Get ready to embrace the magic of Christmas 2025 in the UAE, where festive lights, bustling markets, dazzling performances, and luxurious yacht cruises turn December into a month-long celebration. From cozy family outings to extravagant Dubai experiences, the season promises unforgettable memories for everyone.
Why Christmas 2025 in the UAE Will Be One of the Most Memorable Seasons
The UAE has always embraced global traditions with an open, multicultural spirit, and Christmas 2025 UAE is shaping up to be one of the most festive seasons on record. With early event announcements, expanded winter attractions, new concert experiences, and the Dubai Shopping Festival happening around the same time, the entire month of December transforms into a vibrant winter celebration.
And because millions of residents and visitors travel across the country during this season, many prefer exploring the UAE by car. For helpful travel planning, especially during peak festive weeks, knowing the tips for a smooth car rental is a good starting point for holiday.
What Day Does Christmas Fall in 2025?
Before planning your celebrations, here’s the key detail everyone searches for:
- Christmas Day 2025 falls on a Thursday, December 25, 2025.
- It is not a public holiday in the UAE, as confirmed by 2025 updates.
That means malls, attractions, and events remain open, offering even more flexibility for Christmas dining, shopping, and festive activities.
Dubai’s Festive Calendar for Christmas 2025
Dubai has already confirmed several major events for the Christmas 2025 season, creating a citywide winter wonderland across iconic destinations.
Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market — Dec 5 to 31
This waterside market remains one of Dubai’s most iconic festive attractions. The 2025 edition features a 36-foot Christmas tree, a 1,750 sq m market layout, abra rides with Santa, live music, and artisanal stalls.
Winter City at Expo City Dubai — Dec 6 to 31
Al Wasl Plaza transforms into a winter-themed festival with snowfall effects, workshops, tree lighting ceremonies, and immersive projection shows. The atmosphere here is futuristic and festive at the same time.
Winter District, Jumeirah Emirates Towers — Dec 13 to 28
Located near the Museum of the Future, this winter village brings entertainment for families — themed installations, festive food kiosks, Santa meet-and-greets, and live performances.
Community Concerts and Theater Experiences
Zabeel Theatre, community choirs, and bilingual storytelling sessions (Arabic and English) add a cultural touch to the Dubai Christmas 2025 season.
December becomes a perfect time for families to explore these markets. To make travel easier, consider renting a car for family, especially during busy festive weeks.
Performances That Bring the Christmas Spirit Alive
- The Grotto at Mall of the Emirates — Dec 6 to 25
This magical Santa walkthrough experience includes interactive zones, Christmas décor, and festive storytelling popular for kids.
- The Nutcracker Ballet at Dubai Opera — Dec 18 to 21
Performed by the Astrakhan State Opera Ballet, this traditional Christmas ballet remains one of Dubai Opera’s most anticipated year-end performances.
- Carols by Candlelight at Expo City — Dec 20 to 24
A breathtaking carol experience with the Firdaus Orchestra performing under the Al Wasl Dome’s immersive projection canopy.
These remarkable Christmas performances and events exemplify why this season in the UAE blends classical festivity with modern elegance.
Christmas Shopping & DSF — A Power Combo
Christmas coincides with the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), which officially runs Dec 5, 2025 to Jan 11, 2026.
This overlap means:
- citywide raffles
- major retail discounts
- outdoor concerts
- fireworks shows
- drone shows
- mall activations
- late-night festive shopping
Many locals choose to rent premium cars to enjoy DSF evenings in style. If you're considering it too, you might enjoy winters in Dubai with a luxury car rental, as winter drives in Dubai’s crisp December weather are simply unbeatable.
Winter Magic: Snow, Skyline Views, and Outdoor Nights
Ski Dubai’s Winter Wonderland (Dec 1–25)
- Real snow, penguin encounters, festive installations, all within the Mall of the Emirates.
Aura Skypool’s Christmas Movie Night (Dec 11)
- The 2025 screening of Miracle on 34th Street takes place 200 meters above the ground with skyline views — a unique Dubai seasonal experience.
Beach Walks & Desert Evenings
- With December temperatures averaging 26°C by day and 17°C at night, outdoor Christmas activities feel refreshing and atmospheric. This weather also makes the UAE’s northern emirates, RAK and Fujairah, an excellent day-trip destinations.
Celebrate Christmas on the Water: Yacht Experiences
A rising trend in recent years is celebrating Christmas with a luxury twist: booking a private yacht rental in Dubai.
Yacht charters during Christmas week allow:
- Festive dinners onboard
- Private family parties
- Skyline sunset cruises
- Corporate holiday events
- Customised décor and catering
December is one of Dubai’s busiest yachting months, so early booking is recommended.
Why Christmas 2025 in the UAE Will Stand Out
- A month-long schedule of markets, concerts, winter villages, and events
- DSF synergy offering retail excitement on top of festive charm
- Perfect December weather for city exploration and outdoor celebrations
- Cultural diversity creates an inclusive, global Christmas experience
- Luxury options — from yachts to curated dining and premium car rentals
Christmas 2025 in the UAE is shaping up to be a festive season filled with sparkle, celebration, and unforgettable memories, a mix of tradition, luxury, and the unmistakable energy of Dubai.
FAQs
- What are the Christmas holidays in 2025?
There are no official public Christmas holidays in the UAE; however, many festive events take place throughout December.
- What date does Christmas fall on in 2025?
Christmas Day is on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
- Where to go in Christmas 2025 in the UAE?
Visit festive spots like Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market, Expo City’s Winter City, Jumeirah Emirates Towers Winter District, Ski Dubai, and enjoy a private yacht cruise for a memorable holiday experience.
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