Top 10 places to visit in Dubai this Christmas

With the Christmas season just around the corner, why not start having a look at the Christmas themed activities coming to Dubai this Winter

1. Habtoor palace Christmas market

The Habtoor palace hotel is hosting a festive Christmas market from December 4 to December 21 2018. This market will have a huge range of festivities including, carols in the hotel’s Versailles Gardens, rides for the kids and plenty of traditional German Christmas food specialties. The market runs from 3pm to midnight every day with an exciting appearance from Santa from 7pm – 11pm where he will be joined by his elves on an abra. There will also be a snow zone for children to play in, alongside a gingerbread making station. Make sure you don’t miss the first night of the market, as Habtoor Palace is turning on their Christmas tree lights with the added joy of falling snow, topped off with carol singing by a local school’s choir.

2. Christmas concert at Dubai Opera

If Christmas music is more your thing, the Dubai Opera is hosting its annual festive music concerts. These performances will occur in the morning, midday and evening accompanied by festive treats and many a chance for a singalong. The first performance is on the December 13
and it runs until December 15. Make sure you don’t miss it.

3. Christmas tree lights at Irish village

If hot beverages and homemade mince pies appeal to you, then you will not want to miss out on the annual lighting of the Irish village Christmas tree. This event is on December 3 with the lights switch on between 7pm and 10pm. If you enjoyed this then stick around for the Irish village 12 days to Christmas countdown where a three course meal will be available every day from 12pm to 11pm.

4. Burj Khalifa NYE

If you missed them last year, or you thoroughly enjoyed the last one, make sure to tag along to this new year’s fireworks at the Burj Khalifa. “Emaar is gearing up for yet another spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration that will feature several amazing new elements in addition to spectacular fireworks, returning this year by popular demand,” the company said in a statement.

5. The Night Before Christmas, Madinat Theatre

This production of ‘The Night Before Christmas runs from December 7 to December 8. It shows the story of a mouse who sets off on a Christmas journey to find out why only humans celebrate Christmas. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to get into the Christmas spirit.

6. Cirque de Cuisine, Atlantis

This is a one-time only event on December 6, 7pm to 11pm, providing your family with a chance to experience a unique gourmet dining experience through all of the highly regarded restaurants in the Atlantis and finishing up at The Lost Chambers Aquarium for dessert. You will be accompanied by Santa and his elves as you eat your dinner. One ticket will cost you Dhs 535 for food and experiences throughout the night.

7. The Nutcracker, Dubai Opera

This performance of the Nutcracker and I on December 12, is a show filled with the great works of Tchaikovsky’s ballet music which incorporates many different types of dancing. The show runs from 6pm to 8pm and ticket entry prices start at Dhs 125.

8. WAFI Santa’s grotto

Santa’s yearly visit to Dubai is almost upon us and he is making an appearance at the WAFI. This one is perfect for the kids, who will receive a cuddly toy and other goodies. This will be on daily from 9am to 10pm until December 24 (when Santa needs to get to work).

9. JA Hotels Christmas events

Hatta Fort hotel, JA Bateaux, Ja Ocean view and Jebel Ali beach resort are hosting various events leading up to Christmas this year. This includes, tree lightings, Christmas eve and Christmas day events as well as some New Year’s eve festivities. Prices vary depending on what you do, however, the tree lighting events are all free. This is a great chance for your family to get in the Christmas spirit.

10. MOE Ski Dubai

If you want to get a feel for what Christmas is like in the cold, then try visiting Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates. This is a chance for you and your family and friends to go skiing, snowboarding, or even play in the snow park or visit the penguins. To warm up, you can visit the Saint Moritz café in the middle of the slope and enjoy a Swiss hot chocolate.