10 Best Things to Do in Dubai at Christmas

Explore the top things to do in Dubai at Christmas 2025, including festive markets, stunning light displays, and memorable celebrations with loved ones. Dubai’s Christmas is all about merry-making, holidays, a cheerful feel, and, of course, exciting activities. Hence, you can spend a day at any of the indoor activity sites, dig into a Christmas dinner, join a festive concert, or spend an evening at the Observation Decks of Burj Khalifa.

Besides, if you are someone who doesn’t want to spend the Christmas holiday on a boring note, then Dubai is the best place to be. Away from wearing the cozy snowflake print joggers or sitting in front of a log fire desperately trying to warm up, the Gulf Tiger will literally make your holidays unforgettable.

Best Things to Do in Dubai at Christmas

Dubai’s weather stays pretty clear on Christmas with fluffy clouds and a clear sky. Therefore, there is less humidity and heat, perfect for a beach vacation or anything else that you want to try. Yes, spending a holiday in Dubai during Christmas might sound unrealistic. However, the festive enthusiasm remains at its peak in the city. Furthermore, tourists from diverse cultures unite here to create picture-perfect holiday memories. Many tourist remain in Dubai after the Xmas to celebrate the Dubai New Year Eve 2025. So, here are the best things to try in Dubai on the 25^th of December night.

1. Spend a few hours at Burj Khalifa

Also known as Burj Dubai, it is the pride of the city due to its noteworthy architecture and height. With a total height of 2722 feet and over 163 floors, it is a mind-blowing attraction to celebrate Christmas Eve. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks 2025 here.

• Book Burj Khalifa tickets and reach the Observation Decks (124^th and 125^th floors) to admire the splendid views of the city.
• Visit during the prime hours to cherish the breathtaking sunset view. Besides, as the evening falls, wait for the entire city to light up on Christmas Eve.
• Dine-in at one of the lavish restaurants in Burj Khalifa- At.Mosphere, The Burj Club, Armani Amal, or Armani Ristorante for a special Christmas dinner with your loved ones.
• Location- 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai
• Timing- Depending on your ticket.

2. Shopping at the Christmas Markets

Christmas holidays are incomplete without shopping at Dubai’s Christmas Eve special markets. Besides, December and January are the times of some of the biggest shopping festivals in Dubai. For example, you can enjoy shopping from any alfresco spot at the Dubai Shopping Festival.

• Therefore, shop your favorite items from the shopping festival for your friends or family.
• Visit the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market and indulge in a fantastic shopping experience.
• Al Habtoor City’s magical Winter Garden brings in full-on entertainment, shopping stalls, and on-the-go food trucks. Hence, expect to have a gala time with your closed ones.

3. Admire a breathtaking sunrise with a Hot air balloon ride

A perfect way to begin December 25^th is by trying the hot air balloon ride in Dubai to enjoy the spectacular sunrise.

• An hour-long flight experience over the city while enjoying the fresh breeze- such a peaceful escape.
• Catch a breathtaking glimpse of the city while drifting through the clouds at least 600 to 1200 meters above the sea.
• You can enjoy a premium hot air balloon flight experience with the one that takes place in the DDCR and includes a gourmet breakfast.
• Location- Al Margham Desert and Atlantis, The Palm.
• Timing- As per availability.

4. A dazzling evening show at the La Perle

The entire city turns on the Christmas mode with decorations and holiday vibes. Besides, various events and shows are scheduled during this time of the month and La Perle Dragone is one of them.

• Attend a show at the La Perle on Christmas Eve and make the evening a memorable one.
• The hypnotic theatre shows for an hour or so will surely leave you mesmerized.
• A mind-blowing performance by over 60 artists. In addition, over 130 people participate in this acrobatic performance.
• Location- Al Habtoor City – 260 Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai
• Timing- As per your ticket

5. Go for a Helicopter ride in Dubai

Do you want to try something thrilling and adventurous on Christmas day? You must try the helicopter ride.

• Take in the enchanting views of the city during the flight. Besides, get an unobstructed view of Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Atlantis.
• The flight will cover the majestic skyscrapers and the artificial islands in the city.
• Participate in this exhilarating activity with your friends or family.
• Location- Dubai Police Academy and Palm Atlantis
• Timing- As per your ticket

6. Plan a visit to the Global Village

The best place to visit on Christmas Eve is definitely the Global Village. It is a perfect family-friendly attraction and is ideal if you want to make your Christmas memorable.

• Explore the 30 pavillions of 75 countries. Besides, learn about the unique traditions and culture of these countries.
• Witness the mind-blowing live performances, entertainment shows, and much more, especially on Christmas Eve.
• Indulge in a lavish shopping experience and delight yourself with the special culinary indulgences of different countries.
• Location- 38C5+F57 – Dubai
• Timing- As per ticket

7. Visit Kidzania with your little ones

The Dubai Mall features a small replica of a city where kids can take up different role plays. These are mostly adult professions- firefighters, car dealers, and more.

• This Christmas Eve let your little ones fulfill their dream of being a doctor, pilot, chef, or anything they want to be at Kidzania.
• With over 80 real-life fun activities, they will develop managerial abilities, communal skills, and much more.
• Location- The Dubai Mall, Second level. Cinema Parking
• Timing- As per your ticket

8. Take a Romantic Ride on Dhow Cruise Marina

This is one of the significant celebration ideas to try in Dubai on Christmas Eve. Riding a traditional dhow, you will be able to take in the awesome views of the city dipped in Christmas Eve lights and celebrations. Therefore, make sure to try this on December 25th night.

• Participate in one of the happening cruise activities in the city. Take in the mesmerizing sights of Dubai’s glamorous lights and popular architecture.
• Treat yourself to the culinary delights served for dinner and refreshments followed by soft beverages.
• Celebrate the 25^th of December night on the cruise while enjoying the live Tanoura dance show.
• Location- Dubai Marina Harbor
• Timing- 30 pm-10.30 pm

9. Ice skiing at Ski Dubai

Spend the winter holidays picture-perfectly at Ski Dubai. This famous attraction turns into a winter wonderland from 1^st December to 25^th December.

• Enjoy the Christmas festivities at Ski Dubai and get the chance to meet Santa Claus.
• Gaze at the majestic 40-feet Christmas tree and enjoy the perfect Christmas carols performed by a live choir.
• Spend a family time watching a Christmas movie at the Theatre in the Snow.
• Location- Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Barsha – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai
• Timing- As per your ticket

10. Spend a thrilling time at the Ferrari World

How about experiencing some thrilling sensations at the Ferrari World on Christmas Eve? It is the world’s first-ever Ferrari-theme amusement park.

• Ride the fastest roller coaster Formula Rossa- the speediest roller coaster in the world.
• Fulfill the challenge while riding the F430- a spider-shaped four-wheeler.
• Location- Yas Island – Abu Dhabi
• Timing- As per your ticket

Final words

So, this was all about cool things to do in Dubai at Christmas. We hope that you already made your Christmas plans for your Dubai holiday. However, if you haven’t already, you can definitely consider visiting any of these above-mentioned places on December 25^th. After all, our sorted list will promise you a picture-perfect Christmas holiday in Dubai with your loved ones.