9 fun things to do in Dubai this week: December 23 to 26

It’s tiiiiiiiiiime…..

Planning out your things to do in Dubai this week? It’s the most festive week of the year, and of course, there’s plenty to do, from festive afternoon teas to Christmas Day celebrations, Christmas Eve dinners, and more…

Here are 8 fun and festive things to do in Dubai this week

Monday, December 23

Teleport to your favourite snow-capped ski destination

Provencal-chic beach club, Drift Beach has unveiled an Alpine-inspired takeover at its gorgeous Sea Lounge. Done in collaboration with Belvedere, the month-long takeover runs until January 12 and sees Drift Sea Lounge reimagined into an après ski retreat with a magical winter feel. There’s snow-capped furs laced throughout the palms, snowy white throws, mulled wine, Apres Ski martinis, and festive bites. Read more here.

Cinema City, Fountain Views, and Al Qana, tickets from Dhs70, @cinemacityuae, cinemacity.ae

Tuesday, December 24

Family festivi-teas

Fancy a Christmas-themed afternoon tea with the whole family? Head to the luxurious Raffles Salon to indulge in delicate pastries infused with the warmth of the season. You can sip on a complimentary glass of bubbly and unwind to the soothing melodies of live piano music. Little ones aren’t left out: they’ll love the gingerbread decorating workshop designed just for them, where they can have their own festive fun.

Raffles Salon, ground gloor, 2pm to 6pm, daily until Dec 24, Dhs195. Tel: (0)4 324 8888. raffles.com

Festive vibes guaranteed

London’s storied Italian restaurant Signor Sassi goes all out for the festive season, and this year is no exception. It begins with the entrance, where a gorgeous garland covered in baubles is arranged around the doorway, toy soldiers standing smartly on either side. There are trees, garlands, poinsettias, giant baubles, and candy canes dotted throughout the pretty reception, around the bars, and encasing the fountain on the terrace, making for a whimsical winter wonderland right in St Regis Gardens.

@signorsassidubai 

Enjoy an e-Motional day at a theme park

Motiongate Dubai really is rolling out the tinselly carpet for guests this Christmas, with a fully-packed line-up of extra festive fun. Enjoy holiday-themed song and dance numbers, Yuletide street performers and spirited meet & greets, in addition to the world-class rides and best-in-genre attractions that come as standard with a trip to one of the Middle East’s best entertainment parks.

Dubai Parks and Resorts, festive entertainment until Jan 8, 11am to 8pm (until 9pm on Fri and Sat), from Dhs295 when you book in advance. dubaiparksandresorts.com

Wednesday, December 25

PS. Yes, we know it’s Christmas Day, and we have a whole article dedicated to where you can enjoy a good meal with friends and family. You can check this out here. 

Visit one of Dubai’s most gorgeous Christmas tree

As part of the Dubai Shopping Festival, Al Seef is hosting an array of festive activities as part of its annual winter festival. And as a wider part of that, is glowing with festive magic daily from 6pm to 10.30pm until January 12. At its beating heart is one of the city’s biggest and brightest Christmas trees, which twinkles with colourful baubles and lights.

Al Seef Dubai, Al Fahidi Dubai, Dubai, until Jan 12, Tel: (800) 738 245. @alseefdubai

It can’t get any more festive than this

The Madinat Festive Market has transformed Fort Island into a magical winter wonderland, opening from 3pm to late Monday to Thursday and 12pm to late Friday to Sunday. Best of all, it’s free entry for all to enjoy. The market is spread out across 1,750 square meters 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.

Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market, Fort Island, Madinat Jumeirah, until Dec 31 2024. 3pm to late Mon to Thurs, 12pm to late Fri to Sun. jumeirah.com

Thursday, December 26 

Christmas meets sports

December 25 may be over, but the cheer continues with Boxing Day. For turkey, roast potatoes, and Yorkshire puddings drenched in lip-smacking gravy, head to Sports Cafe. But that’s not all the cheer you’ll get. The venue will be showcasing the biggest sporting event, and you yourself can partake in darts or foosball for some friendly challenge. Oh, and there’s mulled wine, too.

Sports Cafe, JA The Resort – JA Beach Hotel, Mina Jebel Ali, Dec 26, 6pm to 9pm, Dhs120 with food, Dhs195 with two glasses of mulled grape, Dhs60 children ages 6-12, under 5s free. Tel: (0)4 814 5023. @jasportsdxb

The return of treasured foodie pop-up

As part of the culinary side of DSF, foodies have the chance to check out CanteenX. Taking place at Mushrif Park until December 31, expect four separate flavour zones, where street food dishes and Instagrammable moments are served up against lots of live entertainment. And for families, the Kiddie Kingdom Zone, there’s something for all ages, with giant inflatables, bouncy castles, and appearances from DSF’s starring characters, Modesh and Dana. Find out more details here.

CanteenX, Mushrif Park, Gate 1, Mon to Fri 4pm to 12am, Sat and Sun 4pm to 1am, @dubaifestivals