Revealed: Things to do this winter season in Dubai

With cooler temperatures and Christmas round the corner, more residents are venturing out of the house to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities and embrace the winter season.

From tree-lighting ceremonies to barbecues in the desert, Dubai is readily equipped to lend an indelible Christmas experience. A potential list of activities to keep one occupied this festive season includes:

Festive markets
A true ode to Christmas, the city’s festive markets located at Dubai Festival City Mall, Bab Al Shams, Studio One Hotel, and Habtoor Palace each offer unique activities and treats for all ages.

Dubai Festival City Mall is home to Christmas decorations embodying the Christmas spirit with family entertainment and tasty treats for all visitors.

Bab Al Shams will be transformed into a winter wonderland and visitors can experience a desert-themed festive market. Visitors can enjoy a cup of mulled grape or hot chocolate, while they stroll through the market and browse the many offerings for the season.

Meanwhile, Studio One Hotel will be hosting a Grinch-inspired Christmas market, promising fun festivities for all ages. Browse through more than 30 stalls stocked with Christmas goodies, while little ones can enjoy free pizza ateliers, festive workshops, and carols throughout the day.

Habtoor Palace is home to a pet-friendly Christmas market, The Winter Garden, where all visitors can experience various foods and retail stalls. Children will be able to revel a range of activities and attractions and even meet Santa Claus himself.

Live shows
Spend a quality evening with family, embracing the Christmas cheer with NSO Big Band’s Santa Baby! at Dubai Opera and Jingle Bell Rock at Dubai World Trade Centre.

NSO Big Band will be performing on December 11 and Jingle Bell Rock on December 18. Meanwhile, Palestinian singer and composer, Omar Kamal will be returning to Dubai to perform on December 12 at Dubai Opera.

Cirque de Glace will also bring its iconic ice dance performance to Dubai Opera during December 24 – 26.

Capping off the season of performance arts for the year in the UAE, electronic house pioneer Dj Said Mrad will be joining DJ Saif & Sound and Carrie Gibson’s Nuvo Soul band to bring in the new year on December 31 at the Dubai Opera.

Outdoor activities
With new activity hubs open in the country offering a myriad of activities, residents and tourists have been flocking to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and Hatta to experience these new additions.

If you haven’t tried the hiking and biking trails in Hatta, now would be the time to explore them.

Read: Revealed: Top things to do and places to visit in Hatta

If off-road biking doesn’t resonate, there are several parks that offer biking tracks and bike rentals as the sport has been rapidly gaining traction among local residents.

A staple outdoor experience in Dubai, the Desert Safari tends to be a favourite of friends and families and can be booked through tour agencies or done independently with the right equipment and vehicle. The Covid-19 pandemic may have morphed the activity into a challenge of sorts, but if guidelines are followed, barbecues would be a great group outing packed with fun, games, and delectable food.

Events
Sir Winston Churchill Cup at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club – December 9-18
A new and unique tournament, in the honor of the UK’s renowned Prime Minister, the Sir Winston Churchill Cup welcomes visitors; all proceeds will go to The Churchill Centre.

Visitors can picnic alfresco or enjoy the benefits of the VIP lounge, while cheering on their favoured teams and players.

Dubai Shopping Festival – December 17 – January 30
This year’s festival is set to host live concerts, unique markets, art installations, and stage shows, while following all the health and safety protocols put in place by the government.

Read: Dates revealed for next edition of Dubai Shopping Festival