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From holiday markets and indoor snow parks to Christmas dinners on the beach, here’s your guide to celebrating Christmas in Dubai, Premier Inn-style!
Spending Christmas in Dubai? While it’s true that Dubai isn’t your typical snowy winter wonderland, the city has fully embraced the holiday spirit and there’s no shortage of festive activities
If you’re missing the chill of winter, head to Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates.
This indoor snow park is open year-round but it’s extra magical during the holiday season.
With real snow, ski slopes and even penguin encounters, Ski Dubai is perfect for families wanting a wintery Christmas experience.
Don’t worry about not having the right gear. Ski Dubai have got you covered with everything from jackets to skis, so just show up ready for a day of snow-filled fun.
Christmas brings even more to do, with Santa experiences and snow-based activities adding to the festive atmosphere. Families can also book Breakfast with Santa, combining breakfast with a meet-and-greet, photo and seasonal treats.
Santa experiences have limited availability, so booking online in advance is recommended.
Ski Dubai is inside Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha, which is directly connected to Mall of the Emirates Metro Station on the Red Line and is also easy to reach by taxi or car.
Make the most of Dubai’s mild December weather with a few hours at JBR Beach, where you can relax by the sea and stay close to restaurants, cafés and entertainment.
Location: JBR Beach, Dubai Marina
When: Throughout December
Price: Free access to the public beach
Premier Inn Dubai Ibn Battuta Mall Hotel is well placed for trips towards Dubai Marina and JBR, with Ibn Battuta Metro Station nearby.
Browse festive stalls and seasonal food beside the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah, with decorated abra rides, a mini train, Venetian carousel, live music and family activities.
Venue: Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island
Date: 4 to 27 December 2026
Price: Free entry, subject to capacity
Premier Inn Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel is a useful option for exploring Jumeirah and the surrounding Al Barsha area.
Catch the festive pantomime Cinderella, with music, comedy, West End performers, local talent and indoor snowfall bringing the classic story to the stage.
Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
Date: Selected dates from 5 to 24 December 2026
Price: From AED 150
Dubai Shopping Festival returns across the city with retail offers, entertainment, drone shows, family activities and seasonal experiences running throughout much of December and into January.
Location: Across Dubai
Date: 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027
Price: Free and paid activities
Spend an evening exploring international pavilions, food from around the world, shopping, rides and live entertainment at one of Dubai’s biggest seasonal attractions.
Venue: Global Village
Date: From 14 October 2026 to May 2027
Price: Paid entry
Music, streetwear, art, sport and food come together at Sole DXB, a three-day contemporary culture festival with performances, talks, tournaments and brand experiences.
Venue: Dubai Design District (d3)
Date: 11 to 13 December 2026
Price: Paid
The award-winning Broadway production brings its famous jazz-age story, music and choreography to Dubai for a limited December run.
Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk
Date: 16 to 20 December 2026
Price: From AED 49
The Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra makes its first Dubai appearance as part of the theatre’s official UAE tour, bringing an evening of classical music to Dubai Opera.
Venue: Dubai Opera
Date: 3 December 2026
Price: From AED 350
French-Algerian singer Enrico Macias performs at Dubai Opera with well-known songs from a career spanning more than six decades.
Venue: Dubai Opera
Date: 10 December 2026
Price: From AED 295
Pianist and composer Guy Manoukian returns to Dubai Opera with his mix of oriental melodies, contemporary arrangements, original compositions and reworked classics.
Venue: Dubai Opera
Date: 11 December 2026
Price: From AED 330
Combine a day by the sea with food stalls, family entertainment and outdoor activities at this Dubai Shopping Festival pop-up on Sunset Beach. Entry is free, although food and some activities are paid separately.
Venue: Sunset Beach, Jumeirah
Date: 10 to 27 December 2026
Price: Free entry
Festival Bay comes alive during Dubai Shopping Festival with free roaming performers, family entertainment and evening shows alongside ticketed concerts.
Venue: Dubai Festival City Mall, Festival Bay
Date: During Dubai Shopping Festival, from 4 December 2026
Price: Free entertainment available
See lasers, fountains, projections and music combine in the waterfront IMAGINE show at Festival Bay. The evening spectacle runs throughout the year and is free to watch.
Venue: Dubai Festival City Mall, Festival Bay
When: Nightly
Price: Free
Walk through Al Seef during Dubai Shopping Festival for a free outdoor market experience beside Dubai Creek, combining shopping, family activities and the atmosphere of the historic waterfront district.
Venue: Al Seef, Dubai Creek
Season: Dubai Shopping Festival
Price: Free entry
Popular seasonal events and performances can sell out, so it’s worth booking ahead if there is something you particularly want to see during your stay.
Celebrate Christmas at Winter City with Disney+ experiences inspired by Frozen, Toy Story and Home Alone. Browse the Christmas market, enjoy snowfall beneath Al Wasl Dome and join in family workshops. Children can also meet Santa and Mrs Claus during their visit.
The event is easily accessible by Dubai Metro from Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park and Premier Inn Dubai Ibn Battuta Mall, making it a great festive outing for families staying at either hotel.
Venue: Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai
Date: 11 to 31 December 2026
Time: 4pm to 10pm daily
Price: Paid entry
Staying at Premier Inn Hotels in Dubai this December? We’re here to make your stay feel festive, with cosy comforts and a welcoming place to return to after exploring the city.
Enjoy time with family or friends in our comfortable rooms, where you can unwind after a day at the beach, Christmas shopping or an evening show.
Our Family Rooms accommodate up to two adults and two children aged 15 and under. For larger families or groups, Interconnecting Rooms give you extra space while allowing everyone to stay close together.
Food is naturally part of the Christmas celebrations too. Premier Inn hotels across Dubai offer restaurants and casual dining options, including Mr Toad’s Pub & Kitchen and Nuevo Restaurant at participating properties. Visit our Food & Drink page to explore current restaurant options, menus and opening times during your stay.
Choosing a hotel close to the areas you plan to explore can also make your festive days easier to organise, whether you’re heading towards Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Al Barsha or central Dubai.
Planning more seasonal activities? Our How to Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in Dubai guide has more ideas for enjoying the festive period.
If your stay continues towards the end of December, our Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai guide can help you plan for the countdown.
Book your stay with Premier Inn and let us be part of your Dubai Christmas celebration.
