Feeling festive yet, Mama? You will be after reading our guide to some of the best Christmas events in Dubai! It really is the most wonderful time of the year – so grab your diaries and start jotting down the dates!
Bab Al Shams – Tree Lighting Ceremony
Attending a tree lighting ceremony in the lead-up to Christmas is always magical – and when you add spectacular desert vistas, gingerbread houses, a soundtrack of carols, and a visit from Santa, it definitely gets our vote!
Monday, 5 December, 7-11pm. Free Entry. Bab Al Shams. (+971) (0) 4 809 6194
Bounce – Christmas Jump-er Party
What could be more fun than a bunch of adults jumping around on the trampolines to cheesy festive music? Doing it wearing your favourite Christmas jumper, of course! This party is a late affair, so it’s probably best to leave the littlies at home – and we’re not complaining Mamas, as that means we get to have all the fun!
Friday, 9 December, 8-11pm. 200 AED per ticket. Bounce, Building 32, Street 4B, Al Quoz 1. www.bounce.ae/christmas (+971) (0) 4 321 1400.
Dubai Opera – The Nutcracker on Ice
It doesn’t get much more festive than watching The Nutcracker live on stage, Mamas – and this rendition on ice at Dubai Opera definitely won’t disappoint.
Tuesday, 6 December – Saturday, 10 December, 3pm, 4pm, and 7.30pm shows available. From 250 AED per ticket. Dubai Opera, Downtown. Buy tickets online at www.dubaiopera.com
Dubai Opera – Jingle On Down
What better way to get into the mood than by belting out a few festive tunes?! Take the whole fam for a Christmas carol sing-a-long with a difference, in the stunning Dubai Opera setting, where the London Concert Orchestra Show Band conducted by Pete Harrison and including Capital Voices Choir and West End soloists, Laura Tebbutt & Matt Little will perform all of the classics. Time to get those sleigh bells ringing.
Tuesday, 13 December and Wednesday, 14 December, 3pm (on the 13th) and 3pm and 8pm (on the 14th).
From 250 AED per ticket. Dubai Opera, Downtown. Buy tickets online at www.dubaiopera.com
Madinat Jumeirah – Festive Market
Spread across 1,750 square metres, Madinat Jumeirah’s winter wonderland returns once again this year to delight adults and littlies with snow ball fights, a North Pole train, gingerbread house decorating, and much more.
Saturday, 17 – Tuesday, 27 December, 3pm-1am (weekdays), 12pm-1am (weekends). Free entry. Madinat Jumeirah. www.jumeirah.com/en/offers/jumeirah-festive/
Manzil Downtown – Gingerbread House Decorating
Like the idea of making and decorating gingerbread houses with the brood, but not got the culinary prowess? We’re with you Mama, which is why we’re planning to take our little ones along to this class at Manzil Downtown!
Friday, 9 December & Saturday, 10 December, 10am-1pm or 3pm to 6pm. 125 AED per person. Meeting Rooms, Mezzanine Level, Manzil Downtown. (+971) (0) 4 888 3444
Media City Amphitheatre – Dubai Winter Festival
Now in its fifth year, this fabulously festive event is set to return to Media City on 8th December. Take along the kiddos to ignite some Christmas spirit, with Santa’s Grotto, a Winter Market, Christmas Tree Lighting and much more!
Thursday, 8 December – Saturday, 10 December, 4-10pm. From 40 AED per ticket. Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. www.dubaiwinterfestival.com/tickets/
Pullman, JLT – Santa Saturdays
Take the whole fam to this festive-themed brunch at Pullman, JLT – and expect a visit from the man in red! The brunch is running every Saturday until Saturday, 17 December – and there are some brilliant discounts on the usual packages, meaning you can celebrate for less!
Every Saturday until Saturday, 17 December. 110 AED per adult (soft drinks) or 235 AED (house beverages); 55 AED per child (6-12 years old); Free (kids under 6 years). (+971) (0) 4 567 1100.
West 14th Festive Movie Screenings Under The Stars & Christmas Tree Lighting
Splashing about in a beautiful pool before watching a Christmassy movie under the stars? Yes please! West 14th are hosting kids films and a splash around every week – getting more and more festive as we head towards the big day itself! Catch Elf and Miracle on 34th Street on Thursday, 22 December, Polar Express and Fred Claus on Friday, 23 December and Home Alone and Love Actually on Christmas Eve – we love!! They’ll also be offering kids activities and a tree lighting party complete with kiddie buffet to kick-off their festive fun.
For movie times and details visit www.west14th.ae
Christmas tree lighting and activities, 6 December 5pm onwards, free entry, kids activities and buffet AED 99 (under 5’s go free).
Ho-ho-hope you’re feeling festive and ready to have some fun now mamas!