Christmas in Dubai - Events, Parties And New Year’s Eve Fireworks

If you’re seeking excitement, fabulous weather and unforgettable memories this Christmas, Dubai is the best place to be.

Escape the chill of the UK and instead embrace the warmth with a divine winter sun holiday to Dubai. The conditions are perfect for relaxation and fun, with an average temperature of 26℃ and approximately eight hours of sunshine per day – ideal for discovering magical Christmas attractions or relaxing on the beach. There’s all the usual delights of visiting this phenomenal Emirate, such as enjoying exhilarating water sports, days out at Aquaventure waterpark and discovering world-famous landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, as well as lots of festive treats too. Enjoy parties in glitzy lounges, delicious feasts in top-class restaurants, family fun in the incredible theme parks and unforgettable firework displays across this iconic holiday destination to kick off 2026 in style. Whether you want traditional Christmas exploits or something different, a winter sun holiday to Dubai promises to deliver it.

Search our Dubai holidays.

What’s So Special About Christmas In Dubai?

Christmas in Dubai is a magical experience for holidaymakers of all ages. Whether you’re a family in search of excitement, a couple craving winter sun or friends seeking a unique festive shopping experience, you’ll find a plethora of seasonal activities and attractions to discover. Many of the best family-friendly sites transform into enchanting winter wonderlands. LEGOLAND® features festive wooden huts and builds an incredible Christmas tree entirely out of LEGO, while both Expo City Dubai and the Global Village blend traditions from around the world in two exciting hotpots. Visit Santa’s Grotto, meet the elves and drink hot chocolate before heading to a Dubai Christmas market. For traditional food stalls, glittery lights, live music, unique gifts and family-friendly fun like gingerbread house decorating, Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market should be at the top of your itinerary.

Is There Snow In Dubai?

Despite being a “desert” city with year-round warm weather, you can still enjoy a white Christmas in Dubai. A visit to Ski Dubai will transport you to a winter wonderland, with a temperature of a chilly -4℃, which is perfect for bundling up in coats, hats, scarves and gloves and feeling truly festive. Prepare for a day of skiing, snowboarding, bobselding and frozen ziplining, as well as meeting the resident penguins. The cosy chalets and restaurants here serve up delicious food and drinks to keep you feeling warm and toasty. Dubai Ice Rink is another hive of festive magic. Get your skates on and show off your skills (or lack thereof) on the olympic-sized rink. Blend this with a day of shopping, dining and creating winter memories in the iconic Dubai Mall. If you’re not looking for snow, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of sunshine, beaches and desert escapades to enjoy this winter.

Where Can I Enjoy Christmas Dinner In Dubai?

There’s an array of places to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner while on holiday in Dubai this winter. Whether you’re seeking a traditional feast of turkey or something a little different, you’re sure to find it in one of the many excellent restaurants. The only floating hotel in this Emirate, Queen Elizabeth 2 serves up lavish dishes of British and international flavours, with live music and a special visit from Santa Claus. A festive a-la-carte menu is on offer at Jones The Grocer, as well as views of the Dubai Marina from its beachside location for a blend of Christmas wonder and Dubai luxury. For a traditional Bavarian twist on Christmas, Ernst is the place to be. Enjoy delicious German food and drink as well as outstanding décor. MOLI by SHI’s promises a more unique dinner; expect live cooking shows of Chinese dishes and saxophone playing, while Tasca also creates an unforgettable luxury experience with its Portuguese-inspired festive menu.

Where Are The Best Christmas Parties In Dubai?

If you’re looking for the glitz and glamour of a party on your 2025 Dubai Christmas holiday, you’re in luck. Rooftop lounges offer elegant surroundings, tantalising beverages and unspoilt views of the legendary Dubai skyline. View 180, located in NH Collection Dubai The Palm, promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the festive period with an unmissable bird’s-eye-view of the amazing Palm Jumeirah. Celebrate Christmas Eve in style with a delectable three-course set menu promising nothing short of fine dining. Le Toit, the chic rooftop bar of Fouquet’s Dubai, offers a more laid-back atmosphere this Christmas with daytime entertainment and brunch as you overlook the Burj Khalifa. Ring in the New Year at Barfly by Buddha-Bar with a mouthwatering meal and a one-of-a-kind party in the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah hotel. Take advantage of Dubai’s ladies nights for discounted rates on food and drinks in bars, restaurants and clubs every night of the week.

Can I Watch The New Year’s Eve Fireworks For Free In Dubai?

Celebrate the biggest night of the year on a winter holiday to Dubai. While there’s lots of ticket-only venues, we also know many holidaymakers want to enjoy the firework displays and countdown to midnight without dining, drinking and partying – so we’ve compiled a list of the best places to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks for free. If you’re travelling with small children, the balcony of your hotel room is a great spot to enjoy a few chilled-out beverages while watching the displays, or you can venture to a sandy shoreline, like The Beach, JBR, to watch the city's most vibrant illuminations from Dubai Marina. The Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain also host their own magnificent display, with fireworks and laser shows that you can admire from Downtown Dubai and Burj Park. You could also find a vantage point along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk to watch the wondrous displays from Atlantis, The Palm.

“Experience pure magic on a Christmas holiday to Dubai in 2025. Visit as a family, couple or solo traveller and be wowed by the incredible sites and attractions throughout the Emirate during the festive period.

“Winter wonderlands are waiting to be enjoyed, with family-friendly activities in the Global Village, Expo City Dubai and Dubai Mall. Drink hot chocolate, decorate gingerbread houses and meet Santa on this one-of-a-kind Christmas holiday. For even more wintry fun, children will love a day at Ski Dubai, where the snow will really make it feel Christmassy.

“Ensure you visit a Christmas market to get your shopping fix and purchase unique souvenirs and gifts to make this Christmas even more special. The food stalls sell a variety of on-the-go bites from across the world as well as traditional Emirati fare.

“Finish your unforgettable Christmas holiday to Dubai off by ringing in the new year. Sip cocktails from towering rooftop bars or find a spot for free along the boardwalks and beaches to watch the incredible firework displays as you countdown to midnight."

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Hotel

Your holiday to Dubai’s premier destination, The Palm Jumeirah, awaits. Stay in lavish 5-star luxury, with a myriad of exceptional amenities. Dedicated staff will cater to your every whim while you enjoy serene treatments in the spa, top up your tan poolside or get active with some water sports. The adjacent beach is a hub for outdoor activities as well as romantic strolls along the shoreline. Spacious rooms will provide comfort and sanctuary after a fun-filled day of memory making.

Check out the Sofitel Dubai The Palm Hotel