Dubai’s weather may not be exactly Christmassy, but the city has so many cute festive activities on offer that you don’t even need a cold, crisp, snowy day to get into the festive spirit.

All our fave venues are hosting fun activities, amazing parties and fancy dinners for the festive szn to come. With immaculate decorations and a magical atmosphere, these places will def transport you to a winter wonderland.

Need some inspo? Keep reading for cute Christmassy things to do.

Movie Eats

It’s the festive edition of Dubai’s very first immersive dining experience. Taste exactly the same dish as you see on screen – at the exact same time 👀. No more drooling into your popcorn. The classic Christmas movie Home Alone is coming to Movie Eats this December – grab your tickets ASAP.

📅 Sunday 22nd December

📍Teatro Dubai, Rotana Towers

💸 Dhs369

Ice & Lights Festival

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The Bay by Social at Dubai Festival City transforms into a real winter wonderland. Featuring magical fountain shows every 30 minutes as well as insta-worthy decors for some cute holiday pics, fun entertainment, delicious food and much more. This celebration will be available for a whole month!

📅 Starting Thursday 28th November from 4pm-12am.

📍 The Bay by Social, Dubai Festival City Mall.

💸 Free entry.

CRANK x AURA Skypool’s Bikes and Bubbles

Via auraskypool.com

If you want to get active this festive season and work off some of that delicious Christmas food, we have got you covered. You can take part in a 45-minute dynamic bike ride and indulge in some free-flowing bubbles and delicious festive treats. Guests are encouraged to wear a festive jumper or you can even buy a cute one from the AURA boutique.

📅 Thursday 19th December from 8pm.

📍 Palm Jumeirah.

💸 From 550Dhs.

J’ADORE’S Christmas Dinner & Show Brunch

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Experience the magic of the holidays at J’Adore and immerse yourself in a winter wonderland inspired by Christmas classics. This Christmas dinner brunch features beautiful decorations and stunning entertainment. And, of course, there will be plenty of delicious food to enjoy.

📅 Wednesday 18th to Saturday 28th December from 8:30pm-12am.

📍 Hilton, Habtoor City.

💸 From 350Dhs.

Tree Lighting

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If it isn’t our fave part of the festive szn, the lighting of the Christmas tree. You can watch as the giant Christmas tree in Vistas Lobby Café lights up this year. You can also enjoy a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate and treat yourself to delicious Christmas stollen. You will def get into the Christmas spirit as you listen to the Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai’s talented choir perform traditional carols.

📅 Friday 6th December at 6pm.

📍 Vistas Lobby Café.

💸 Free entry.

Festive Dinner at Social Company

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Indulge in a special festive turkey menu. With the Social Company setting the mood and transforming the venue into an intimate candlelit space with soothing melodies and live Christmas carols, this Christmas Eve is sure to be cosy and magical.

📅 Tuesday 24th December from 7pm.

📍 Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens.

💸 From Dhs250 (exclusive discounts available until Sunday 1st December).

Festive Beach Bash at JA Palm Tree Court

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Al fresco dining and ocean breezes for Christmas? Have the best of both worlds and enjoy the wonderful weather while still getting into the Christmas spirit at Festive Wonders at JA Resorts and Hotels in Dubai. Indulge in delicious seafood and gather around a bonfire with your loved ones for a cosy holiday evening.

📅 Sunday 28th December from 7pm-11pm.

📍 Anchor Pool, JA Palm Tree Court.

💸 From Dhs300.

Royal Festive Afternoon Tea

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Fancy a festive afternoon tea? Raffles The Palm, Blüthner Hall offers a royal afternoon tea where guests can enjoy Christmas classics played by a pianist. Indulge in festive sweet and savoury treats and enjoy aromatic teas. Don’t forget to enter the life-size Gingerbread House and view the stunning chocolate sculptures by Raffles Patisserie.

📅 From Wednesday 4th December to Saturday 7th January from 2pm-8pm.

📍 The Palm Jumeirah.

💸 From Dhs375 for two guests.

Le Jardin – Christmas Buffet Dinner

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Looking for a great Christmas buffet? Look no further. Le Jardin invites guests to indulge in a selection of delicious roast meats, amazing side dishes and incredible festive inspired desserts. *Yummy*

📅 Tuesday 24th to Wednesday 25th December from 7:30pm-10:30pm.

📍 The Palm Jumeirah.

💸 From 485Dhs.

Christmas Wellbeing at Samana Spa

Christmas is the season of love. Indulge in a romantic couple’s retreat with a 60-minute revitalising massage, a refreshing facial and some time in the Jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation. The perfect sweet getaway for the holiday season.

📅 Sunday 28th December from 10:30am-9:30pm.

📍 Al Aweer Road.

💸 Dhs1400 per couple.

Jones The Grocer

Sea views, the Marina skyline as a backdrop and some fab food with their festive a la carte menu. This has got to be the best way to spend Christmas Day. Great vibes, festive drinks and live music is what you can expect at Jones the Grocer this Christmas and we can’t wait.

📅 Wednesday 25th December from 12pm-1am.

📍 Hilton Dubai, Palm Jumeirah.

💸 From Dhs200. 

Gingerbread House Workshop

We all see those cute little houses made out of gingerbread, beautifully decorated with the most delicious treats, all over our FYP. There is a gingerbread house decorating workshop for you to craft their own little houses together with a Chef.

📅 Friday 13th December from 2pm-4pm.

📍 Rare at Meliá Desert Palm.

💸 From Dhs135. 

Co Chocolat x Picture Perfect Rooms

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Treat yourself to a sweet getaway at Shangri-La. For the festive szn, you can book a stay in one of their four exclusive rooms where everything is chocolate coded. You can indulge in delicious chocolate treats, enjoy a chocolate-scented bath and be mesmerised by the best views of the Burj Khalifa. Guests can also book a complimentary factory tour and chocolate making workshop with Co Chocolat.

📅 Sunday 1st December to Saturday 15th February.

📍 Shangri-La Dubai.

💸 Book here

KoKo Bay at Palm West Beach

Enjoy Christmas Day on the beach with a delicious four-course festive meal, unlimited drinks, live music from a fantastic DJ and fabulous live entertainment. Grab your loved ones and enjoy Christmas Dubai style, with amazing weather and the sea right in front of you.

📅 Wednesday 25th December from 1pm-4pm.

📍 Koko Bay, The Palm West Beach.

💸 From Dhs350. For reservations and more information, call +971 4 572 3444.

Design and Dine Christmas Party

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Get creative this Christmas szn and paint your own glasses and baubles while enjoying fab food and drinks at Mare by Bussola. And don’t forget to dress up nicely, you might be crowned Queen of Christmas chic and win a prize *fun*. Book your ticket here.

📅 Thursday 12th December from 7pm-9:30pm.

📍 Mare by Bussola, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi.

💸 From Dhs399.

Festive offer at COVEBEACH

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Enjoy Christmas in the sun. There will be delicious food and great entertainment. Plus, doesn’t dinner on the beach sound like the perfect way to spend Christmas Eve with the family? All the festive food will be provided. You can enjoy turkey and fantastic Christmas pudding *yum*.

📅 Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th December.

📍 La Vie, JBR.

💸 From Dhs300. For reservations and more information, call+971 50 454 6920 or email at [email protected].

Afternoon Tea at Grand Club Lounge

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Enjoy a festive afternoon tea in the Grand Club Lounge with delicious seasonal sweet and savoury treats to get you into the holiday spirit. Grab your loved ones and enjoy a relaxing and fun afternoon together.

📅 Sunday 1st to Monday 30th December from 2pm-5pm.

📍 Grand Club Lounge, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR.

💸 From Dhs195. For reservations and more information, call+971 507806342 or email [email protected]

Bauble Decoration Workshop

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OMG you can design and personalise your own beautiful holiday baubles. Isn’t that cute? The perfect weekend activity for you and your girlies. While you’re getting creative, you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and treat yourself to some delicious pastries.

📅 Saturday 14th December from 10am-12pm.

📍 STIR, Jumeirah Village Triangle.

💸 From Dhs150. 

PSA: Here are Christmas Day brunches to book for Dec 25.