Back

Lifestyle

Places To Visit And Christmas Markets

24 June 2024 Written by Arpan

While you might not expect to experience a white Christmas in Dubai, the city offers numerous events filled with festive spirit. If you're planning to celebrate Christmas in Dubai, these experiences are a must-see.

4 Best Places To Visit

1. Mall of the Emirates 2. Dubai Opera
3. Peter Pan at Queen Elizabeth 2 4. Cinderella at the Palm
Christmas in Dubai

1. Christmas at Mall of the Emirates

This coming Thursday will mark the official beginning of Christmas celebrations at mall of emirates, the world’s longest indoor ski slope. There will be a tree lighting ceremony that evening along with a parade led by Santa Claus. There will also be art workshops for children, storytime with Mrs. Claus and a chance to visit Santa in his grotto and to take a picture with him for a lasting Christmas memory. You can also find Santa Claus in one of the main atriums of the mall, sitting at the foot of a three-storey Christmas tree where musical performances and other activities will be held in the evenings.

Christmas at Mall of the Emirates

2. Dubai Opera

One of the most prestigious cultural centres in the city will be transforming itself into a winter wonderland for the festive season. Dubai Opera at Downtown Dubai will be hosting a Christmas market for the first half of December, culminating in the Jingle Bell Favourites, a weekend of holiday-themed performances from the London Concert Orchestra Show Band, Capital Voices and other musical acts from London.

Dubai Opera

3. Peter Pan at Queen Elizabeth 2

The boy who never grew up will be flying into Dubai to bring out everyone’s inner child. Taking place aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 docked at Port Rashid, the classic tale of Peter Pan will be presented as a pantomime show with fun for children of all ages. The show will run from the 13th to the 24th of December at 11am and 3pm.

Peter Pan at Queen Elizabeth 2

4. Cinderella at the Palm

The ballroom of Fairmont the Palm Jumairah will be the setting for a fairy tale come to life. Cinderella, one of the most beloved fairy tales, will take place from the 18th to the 27th of December with a pantomime flair to it that includes vibrant costumes, enchanting sets and a little audience interaction that is sure to delight both the young and the young at heart.

Cinderella at the Palm

Christmas Markets In Dubai 2022

1. The Global Village 2. Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
3. St. Regis Winter Garden Market
Christmas in Dubai just isn’t complete without a Christmas market to visit and this year, you will be really spoiled for choice. As we mentioned earlier on the list, Dubai Opera has its own market, along with the always popular Winter Garden Market at Habtoor Palace, the JLT Christmas Market, Winter Wonderland at Queen Elizabeth 2 (hosting a market this Saturday) and what is perhaps the most popular market in Dubai - the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market. And that’s not counting the various other hotels and resorts that will have their own mini markets. There really is no shortage of options when it comes to stocking stuffers.

1. The Global Village

The Global Village
The Global VIllage is a multicultural theme park showcasing tradition and heritage of countries from around the globe. Featuring more than 25 global pavilions, the adventure land has countless cultural shows, carnival rides, street food kiosks, stunt shows, circuses, and the region’s only Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. For Christmas, the adventureland would be adorned in the colours of the festival. Expect to see large, colourful Christmas trees and Santa bringing presents to kids. Global Village would be the ideal destination for kids and adults alike to spend Christmas at.

2. Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market

Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
The Madinat Jumeirah Market is a festive market located in Jumeirah. Every year during December, the venue transforms into a Christmas market with shopping carts, Christmas lights, Santa and jingle bells all around. Like previous years, a large, 35-meter Christmas tree would be erected to take selfies with. Moreover, there would be festive food, wine, gingerbread treats, snow play areas, live music, santa on a sleigh and more.

3. St. Regis Winter Garden Market

St. Regis Winter Garden Market
From the 27th of November to the 26th of December, the massive front garden of the St. Regis Dubai transforms into an enchanting winter market. Get in some last-minute holiday shopping or just spend a cool evening outdoors listening to Christmas carols, sampling festive delicacies and enjoying a lineup of activities for the whole family. The market runs from 5 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and 3 pm to 11 pm on weekends.
Read More:

Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Opera and Queen Elizabeth 2 images courtesy of their respective Facebook pages. Cinderella panto image courtesy of Dubai Pantomime. Christmas market image courtesy of Madinat Jumeirah Facebook page.

About the Author

Arpan

Jason Hayes is the founder of LuxuryProperty.com and is a leading authority on luxury real estate both globally and in Dubai. Taking the Management lead on the Private Client Office, he is internationally recognised for his expertise in high-end property markets.

Have a Question? We're Here to Help