Just a few months are remaining for that BIG festival – Christmas. It’s that time of the year when whole cities and towns light up as bright as the sun, everyone from a toddler to an old person is decked up in their finest clothes, lots of delicious food being served everywhere – all bringing together an incredible spirit of love, cheer, and bonhomie.
But how about experiencing Christmas somewhere that’s not really relatable (according to you) with Christmas? How about spending Christmas in Dubai?
Yes, you heard that right. You might be in Dubai during the festive season, far away from your home in the US or Europe. Or you might be a traveler from any other part of the world who happens to travel to Dubai during the Christmas season. In every way, spending Christmas in Dubai can be a richly rewarding experience.
Let us take you through 11 things that you can do in Dubai during Christmas – and have the time of your life!
Visit the Christmas Markets
Start the buildup to the festive season with some serious shopping. During Christmas, a large number of markets open up across the city. The Habtoor Palace Winter Garden is a fabulous place for Christmas shopping; so is the Maker’s Market at the City Land Mall. Also, don’t miss the Umm Suqeim Academy Park’s weekend festive markets and the one at the Golden Mile Galleria. You can buy unusual yet attractive gifts for your near & dear ones from here.
Dubai Global Village
As the name suggests, Dubai Global Village is a melting pot of cultures and traditions from all over the world. In fact, it’s a mini world in itself! What better place could there be to celebrate the world’s biggest festival? The massive Christmas tree here, decked up in the finest of lights and colors, offers fantastic photo apps. Grab the Dubai Global Village at 20% discount price here. Check out the Mini Festive Market here for some tit-bits. Sing along with the “singing Santa” at the Arabian Square. And feel at one with the spirit of the season.
Frolic at Ski Dubai
Missing the snowy slopes and roads of your hometown during Christmas? Enter Ski Dubai at Dubai Mall – and you would feel you are back home, amidst all that snow. Get up close with Santa here and share some nice stories with him. Watch a movie in the snow, go skiing, or simply enjoy the music with a cup of steaming hot coffee or hot chocolate.
Visit Burj Al Arab
The landmark Dubai building, the dhow-shaped Burj Al Arab, is the place to be this Christmas. The huge Christmas tree, shimmering with lights, would welcome you to the 7-star property. You can always hire a guided tour for Burj Al Arab with 25% discount. Then, you can choose to take a helicopter tour of Dubai from the hotel’s own helipad and view the glowing city from up above. Or, fill yourself up with the Christmas brunch or dinner with some of the most lip-smacking cuisines from around the world.
Overnight Desert Safari
This is a not-to-be-missed experience in Dubai – more so during Christmas. Head out for the glowing Arabian desert in the late afternoon in a deluxe SUV and indulge in some pulsating dune bashing in the sands. You might also choose to go for a more sedate camel ride or book a private desert safari itself. Come back to the tent, help yourself to some refreshments, and relax under the starry night sky. And then, a sumptuous multi-course dinner awaits you – followed by some exciting belly dance, fire show, and shisha.
Visit KidZania
This is a “city within a city,” meant for kids to have fun & frolic around. Located inside the Dubai Mall, this is a model city, recreated to the minutest detail. Your little one can assume the role of a policeman, firefighter, businessman, and so much more. Surprise the kids with Kidzania Ticket with 20% discount. Let them play-act the professions of adults – with all the seriousness while having immense fun. This is as realistic as it can get for them.
Dhow Cruise Dinner
The brilliant Dubai Marina welcomes you with its Dhow Cruise dinner feast – a must-visit in Dubai. Hop into a typical traditional dhow – An Arabian boat – but one that’s equipped with every modern facility. Sail along the picturesque Dubai Marina, with the tranquil waves gently lapping against the dhow. Watch the brilliantly-lit Dubai float past your eyes. End the evening with a spectacular multi-course meal containing local & global cuisine – and of course, the Christmas special roasted turkey!
Christmas Yacht Party
Are you looking for some privacy with your near & dear ones while having a Christmas party? Well, you have the choice of exclusivity as well. Hire a private yacht and enjoy it with your friends or family. The yacht will sail along the gulf with the magnificent background of the glowing Dubai – while you enjoy the view, shake a leg, or sing along with the music. Let the chef also cook a customized and personalized meal for you. You will remember this exclusive yacht Christmas party throughout your life.
A Beach Picnic
The various beautiful beaches of Dubai are the perfect places for a nice picnic with your friends and family. Among the most popular destinations is the Beach Canteen near the Sunset Mall. The many eating joints here serve some of the most delectable burgers, steaks, fries, and sweets. Even the vegans would be spoilt for choices here. Fill yourself up to the brim with the delicious food as you relax on the beach while the kids have fun at the kid zone.
Get a Gold Spa
Yes, it’s actually a gold spa. Head for the Versace Spa at the Palazzo Versace Dubai. The Golden Opulence Ritual here is all about pampering yourself with a 24-carat Gold Foot Ritual and a gold hot stone massage. You would also be given a gold body oil massage and be wrapped in gold leaves as well. Nothing could get more majestic than this! It’s the perfect way to recharge yourself in the festive season.
Burj Khalifa
A visit to Dubai – whichever time of the year it might be – is incomplete without a visit to the tallest building in the world. Head right up to the Sky Views Dubai and take a walk along the Sky Edge Walk. At so high up in the year, this activity would put your nerves to the test. But if you can brave it, you would be rewarded with the most magnificent views of Christmas-time Dubai – and the countryside beyond the city. This is surely the icing on the cake as far as Christmas activities in Dubai are concerned.
