8 Fantastic Ways To Celebrate Christmas 2020 in Dubai
It’s that time of the year again when jolly Ol’ Santa comes out of hiding. The city is decked with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and presents everywhere. The weather is pleasant and while you won’t be able to see the usual snow-laden streets and rooftops if you spend Christmas in Dubai, it’s equally magical, if not more!
There are a ton of activities you can take part in this festive season and make the holidays full filled and enjoyable for your entire family. ? Here are 10 fantastic ways you can celebrate Christmas 2020 in Dubai:
1. Experience a White Christmas in Dubai
If you thought you couldn’t possibly enjoy a White Christmas in Dubai, you’re wrong! Ski Dubai is all set to transform into a Winter Wonderland this Christmas between Dec 1st- 25th and leave you spellbound with all the festivities planned, including a 40 ft Christmas tree. ? Visitors can receive presents from the Ol’ man himself at Santa’s grotto, sing popular Christmas carols along with the choir, and indulge in tasty Christmas treats like mince pies, gingerbread, and hot chocolate. What are you waiting for? ??
Event: Winter Wonderland
Location: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
Dates: Dec 1 – 25, 9 am-9 pm
Price: 75 AED (inclusive of a meeting and printed photo with Santa, a surprise present, and complimentary hot chocolate)
2. Enthrall yourself with a Christmas Show
Catch a classic Christmas play complete with spectacular costumes, production, lots of frolicking, singing, and unlimited fun for the whole family! ???? Kids can get popcorn, chocolate, and ice cream to snack on during the show on QE2 while parents can sip on grapes or hops. Another spectacular event called “Cirque de Glace” or Ice Circus is being held at the Dubai Opera. Amazing acrobatics, breathtaking visuals, and live music will tell the story of the evolution of man through an extravagant ice skating show. ⛸ Be prepared to be enthralled with performances like contortionists, aerial silk performers, Russian bar circus acts, and more.
Event (1): Beauty and the Beast Show
Location: Queen Elizabeth 2, E2, Port Mina Rashid, Dubai
Dates: Dec 16 – 27 (excluding Christmas Day)
Price: Starting from 120 AED
Event (2): Circle de Glace (purchase tickets here or email [email protected])
Location: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
Dates: December 24 – 26, 2 pm and 8 pm
Price: 295 AED (inclusive of welcome drink)
3. Visit a Christmas market
What’s the best way to shop, eat, entertain your kids and get brilliant pictures for your Christmas Album, all at the same time? Head over to any of the Christmas markets being set up in Dubai for the festive season, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time. Feast your eyes on the massive 40 ft Christmas tree and Bab Al Shams Festive Market as you sip hot chocolate and shop for festive treats, mince pie, and Christmas cookies from the many food kiosks standing. ☕️ The classic Bouche De Noel log cakes can also be purchased here along with other festive gifts for your friends and family. A 30 min carol singing session will also be held every evening at 6:30 pm after which Christmas classics will be played all night. What an evening to remember! ?
Event: Bab Al Shams Festive Market
Location: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Al Qudra Road, Dubai.
Dates: Dec 12 – 20, 6pm to 10pm.
Price: 50 AED for children (redeemable on food and drinks), Free for adults
Some other Christmas markets you can visit are:
‘Studioville’ at the Courtyard, Studio One: A homage to the Christmas movie “The Grinch” on Dec 12, 10 am-7 pm, with 30+ stalls, festive workshops, and free pizza ateliers for kids. ? Entry is free.
JBR Festive Market: A light show, dedicated kids play area, inflatable slides, mini golf, a Christmas toy train and live musical performances the entire evening ?
4. Attend a Jazz Concert
Dubai Opera is bringing in the Christmas cheer with their festive jazz event ‘Santa Baby’ performed by the NSO Big Band and a host of UAE’s top jazz musicians. Swoon and dance away your troubles with a jazzy Christmas this year! ?Sing along to Christmas tunes like Sanat baby, Jingle Bells, O Holy Night, and Christmas Time Is Here and have an absolute best time. Visitors also enjoy a beverage on the house. ?
Event: ‘Santa Baby’ Jazz concert (buy tickets here or email [email protected], 04 440 8888)
Location: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
Dates: Dec 11, 2 pm and 8 pm
Price: 190 AED
5. Do some Gingerbread House Decorating
The Raffles Salon at Raffles Hotel is hosting an afternoon tea with a complimentary gingerbread decorating workshop for every kid accompanying an adult. ?? Harvey Nichols Dubai is also handing out gingerbread house DIY kits for free on the days mentioned below!
Event (1): Tea with Gingerbread decorating workshop
Location: Rafles Salon, Hotel Raffles Dubai, Wafi, Dubai
Dates: Dec 1- Jan 7 (Afternoon Tea), Dec 13- 19 (Gingerbread Workshop)
Price: 180 AED (Tea with one gingerbread workshop complementary for a kid), 75 AED (workshop only)
Event (2): Gingerbread house decorating
Location: Harvey Nichols Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
Dates: Dec 10 -12, Dec 17- 23
Price: Free
6. Shop the DSF 2020 deals
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2020 is back for another edition this year with jaw-dropping deals and festive offers, along with live entertainment, kid-friendly concerts and mega-raffle draws in major shopping malls across Dubai. ? Families can enjoy firework displays at select locations in the city and take advantage of the deals to buy their Christmas gifts ahead of time. Check out this amazing list of Christmas hampers and gift sets you can buy during DSF here. ?♀️
Event: Dubai Shopping Festival 2020
Location: All Shopping Malls across Dubai
Dates: Dec 17th, 2020- Jan 30th, 2021
7. Gorge on Afternoon Teas or Brunches
There’s no dearth of Christmas brunches and afternoon teas available in Dubai this season. Freshly baked gingerbread, delicious scones, mouthwatering cakes, pastries, finger sandwiches, flavourful tea, and mulled wine; you name it and you have it! ? Indulge in fine dining or brunch buffets throughout the city for a hearty Christmas you’ll never forget.
Check out a list of best afternoon teas and Christmas brunches below 500 here.
8. Participate in tree lighting ceremonies
Tree lighting ceremonies are the perfect way to welcome Christmas 2020 with your family. ? Various locations across the city will be hosting tree lighting ceremonies complete with family entertainment, delicious food, carol singing to get you into the Christmas spirit and Christmas themed activities. ? Don’t miss out on the tree lighting ceremony at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray (Dec 10 at 5 pm), Hilton Dubai Creek Dubai, Deira (Dec 10 at 7 pm), Town Square Dubai, Al Qudra Road (Dec 11 at 6 pm), and The Meydan Hotel, Meydan Racecourse (Dec 10 at 6 pm).
Written and Researched by Shaista Salam
