I look forward to putting this guide together every year. There’s just something about the festive season in Dubai that makes the whole city feel softer, warmer, and somehow more alive. The lights switch on, the air feels lighter, and suddenly every corner is glowing with music, decorations, and that gentle “something magical is happening” atmosphere. It’s the time of year when I find myself telling everyone I know, “You have to check this out, you’ll love it.” Whether you’re exploring Christmas markets in Dubai, festive shows, or family events, the whole city turns into a celebration.
And honestly? This year’s lineup is one of the best I’ve seen. So here are the Christmas events I’m personally excited about… the ones that feel like stepping into a fairytale, a concert hall, or a nostalgic memory you didn’t know you missed.
Where To Celebrate Christmas In Dubai 2025
Winter City – Al Wasl Expo City
Winter City is the one place I walk into every year and think, “Okay, this is officially Christmas.” The whole plaza turns into a glowing winter wonderland, shimmering lights, festive workshops, cosy food stalls, and snow drifting under the Al Wasl Dome like a real-life snow globe moment. Kids get absolutely mesmerized, especially when they spot the Candy Cane Watchers, those playful roaming characters spreading joy and keeping the holiday mischief alive. It’s also one of the nicest places to go in Dubai for Christmas if you love immersive festive zones.
If you really want to make the most out of it, Al Wasl Season Full Pass is worth considering, it gives you access to more activities, workshops, and festive zones without having to stop and pay for each one. It just makes the whole experience easier, smoother, and honestly… a lot more fun when you’re spending the day there.
It’s charming, warm, and full of that nostalgic “holiday magic” feeling we all secretly want.
QE2 Christmas Carol Concert
There’s something unforgettable about listening to carols aboard a historic ship like the QE2. The concert feels intimate yet grand, with timeless melodies echoing through a venue that already carries decades of stories. If you want a Christmas moment that feels classic, elegant, and full of heart, this concert delivers exactly that. You’ll walk out humming, a beautiful highlight in the wider christmas celebration in dubai scene.
Meet Santa in Dubai
Meeting Santa is one of the sweetest Christmas activities in Dubai, and there are plenty of festive spots where kids can say hello, take photos, and enjoy a little holiday magic. These meet-and-greet moments are a fun addition to your things to do in Dubai during Christmas list, especially for families looking to make the season extra special. You can read about where to meet Santa in Dubai, along with all the locations and timings, in our dedicated blog.
A Fairytale for Christmas
Step into a storybook world as Mall of the Emirates brings a magical Christmas fairytale to life at the New Covent Garden Theatre. Expect charming characters, whimsical sets, and heartwarming moments that wrap you in pure festive nostalgia. It’s the perfect family outing, cozy, enchanting, and guaranteed to spark that “holiday movie” feeling from the moment the curtain rises.
The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera
This one needs no introduction. The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera is simply breathtaking, a full symphonic and ballet experience that sweeps you into a world of snowflakes, toy soldiers, and pure enchantment. It’s elegant, emotional, and a tradition worth keeping year after year. If Christmas had a soundtrack, this ballet would be it.
Carols by Candlelight
This is the Christmas moment everyone hopes to experience, and at Al Wasl Expo City, it feels even more magical. The entire dome glows softly as candlelight fills the space, stunning vocals echo overhead, and familiar carols make the whole world feel a little warmer.
Keep an eye out for the Comet soaring under the dome, the playful Candy Cane Watchers wandering between families, and a heart-melting appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, adding that old-school festive charm everyone secretly loves.
It’s warm, atmospheric, and absolutely beautiful. And if you’re planning your festive calendar, this pairs perfectly with the NYE Celebration happening at Expo City as well. If you’re going to attend just one carol event this year, make it this one.
Rapunzel And Her Holiday Wish
Rapunzel steps off the pages and into a festive adventure filled with humor, sparkling sets, and moments that keep kids glued to their seats. It’s lively, sweet, and captures that childlike excitement for the holidays. A fantastic option for families wanting a story with heart and a little holiday sparkle, especially if you’re looking for Christmas activities for kids in Dubai.
A Tribute to Elton John & Abba Live
Festive season or not, Elton John’s music just works. This tribute show is all heart, sparkly outfits, soulful piano moments, and performances that make you forget it’s not the man himself. If you’re looking for a Christmas night out that’s fun, nostalgic, and packed with sing-along moments, this is a must.
Christmas + ABBA = a dangerously good time. The ABBA Reunion Christmas Special brings all their iconic hits into a festive setting that practically pulls you out of your seat. Expect glitter, infectious energy, and a crowd that knows every word. Great for groups, and anyone who believes that “Dancing Queen” is basically therapy.
Magic Phil’s Christmas Cracker
Magic Phil is a Christmas celebrity at this point, kids adore him, and parents secretly enjoy the show just as much. His Christmas Cracker performance is full of laughs, silly magic, upbeat music, and the kind of interactive fun that keeps little ones wide-eyed. A great pick if you’re browsing festive christmas activities in dubai.
Carols Reimagined at Zabeel Theatre
This one is made for people who love tradition, but secretly wish someone would shake it up a bit. Carols Reimagined takes familiar Christmas tunes and gives them new textures, rhythms, and creative twists. It feels fresh, modern, and honestly… pretty impressive. Great for a family gathering or a fun festive evening with friends who don’t mind a little reinvention.
Barkfest in Dubai
Not all heroes wear capes, some wear tiny Santa hats and wag their tails. Barkfest is the most joyful holiday tradition for pet lovers, and honestly, an unexpectedly heartwarming day out even if you don’t have a dog. Imagine a park full of festive pups, pet-friendly market stalls, treats, photo ops, and dogs dressed better for Christmas than most of us. It’s easygoing, adorable, and one of those Christmas events in Dubai that puts everyone in a good mood.
Christmas Tree Lightings in Dubai
There’s something about watching a giant Christmas tree come to life that instantly kicks the festive season into full gear. Dubai’s tree lightings are cosy, family-friendly evenings filled with carols, treats, and that shared countdown that makes everyone, kids and adults, feel the magic at the same time. Whether it’s happening at a hotel, a neighbourhood spot, or one of the best places to visit in Dubai during Christmas, these moments always bring a wave of warmth and nostalgia.
For all timings, locations, and full details, check our complete Christmas Tree Lighting guide on the blog.
Visit Christmas Markets in Dubai
Visiting Christmas markets in Dubai is one of those festive things that instantly puts you in a holiday mood. Twinkling lights, cozy wooden stalls, seasonal treats, live music, and that cheerful buzz in the air, it’s the perfect way to slow down and soak in the spirit of the season. Whether you’re going with friends, family, or just wandering with a hot drink in hand, Dubai’s Christmas markets offer a mix of shopping, entertainment, and feel-good festive vibes that make December extra special.
From pop-up markets to full festive villages, each one has its own charm, think gifts you didn’t plan to buy, snacks you definitely will, and plenty of moments worth stopping for.
For all the locations, dates, and timings, check out our full guide to Christmas Markets in Dubai 2025 and plan your festive outings ahead.
Christmas Events & Things to Do in UAE
Yes Winter Fest in Abu Dhabi
Not in Dubai, but worth knowing. This is Abu Dhabi’s version of a cheerful Christmas carnival, colourful, energetic, and packed with things to do. From snow play zones to live shows, festive markets, themed food stalls, and endless kids’ activities, Yas Winter Fest feels like a mini holiday getaway. It’s not in Dubai, but it’s close enough for an easy festive day trip, and honestly? It’s one of those events people mention for weeks afterward because of how much joy it brings.
Fa La La Land in Abu Dhabi
Fa La La Land brings a full dose of holiday cheer to Abu Dhabi with a charming, family-friendly festive village that feels like stepping into a Christmas story. Expect twinkling lights, cosy winter corners, interactive activities for kids, and plenty of photo spots perfect for capturing the season. From meeting Santa to enjoying cheerful performances and festive treats, it’s the kind of place where everyone, big or small, gets swept up in the holiday mood. A lovely pick for a relaxed, magical December outing.
Festive Things to do in Ras Al Khaimah
Not in Dubai, but absolutely lovely. RAK takes a more cosy, serene approach to Christmas. Think tree lightings, outdoor movies, festive markets, and waterfront celebrations that feel calm and intimate. If you love softer, slower holiday moments, RAK is perfect, mountain views, beachside lights, and a quieter festive charm that makes you want to stay a little longer. Read more about Christmas in RAK if you’re looking for gentle things to do in Dubai during Christmas and around the UAE.
Stay tuned to find more places to celebrate Christmas in Dubai and around UAE.
