gifts.
The UAE is a vibrant and festive destination for the holidays, blending traditional Christmas cheer with local Middle Eastern culture for a truly unique experience.
