From festive markets and cinema to traditional feasts and happy hour deals…

It’s Christmas week and we’re here to fill it with the city’s best festive offerings. From markets and cinema to huge feasts and big nights out, we’ve rounded up the best things to do to get you in the Christmas mood.

And, whether you’re celebrating or not, we wish you a very Merry Christmas from all at What’s On. 

Sunday December 23

1. See a festive film on the beach

Zero Gravity’s cinema on the sand returns this Sunday, and it’s a festive edition as we build up to the big day. It’s Dhs50 for entry, and they’ll be playing the iconic Christmas film Home Alone from 8pm.

Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Marina, 8pm onwards, Sundays, Dhs50. Tel: (04) 399 0009. Facebook.com/Zero.Gravity.Dubai

2. See Santa on an abra

Dig out your Christmas jumper and loosen up those carol-singing vocal chords as Madinat Jumeirah’s festive market is back. The Fort Island festivities will run for nine days and will feature a traditional German market, food stalls, the opportunity to ride an abra with Santa, and of course, the stunning Christmas tree.

Fort Island, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah, daily 12pm to late, (3pm to late on Sunday 23 and Wednesday 26), December 20 to 28. jumeirah.com

Monday December 24

3. Tuck into a Christmas Eve buffet

An international buffet which prides itself on its selection of fresh catches, Anise will be serving up an all you can eat feast on Christmas Eve. Chefs will be on hand at live-cooking stations serving up food from all over the globe.

Intercontinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs50 for children aged six to 12, kids under 6 dine free. Tel: 04 701 1127. diningdfc.com

4. Party hard at a ladies’ night

If you’re heading out out this Christmas Eve, Toy Room is the place to be. American rapper Busta Rhymes is headlining at the club, plus ladies can enjoy unlimited free drinks until 1am, with the live performance taking place later in the night.

Toy Room, Soho Garden, Meydan, 11pm to 3am, Monday December 24. Tel: (052) 463 3338. Facebook.com/ToyRoomDxb

Tuesday December 25

5. Head to the final day of a festive market

For the first time ever, the outdoor Festival Bay has turned into a magical festive market, complete with a huge Christmas tree, a pop-up market and even snowfall, but it’s finishing this week on December 25. Little ones will be able to pay a visit to Santa from 3pm until 10pm through the week and 4pm to 10pm on weekends, as well as playing in the snow as hourly snowfall drops on the magical festive market.

Fesetive market at Dubai Festival City Mall, Thursday December 6 to Tuesday December 25, free. dubaifestivalcity.com

6. Tuck into a traditional Christmas dinner

A home-from-home experience – minus the washing up can be found at The Scene on Christmas Day. Work your way through five courses, with starters like gooey brie and camembert. A traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings is the main event, but you’ll also find less traditional options like seabass served with warm salsa and crispy potatoes.

The Scene, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs550 with soft drinks, Dhs650 with premium drinks, Dhs99 for kids under 12 and kids under six are free. Tel: (04) 422 2328. thescenedubai.com

Wednesday December 26

7. Keep the celebrations going at a lavish Boxing Day brunch

For those who aren’t brunched out already, Pierchic is living up to its name with a suitably chic Boxing Day brunch. Expect five-star food in a beautiful setting that will have your Instagram followers double tapping.

Pierchic, Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, 12.30pm to 4pm, Wednesday December 26, Dhs395 with soft beverages, Dhs595 with house beverages, Dhs750 with premium drinks, Dhs195 for children aged four to 12. Tel: (04) 3666705. jumeirah.com

8. Head out for happy hour

Perched at the top of the Address Downtown hotel you’ll find Neos, a contemporary bar and lounge that offers an impressive 50 per cent off the menu during its daily happy hours – which run every day from 5pm to 8pm. The menu covers everything from light bites to premium bottles, and it comes with some of the best views of the city from its enviable 63rd floor location.

Neos, Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, daily happy hour from 5pm to 8pm, bar open 5pm to 2.30am. Tel: (04) 888 3444. addresshotels.com

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