The best things to do this Christmas in Dubai
There are still 51 sleeps until Christmas but Dubai’s festive calendar is filling up fast…
We’re making a list (and checking it twice!) of the best Christmas happenings in Dubai that you’ll want to book before they sell out. From dazzling festive markets to family-friendly musicals, here’s your guide to the season’s top events.
See Santa at a Grotto
Bringing the North Pole to Dubai, The Grotto is coming to Dubai Ice Rink at Dubai Mall this December. Think walking in a winter wonderland through Candy Cane Land, passing through the Enchanted Forest, a trip to the Merry Mailroom, and a visit to Santa’s cosy cabin. Running from December 6 until January 5, The Grotto will open from 10am to midnight daily, with visitors able to book 10-minute windows for entry. Tickets are on sale now, here, priced at Dhs149 for children and Dhs99 for every accompanying adult, with at least one adult and one child required per booking, and a maximum of five guests allowed. Babies under 12 months are free.
Watch a Christmas movie in the sky
This Christmas, Dubai’s breathtaking sky-high infinity pool and bar, Aura Skypool, invites guests to get into the festive spirit with a Christmas movie night – screening The Holiday – taking place on Thursday, December 12. The evening begins from 8.30pm, where you’ll be able to toast to silly season with free-flowing bubbles and graze on festive canapes, while admire the views from the Aura Lounge. Guests will then settle in and cosy up under the stars on the Palm View deck at 9.30pm when the movie begins. During the movie, you’ll be able to continue sipping on free-flowing bubbles, and tuck in to a bento box as you revisit all the best scenes from this Christmas classic. It’s priced at Dhs650 per person, and with just 50 seats available, be sure to grab your tickets before they go-ho-ho. You can get your hands on them here: auraskypool.com.
Aura Skypool, Level 50, Palm Tower, Thursday December 12, Dhs650. Tel: (0)4 566 2121. auraskypool.com
Visit a Christmas market
So far we know of two Christmas markets returning this December. Winter City will make a welcome return to Expo City Dubai from December 6 to 31 transforming Al Wasl Plaza into a magical toy factory in partnership with Toys R Us. Inside the festive wonderland, families can meet Santa Claus, post their letters to Santa in the giant letterbox, wander around the North Pole Market, and dive into fun-filled workshops hosted by Santa’s elves, from cookie decorating to festive crafts. From December 14 to 22, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre will also be transformed into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling fairy lights, festive décor, and holiday cheer as Dubai’s Winter District is back – bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever. For the little ones, there will be Santa’s grotto, a snow park, ice rink, and inflatables. Meanwhile, grown-ups can tick off their Christmas lists at glittering stalls brimming with locally crafted ornaments and one-of-a-kind gifts, before retreating to the cosy bar lounge for a festive tipple (or two). And one of the most popular festive market’s, Fort Island at Madinat Jumeirah, will also return for 2024, running from December 6 to 31. Free to enter, the market is spread out across 1,750 square metres of the souk, and features a huge 36-foot Christmas tree adorned with shiny baubles, stars and candy canes. There will be plenty of festive food and drinks to fuel up on (mulled wine, anyone?). The little ones’ faces will be shining bright with a snow fight zone, bungee jumping, a North Pole train ride, and a Venetian carousel. Make memories by taking an Abra with Santa and decorating your own gingerbread houses.
See a show
As if December wasn’t festive enough, we now have more reason to celebrate. Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical is debuting in Dubai this festive season, running from December 20 to 24. This is a holiday show you cannot miss. The classic will be running at the Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, bringing this heartwarming story to life for us Dubai folks. Brought to you by Art For All & DXB Live, Paul Taylor-Mills’ new production will feature iconic numbers like You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch and Welcome Christmas. Tickets start from the balcony/bronze category, priced at Dhs200.
Festive film and feast
Movie Eats is an eat-what-you-see interactive cinema concept in Dubai that serves a multi-course menu inspired by the film you’re watching. Mark your calendars and bring your appetites for a special Christmas screening of Home Alone on December 12. Taking place at Teatro Dubai, Rotana Towers, the experience starts at 7pm, from Dhs369 per person, and includes a seven-course menu, mirroring the dishes served throughout the film.
Have a white Christmas
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Festive calendars and ugly Christmas jumpers at the ready: Ski Dubai’s magical winter wonderland is set to return for 2024. That’s right, despite being in the desert you won’t have to journey to the North Pole for snow this Christmas as Ski Dubai is bringing a white Christmas to you from December 1 until December 25. Tickets aren’t on sale yet, but as per a countdown on the website, will be released on November 11, meaning you’ve only got a week to wait. You’ll be able to snap them up at skidxb.com. Last year, tickets were priced from Dhs150, which included a meet-and-greet with the man himself, a surprise gift made by Santa’s elves, signature hot chocolate, fleece gloves, and a printed photo.
Images: Social/Provided
