Christmas & New Year’s Eve in Dubai: What It’s Really Like
If you’re planning to spend Christmas or New Year’s Eve in Dubai, you probably want to know what it’s really like, the decorations, events, and where to catch the fireworks.
I’ve spent the holidays in Dubai myself, and I’ll share what’s happening this season, the best places to go, and how to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
From Christmas markets and shows to New Year’s Eve celebrations, this guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of Dubai’s holiday season.
Quick Answer: What Are Christmas & New Year’s Eve Like in Dubai?
Dubai is full of lights, festive markets, shows, concerts, huge fireworks, and winter-themed events from early December to mid-January. You’ll find Christmas trees in malls and hotels, family activities everywhere, and one of the world’s biggest NYE fireworks at Burj Khalifa.
Hotel recommendation if you want to stay close to the main celebrations:
➡️Palace Downtown – Next to Burj Khalifa, in the middle of action
➡️Atlantis the Palm – Located on the Palm Jumeirah
➡️Address Beach Resort – Located at JBR, view of fireworks and drone show, highest infinity pool
Christmas In Dubai
During December, Dubai transforms into a festive wonderland with Christmas decorations, lights, and activities in malls, hotels, and around the city.
The Dubai Shopping Festival runs from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, bringing concerts, shows, events, raffles, and big sales in shops. Many events are free.
Shows and Events
Dubai Drone Show
The Dubai Drone Show returns with two different performances. “Dubai, City of Dreams” runs until 25 December, and “Celebrations” runs from 26 December to 11 January 2026. Both shows take place above the water between Bluewaters and The Beach JBR.
Over 1,000 LED drones create shapes and tell stories in the night sky, and for the first time, Ain Dubai will light up alongside the drones. It’s a colorful, magical experience that’s perfect for photos and families.
Quick Info:
- Dates: 5 December 2025 – 11 January 2026
- Times: Twice every evening at 8 PM and 10 PM
- Location: Above the water between Bluewaters and The Beach JBR
- Entry: Free
Festival Bay Nights
Dubai Festival City Mall is bringing back Festival Bay Nights for a second year, with concerts, live performances, and family entertainment.
On 13 December, the mall will host the Red Bull Tetris World Finals, ending the evening with a 4,000-drone show above the Dubai Frame, billed as a first-of-its-kind spectacle.
Quick Info:
- Location: Dubai Festival City Mall
- Dates: 5 December 2025 – 11 January 2026
Hatta x Dubai Shopping Festival
Hatta offers a festive mountain experience with candle-lit concerts by Fever, a Dinner in the Sky setup, and a Roxy Cinema dome. All activities require advance booking, making it a unique way to enjoy Dubai’s festive season away from the city.
Quick Info:
- Tip: Book all activities in advance
- Dates: 5-31 December 2025
- Location: Hatta
e& MOTB
The e& MOTB event will once again turn Dubai Design District into a fun open-air festival space. This year, you’ll find 27 new food stalls, 56 retail concepts (mostly local brands), and more than 100 products you can only get here.
With free concerts, interactive art, and a refreshed layout that now includes viewing towers, e& MOTB continues to be a favourite hangout for Gen Z.
Quick Info:
- Dates: December 2025
- Location: Dubai Design District
- Entry: Free
Theater & Movie Shows
Dubai offers several Christmas-themed theater performances, including The Great Christmas Elf Bake Off, Annie, Nutcracker, Carols Re-Imagined, and A Fairytale for Christmas.
For a unique cinematic experience, head to Aura Sky Pool on 11 December at 8:30 PM to watch Miracle on 34th Street, 210 meters above the ground, with the city skyline as your backdrop.
Quick Info:
- Dates: 11 December 2025
- Location: Aura Sky Pool
- Tip: Tickets must be booked in advance
Christmas Markets
To experience the real Christmas atmosphere with Christmas trees and decorations, gingerbreads, mulled wine, snow, or even Santa, you should visit at least one of these places.
Madinat Jumeirah Market
From 5 to 31 December, this market is next to the canal with views of Burj Al Arab. Explore the Christmas tree, festive food stalls, and music while kids enjoy the carousel and North Pole train. Taking a ride on a traditional Abra adds a special touch to the experience.
Quick Info:
- Dates: 5-31 December 2025
- Location: Madinat Jumeirah
- Entry: Free
Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace (Details TBC)
This market is fun for all ages, featuring a Christmas tree, festive decorations, food trucks, live music, and a daily visit from Santa.
Quick info:
- Dates: Usually early November – late December
- Location: Habtoor Palace
Winter District
At Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the Winter District offers food stalls, a Christmas tree, Santa’s Grotto, and inflatables for kids.
Quick Info:
- Dates: 13-28 December 2025 | Mon-Fri 2 PM-Midnight | Sat-Sun 2 PM-1 AM
- Entry: Free
Winter City (Al Wasl Plaza)
Al Wasl Plaza turns into a big Christmas market each year, complete with a huge festive tree that looks tall enough for Santa to spot from the sky.
Every evening, one person gets chosen to switch on the Winter City Christmas tree, so make sure you have your camera ready for that special moment.
Quick Info:
- Dates: 6-31 December 2025
- Entry: Dhs 50
Ski Dubai
From 1-25 December, Ski Dubai becomes a snowy wonderland. Ski, snowboard, slide, and meet Santa in a festive indoor winter setting.
Quick Info:
- Dates: 1-25 December 2025
- Tickets: From Dhs 160
- Location: Mall of the Emirates
Dubai Festival City Mall
The Christmas market at Dubai Festival City Mall is expected to run from December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026, and the best part is that entry is free. It takes place along the Festival Bay waterfront, which is a lovely spot for an evening out.
You’ll find festive decorations, plenty of food stalls, live entertainment, Santa meet-and-greets, and of course, the mall’s famous light and fountain shows.
Quick info:
- Dates: 12 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
- Times: Daily 3 PM – 11:30 PM
- Entry: Free
Christmas Dinner in Dubai
Restaurants all over Dubai serve special festive menus at Christmas. One of the best places would be around Burj Khalifa with a view of the Dubai Fountain, for example, restaurants in the Palace Downtown Hotel, Souk Al Bahar, and Dubai Mall.
Other great places are in Dubai Marina with amazing views, Madinat Jumeirah, or Palm Jumeirah.
Two years ago, we had our Christmas dinner at Abd El Wahab Restaurant in Souk Al Bahar with great food and a lovely view of the Dubai Fountain.
New Year’s Eve in Dubai
Whether you love partying, having dinner with friends or family, or just watching the fireworks, Dubai is the place to be on New Year’s Eve.
Restaurants offer special menus, nightclubs host parties, and the city lights up with fireworks at several locations. The main show at Burj Khalifa, complete with a laser display, is a must-see and truly unforgettable.
A few years ago, Dubai also set up paid, secured viewing spots so you can enjoy the fireworks without getting stuck in the crowds.
Burj Khalifa Fireworks – Tickets & Info
- Location: Burj Park
- Tickets: Adults AED 997.50, children 5–12 AED 577.50, under 5 free but still need to have a ticket (must book in advance)
- Food & Drinks: Not included, but stalls available
- Extras: Live entertainment and kids’ workshops
- Free around the Dubai Mall area – Must come early to grab a spot.
- Or book a table in a nearby restaurant
Top places to spend New Year’s Eve in Dubai
Here are some of the best spots to enjoy New Year’s Eve in Dubai, whether you want to watch the fireworks, have dinner, or party all night.
To see the Burj Khalifa fireworks:
- Address Sky View hotel – Ce La Vi restaurant and Deck Too Lounge will secure a stunning view of Burj Khalifa
- Restaurants in Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Mall
- Thiptara restaurant in the five-star Palace Downtown hotel – enjoy Thai food with a breathtaking view of Burj Khalifa
To party:
For a lively night out with music and celebrations:
- Time Out Market – Great for a casual party atmosphere
- La Cantine Beach – Bloowaters Island
- City Social -Dubai Marina
- Dubai Opera -NYE performances and gala events
- Atlantis the Palm – Live performances, including Maroon Five this year
- Zero Gravity -Party all night by the beach
- Aura Sky Pool – 360-degree view of Dubai while you celebrate
- Bla Bla – Beach party with fireworks view
To watch fireworks (Family-Friendly or Free Options):
- The Burj Khalifa – Main show, tickets recommended
- Jumeirah Beach – Chill-out picnic spot with Burj Al Arab in view
- Bluewaters Island – Family-friendly with good restaurant options
- Atlantis Palm Jumeirah – Ideal for hotel guests or visitors nearby
- Dubai Festival City Mall – Fireworks and entertainment for all ages
- Global Village – Best value, entry ticket starting at 30 AED. Multiple pavilions with fireworks, plus evening activities for families
What do you need to know before you go
Before planning a Christmas or New Year’s Eve trip to Dubai, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
- December is one of the busiest times of the year, so prices for hotels, flights, and even restaurant or club menus are at their highest. Book everything early and be ready for a bigger budget than usual.
- On New Year’s Eve, the city gets extremely crowded. Public transport fills up quickly, taxis are hard to find, and a simple 15-minute trip can easily turn into an hour or more. It’s completely normal for that night, so go in prepared.
- Sheikh Zayed Road also closes at a certain time, usually around 4 pm, so moving between different parts of the city becomes almost impossible. If you have plans, make sure you’re already in the area before the road closes.
Ready to plan your Dubai holiday? Browse my Dubai travel guides, itinerary suggestions, and hotel picks to make your trip easier.
To get or share information about Dubai, join my free Facebook group, I Love To Visit Dubai. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
You may also like:
–Where To Stay Near Dubai Mall: Luxury 5-Star Hotels (With Map!)
–Best Souks In Dubai: Your Ultimate Guide
–Dubai Itinerary 4 Days: Top Sights, Desert Adventures & City Highlights
When planning your trip, use my recommended travel resources
📸 Book tours with GetYourGuide or Viator
🏨 Find accommodation with Booking or Expedia
🛜 Stay connected with Airalo eSIM
➡️Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups
✈️Find the cheapest flights with WayAway flight aggregator
👩⚕️ Wherever you travel, bring insurance with you. SafetyWings
