While Dubai may lack the traditional festive markets of Europe or the snowy landscapes of the Alps, the city transforms into a dazzling wonderland during the holiday season. Boulevards adorned with fairy lights, oversized snowmen, and Christmas decorations signal the arrival of Santa in the Middle East. Whether you’re seeking a winter camp experience, a Michelin-star Christmas dinner, or a dog-friendly Christmas festival, Dubai has it all. Here’s our guide to the best festive activities in the city.
1. Sonara Camp’s Winter Wonderland
Head to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to experience Sonara Camp’s unique take on a winter wonderland. From December 18, the camp transforms into a Christmas market, offering activities like gingerbread house decorating, Christmas card crafting, and camel rides. Adults can enjoy Christmas movies under the stars with mulled wine and a festive gin bar.
Address: Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
2. Christmas Dinner at Heston Blumenthal’s Atlantis The Royal
Indulge in a festive twist on British gastronomy at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. The Michelin-star restaurant at Atlantis The Royal presents a six-course tasting menu featuring Christmas-inspired dishes like plum meat fruit, sherried scallops, venison with pickled cherries, and a Christmas Tipsy Cake. Enjoy the culinary delights against the backdrop of Dubai’s skyline.
Address: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Atlantis The Royal
3. Dog-Friendly Christmas Festival at Jumeirah Golf Estates
On December 16, bring your furry friend to the Dog-Friendly Christmas Festival at Jumeirah Golf Estates Golf & Country Club. Enjoy live music, Santa’s grotto, festive pop-ups, free dog training sessions, and a dogwalk show featuring canine Christmas costumes.
Address: Jumeirah Golf Estates Golf & Country Club
4. Festive Beach Picnic at Waldorf Astoria Dubai The Palm
Experience a romantic Christmas with a beach picnic at Sunset 55, Waldorf Astoria Dubai The Palm. Pick up an artfully packed picnic basket filled with cheese, chutneys, and cold cuts, accompanied by a bottle of wine or champagne. Enjoy the picnic on the sandy shoreline as the sun sets.
Address: Waldorf Astoria Dubai The Palm
5. Sinatra Gala Dinner at Sola Jazz Lounge, Raffles The Palm
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Sola Jazz Lounge with a gala dinner paying homage to Frank Sinatra. Jazz singer Ciaran Fox covers Sinatra’s classics in the atmospheric speakeasy, creating a nostalgic ambiance. Guests can savor festive food, champagne, and Christmas cocktails.
Address: Raffles The Palm
