Best things to do over Christmas in Dubai

Maison Mathis Arabian Ranches will be throwing a series of events for people to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit. It all kicks off on Saturday 1 December, where you can get together around the Christmas tree along with complimentary mulled grape, mince pies and festive entertainment. Every Tuesday in December, you can listen to carol singers performing between 3-6pm. On 5, 12, and 9 December, from 3-6pm, children will be able to meet Santa at Maison Mathis, where they can get a photo with him as well as a present. In addition, from 20-31 December from 9-11am, you can get a chance to decorate some delicious gingerbread cookies. Be sure to head to Maison Mathis with friends and family on 23 and 25 December for a Christmas brunch, with live cooking stations featuring all the festive favourites. Indulge in a sumptuous roast dinner on Boxing Day, from 12pm onwards.

Reform Social & Grill Dubai is the city's first true British gastropub and family friendly restaurant based on one of London's most vibrant venues. Located in The Lakes, Emirates Living District, this hot spot features a restaurant, bar and idyllic garden with a lakeside setting. Head there for a festive feast, where they will be hosting a four-course Christmas brunch which offers a traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, followed by mince pies, a yule log and a cheese board. 

Don’t miss the traditional Christmas tree lighting at The Irish Village, with two choirs performing carols on Monday December 3 at the popular bar in Garhoud. Mulled grape and home-baked mince pies will be served to the crowd during the switch-on from 7pm to 10pm. Families are encouraged to bring along their children for the festive experience!

The Irish Village will also be running its ‘12 Days To Christmas countdown’, with a three-course meal available from 12 noon until 11pm every day. Indulge in a festive buffet laden with traditional Christmas goodies, carvery, turkey and trimmings and lots more. 

Enjoy a magical weekend of festive fun at the popular Dubai Winter Festival, taking place from 6-9 December at the Dubai Media Amphitheatre. Now in its 6^th year, the Dubai Winter Festival is the largest and most enjoyable weekend of festivities in the United Arab Emirates, boasting everything you could possibly love about Christmas in one place. Head to Santa’s grotto, watch the tree lighting ceremony, have a snowball fight, shop at the winter market, build a snowman and enjoy the incredible live performances. Dance away to all your favourite Christmas songs and admire the magical snow falling every hour in this winter wonderland. 

Dubai Parks is the Middle East’s largest integrated leisure and theme park destination located on Sheikh Zayed road in Dubai. Dubai Parks  are certainly getting into the Christmas and New Year’s spirit this year. Don’t miss the incredible fireworks by The River; an event that will take place on every Friday in December. Riverland Dubai is all set to light up as the sky as night time approaches, and you can watch this spectacular show from one of the 40 restaurants and shops in the complex. The whole of Dubai Parks will glitter with white like a magical Christmas wonderland, so it is a must-visit for all the festive fanatics. 

Fancy wining and dining in the world’s tallest skyscraper? Indulge in a festive experience at Dubai’s iconic restaurant, Atmosphere, and enjoy a seven and five course menu filled with decadent delights. Treat yourself to a magnificent gourmet festive menu featuring Foie Gras Au Torchon with smoked eel and apple, obsiblue tartare with caviar, bergamot and kaffir lime, dover sole with crayfish and guanaja chocolate paired with passion fruit for dessert. If that were not enough, enjoy the live music and spectacular views of Downtown Dubai amidst the most exclusive of dinner settings. 

Have you ever wanted to come face-to-face with your footballing heroes? Well here’s your chance… This Christmas, the Question of Sport event on December 7 is offering you the opportunity to meet some of your favourite footballing stars, including Irish legend Robbie Keane, and former England player Teddy Sheringham. The event promises a festive evening with six sporting personalities, so there will be even more names to add to this brilliant line-up of players. Fans will get a Christmas buffet and three hours of houses beverages while a DJ blasts out popular tunes.