How To Celebrate Christmas In Dubai
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THE STAYCAY:
Bab Al Shams
Less than an hour away from central Dubai is Bab Al Shams, a unique desert resort offering a blend of Middle Eastern culture and a luxurious stay. Featuring contemporary rooms and suites with modernist architecture, many come with views of the desert or courtyard gardens. Guests can also enjoy a range of entertainment experiences and food on site. Al Hadheerah offers a theatrical open-air dining experience under the stars, while there are also tranquil pools, a serene spa and desert adventures like hot-air ballooning, horseback riding, camel treks, and nature tours to Al Marmoom to enjoy. Over Christmas, the resort is putting on the ‘12 Days Of Festive’ which includes experiences such as a Festive Afternoon Tea, Gingerbread House Making, Christmas Eve Dinner, Christmas Day Lunch and more up until the new year.
Al Qudra Road, Dubai
Visit BabAlShams.com
THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY:
Burjal Arab, Jumeriah
Want to capture stunning photos of the Burj Al Arab fireworks? Great vantage points include Black Palace Beach, Kite Beach, Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim Park. Offering excellent views of the iconic building against the backdrop of the festive show, it’s free for the public to watch.
Jumeirah St; Dubai, 25th December, 8:30pm
Visit Jumeirah.com
THE BRUNCH:
Amazónico
Amazónico's Jungle Bell Brunch returns on 25th December from 12pm-4pm. Combining signature dishes with Latin American-inspired Christmas classics, alongside festive cocktails, live entertainment and DJ sets, it promises to be a Christmas Day with a difference. The menu features plenty of reinvented festive favourites, including pulled veal on crispy plantains and roast turkey breast with potato purée and quinoa. Conclude the celebrations with Turron de Navidad, a Latin American nougat with mixed nuts or the creamy Flan de Dulce de Leche. After 4pm, the merriment continues at the Paraiso Rooftop Club.
Jungle Bell Brunch, DIFC
Visit Amazonico.ae
THE CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH:
Drift Beach
Celebrate Christmas Day at DRIFT with a beachside feast and live entertainment courtesy of the Christmas Cabaret show. The festive à la carte menu features starters like roasted white shrimp and three-cheese stuffed ravioli, followed by slow-cooked foie gras, apple-mango chutney and toasted brioche. Then, choose from mains like poached turbo with crunchy vegetables or roasted duck breast glazed with honey and spices, with vegetarian options including house-made gnocchi with truffle and wild mushrooms. Finish with poached pear with gingerbread and chestnut ice cream or the traditional La Bûche de Noël yule log.
One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai
Visit DRIFTBeachDubai.com
THE SHOW:
The Nutcracker
This December, Dubai Opera is putting on Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet, performed by the Kazakhstan Ballet Theatre and State Opera Orchestra of Astana. This production promises a magical journey through snowflakes, toy soldiers and enchanting realms, bringing together graceful choreography and resounding melodies. Experience the magic and spirit of the season, with tickets starting from AED 300.
Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd; 15th-17th December
Visit DubaiOpera.com
THE CHRISTMAS FAIR:
Expo Winter City
Step into the magic of Christmas with Expo City Dubai’s festive extravaganza. Santa’s Grotto is free and dog-friendly, while some activities and workshops are ticketed, so booking in advance is advised. Al Wasl Plaza will transform into a whimsical landscape where kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, snap photos with giant gingerbread men, sing festive tunes with a toy soldier band, take a spin on an ice-skating rink and send letters to the North Pole. Suitable for all ages.
Expo City Dubai, Al Wasl Avenue; 15th December 2023–14th January 2024
Visit ExpoCityDubai.com
@THECITRONELLECLUB
THE GIRLS’ NIGHT:
The Citronelle Club
If you’re looking for a night out during the festive period, The Citronelle Club has recently launched its Ladies Night – Nüshi Soiree, an event that’s designed to fuse the bold flavours of Southeast Asia and China but with a French twist. This premium sharing-style dining experience, designed to reflect cultural values, occurs every Thursday. Priced at AED 120, the evening includes a delicious dim sum basket and three tea-infused cocktails based on the Asian Jing Tea selection.
SO/ Uptown Dubai, Uptown Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers
Follow @TheCintronelleClub
THE WINTER WONDERLAND:
Santa & Snowpark
Have you ever wanted to visit Santa at the North Pole? With real snowfall and icy temperatures guaranteed, Ski Dubai is hosting a winter wonderland where you, your friends and your family can meet and take photos with Santa himself. Tickets include one-time access to the Snow Park, as well as unlimited Snow Park rides such as Zorb Ball, Bobsled, Tubing Run, Bumper Cars, Climbing Wall, Snow Plough Playground, and Sliding Hill.
Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Barsha, Dubai
Visit SkiDXB.com
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