This month marks the beginning of all kinds of festivities in Dubai, kicking things off with UAE National Day celebrations. If you’re looking for things to do in Dubai in December, look no further. The Cosmo ME team has your plans sorted with our top picks of places to visit, events to attend, and amazing city-wide activations. Let’s dive in!
Our top picks of things to do in Dubai this December
Create a 2024 Vision Board with Mira Vision Board at Society Dubai
Get ready to bid farewell to 2023 with a bang with a vision board workshop at Society Dubai, in collaboration with Ira Poladka—renowned Motivational Speaker behind the Mira Vision Board. For just Dhs330, this three-hour journey crafting vision boards is perfect for all the delulu manifestation girlies.
But that’s not all! Society Dubai, our favorite local hangout, has unveiled “Self-Love at Society,” a campaign designed to spark self-love, personal growth, and positive vibes through a series of awesome events.
When: Saturday, December 30th, from 11 am to 2 pm.
Price: Your Dhs330 ticket includes a Mira Vision Board Kit, a breakfast feast, and refreshing beverages. Let’s wrap up the year in style!
For more information, click here.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Festive Afternoon Tea Experience with Wild Idol
Get ready to jingle your taste buds at The Bears by Naor’s festive Afternoon Tea in Sultan’s Lounge, located at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel! Inspired by the globetrotting French artist Naor, this newly launched tea extravaganza is a treat for your senses. You’ll be sipping on Wild Idol’s alcohol-free sparklers and munching on chocolate bears straight out of Naor’s “Childhood Memories” collection.
When: The tea party happens daily from 3pm to 6pm at Sultan’s Lounge
Price: Ranges from Dhs350 to Dhs520
For more information, click here.
A weekend of music at Honeycomb Hi-Fi
Dubai’s December music scene is set to sizzle as Honeycomb Hi-Fi orchestrates a weekend of sonic splendor. On Friday, December 22nd, starting at 9 PM, the stage is graced by the musical finesse of Omar Fayyad and Daylomar. The auditory journey continues on Saturday at the Pullman Hotel Downtown in Business Bay, where DJ Shadi Megallaa kickstarts the night at 9 PM, and Tomas Station takes the helm from 11 PM to 3 AM. This fun weekend of music is not to be missed.
For more information, visit the venue website here.
Attend Dubai’s hottest beach party at Beach By FIVE
Dubai’s premier beach event, Bohemia at Beach By FIVE, is kicking things up a notch on December 23rd as international DJs Nic Fanciulli and Alec Monopoly bring you an unforgettable party experience. You won’t want to miss out on this mega event at one of Dubai’s hottest party destinations!
Tickets start from Dhs150 for ladies including 3 drinks & Dhs250 for gents including 3 drinks
For bookings and more information, visit the website here.
Step into a winter paradise with Bar Du Port and Swarovski
Celebrate the holiday season in style at Bar Du Port as it transforms into a winter wonderland called “Paradis Blanc.” In an exclusive collaboration with Swarovski, the venue will be adorned with the enchanting beauty of Swarovski crystals, creating an atmosphere of pure elegance and festive magic. From December 1st to January 7th, guests can anticipate surprises and a sparkling celebration of joy and luxury.
Throughout the month, guests can participate for a chance to win an exquisite Swarovski jewelry set. There will be a host of festive activations, as well as a mouth-watering truffles menu perfect for the season!
Visit the website here for more information.
Celebrate the release of Wonka at Expo City Dubai’s Winter City
Step into a world of pure imagination at Expo City Dubai’s Winter City this December! Warner Bros. is rolling out the red carpet for the much-anticipated “Wonka” movie, to sprinkle Wonka’s magic all over, turning Expo City into a whimsical Wonka-themed wonderland.
With every ticket booked during the first week of Winter City, starting from December 14th, guests will receive a complimentary hot chocolate to celebrate the release of Wonka in cinemas. This is just one of the many surprises for our guests to experience at Winter City this year. Catch Wonka in cinemas from December 14, 2023.
Visit the Sand Dollar Boutique on Wheels
The homegrown boutique is revolutionising the fashion scene with the launch of its very first on-wheels store. The fully functioning traveling boutique is a dynamic fashion haven on the move, offering exquisite collections, a dressing room, and so much more within a customised vintage US mailbox van. Check out their gorgeous mobile pieces this December (!!)
Visit a Christmas market
Some of your favourite hotels in Dubai have already begun holiday festivities, and have prepped fun activities, rides, and attractions for family and friends this Christmas. You’ll be able to snap pics with huge glittering Christmas trees, experience snowfall (kinda), and indulge in delicious classic festive meals. Click the link here to choose which locations suit you (!!)
Various locations across Dubai.
Visit Expo City for COP28
Passionate about making a positive impact on the environment? Head to Expo City this December for an exclusive opportunity to witness history as global leaders are gathering for COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference. Starting December 3, you can explore a range of engaging attractions for free with Green Zone Passes, such as The Sustainability Pavilion, Expo City Dubai Pavilion, Expo City Farm Alif, The Mobility Pavilion, Vision Pavilion, and Women’s Pavilion. Don’t miss out on the eco-friendly fun!
Dec 3-Tue Dec 12. Expo City Dubai, cop28.com.
Have coffee at the new Zara café
@cosmopolitanme Your first look at the newly opened Zara Cafe in Mall of the Emirates. 😍🥵 An avant-garde space with a dedicated cafe and a boutique area for you to shop beauty, accessories, lingerie and more. We. Are. Obsessed. 🤩🥵 #ZaraCafe @ZARA ♬ Agora Hills Sped Up – Stan 🙂
Zara in Mall of the Emirates shut its doors for a makeover in July, leaving us all eagerly anticipating its grand reopening. Well, the wait is over! The store is back with a fresh new look. But that’s not all – it now houses the world’s first Zara café! Picture this: sipping hot drinks and indulging in delicious branded cakes while surrounded by the latest fashion trends. Sign us up!
Mall of The Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Rd, malloftheemirates.com.
Head to Sole DXB
Legendary American rapper and record producer Busta Rhymes will be headlining Sole DXB 2023, the region’s most celebrated youth and contemporary culture festival. Sole DXB is back, set to be bigger and better than ever on 8, 9, and 10 December 2023.
This year, the festival will be home to official celebrations for record label Mass Appeal’s ‘Hip Hop 50’ in the Arab world. For Dubai’s urban crowd, Sole DXB is one of the hottest and most-anticipated events on the Dubai calendar known for street footwear, music, art, and lifestyle.
From Dhs349 (weekend pass). Dec 8-10. Dubai Design District (D3), soledxb.com.
Get in the festive spirit with The Nutcracker
Via @dubaiopera on Instagram
Nothing screams festive szn more than the Nutcracker Ballet! Get ready to be enchanted as the Ballet Theatre and State Opera Orchestra of Astana from Kazakhstan brings Tchaikovsky’s cherished Christmas ballet to life! Mark your calendars for the magical performances taking place from Friday, December 15, to Sunday, December 17.
Fri Dec 15-Sun Dec 17. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, dubaiopera.com.
Expo City UAE National Day ceremony
The official celebrations for the 52nd UAE Union Day will be held on Sunday December 2, 2023, and hosted at Expo City Dubai, organisers have announced.
This year’s commemoration of the UAE’s birthday aligns with the eagerly awaited COP28, which will commence at Expo City from November 30 to December 12. Consequently, the official National Day ceremony will thematically spotlight the UAE’s sustainability journey from its union in 1971 to the present day.
The 30-minute spectacle is scheduled to unfold at Jubilee Park, and tickets are available at Dhs300. Doors will swing open at 4 pm, with unreserved seating allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can get your tickets via platinumlist.net.
Emirates Dubai 7s
The biggest event in the Dubai expat calendar, Emirates Dubai 7s is a sporting event like no other. The highly-anticipated party weekend returns to Dubai’s Sevens Stadium from Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3 and, as always, it’s going to be big.
Taking to the stage over the weekend will be British dance-pop sensation, Becky Hill and house DJ, MK, as well as some acclaimed local talent. The event will host a series of sports play-offs, including the big international rugby match on Saturday. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, this is a great way to spend your weekend.
Emirates Dubai 7s, Sevens Stadium, Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3 2023, from Dhs425. dubairugby7s.com
Indulge in a special Emirati afternoon tea at Atlantis The Royal
Via @atlantistheroyal on Instagram
UAE National Day just got a whole lot sweeter! The Royal Tearoom at Atlantis The Royal, led by the dessert maestro Christophe Devoille, is rolling out an Emirati afternoon tea that’s inspired by the nation’s produce. Savour the sweet flavours of some local products like honey, dates and milk in an outstanding display of treats that promises to be one of the best afternoon teas in the city this UAE National Day weekend.
Dhs440 (for two). Daily 2pm-5pm. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah
Take a trip to Global Village
Dubai’s Global Village has made its dazzling return for the 28th season, promising visitors a spectacular blend of cultural performances, themed activities, and live entertainment. Tihis weekend, the spotlight shines on the operetta “UAE’s Vision,” a 30-minute show that takes the audience on a time-traveling adventure, paying homage to the UAE‘s cultural heritage and milestones.
Over at the UAE Pavilion, the cultural fiesta continues with traditional Emirati performing arts like Yola and Ayala, while pop-up kiosks and authentic Emirati dishes carry your festivities into the night. As if that wasn’t enough, visitors can dive into the treasure troves of UAE-themed souvenirs at hotspots like 971 from the Community, Khalifa Foundation, and Hamdan Heritage Centre.
From Dhs22.50. Daily 4pm-midnight.