It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

With silly season beginning, we’re making any excuse to get in the Christmas spirit. So as well as ensuring our own Christmas tree is up at least five weeks before the big day (too soon? We think not…), we’ll be making it to as many Christmas lighting ceremonies at some top Dubai venues as we can.

As well as the big lights switch-on, many ceremonies also include pop-up markets, mulled wine and carol singing.

So we’ve rounded up some of the city’s best, because after all, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

December 3: 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 4: Habtoor Palace

The tree lighting ceremony at Habtoor Palace will kickstart the popular winter market on December 4. There will be entertainment and themed activities for everyone to enjoy, including a selection of retail and food stalls, children’s activities and attractions, and even an appearance from Santa himself, with the giant decorated Christmas tree, situated right outside the hotel, the star of the show.

Habtoor Palace, Al Habtoor City, 6pm onwards, Tuesday December 4, free. facebook.com/HabtoorPalace

December 5: Fairmont The Palm

The annual lights switch on at Fairmont The Palm will take place from 5pm on Wednesday December 5. As well as switching the lights on at the lavish tree in the lobby, there will be carol singers, a performance by the Dubai Performing Arts school as well as complimentary festive bites including turkey dinner samples and mince pies.

Lobby Level, Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 5pm to 7pm, Wednesday December 6. Tel: (04) 457 3457. fairmont.com

December 6: Habtoor Grand

Gingerbread decorating, a Santa visit and a Christmas carol singalong are all on offer at the tree lighting ceremony at Habtoor Grand on Thursday December 6. The free to attend event opens at 5pm, with the big lights switch-on at 6.15pm.

Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, 5pm to 7pm, Thursday December 6, free. Tel: (050) 651 1630. habtoorhospitality.com

December 6: Raffles

Raffles Dubai starts the holiday spirit with its annual 20-foot Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 6. Guests can tuck into festive treats, sip on warm mulled wine and sing along with the Christmas Choir as Santa Claus makes a special appearance with a sack brimming full of gifts for the little ones. The doors also open for the giant gingerbread house, and guests can head inside to purchase freshly baked treats and gifts.

Raffles Dubai, WAFI, 6pm to 7pm, Thursday December 6, free. Tel: (04 )324 8888.  raffles.com/dubai/offers. Raffles.com

December 14: QE2 Dubai

Dubai’s first floating hotel will be launching their festive festivities on Friday December 14 with the Christmas lights switch on. Taking place on the Pavilion terrace, expect a visit from Santa, a selection of nibbles from the festive stalls and carol performances by DPA Live Choir.

QE2 Dubai, Mina Rashid, 6pm to 7.30pm, Friday December 14, free. Tel: (04) 526 8888. qe2.com