Christmas in Dubai offers a splendid sunny alternative to the traditional cold and snowy scenes we often see depicted on screen. Whether you’re planning on holidaying in Dubai for Christmas, or a local wanting to make the most of the festive season, Dubai has something to offer everyone!
If you’re asking ‘Will we have Christmas this year?’ the answer is yes, Christmas will be in full swing in Dubai come December 25th.
Getting in the festive spirit
The run up to Christmas in Dubai is always exciting! And whilst there are extra safety measures in place for 2020, there are still many opportunities to feel Christmassy. Whilst you won’t be donning your Christmas jumper and winter thermals, make sure you pack your sunglasses and lotion!
Through November and early December you’ll find many hotels in Dubai holding Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies, and festive markets around the city to get those Christmas presents in early.
For the chance to hear your favourite carols sung on stage, head to Dubai Opera for their festive shows in December. Or for a family-friendly pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk will be at Festival City (oh yes it will!) from mid-December along with a host of activities for big and little kids.
It’s Christmas!
The big day is one to be experienced first-hand in Dubai. You can guarantee the sun will have its Christmas hat on, with average temperatures around 26ºC in Dubai for December.
With that in mind, it’s up to you whether you spend the day at the beach, the mall, in the desert – as everything stays open in Dubai for Christmas. You can wake up with a refreshing dip in your hotel pool, followed by a leisurely brunch on the beach with all your festive favourites, from a traditional roast turkey to pigs in blankets (maybe skip the sprouts!). At Premier Inn, you can tuck in to a traditional turkey roast, with starters and dessert from just AED 110 on Christmas Day at Nuevo - available throughout December.
Staying in isn’t the norm in Dubai, you’ll find taxis and Dubai Metro operating to their usual daily schedules. Dubai’s malls will be open until late – so there’s no excuse for not getting your Christmas shopping done, even on the day itself.
Of course, if you want to stay at home with Christmas films, games and snacks, you can order-in your Christmas dinner. Or pick up a turkey takeaway from one of Dubai’s many restaurants and hotels, from fancy fine dining options to budget-friendly roasted birds. Order your Turkey to Go with all the trimmings at Nuevo Restaurants from 13 December 2020.
Countdown to New Year’s Eve 2021
Post-Christmas day, we lose all track of days, time – it’s all a blur. Here in Dubai, life goes on! It’s the perfect time to explore the city and enjoy being a tourist in the desert.
Ride a camel through the desert dunes, soak up the sun with a day at Kite Beach, splash around in one of Dubai’s many waterparks, hop on the sightseeing bus and snap a selfie at Dubai’s most instagrammable stops – the list is endless.
We recommend you stick around until the end of the year though, as you’ll be mesmerised by the spectacular show Dubai will hold to welcome in 2021. With fireworks, entertainment and light shows it’ll be one not to miss!
Where to stay at Christmas in Dubai?
For a hotel near Dubai’s firework displays, check in to Premier Inn Dubai Al Jaddaf. It’s just a 5 minute walk from Dubai Metro to connect you to Downtown where you can see the Burj Khalifa light up at midnight.
Or if you want to stay close to Dubai Marina and Dubai’s beaches, head to Premier Inn Ibn Battuta Mall. With Dubai Metro connected to the hotel, you can get to the marina and the sands of JBR in minutes.
Thinking of heading to Dubai? Book Premier Inn hotels in Dubai for great deals on hotel stays this winter.