What with the antics of Elf on the Shelf (he’s a divisive character), the letters to Santa, gingerbread house building, school winter shows and decorating the tree (deep breaths, parents who like to have a colour scheme), December is a full-on Christmas extravaganza in Dubai.
Here are all the best things to do as a family in the build-up to Christmas 2025.
12 family-friendly Christmas activities to do
1) Get festive at a winter wonderland
Winter District is back for its third season and this time it will be at Emirates Towers.
From Saturday December 13 to Sunday December 28, you can expect live performances, games, festive markets and of course, plenty of food and drinks to tuck into. Not only will the whole family enjoy, but it’s a sure-fire way to feel Christmassy in the desert.
Free. Sat Dec 13-Sun Dec 28. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, winterdistrict.com.
2) Go to a tree lighting ceremony
What better way to get in the festive spirit than by seeing a tree lit up with sparkling decorations? There are many lightings across the city, which are family-friendly, so why not grab the gang and head along for a festive sing-along?
This year, Raffles Dubai is inviting everyone to watch its iconic Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy complimentary festive treats and spiced mulled grape drinks as Raffles officially turns on its festive lights with a helping hand from Santa.
Free. Fri Dec 5, 6pm. Sheikh Zayed Road, raffles.com (04 324 8888).
3) Have an early pre-Christmas feast
Can’t wait to get stuck into the turkey? Kids mad for a roast spud? We hear you. And so does the team at the brilliant family-friendly pub Reform Social & Grill.
The chilled-out spot has a three-course festive menu running daily until Christmas Eve (which, parents, is Dhs199 for house beverages and Dhs230 for premium drinks).
A slap-up roast dinner, all the festive feels and a playground for the sprogs to burn off energy at? Sign us up.
From Dhs199. Until Dec 24. Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, reformsocialgrill.ae (04 454 2638).
4) LOL at Magic Phil’s Toyland Express
Magic Phil, a Dubai institution for parents and kids alike, is back for his 12th consecutive year with a big winter show.
The family entertainer is taking audiences on a whimsical adventure on the Toyland Express for this year’s show. Get ready for some laughs.
From Dhs80. Fri Dec 12 to Sun Dec 14. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel Theatre, Umm Suqeim, platinumlist.net.
5) Make a gingerbread house
Whether you pick up the IKEA DIY house (you’d better be quick, as these tend to fly off the shelves) or start from scratch, making a gingerbread house is part and parcel of the Christmas fun in Dubai.
At Sofitel Dubai The Palm, there’s a workshop for little ones to build, decorate and – most importantly, eat – a gingerbread masterpiece this year. Expect colourful sweets, icing and sprinkles to unleash your creative side.
Dhs145 4pm-6pm, various dates in December. Sofitel Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, giftvouchers.sofiteldubaithepalm.com (04 455 6677).
6) Meet Santa in the snow
The jolliest time of year is just around the corner, and if you’re already wondering when you can take the kiddos to see Mr Claus surrounded by real snow, the answer is Ski Dubai.
The indoor ski centre becomes a winter wonderland every year and Santa and his elves will set up shop inside a festive grotto on the slopes. Get ready for hot chocolate on the slopes and a photo op with the man himself.
From Dhs160 per person. Sun Dec 1-Wed Dec 25. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, skidxb.com (04 409 4000).
7) Tuck into an early Crimbo brekkie on the beach
Can’t wait to start the festivities? On Christmas Eve, head to Jones The Grocer on Palm West Beach to enjoy a pre-Christmas feast from its à la carte menu.
Perfect for a festive walk along the beach if you ask us (plus the kids can build sandcastles while you sip a latte – ideal).
Prices vary. Tue Dec 24, 7.30am-1am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, jonesthegrocer.com (054 998 6162).
8) See a classic Christmas ballet
For older kids (and a treat for the parents), the gorgeous Christmas classic The Nutcracker is back at Dubai Opera and we can’t wait to get in the festive mood.
Astana Opera House Ballet Company and Orchestra will be performing, filled with lots of timeless enchantment and music by Russian composer Tchaikovsky. Watch as snowflakes gracefully dance and toy soldiers parade. Click here for more Christmas shows happening in the city.
Prices vary. Thu Dec 18 – Sun Dec 21. Show timings vary. Dubai Opera, dubaiopera.com (04 440 8888).
9) Shop at a festive market
One of Dubai’s most popular Christmas markets is back. Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market is the go-to place to be when you are after a cup of mulled grape, a magical abra ride, plenty of mince pies and Christmas tunes. Ideal for last-minute stocking fillers.
Free. From Fri Dec 5, Mon-Thu from 3pm, Fri-Sun from noon. Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com.
10) Shout at a panto
The annual panto is coming to Jumeirah Beach Hotel Theatre for a run of classic ‘he’s behind you’ laughs and a bit of Christmas magic between Friday December 17 and Monday December 29.
The classic fairy tale will have the usual pumpkin-carriage ride of catchy toe-tapping tunes and a lot of sequined costumes as you help along Cinderella to find her happily-ever-after.
From Dhs100. Fri Dec 17 – Mon Dec 29. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, dubai.platinumlist.net (04 348 0000).
11) Sing Christmas songs at Winter City
Santa and his elves always transform Expo City into Winter City at Christmas. Expect lots of festive fun from a huge tree to carolling and workshops.
Plus from Saturday December 20 until Wednesday December 24 there are Carols by Candlelight with tunes from Firdaus Orchestra and school choirs.
From Dhs150 (includes entry to Winter City). Sat Dec 20- Weds Dec 24, 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Expo City, expocitydubai.com.
12) Visit a Grotto
New Covent Garden is hosting The Grotto this year, so if you want to meet Santa with the sprogs, get ready for some festive fun (and enjoy them trying to get on the nice list in the run-up to the big day).
Situated at the Mall of the Emirates, it’s in the right place for some last-minute Christmas shopping.
Dhs120 (adults), Dhs165 (kids). Fri Dec 6-Sun Jan 5. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thegrotto.me
