Christmas is coming: brilliantly festive things to do in Dubai
It’s official. Christmas is coming.
Our trees are waiting to be decorated and we’re thinking about Christmas shopping. Oh, and we’re absolutely in the mood for everything we do to have a distinctly festive twist (in November).
From meeting Santa in the snow to festive-themed afternoon tea, when it comes to celebrating Christmas this city knows how.
Here’s our pick of the things to do to feel utterly festive in Dubai this Christmas.
Need some help with Christmas planning?
Christmas is coming: brilliantly festive things to do in Dubai
Afternoon tea at Shai Salon
Served from Thursday December 5 to Wednesday January 8, settle down for a festive afternoon.
Pastry chef Nicolas Lambert will be adding a Christmas touch to its Shai Salon’s signature afternoon tea, with special desserts added to the menu to celebrate.
Dhs300 (soft), Dhs450 (bubbly). Thurs Dec 5 – Wed Jan 8, 3pm-7pm. Jumeirah Beach Rd, Umm Suqeim fourseasons.com (04 270 7805)
Order a takeaway turkey at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Beach resort, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is offering a special roasted turkey, complete with all the classic trimmings for you to take home. Just be sure to place your order at least 48 hours before you would like the turkey on the table.
Dhs399 (for 2 people), Dhs699 (for 4 people), Dhs949 (for 6 people), Dhs1,199 (for 8 people), Dhs1,399 (for 10 people). Until Thu Dec 26. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, jumeirah.com (+971 52 986 8903).
Pick up a tree at Kibons
Get authentic goods without moving (much) muscle this Christmas.
Head online to Kibsons and pick out the tree – whether artificial or real – that seems best to you. Click, pay and you’re ready for the season. You’re bound to find something to fit the bill. Prices start from Dhs279.
kibsons.com (800 5427667).
Explore Madinat Jumeirah’s Festive Market
One of the city’s most famous Christmas events is Madinat Jumeirah’s festive market, which is always a merry affair. Free to attend, we’re looking forward to heading there until late on weekdays and weekends, from Friday December 6.
It’ll be the go-to place to be when you are after a cup of mulled grape, a magical abra ride, plenty of mince pies and Christmas tunes.
Free. From Fri Dec 6 – Tues Dec 31, Mon-Thu, from 3pm, Fri-Sun, from noon. Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island, jumeirah.com.
Have a festive breakfast at Jones The Grocer
On Christmas Eve, head to Jones The Grocer on Palm West Beach to enjoy everything from breakfast to dinner from its à la carte menu. Perfect for a festive walk along the beach if you ask us…
Prices vary. Tue Dec 24, 7.30am-1am. Hilton Dubai Palm, Jumeirah jonesthegrocer.com (054 998 6162).
Book tickets for The Nutcracker
Dubai Opera will host a four-day run of The Nutcracker, filled with lots of timeless enchantment and music by Russian composer Tchaikovsky.
From Thursday December 19 to Sunday December 22, watch as snowflakes gracefully dance and toy soldiers parade, taking attendees on a mesmerising journey alongside young Clara through some incredible realms filled with unforgettable characters.
Take a look at all the other shows happening in Dubai, right here.
From Dhs290. Thurs Oct 19 – Sun Dec 22. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai. dubaiopera.com (04 440 8888).
Watch a tree lighting ceremony at Raffles Dubai
Raffles Dubai is inviting everyone to watch its iconic Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Enjoy complimentary festive treats and spiced mulled grape drinks as Raffles officially turns on its festive lights with a helping hand from Santa.
Free. Fri Dec 6, 6pm. Sheikh Zayed Road, raffles.com (04 324 8888).
