Celebrate Christmas in Dubai : Tinsel, Tan, and Towering Trees

Are you ready to swap snowflakes for sunshine? We bring to you the best way to celebrate Christmas in Dubai! As December rolls in, Dubai transforms into a winter wonderland like no other. Envision palm trees decorated with twinkling lights, luxury shopping malls adorned with extravagant decorations, and the warm desert breeze carrying the scent of festive cheer. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the glittering landscape of celebrate Christmas in Dubai.

Dubai’s Top Spots For Unforgettable Christmas Celebrations

We list the most enchanting spots to revel in the festive spirit. From opulent hotel celebrations to beachside soirées, Dubai offers a Christmas celebration for every taste. We’re here to spill the cocoa on the city’s most enchanting places—because festive joy deserves the spotlight!

• Above Eleven

Experience the thrill of “Feliz Navidad” at Above Eleven’s Christmas Eve party from 8 pm to 11 pm. Indulge in a delightful four-course set menu with Dubai’s beach and skyline as your backdrop. Packages range from AED 350 for soft drinks to AED 550 for premium beverages.

• • Address: Above Eleven, Palm West Beach, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
  • Dates: December 24
  • Timings: 8 pm to 11 pm
  • Price: AED 350 to AED 550 per person
  • Contact: Tel: (04) 666 1420, @aboveelevendubai

• Atlantis The Palm

Celebrate Christmas in Dubai Eve at Atlantis The Palm with festive menus by celebrity chefs, visits to Santa’s grotto, and indulgent dining experiences. From a three-course menu at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen to a Michelin-Star 11-course dinner at Ossiano, Atlantis promises a Christmas to remember.

• • Address: Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
  • Dates: December 24 to December 25
  • Website: atlantis.com

• Bab Al Shams

Embrace the magic of Christmas in the desert at Zala, Bab Al Shams. Enjoy an enchanting Christmas Eve dinner featuring tantalising entrees, a whole roasted turkey, and decadent desserts. Prices start from AED 345 per person for soft drinks and AED 545 for house beverages.

• • Address: Zala, Bab Al Shams, Dubai
  • Date: December 24
  • Timings: 7 pm to 12 am
  • Price: AED 345 to AED 545 per person
  • Website: babalshams.com

• Burj Al Arab

Step inside Burj Al Arab for a guided tour, Santa’s grotto visit, festive cocktails, and a family photo book. Priced at Dhs 2,000 for two adults and two children, packages offer an exclusive peek into the seven-star hotel’s Christmas charm.

• • Address: Inside Burj Al Arab
  • Dates: December 24 and 25
  • Timings: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Price: AED 2,000 for two adults and two children
  • Website: insideburjalarab.com

• Bulgari Resort

Book a Christmas Eve breakfast buffet at Il Caffè, Bulgari Resort, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Alternatively, indulge in the La Vigilia Di Natale In Piscina brunch at the pool. Prices range from AED 500 to AED 900 per person.

• • Address: Bulgari Resort, Jumeira Bay Island, Dubai
  • Contact: Tel: (0)4 777 5555
  • Website: bulgarihotels.com

• Beach Bar & Grill, One & Only Royal Mirage

Experience a romantic Christmas Eve at The Beach Bar & Grill with an Argentine a la carte menu from Chef Mauro Colagreco. Enjoy the beautiful weather on the terrace from 7 pm to 11 pm.

• • Address: Beach Bar & Grill, One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina
  • Date: December 24
  • Timings: 7 pm to 11 pm
  • Contact: Tel: (0)4 399 9999
  • Website: oneandonlyresorts.com

• Ernst Biergarten

Join the Bavarian festive spirit at Ernst Biergarten’s Christmas Eve brunch from 12 pm to 4 pm. Indulge in hearty German fare with unlimited drinks, with packages starting from AED 300.

• • Address: Ernst Biergarten, 25hours Hotel, One Central, Dubai
  • Date: December 24
  • Timings: 12 pm to 4 pm
  • Contact: Tel: (0)42102511
  • Website: ernstbiergarten.com

• Legoland Dubai

Legoland Dubai promises a festive extravaganza with a dance show, cupcake decorating, candy cane hunt, carols, and more. Prices start from AED 295, with events happening daily starting December 1.

• • Address: Legoland Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts
  • Timings: Daily, 10 am to 7 pm
  • Price: From Dhs295
  • Website: legoland.ae

• Monkey Bar

Groove into Christmas at Monkey Bar’s R&B and hip-hop bash on Christmas Eve. Join the merriest celebration with an international DJ, festive drinks, and incredible vibes.

• • Address: Monkey Bar, 25hours Hotel, One Central, Trade Center, Dubai
  • Date: December 24
  • Price: AED 200 entry
  • Instagram: @monkeybardubai

• Peaches and Cream

Join Peaches and Cream, the family-friendly beach restaurant, for a festive Christmas Eve brunch from 1 pm to 4 pm. Packages include an all-you-can-eat buffet and a special appearance from Santa, with prices ranging from AED 350 to AED 550.

• • Address: Peaches & Cream, Al Nafurah Building, Shoreline 1, Palm Jumeirah
  • Date: December 24
  • Timings: 1 pm to 4 pm
  • Contact: Tel: (0)52 947 4552
  • Instagram: @peachesandcreamdxb

• The Nice Guy

Indulge in a special festive brunch at The Nice Guy on December 24 and 25. Enjoy a family-style feast featuring lasagna, roast prime rib eye, festive cocktails, and more. Packages range from AED 499 to AED 799.

• • Address: The Nice Guy, Emirates Towers, DIFC, Dubai
  • Prices: AED 499 to Dhs799
  • Contact: Tel: (0)4 276 9888, @theniceguydubai

• Tasca

Celebrate Christmas in Dubai Eve at Tasca with a sumptuous four-course menu inspired by Portugal’s holiday traditions. Priced at AED 550 per person, the celebration includes lively Portuguese music and a variety of festive specialities.

• • Address: Tasca by Jose Avillez, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
  • Date: December 24
  • Timings: 6.30 pm to 11 pm
  • Price: AED 550 per person
  • Contact: Tel: (0)4 777 2231, mandarinoriental.com

Dubai’s Free Evening Sparkle Shows to Sleigh!

Get set to revel in the festive magic of Dubai without loosening the purse strings! These year-round events take on a special twinkle during Christmas, offering an affordable night out in the city.

• Burj Lake Fountains Show & Burj Khalifa LED Light Show

Experience the magical dance of the Burj Lake Fountains, paired with the dazzling LED light show on the iconic Burj Khalifa. Catch the enchanting shows every evening from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with a performance every 30 minutes. Head to the front of Dubai Mall to witness this captivating spectacle, where water and lights come together to create a mesmerising display against the Dubai skyline. Don’t miss out on this nightly wonder!

• IMAGINE: Dubai Light & Laser Show at Dubai Festival City Mall

Prepare for an extraordinary spectacle that defies the ordinary. IMAGINE, a nightly show at Dubai Festival City mall, transcends traditional entertainment. Combining the prowess of light, lasers, water, and fire, giant aqua screens, 30 fountains, and surround sound, it immerses the audience like never before. As the sun sets, the show comes alive with high-powered lasers, over 2.5 million lumens of light, fire, laser displays, water screens, projection, and fountains, creating an unparalleled experience. IMAGINE is a breath-taking fusion of technology, science, and art, earning it two Guinness World Records. 

• DSF Drone Show – Bluewaters/JBR

From December 8, 2023, to January 14, 2024, head over to Bluewaters/JBR for a special treat as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. The DSF Drone Show graces the skies over Dubai’s beachfront, bringing magic to your evenings. Be sure not to miss it – the show takes flight twice nightly at 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm, adding an enchanting spectacle to your night out. Enjoy these festive shows illuminating the Dubai skyline, providing a delightful and budget-friendly way to celebrate the season!

Church Services in Dubai Christmas 2023

In Dubai, a city proud of its inclusive ethos, religious diversity is celebrated through various denominational churches. You can visit the following places to pay your respects to the faith and the festival. 

• St Mary’s Catholic Church

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai, where services on Christmas Eve are conducted in English, French, and Arabic. The festive programme includes the Midnight Mass, setting a reverent tone for the solemnity of Christmas Eve. The church also hosts services on Christmas Day, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for worshippers of various linguistic backgrounds to come together and embrace the season’s essence. 

• The Mar Thoma Church, Dubai

Enjoy the joy of Christmas Eve at The Mar Thoma Church in Dubai, where services are conducted in both English and Malayalam. This bilingual approach embraces the cultural diversity of worshippers, offering a heartfelt and inclusive celebration. The church provides a space for those who resonate with either language, creating a harmonious environment to commemorate the festive occasion.

• United Christian Church of Dubai

The United Christian Church of Dubai, in Jebel Ali at Dubai Evangelical Church Center, can be found in Dubai, 8684, United Arab Emirates. This church is led by Pastor John Folmar and provides a spiritual home for its community. For more information and to stay connected, visit their website at http://www.uccdubai.com.

• St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Jebel Ali

Discover a multilingual celebration at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jebel Ali, offering services in English, Arabic, German, Tamil, French, Sinhalese, Italian, and Tagalog.

• Fellowship: A Christian Church in Dubai (Nondenominational)

Here, you can experience a welcoming and nondenominational fellowship at this Christian Church in Dubai, embracing a diverse community united in faith.

• St. Thomas Cathedral (Orthodox)

St. Thomas Cathedral is a spiritual haven, preserving Orthodox traditions and providing a serene place for worship in Dubai.

• The Holy Trinity Church (Anglican)

You can embrace the Anglican tradition at The Holy Trinity Church, an inviting sanctuary in Dubai that fosters community and spirituality.

Conclusion

As we draw the curtain on this blog, one thing’s clear: the City of Gold knows how to sprinkle Christmas magic across its diverse communities. From the enchanting shows to the multilingual hymns in churches, Dubai invites all to partake in the joy. So, whether you’re mesmerised by lights or seeking solace in tradition, Dubai’s festive embrace is there. Here’s to unwrapping the magic, cherishing the moments, and celebrating Christmas in the glittering heart of the Middle East.

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