From concerts to tree lighting ceremonies, these events are sure to get you spreading festive cheer…

Is it too early to talk about Christmas? Not in the What’s On office. But if you’re struggling to get in the festive spirit, allow us to give you a helping hand.

Several hotspots across the city have already started advertising their annual festive events, so we’ve rounded up some of the best from concerts to tree lighting ceremonies sure to get you spreading festive cheer.

November 24 and December 1: Christmas Market at Reform

Kickstarting the Christmas cheer will be the Christmas market at Reform, which will run for two Saturdays on November 24 and December 1. As well as being able to shop for unique, handmade gifts, there will be a magician on hand to entertain the little ones, as well as a letter writing station where children can share there wish lists with Santa.

Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, 12pm to 6pm, Saturday November 24 and Saturday December 1. Tel: 04 454 2638. reformsocialgrill.ae

November 27: Christmas Lights Party at McGettigans

Dig out your best Christmas jumper and head to McGettigans JLT on Tuesday November 27 for their twist on a tree lighting ceremony. This year, the Christmas Lights Party will feature an appearance from Santa, a Christmas dinner for Dhs99, not to mention the venue will be totally kitted out in festive gear.

McGettigans JLT, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, 5pm to 8pm, Tuesday November 27. Tel: 04 356 0560. mcgettigans.com

December 3: Christmas Tree Lighting at Irish Village

The annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at Irish VIllage is one of the biggest and best festive events of the year. Taking place this year on Monday December 3, it will feature live music from two choirs, festive eats such as mulled wine and mince pies, as well as the small matter of turning the lights on on the giant twinkly tree.

Irish Village, Garhoud, Dubai, 7pm to 10pm, Monday December 3. Tel:  (04) 282 4750. theirishvillage.com

December 3 to 31: Santa at Museum of Illusions

Al Seef’s Museum of Illusions is putting a festive spin on their mind-bending venue. Plus, there’ll be opportunities to find Santa somewhere inside. See you in the vortex tunnel…

Al Seef, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight, December 3 to 31, Dhs80 for adults, Dhs60 for children .Tel: (04) 3573999. museumofillusions.ae

December 6: Cirque de Cuisine at Atlantis The Palm

A ‘Winter Wonderland’ themed edition of Atlantis The Palm’s mega brunch, ‘Cirque de Cuisine’ is back this month, complete with festive entertainment, themed dishes and plenty of Christmas spirit. The culinary extravaganza allows diners to wander between six of Atlantis’ best-loved restaurants, enjoying unlimited food and drink from restaurants including Bread Street Kitchen, Nobu and Hakkasan.

Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 7pm to 11pm, Thursday December 6, Dhs535. Tel: (04) 426 2626. atlantisthepalm.com

December 12: Christmas Jumper party at McGettigans JBR

Dig out your cheesiest Christmas jumpers and head to McGettigan’s JBR for a real festive knees-up. There’ll be a festive menu, competitions and a live DJ spinning Christmas tunes.

McGettigan’s JBR, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, The Walk, JBR, 8pm to late, Wednesday December 12. Tel: (04) 318 2580. mcgettigans.com

December 12 to 24: Santa’s Garden at Le Meridien Dubai

One for the little ones, a pop-up Santa’s Garden is arriving at Le Meridien Dubai for two weeks from December 12. Children can build gingerbread houses, take part in activities, and even visit the big man himself to give him their Christmas wish list.

Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre, Airport Road, daily 4pm to 8pm, December 12 to 24, Dhs25. Tel: (04) 7022455. lemeridien-dubai.com

December 13: Jingle Bell Favourites at Dubai Opera

Returning for a third year, Jingle Bell favourites will run from December 13 to 15 at Dubai Opera, with a line-up of classic sing along carols and festive family favourites across morning, matinee and evening shows. Just don’t be surprised to be dancing in the aisles by the end of the show to hits such as Jingle Bell Rock, Frosty the Snowman, and Baby It’s Cold Outside. 

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, December 13 to 15, tickets from Dh175. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

December 15 to 17: Festive films at Habtoor Grand

Outdoor cinema is one of our favourite alfresco pastimes during the cooler months, and what better way to watch an iconic Christmas films than snuggled in a blanket, under the twinkly Dubai Marina skyline? From December 15 to 17, the Urban Outdoor Cinema screens Elf, It’s A Wonderful Life and Love Actually in the garden of the Habtoor Grand.

Urban Outdoor Cinema, Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, 7.30pm, Saturday to Monday, Dhs75. urbanoutdoorcinema.com

December 20: A Bad Moms Christmas ladies’ night

Trade an evening of Christmas duties for a festive night out with the Bad Moms festive edition of Ba’s ladies’ night. On Thursday December 20, ladies receive unlimited drinks for Dhs99, as well as a visit from a hunky Santa.

Ba Restaurant & Lounge, Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Thursday December 20, 6pm to 9pm, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 4573457. fairmont.com

December 21: Gingerbread making masterclass at Tania’s Teahouse

Open to adults and children, the oh-so-Instagrammable Tania’s Teahouse is hosting a three-hour gingerbread house-making class on Friday December 21. Students learn to make the dough from scratch, as well as icing and assembling their gingerbread masterpieces, which they can then take home.

Tania’s Teahouse, 779A Jumeriah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Friday Decmeber 21, 2pm to 5pm, Dhs300. Tel: (04) 3240021. taniasteahouse.com

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