The best Christmas markets, festive events and winter activities in Dubai

If you're looking play in the snow, make your way to Ski Dubai where you can also meet Santa to make your wishes come true. Spend the day sliding down Ski Dubai's thrilling slopes, say hello to the resident penguins, brave the rides at the Snow Park and don't forget to sip your hot chocolate afterwards at the Alpine-inspired cafe. The highlight has to be a visit to Santa's Grotto – but check timings, as he takes breaks to go and feed his reindeers too! For more holiday adventures, head to Santa's Grotto at Dubai Ice Rink, where you can enjoy Snow Park rides like Zorb Ball, Bobsled and Tubing Run, have breakfast at North 28 with Papa Noel and obviously meet and snap a picture with Santa Claus and his cheerful elves.

December delights with a particularly whimsical tune when it comes to live entertainment. From The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera to Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Zabeel Theatre, little ones will have a merry time at these enchanting productions. Everyone's favourite entertainer Magic Phil will also return to take you on a festive ride with his show Toyland Express at Theatre by QE2. There's plenty to enjoy this season and lot more announcements coming soon, so stay up to date with Dubai Calendar.

There's lots to savour across the city, so ask your hotel concierge for festive dining options near you. To get into the festive spirit ahead of time, make your way to AURA Skypool's Movie in the Sky experience on 12 December, where you can watch a classic festive movie wrapped up in cashmere pashminas and tucking into a 'movie bento box'. Make the Christmas weekend one to remember at SLS Dubai, where you can pick from a Christmas roast lunch or dinner at Carna, a festive afternoon tea from 6 to 30 December at S Bar and a Jingle Splash Pool Party at Privilege on 21 December. Christmas Eve dinner options around the city include a special menu at one Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic, Italian eats at Scalini and a multi-sensory dining experience at Jara by Martin Berasategui. Other popular hotspots serving up a delectable festive spread include Papas Dubai, STK JBR, Tamoka Dubai, Asil at Rixos Premium JBR and Armani/Ristorante. And if you are looking for a fabulous day feast, browse through our ultimate Christmas brunch guide.

Visitors in December can admire the richly-decorated trees and themed centrepieces that pop up across Dubai’s leading malls, hotels and top attractions, with several tree-lighting ceremonies to keep an eye on. Some of the most popular highlights include Mall of the Emirates' Fashion Dome, where shimmering baubles and a festive glow inspire shopping sprees with the family. Another favourite with residents is Dubai Festival City Mall, which has put up a sparkling display complete with a Santa's grotto. Meanwhile, Galeries Lafayette at Dubai Mall is putting on a fairytale festive display all month long, which is sure to delight shoppers.

This is the season when some of the emirate's best winter-only experiences relaunch. Global Village, a multicultural family entertainment destination, is a fantastic place to explore handcrafted gifts and souvenirs from around the world. Discover items such as Turkish stained glass lanterns, colourful embroidered purses from India and intricate jewellery from artisans across Europe. Dubai Miracle Garden is also in full bloom until spring. The park presents an array of famous buildings and structures in the form of colourful floral displays, which make for wonderful photo opportunities with a special Smurfs display for this edition. Dubai is also set to host unmissable New Year's Eve celebrations, so read our guide of the best things to do and ring in 2025 in style.