The best Christmas events in Dubai are the Bolshoi Ballet's Nutcracker at Dubai Opera (December 4 to 6, 2026), the festive program at Dubai Mall and Burj Park, Christmas at Ski Dubai, Carols by Candlelight, the Festive Market at Madinat Jumeirah and a lavish Christmas Day brunch.
The Bolshoi's first UAE tour, with The Nutcracker.
The Bolshoi Theatre brings Yuri Grigorovich's Nutcracker to Dubai Opera from December 4 to 6, 2026, as part of the opera house's tenth-anniversary season.
A rare chance to see the Moscow company in the Gulf.
Good to know: Book early; these are likely to sell out.
Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE
A giant tree and a festive program under Burj Khalifa.
Dubai Mall raises one of the city's tallest Christmas trees, and Burj Park usually hosts festive shows, Santa meet-and-greets and performances in the second half of December.
Free to visit.
Good to know: Stay for the Dubai Fountain shows in the evening.
1 Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Real snow and Santa inside Mall of the Emirates.
Ski Dubai's indoor slope adds festive activities in December, and Mall of the Emirates puts up a big tree and an illuminated star.
The only white Christmas in town.
Good to know: Book Ski Dubai sessions online in December.
Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, UAE
Carols with an orchestra in the run-up to Christmas.
Carols by Candlelight at Expo City Dubai has featured the Firdaus Orchestra in recent years, with shows in the days before Christmas.
Check the 2026 dates and venue.
Good to know: Bring a light jacket for evenings outdoors.
Expo City Dubai, Expo Road, Dubai, UAE
A legendary festive feast on the Palm.
Atlantis The Palm's restaurants host lavish Christmas Day brunches and dinners, a Dubai tradition among residents.
Book weeks ahead and check the packages.
Good to know: Add a day at Aquaventure for children.
Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Dubai's oldest Catholic church, packed at Christmas.
St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oud Metha holds many Christmas Masses in several languages for its huge congregation.
Arrive early; services overflow into the grounds.
Good to know: Check the parish's schedule closer to Christmas.
Oud Metha Road, Oud Metha, Dubai, UAE
Yes. It isn't a public holiday, but malls and hotels decorate, churches hold services, and Christmas Day brunches are a big tradition among residents.
No. December 25 is a normal working day in the UAE, though many expats take leave. Shops, restaurants and attractions are open.
St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oud Metha and Christ Church Jebel Ali hold Christmas services. Expect large crowds and arrive early.
A long, all-inclusive buffet with drinks packages, held at hotels on Christmas Day. Book weeks in advance.