Festive season in Dubai 2024

Gujarat, Ahmedabad 16 December 2024: Celebrate the holiday season in the sun-kissed city of Dubai – an alternative wonderland for winter offering unique festive events as well as a range of accommodation and dining options. Whether it’s shopping for gifts, exploring iconic landmarks, days out at the beach, or enjoying the magic of the desert, the festive season in Dubai promises to be an unforgettable experience. Visitors can enjoy all their festive favourites in addition to sunny weather.

WINTER MARKETS AND FESTIVE ATTRACTIONS

• Dubai will come to life with various winter markets taking place during the festive season. Kids and the young at heart will find everything they love in one place – from a selection of retail vendors selling fashion, jewellery and homeware pieces by boutique brands, to food stalls and children’s activities and attractions.
  • A much-loved local favourite is the annual Christmas Market at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, which starts on 6 December 2024. The festive bazaar will feature an impressive decorated tree, seasonal food stalls and family-friendly activities. Visitors can also take a ride on an abra boat with Santa.
  • The Winter District will return for a second edition from 14-22 December 2024, but this time at a new venue – Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. This winter wonderland will be packed with festive delights including a marketplace, live entertainment, festive food and beverages, a snow play area and Santa’s Grotto.
  • JA The Resort unveils its ‘Snow & Glow’ festive village on 13 December 2024, complete with a holiday-
  • This winter you can shop, skate and see Santa at Dubai Mall. At the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink visitors can pay a visit to The Grotto, from 6 December 2024 to 5 January 2025. A perfect outing for families, The Grotto is open between 10am and 12am. Tickets for The Grotto cost from Dhs149 for children and Dhs99 for adults.
  • If you’re looking to play in the snow, make your way to Ski Dubai where you can also meet Santa. Spend the day sliding down Ski Dubai’s thrilling slopes, brave the rides at the Snow Park and don’t forget to sip your hot chocolate afterwards at the Alpine-inspired cafe. At the Ski Dubai Winter Wonderland, there are a number of attractions, including breakfast with Santa (Dhs80 for ages 0-2 and Dhs160 for two years and above), Meet Santa (Dhs160), Snow Fun and Meet Santa (Dhs325), and Family Meets Santa (Dhs600).

FESTIVE FEASTS

Many of Dubai’s hotels and restaurants will serve special menus throughout the festive season. Diners will be spoilt for choice with classic favourites, including roast turkeys, mince pies, yule logs and other traditional treats in elegant settings – all without setting foot in the kitchen.

• Festive dining
  • Greek-Mediterranean restaurant Helios, located at Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, is firing up the BBQ for Christmas lunch (1.30pm-3.30pm; Dhs395 for adults per person, food only; Dhs195 for children).
  • Lah Lah, at Zabeel House by Jumeirah in The Greens, is another pan-Asian brunch option for Christmas Day, with menu items including sharing plates (1pm-4pm, from Dhs265 per person)
  • Enjoy brunch on Christmas Day atMezzanine Bar & Kitchen in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, with a set menu of British classics such as spiced pumpkin soup, roast turkey, and homemade Christmas pudding (12pm-3pm or 4.30pm-7.30pm; from Dhs525 for adults and Dhs225 for children).

Festive afternoon tea

• Aspen Café at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates has a festive afternoon tea experience until 8 January 2025 (1pm-7pm; Dhs200 for one, Dhs375 for two).

SHOP FOR UNIQUE GIFTS

• The 30th edition ofDubai Shopping Festival (DSF) takes place from 6 December 2024 to 12 January 2025. This flagship annual event is full of spectacular shopping experiences and deals and gives visitors the chance to win life-changing prizes and get access to world-class family entertainment. The DSF programme opens with the 321 Festival from 6-8 December, which sees three nights of live entertainment hosted across two iconic locations for one weekend only. Other highlights throughout the 38-day festival include drone shows, fireworks displays and light art installations.
• During DSF, the city’s most popular retail destinations, includingDubai Mall andMall of the Emirates, feature themed decorations, special events, and exclusive promotions.
• Gold, frankincense and myrrh can be found in the traditional souk markets in Old Dubai.
• The community-led Ripe Market at Dubai Police Academy Park, which features handmade crafts and artisanal treats, transforms into a festive winter wonderland with seasonal activities, hot chocolate making and visits from Santa.

FESTIVE HOTELS AND SEASONAL STAYS

• The Lana in Business Bay will be decorated for the festive season with highlights including a sparkling Christmas tree and chocolate installation in The Gallery.
• Get into the holiday spirit atAtlantis, The Palm. The resort on Palm Jumeirah is known for its New Year’s Eve spectacular, but the festivities will be happening throughout the season with special stay packages for guests.
• Homegrown brand Jumeirah Group offers a luxury festive stay at its range of properties, including Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and Jumeirah Al Qasr.
• For a unique experience, book a stay or visit the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort. It will host starlit desert feasts among the dunes, plus daily festive afternoon teas and gingerbread decorating at Ya Hala Lobby Lounge.

TREE AND LIGHT DISPLAYS

• Visitors can admire richly-decorated trees and themed displays that pop up across Dubai’s leading malls, hotels and top attractions. There are many tree-lighting ‘switch on’ ceremonies in Dubai, including Park Hyatt Dubai on 6 December 2024, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort on 7 December 2024, SLS Dubai on 12 December 2024, and JA Beach Hotel on 13 December.
• Some of the most popular highlights include the shimmering baubles and festive glow of the Fashion Dome at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Festival City Mall’s sparkling display complete with Santa’s grotto, and Galeries Lafayette at Dubai Mall, which is putting on a fairytale festive display throughout the season.

FESTIVITIES BY THE SEA

• Enjoying Dubai’s festive season aboard a rented yacht is an unforgettable adventure and cruising the sparkling waters adds a special touch to the holidays. Visitors can sail along while soaking up Dubai’s iconic skyline and ringing in the new year as the sky is filled with fireworks. Boating companies across Dubai offer yacht tours which take in some of the city’s key landmarks such as Atlantis, The Palm and Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.

WINTER SUN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

• Dubai’s desert experiences are perfect for adventurers of all ages. A desert safari is a must-try activity in winter, featuring thrilling 4×4 rides over sand dunes, while camel riding and sandboarding are also popular. For a more immersive experience, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers guided tours with wildlife spotting and insights into Bedouin culture.
• The mountain enclave of Hatta, in the Hajar Mountains, offers stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The Hatta Mountain Conservation Reserve has unique terrains and diverse wildlife, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts. Outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking are also popular due to the mild temperatures. The Hatta Heritage Village and local souks provide a glimpse into the region’s history and culture.
• If ‘desert chic’ is what you’re looking for this winter, then why not spend a weekend beneath the sparkling night sky at Sonara Desert Camp, located in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Witness a breathtaking sunset followed by a delightful dining experience under the enchanting glow of fairy lights. The night comes alive with live entertainment and mesmerising musical performances under the stars. Guests have the option to visit for an evening or stay overnight, waking up to the magnificent sunrise over the expansive desert landscape.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS

• New Year’s Eve sets the scene for epic celebrations in Dubai. From dazzling fireworks displays at the world’s tallest building to glamorous galas on the beach and star-studded performances by international artists, the city has many exciting options for visitors to ring in 2025 in style.
• Burj Khalifa will once again be the show-stopping centrepiece as stunning fireworks, lights and lasers flash across theDowntown Dubai Tickets for theBurj Park celebration, which has unbeatable views of Burj Khalifa’s fireworks, start from Dhs580 for adults, Dhs370 for children, and free for under-fives. The family-friendlypublic viewing areas in Downtown Dubai are free to access.
• Soak up the breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai’s illuminated skyline and celebrate the arrival of 2025 in style at AURA Skypool, which transforms into a glamorous soirée on New Year’s Eve. Guests will indulge in a selection of signature dishes and be treated to an array of live performances, including DJs, dancers, singers, and acoustic acts. From 8pm-1am; Dhs2500 per person.
• Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah is hosting a New Year Gala Dinner at venues including the Garden Lawn (Dhs3,000 per person), Poolside (Dhs2,500 per person), and Al Nafoorah (Dhs2,000 per person).