FESTIVITIES IN THE SUN
Celebrate under the stars at Sonara Desert Camp – Sonara Desert Camp is offering guests a desert Christmas experience on the 24th and 25th of December with packages including a special celebration menu, signature sunset activities such as camel rides, alongside gingerbread house decorating, Christmas cookie decorating and more. Experience boho desert chic this winter by spending the weekend under the sparkling night sky in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Guests can enjoy a spectacular sunset, followed by fine dining dishes served under glittering fairy lights. The experience is accompanied by live entertainment and musical performances under the stars. Guests can either visit for the evening, or stay overnight and encounter the sun rising over the sweeping desert landscape.
Refined luxury at Al Maha – This out-of-the-box seasonal celebration is the perfect way to unwind with their Timeless Spa, Arabian Desert Nature Walks and Bedouin packages for a festive season away from the city lights. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, provides a blend of tradition and sophistication, with unparalleled desert views and exceptional service for a unique festive experience. With 42 elegantly appointed suites, each with their own private pool blending seamlessly into the desert dunes, guests will have the chance to spot free roaming wildlife including the Arabian Oryx and Arabian Gazelle, whilst enjoying locally inspired and international cuisine.
ACTIVITY
Winter Garden at Habtoor City – Seasonal celebrations take place throughout the festive period at Habtoor Palace’s annual Winter Garden. The destination transforms into a festive hotspot with pop-up shops and a whole host of exciting activities to be enjoyed by the whole family, along with live entertainment, food stalls and a range of fun-filled attractions.
Winterfest at Dubai Media City – Dubai Media City Amphitheatre will host Media City’s first-ever seasonal market, alongside sports season celebrations from 6 December. The festivities include daily yule-tide experiences including a festive market, Santa’s grotto and much more.
Christmas at Ski Dubai – Visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds and enjoy the sunshine in the morning before heading to a magical festive wonderland at Ski Dubai. With their very own mini winter wonderland, as well as Santa’s Grotto, guests of all ages can enjoy this wonderful experience from 21 to 25 December.
The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera – The cultural hub in Downtown Dubai will be hosting an enchanting interpretation of The Nutcracker, taking guests on a journey through time during this elegant and festive show. Visitors enjoy Tchaikovsky compositions including Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and The Waltz of the Flowers, from 16 to 17 December.
Elf The Musical, The Theatre at Mall of Emirates – Elf the musical will take to the stage in Dubai this December, arriving from London’s West End. The show is based on the beloved holiday film and will see Buddy the Elf experience magic and adventure during the festive season. The captivating show will be full of fun and laughs for families and friends from 17 to 24 December
FESTIVE FEASTS
The Address Beach Resort – The Address Beach Resort is offering guests the chance to indulge in a festive turkey and all the trimmings on December 25th with some of the most wholesome culinary delights to welcome the jolliest season of the year. There will be a soulful choir and an appearance from Santa Claus, offering a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy on Christmas day.
CÉ LA VI – Spend the season enjoying breathtaking city views from the 54th floor of Address Sky View at CÉ LA VI. Serving contemporary cuisine, this Downtown spot is popular with visitors and residents alike and will put on an indulgent spread of seasonal treats including roast turkey, cornbread chicken sausage, and confit turkey tart finished with a cranberry glaze.
Christmas Day at Basko – Those seeking an alfresco festive lunch can head to Basko’s wraparound terrace at the 1960-inspired Mediterranean restaurant located at The Opus Hotel, Business Bay. A live band will be playing festive favourites while guests enjoy a decadent menu including foie gras au torchon, onion and raspberry jam, toasted brioche, black truffle pasta, mini-gigot, panettone and pavlova.
Phileas Fogg’s – With family fun and an outdoor terrace overlooking the city, this child friendly destination will offer a six-course festive menu. Marvel at the giant tree and singalong to festive classics with the live band, before Santa Claus makes an appearance.
SEASONAL STAYS
Bask in the winter sun at W Mina Seyahi – The recently opened W, Mina Seyahi, offers views over the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. Guests can catch the New Year’s Eve firework displays across the city with views over Bluewaters Island and Atlantis, The Palm. Located a short distance from Dubai Harbour, JBR and Dubai Marina, the resort is home to 318 contemporary rooms and is a great base for exploring the neighbourhood before heading back for chilled party vibes. Guests can welcome celebrate the festive season with a special roast dinner, children’s entertainment and a special appearance from Mrs. Claus.
