Christmas events and activities in Dubai 2022 🎅🎄🎁

It's the most beautiful time of the year in Dubai! Our long-awaited list of christmas events includes christmas markets, events and shows. Unless specified, the entrance is free as known to the author. Dates and timings may change so please make sure to refer to the official websites and social media pages of the cited venues for more information.

Dubai Expo City

Until January 8.

Winter City in Dubai Expo City is not only one of the best christmas activations in town, it also brings back beautiful expo memories. Entrance to the Expo City site is free and so are many activities such as the Expo Explorer train, the Water feature or playgrounds.

Until January 8, Winter City features a christmas market, Santa or Mrs Claus meet&greets, a giant letterbox for letters to Santa, parades and a snow show under the dome. Additional paid activities can be booked on-site. For specific show timings, please refer to the daily schedule published on Expo City's Instagram page. The tree lighting ceremony is on December 9 at 6 pm on Al Wasl Plaza. As a general rule, the best parking to access Winter City is the Jubilee Parking. It is also free of charge. More info can be found here.

Winter Wonderland in Townsquare

Every weekend from December 10 to January 1, 4-8 pm.

One of the most epic christmas events returns this year! Entry is free, selected activities are paid. Get a sneak peak with last year's report. The official tree lighting ceremony is on December 10 at 6 pm.

Find the detailed schedule here.

Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market 

December 15 to December 30, Mon to Thurs 3 pm – Late, Fri to Sun 12 pm – Late.

Maybe our favourite after all. Madinat Jumeirah's market is unique and we can't wait to explore the 2022 edition! More info here.

Habtoor Palace Winter Garden

Until December 31, daily from 4 pm - 12 am.

Also a returning event- Habtoor Palace Winter Garden is on until December 31st. Entrance costs 25 dhs but is fully redeemable on food and entertainment. More info here.



Bluewaters - Santa's Secret Island

December 10-29, 12 pm - 10 pm daily.

Santa's Secret Island is back at The Wharf! Expect festive vibes, Santa's Grotto, kids' workshops and a giant letterbox, snow play and other activities. Find the official announcement here. Bluewaters is a long-time kids' favourite anyways and we hope parking will remain free over the festive season.

Ski Dubai Winter Wonderland

Until December 25, Mon to Thu 10 am - 11 pm, Fri 10 am - 12 am.

Another classic, not free but memorable and well worth mentioning. Get into thermal gear and walk up the slopes to Santa's village inside Ski Dubai. Take a picture with Santa and his elves, receive a little gift and warm up with a hot chocolate. Prices start at 125 dhs. Find more info here and check out our visit last year.

Winter Tales at Dubai Festival City Mall

December 8 - 28, weekdays 4pm - 10pm; weekends 4pm - 12am.

The cute winter fest on Dubai Festival City Mall's waterfront is back! Explore the Snow Globe Village, visit Santa's grotto, write letters to Santa and watch the Imagine show with fireworks. Activities from 25 dhs. More info here.

Winter Wonderland in Global Village

December 6 to January 8, 4 pm-1 am.

Can you believe it's Global Village's 27th season? As usual, expect some holiday vibes with decorations and christmas themed shows. More info here.

Winter in Wonderland at Me'aisem City Centre

Until February 15, weekdays 4pm - 12am ; weekends 12pm - 12am.

The play area on City Centre Me'aisem's parking is back! Entry is free but fun rides and other activities are paid. More info here.

Celebration Around the World at Wafi City

December 8 - 24, 8:30 am - 9:30 pm.

Another Dubai classic! Opening ceremony and tree lighting with Kris Fade on December 8, 6 pm-7:30 pm. Christmas displays from different countries. Santa's Grotto tickets cost 65 dhs and give access to the Elves' playground, toy factory and of course a Meet&Greet with Santa with a souvenir picture. More info here.

Santa at Deira City Centre and Mall of the Emirates

Until December 31.

In Deira City Centre, visitors will be able to meet&greet Santa near the metro link. He will also roam around and hand out goodie bags. If you miss him, customer service desks will have some sweets at hand.

In Mall of the Emirates, Santa will park his sleigh in the Fashion Dome (GF) and at the entrance of Ski Dubai. It's unclear if he will be around though, or if you will only be able to meet him inside Ski Dubai. Read the official announcement here.

Winter Nights at JBR and jingle all the way to The Beach

9th - 25th December , Friday, Saturday & Sunday. 4pm - 10pm.

This festive season, jingle all the way to The Beach Dubai and snap a picture with Santa and be ready to be amused every night with themed movie and mobile entertainment at JBR. Special note: movies are free every Friday & Saturday at 7pm. See you at The Beach! More infor here.

Ripe Market’s Festive Market & Winter Wonderland

December 3 to January 1, Sat 9 am to 9 pm and Sun 9 am to 7 pm.

Ripe Market at Dubai Police Academy needs no introduction. Entrance costs 5 dhs for adults and children under 12 enter for free. Ripe Market is one of our favourite hangouts during weekends, and until Christmas, it is all festive with a Christmas tree, Santa’s Grotto and christmas themed activities. Beware though as paid activities add up quickly. The cheapest way to visit is to have a picnic on the lawn while letting the children enjoy the free playground, or grab a coffee and a quick bite at one of the many food stalls. More info here.

Ripe Market's Al Barari Winter Wonderland

December 10 to 25, weekends 4-9 pm, weekends 1-9 pm.

A smaller version of Ripe Market is also taking place in Al Barari. Entrance costs 20 dhs and activities are additionally paid.

McGettigan's WinterFest

Until December 24, from 3 pm on weekdays and 10 am on weekends.

If you can't decide whether you want to host a football fan zone or a christmas market... why not do both? is probably what the organizers had in mind here! Access to this huge WinterFest costs 50 dhs and is fully redeemable on activities and F&B. Expect food stalls, christmas activities, a roller rink by Roll DXB , Santa Meet&Greet, snow fights and more. More info here.

Souk Al Bahar -Time Out Festive Market 

December 5 to January 5, Mon to Wed 12 pm - 12 am, Thu to Fri 12 pm – 1 am.

Time Out Market in Dubai Mall celebrates the festive season with a range of 30 new dishes, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas trees as well as live entertainment on Thursday evenings and on Tuesday 28 December.

Aurora in Ibn Batuta Mall

December 15 to January 1 at India Court, daily 2 pm-10 pm.

To be honest we don't know what to expect here but an immersive mirror experience definitely sounds promising. Find the official announcement here.

Winter Makers Festival

Until January 3, daily 10 am-10 pm.

Al Ghurair Centre celebrates the fesetive season with a month-long Winter Makers Festival featuring local handmade products, festive food and more. More information here.

Marriott Al Jaddaf's Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 8, 6:30-9 pm.

Witness the Tree Lighting Ceremony in the lobby of Marriott Al Jaddaf and listen to Christmas Carols by Gems Royal Dubai Students.

Christmas disco with DJ Nads

December 9, 4-6 pm.

A disco party is coming to Damac Hills on Friday the 9th of December! Entry is free of charge.

Fontana Festive Edition

From December 9.

A revisited programme with singers, nutcracker soldiers and a saxophonist awaits this season. Book tickets here.

DFC Santa Run

December 10, from 6 am.

Probably one of the most iconic runs in Dubai! Includes Santa meet & greet, finisher Medal, best costume prize, finisher certificate, Santa hat, beard, shirt and bag, Each adult registered can bring their child to run for free. Registration costs 125dhs. More info here.

Snow Bells Exhibition by JA Events

December 10, 10 am-10 pm.

An Exhibition sale at the Holiday International Hotel in Bur Dubai with activities and competitions. Find the official announcement here.

Theatre by QE2 - Magic Phil's Starlight Safari

December 10, 11 am & 3pm, December 11, 11am.

Lots of silliness, festive songs, magic tricks and non-stop audience interaction from start to finish. Tickets from 75dhs. More info here.

Holiday Workshops at Woo-hoo!

December 10 to 24, timings vary.

The popular indoor playground has a range of christmas themed workshops available to book on their website, from tree ornament painting to christmas tree rainbow science experiments. Tickets from 60 dhs for one child and one adult. Book here.

Free Gingerbread Classes by OFC

December 14 and 17, 10:30 am.

Organic Foods and Cafe in Cityland Mall is offering two free ginger bread making classes for children. To book your spot, what'sapp 056 4554495.

Theatre by QE2 - The Snow Queen

December 16-26.

One of Christian Andersen's most famous tales, in the theater of QE2. Book tickets here.

Dubai Opera - The Nutcracker

December 16 and 17, 8 pm.

Tchaikovsky’s all-time Christmas favourite The Nutracker returns with the Moscow Ballet “La Classique". More info here.

The Theatre - Mall of
the Emirates - Elf The Musical

December 17 to December 24, Mon, Wed & Thursday 3 pm & 7 pm, Fri 11 am & 7 pm, Sat & Sun 11 am & 3 pm.

A must-see musical based on the holiday movie. Tickets from 150dhs. More info here.

Alliance Française Dubai - Candlelight Christmas Concert

December 17 and December 18, 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm.

A piano concert with Christmas classics. Tickets from 150dhs. More info here.

Dubai Opera - The Sound of Christmas

December 21 and December 22, at 8 pm.

A concert by Dubai Opera Big Band with 25 of the very best Jazz musicians in the UAE and GCC, complimentary father Christmas hat, welcome glass of Christmas beverages. Tickets from 215 dhs. More info here.

Escape Hunt - A Christmas Story

Daily from 12 pm – 9 pm.

Escape Hunt in The Galleria Mall is hosting A Christmas-themed virtual reality game for 2 to 4 players, from 140 dhs. More info here.

Sea Wonder at Nakheel Mall

14 December to 29 January.

Journey underwater this festive season at Nakheel Mall. There will be plenty of events such as, Festive Parade, Santa meet and greet, kids workshop and edible snow station awaits you. More info here.

Enjoy the festive season and lots of love xx

Selma and Susan