Celebrate each moments in life is very interesting thing. Christmas is near to celebrate with your family. There are plenty of Christmas events in Dubai coming your way this December. Schools, retail stores, restaurants and malls across the city are gearing up with stunning decorations and activities to celebrate Christmas in Dubai this 2020. If you’re looking for the best places to celebrate this festive season, here is a list of Christmas events in Dubai.
Dubai Christmas Events 2020
From hilarious comedy performances to an enchanting ice show and more, here are some exciting Christmas events in Dubai for 2020 that you will definitely enjoy!
THE LAUGHTER FACTORY
Get ready to laugh to your heart’s content with ‘A Truly Memorable, End of Season Party tour’ from the Laughter Factory. The giggle-fest is still in progress and those interested can book tickets for shows till 11th December. This month’s edition features comedians Prince Abdi, Naomi Cooper and Paul Tonkinson with shows scheduled at different locations and timings.
- Dates: 3rd to 11th December
- Cost: Start from AED 160
- Contact: +971-50-8786-728
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Relive your favourite fairy tale with a live performance of Beauty and the Beast at Theatre by QE2 before Christmas Day. Based on the French fairy tale La Belle et la Bete, this beautiful story about Belle and a misunderstood beast will leave you enthralled. Dates and timings vary for different shows at the Queen Elizabeth 2.
- Dates: 16th to 27th December (excluding Christmas Day)
- Cost: Start from AED 108
- Location: Queen Elizabeth 2 – Port Rashid
- Contact: +971-58-838-3107
CHRISTMAS CRACKER
Singers Natasha Hamilton and Gareth Gates will be performing their best hits at the Dubai Opera for a massive Christmas concert this December. The renowned British vocalists will take on the stage and perform classic melodies from the noughties and more. Aptly named Dubai 92’s Christmas Cracker, the event will transport guests to the days of Christmas past with the tunes of old favourites like Let It Snow, Last Christmas and other festive tunes.
- Dates: 10th December
- Cost: Start from AED 225
- Location: Dubai Opera
- Contact: +971-4-440-8888
- Timings: Vary
CIRQUE DE GLACE
Another reason to visit the Dubai Opera this festive season is the enchanting ice-skating extravaganza, Cirque de Glace. The performers will be showing off their ice-skating skills to tell the story of the planet’s creation with incredible acrobatics, accompanied by lilting music and exhilarating performances that will take your breath away.
- Dates: 24th to 26th December
- Cost: Start from AED 295
- Location: Dubai Opera
- Contact: +971-4-440-8888
- Timings: Vary
ANNUAL SANTA RUN
Here is an exciting option to add to your “Christmas activities Dubai” bucket list — the annual Santa Run at Dubai Festival City. Registration is now open at the RaceME website with entry priced at AED 119. Choose from three distances — 1km, 2.5km and 5km. Participants also get a free Santa hat, t-shirt and beard!
- Dates: 11th December
- Cost: AED 125
- Location: Dubai Festival City
- Contact: Contact form on RaceME website
- Timings: Start at 08:00 am
JINGLE BELL ROCK
Catch UK sensation Kerry Ellis and The Barricade Boys at the Jingle Bell Rock concert at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Get ready to sing along as they belt out your favourite carols and Christmas songs at the live event.
- Dates: 18th December
- Cost: Start from AED 49.11
- Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
- Contact: +971-4-457-3212
- Timings: 03:00 pm and 08:00 pm
Kid-Friendly Christmas Activities Dubai 2020
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially with the many kid-friendly events in store this season. From festive shows to pantomimes and more, here is everything that will make Christmas in Dubai more magical for your little ones.
THE CHRISTMAS SHOW AT FAIRMONT THE PALM
Performed live on stage, The Christmas Show at Fairmont will transport you to the home of Santa and his elves thanks to a massive LED screen. There will be a comedy show, colourful costumes and incredible dance routines.
- Dates: 17th to 28th December
- Cost: Starting from AED 33.68
- Location: Fairmont, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-457-3388
THE SNOWMAN AT MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Do your kids love Christmas shows? Take them to a screening of The Snowman at Mall of the Emirates. The longest-running Christmas show in the history of English theatre will be screened for the first time in the UAE. Based on the book by Raymond Brigg, The Snowman is a story about a boy whose snowman comes to life.
- Dates: 11th December 2020
- Cost: Start from AED 45
- Location: The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates
- Contact: +971-50-880-5074
SANTA’S POST OFFICE AT EGGS AND SOLDIERS
It’s not really Christmas without letters to Santa. Eggs and Soldiers are making this beloved tradition a reality for young revellers with Santa’s Post Office. The wooden post office is located at the Eggs & Soldiers shop in Times Square Centre ready for letters to the North Pole. No stamps required!
- Dates: Until 18th December
- Cost: Free
- Location: Times Square, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Contact: +971-50-907-5796
WATCH JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AT INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL
The 14th edition of Dubai Pantomime has moved to the InterContinental Hotel to accommodate a socially distanced audience. But with a scheduled performance of Jack and the Beanstalk, it promises to be just as entertaining in the new venue. Thanks to the comedic capers and colourful costumes, your kids will surely enjoy it.
- Dates: 16th to 27th December
- Cost: From AED 125
- Location: InterContinental Hotel, Al Baraha Ballroom, Dubai Festival City
- Contact: +971-4-701-3333
MERRY MUDDLE
Looking for more events that will make Christmas for kids in Dubai memorable? Buy tickets to the Merry Muddle show at Theatre by QE2. Join Magic Phil, the country’s favourite radio star and magician, as he performs magic tricks and engages with the audience.
- Dates: 11th to 12th December
- Cost: Start from AED 100
- Location: Queen Elizabeth 2, Dubai
- Contact: +971-58-838-3107
- Timings: 11:00 am, 02:00 pm and 05:00 pm (daily)
Explore the Christmas markets in Dubai
For many residents and visitors, a visit to the many Christmas markets in Dubai will be first on their list of things to do for Christmas in Dubai 2020. The immensely popular Madinat Jumeirah Festival Market which was rumoured to be not happening this year will be returning on a smaller scale for 2020. Other popular options include:
BAB AL SHAMS
The Bab Al Shams Desert Resort will transform into a Christmas-themed wonderland, complete with festive stalls, food kiosks, Santa himself and a massive 40-foot Christmas tree.
- Dates: 12th to 20th December
- Cost: AED 50 (for kids redeemable on F&B) | Free for adults
- Contact: +971-56-549-4440
- Timings: 06:00 pm to 10:00 pm
HABTOOR PALACE DUBAI
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Habtoor Palace, Dubai. The hotel is running its annual Winter Garden with plenty of kid-friendly activities, Yuletide treats and rides for the whole family to enjoy. Entry is free and pets are welcome!
- Dates: 1st to 28th December
- Cost: Free entry
- Location: Al Habtoor City, Habtoor Palace – Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-435-5555
- Timings: From 05:00 pm to 12:00 am (daily)
STUDIOVILLE FESTIVE MARKET
Taking place at the Studio One Hotel, the Studioville Festive Market will be featuring around 30 stalls where you can shop for last-minute gifs, treats and more. The kids can enjoy free pizza ateliers and fun workshops by Busy Kids Studio.
- Dates: 12th December
- Cost: Free entry
- Location: Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City
- Contact: +971-4-581-6800
- Timings: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm
WATCH CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING EVENTS IN DUBAI
A visit to Christmas tree lighting ceremonies is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai for Christmas. Thankfully, many popular restaurants and other venues will continue to unveil bedecked trees for the magical occasion this year. Here are some lighting ceremonies that you can add to your Christmas calendar this year:
- McGettigan’s (Souk Madinat)
- The Irish Village (Garhoud)
- Kempinski Hotel (Mall of the Emirates)
- Jumeirah Zabeel Saray (The Palm Jumeirah)
- Lah Lah (Zabeel House by Jumeirah)
- Swissotel Al Ghurair (Deira)
- Luigia (JBR)
- Hilton Dubai Creek (Deira)
- The Meydan Hotel
- Town Square Dubai
Apart from the mentioned venues, you can have your own private tree lighting ceremony after you buy a Christmas tree in Dubai.
Christmas Dining Deals in Dubai
Check out which restaurants are offering Christmas Eve dinner Dubai 2020Several restaurants and hotels in the city host Christmas themed dining offers throughout December while others choose Christmas day or eve to host festive dining packages. Whether you are looking for a Dubai Christmas Eve dinner, a festive brunch or afternoon tea, these places have you covered:
SEAFOOD BUFFET AT ANISE
Spend the night before Christmas at Anise and tuck into a delicious seafood buffet at InterContinental Dubai Festival City.
- Dates: 24th December
- Cost: AED 295 (soft beverages) | AED 395 (including select beverages) | AED 50 (kids aged six to 12) | Free for children 5 and below
- Location: Lobby Level, InterContinental, Dubai Festival City
- Contact: +971-4-701-1111
- Timings: 07:00 pm to 11:30 pm
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH AT THE IRISH VILLAGE
The Al Garhoud branch of The Irish Village is hosting a special Christmas Day Menu on December 25th. Book your reservations and chosen menu on the restaurant’s official website. From succulent turkey to roast beef and homemade Christmas pudding, there is much to look forward to.
- Dates: 25th December
- Cost: AED 160 | AED 55 (kids under 12)
- Location: The Irish Village, Al Garhoud
- Contact: +971-4-239-5000
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm
CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH AT OLEA
From sumptuous turkeys to roast beef and delectable deserts — Christmas day spent in Olea is sure to be memorable. Dine-in a winter wonderland-inspired set up and watch the kids light up as Santa walks in. Book your reservations before 5th December to get 20% off on your bill!
- Dates: 25th December
- Cost: AED 350 (including non-alcoholic drinks) | AED 425 (including alcoholic drinks) | AED 210 (kids between six and 12)
- Location: Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates
- Contact: +971-4-409-5999
- Timings: 01:00 pm to 05:00 pm
WINTERLAND FESTIVE BRUNCH AT BYTES, MOVENPICK
Enjoy a sumptuous winter-themed lunch at the Bytes Restaurant, Bar and Pool at Movenpick.
- Dates: 11th and 18th December
- Cost: AED159 (including soft drinks and water) | AED 299 (including cocktails and house beverages) | AED 79 (kids aged four to 12)
- Location: Grand Plaza, Movenpick, Media City – Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-525-7777
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 04:00 pm
Apart from the mentioned dining deals, revellers can also partake in some Christmas cheer at these restaurants in the city:
CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH AT PALMITO GARDEN
- Dates: 25th December
- Cost: AED 300 (including soft beverages) | AED 450 (including house beverages) | 50% off for kids aged six to 12
- Location: JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort – Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-814-5604
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 03:30 pm
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA AT THE LOBBY LOUNGE
- Dates: 5th to 31st December
- Cost: AED 195 (including tea infusions and coffee | AED 285 (including a glass of sparkly) | AED 95 (kids aged six to 11)
- Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-318-6150
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 05:00 pm
FESTIVE BUFFET BRUNCH AT JEBEL ALI RECREATION CLUB
- Dates: 25th December
- Cost: AED 185 (adults) | AED 285 (three hours of house beverages) | AED 85 (kids aged six to 12)
- Location: Jebel Ali, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-459-5100
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm
XMAS AND BOXING DAY BRUNCH AT STARS N BARS
- Dates: 25th and 26th December
- Cost: AED 249
- Location: Stars N Bars, La Mer, Jumeirah 1
- Contact: +971-4-349-9903
- Timings: 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES IN DUBAI 2020
ARE ALL CHRISTMAS EVENTS CANCELLED BECAUSE OF COVID-19?
Officials in the UAE have asked residents to refrain from hosting private parties during the upcoming Christmas celebrations. Special permits will be required to host concerts and live events. However, you can still celebrate the holiday with friends and family this year as approved events, brunches, dinners and teas are still on the table.
WILL I BE REQUIRED TO BOOK RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE?
Most dining establishments and venues will have social distancing policies in place throughout December. So, seating may be limited. To make the best of Christmas celebrations in Dubai this year, it’s best to book any reservations you need beforehand. If you would rather spend the day with your family at a hotel in the city, there are some exciting Christmas staycation offers that you can also explore in Dubai!
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