Christmas And New Year’s Eve In Dubai: What To Expect And Enjoy
Are you wondering how are Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Dubai? Would you like to know what to expect, see, and where to go?
Dubai is one of the best locations to spend your Christmas or New Year’s Eve. During this festive season, Dubai is spectacular.
I spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Dubai, so I will tell you all about it, where to go, what to see, where to spend your Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and where to watch the fireworks.
What Is Christmas And New Year’s Eve Like In Dubai?
Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Dubai are magnificent. There are lights and Christmas decorations all over the city, on palm trees, inside shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants. There are concerts, shows, and activities for people of all ages.
While some events are happening annually, new ones arrive every year. Here is a little bit of information about the festive season in Dubai.
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Christmas In Dubai
During Christmas time, Dubai is turning into a shiny fairy tale where not only children but also adults enjoy the festive season. You will experience Christmas trees, decorations, and events all over the city.
The Dubai Shopping Festival happens every year and it brings concerts, shows, events, raffles, and big sales in shops. This year it is the 30th edition and it will last from the 6th of December 2024 to the 12th of January 2025.
Many of the events are free of charge. Let’s check them out.
Drones Show
During the Dubai Shopping Festival, you can admire the amazing drone shows in the sky which will be seen from Bluewater Island and JBR Beach.
Each show will tell a colorful story and you can watch it every evening free of charge.
Dubai Lights
Happening this year again. Update in the process.
Lights and sound shows will be happening in several locations with different themes in Dubai from the 8th of December until the 14th of January. For example, in Bluewater Island, Gold Souk, and Al Seef you can see Anooki characters (two friends traveling the world to spread the message: our planet is precious).
Also, the historic part, Al Seef and the Gold Souk will light up with awesome neon decorations, turning the whole place into a super positive and inspiring wonderland. To make your experience even greater, take a traditional Abra boat to see the lights illuminating on water.
Another one is Amazon Lights Happening from the 13th of December until the 31st of January at West Beach in Palm Jumeirah. Transport yourself into the Amazon rainforest with parrots and flowers. Amazon Parade will take place between 22-24 of December. Also, this event is free to attend.
Christmas Markets and Winter Garden
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
Madinat Jumeirah is a beautiful place with bazaars and restaurants, next to the water canal, and a stunning view of Burj Al Arab.
During the festive season, you can soak up the Christmas atmosphere with a tall Christmas tree, food stalls, and Christmas songs, and children can use the carousel or North Pole train.
Taking a journey on traditional Abra will amplify the experience. This market will be available from the 6th to the 31st of December 2024.
Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace
Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace is fun for all ages and it is happening every year from the 1st of November until the 31st of January.
Here you will find a Christmas tree and decorations, food trucks to enjoy delicious food, and singers who will cheer up the place with some good music. And the cherry on the cake is a daily visit by Santa.
Winter District
Last year, the Winter District was at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in front of the Museum of the Future. This year, the location is Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.
With all the lights and festive decorations, children can enjoy Santa’s Grotto, ice rink, snow park, and inflatables.
As last year, even this year, there will be food stalls to enjoy some bites and drinks and the possibility to buy some nice gifts. The dates for the Winter District are December 14 to 22.
Winter City
Winter City will be located in the Expo City Dubai from the 6th to the 31st of December 2024. It will be all about toys due to the partnership with Toys R Us.
Children can meet Santa or send him a letter to the huge letterbox. You can enjoy time with elves at the North Pole Market, and decorate cookies. It will be so much fun.
Entry ticket is 40 AED per person. Children under 5 are free to enter.
Nakheel Mall
Enjoy the winter wonderland at Nakheel Mall, which is packed with awesome holiday activities for everyone in the family. What can you see here?
Winter decorations that’ll take your breath away, a fascinating water fountain installation, a jaw-dropping festive tree, flower installations, and a bunch of other winter surprises.
Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai located in the Mall of the Emirates will remind you of the real North Pole with real snow. Ski Dubai changes into a festive wonderland with a Christmas tree and decorations during Christmas.
You can ski, snowboard, slide, and meet Santa who will be there from the 1st until the 25th of December.
Shows and Events
There will be different shows performed by artists in several malls in Dubai. Whether you love music, dance, theater, or a water show, you can find them all here from the 8th of December until the 14th of January.
Some of the places where you can see the shows are Mall of the Emirates, Nakheel Mall, Bluewaters, City Centre Deira, Ibn Battuta Mall, City Centre Mirdif, City Walk, Dubai Festival City Mall, and more.
Christmas Dinner
When you are spending Christmas in Dubai, I’m sure you would like to go for a traditional Christmas dinner. In Dubai, you have so many choices as all of the restaurants prepare Christmas dinner menus or brunches you can choose from.
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, in Dubai Marina with amazing views, Madinat Jumeirah, or Palm Jumeirah.
Last year, we had our Christmas dinner at Abd El Wahab Restaurant in Souk Al Bahar and it was amazing.
New Year’s Eve in Dubai
Whether you are a party animal, love to enjoy a dinner with friends or family, or just watch the fireworks, Dubai is a place to be on New Year’s Eve.
Restaurants prepare special menus, nightclubs parties, and the city is getting ready with several fireworks in different places.
The best firework with a laser show is prepared at Burj Khalifa every year. This is a must-see when you are coming to Dubai. It is an unforgettable experience. To stay close to Burj Kalifa, check out the top hotels here.
Last year, was the first year in history, that Dubai prepared some secured and paid spots to watch the fireworks so you don’t have to push in the crowds. This year they will do the same.
To enter Burj Park and get a seat to watch the fireworks at Burj Khalifa, ticket prices are much higher than last year. Adults will pay 580 AED and children 5-12 will pay 370 AED. Under 5 are free to enter.
With this ticket, you will get a voucher for food, 60 AED for adults and 30 AED for children. Moreover, there will be live entertainment, a kids’ workshop, and so much fun.
You will need to buy the tickets in advance.
If you don’t want to buy a ticket, you can come early next to Dubai Mall and grab a good spot, enjoy the music, fountain, and atmosphere while waiting for midnight.
In case you want to see it more stylishly, book a table in one of the nearby restaurants and watch from there.
For a more chill-out atmosphere, take your picnic blanket and head over to Jumeirah Beach to watch the fireworks on Burj Al Arab. It is better to come early as they don’t allow too many people in order not to get too crowded.
If you like to party or go for a gala dinner, prepare your wallet and book the table in advance. All of the nightclubs in Dubai are ready with a New Year’s Eve party.
Top places to spend New Year’s Eve in Dubai
Here is a list of the few top places to spend your NYE in Dubai.
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
- Thiptara restaurant in the five-star Palace Downtown hotel – enjoy Thai food with a breathtaking view of Burj Khalifa
- Weslodge saloon – North American restaurant in JW Marriott Marquis
To party:
- Time Out Market
- Dubai Opera
- Atlantis the Palm
- Zero Gravity
- Aura Sky Pool – at Palm Jumeirah with a 360-degree view of the city
- Bla Bla – on the JBR Beach
To watch fireworks:
- The Burj Khalifa
- Jumeirah Beach
- Bluewaters Island
- Atlantis Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Festival City Mall
- Global Village – Best value, entry ticket starting at 25 AED. It is a great place for families with many activities during the evening and night. There are several fireworks to watch in different pavilions throughout the Global Village.
What do you need to know before you go
Before you decide to come to Dubai during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, you should know a few things.
- As it is high season, the prices of accommodation, flight tickets, and menus in restaurants and clubs will be at their peak. Therefore you need to book in advance and also to be prepared with a higher budget.
- During the NYE celebration, the streets will be packed. Public transportation is mostly fully crowded, it is difficult to get a taxi and a journey that normally takes 15 minutes can take you more than one hour. So be well prepared for that.
- The main Sheikh Zayed Raod will be closed at a certain time, so you won’t be able to get from one side of Dubai to another. Usually from 4 pm, don’t leave your accommodation for further distance.
The Wrap-Up: Christmas And New Year’s Eve In Dubai
Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Dubai is truly a magical experience. The stunning decorations, festive events, concerts, and activities create memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re young or old, traveling with family, ready to party, or just looking to enjoy some incredible food, Dubai has something special for everyone during the holiday season. I highly recommend visiting at least once. You won’t be disappointed!
