What to book in Dubai for Christmas 2023?

Christmas is less than five weeks away, if you spend The most wonderful time of the year In the desert, it’s time to start booking these unmissable festive events in Dubai.

December 9: Christmas Eve to watch a movie in the sky

This Christmas, Aura Skypool invites guests to get into the festive spirit with a Christmas Eve night held on Saturday 9 December from 8pm to 11pm. Enjoy under the stars with flowing bubbles, festive canapes, a bento box and more surprises all night long while watching a special one-time screening of Home Alone for AED 600 per person.

Aura Sky Pool, St. Regis Hotel, Palm Jumeirah, Saturday 9 December, 8pm. 600 dirhams. (0)4 566 2121, auraskypool.com

December 9: Fun festive race

There are plenty of reasons to visit Ski Dubai during the festive season, and Dubai’s popular attraction has given us another chance – a fun festive race. The race will be held on December 9, and participants can choose from two options – 300 meters or 1 km. To make this a festive and memorable event, we encourage all participants to come in their best festive attire. So be sure to dress up in the ugliest Christmas sweaters, elf costumes, Santa hats and more. Registrations can be made here at a price starting from only 31.50 dirhams for children and 115 dirhams for each adult over 18 years of age.

Festive Fun Run, Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai; December 9; Race starts at 8am (arrive 45 minutes early); @skidxb

From December 15 to 17: Watch a magical ballet show

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s 1892 piece, which features dancing dolls, mischievous mice and fairies – all covered in snowflakes and delicious music – is probably the most popular ballet in the world. Watch it at Dubai Opera on December 15-17, performed by the Astana Ballet Theater and the Astana State Opera Orchestra from Kazakhstan.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, from December 15 to 17, Friday 8pm, Saturday 2pm and 8pm, Sunday 7pm, starting from AED 300. dubaiopera.com

From December 15: Madinat Jumeirah Celebration Market

Running from Friday 15 December to Thursday 7 January 2024, the festive City Market will transform Fort Island into an enchanting winter wonderland, open from 3pm to late Monday to Thursday and 12pm to late Friday to Sunday. Best of all, entry is free for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the traditional chalet-style market and live band, there will be plenty of festive food and drinks (mulled wine, anyone?). Little ones’ faces will sparkle with a snow combat zone, bungee jump, North Pole train ride, and gun carousel. Make memories by taking a ride with Santa and decorating your own gingerbread houses.

Madinat Jumeirah Festival Market, Fort Island, Madinat Jumeirah, from 15 December to 7 January 2024. 3pm until late Monday to Thursday, and 12pm until late Friday to Sunday. Jumeirah.com

December 16 and 17: Breakfast with Santa

For an unforgettable experience with the little ones this Christmas, don’t miss the magical breakfast with Santa at the stunning Italian restaurant, Bussola at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi. The cost of the magical Iftar experience on December 16 and 17 is 285 dirhams for adults and 175 dirhams.

Bussola, The Westin Dubai, Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina. December 16 and 17 from 8 am to 12 noon. 285 dirhams per person, 175 dirhams for children. Tel: (0)4 511 7373. sevenrooms.com

December 20 to 24: Carols by Candlelight

From December 20 to 24, Expo City’s enchanting ‘Carols by Candlelight’ will bring back fond memories of your Christmas past with carol singing, live dancers and Christmas-themed displays at the iconic Al Wasl Square. Starting at 6.30pm, the two-hour show will include family favorites such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A quiet nightAnd Christmas bells, And also a surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tickets are on sale now, starting at AED 75 for general admission, which includes entry to the Expo Winter City. Children under 12 go free.

Expo City Dubai, Al Wasl Plaza. December 20-24, 6:30 p.m. Starting from 75 dirhams. dubai.platinumlist.net

December 24: Christmas Eve breakfast

Book a Christmas Eve breakfast buffet at Il Caffè at the Bulgari Resort. Available from 8am to 1pm, guests can help themselves to live stations showcasing traditional Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The price of breakfast on Christmas Eve is 500 dirhams per person, including soft drinks, 900 dirhams for a champagne package, and 300 dirhams per child. Alternatively, you can spend Christmas Eve at the pool with… Christmas Eve at the pool Brunch. Starting from AED 475 (light) and AED 800 (champagne) per person, the art of barbecue is elevated by this exclusive brunch, including fish, seafood and meat dishes, which can be enjoyed while admiring the Yacht Club’s sparkling pool.

Bvlgari Resort, Jumeirah Bay Island, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 777 5555.bulgarihotels.com

Photos: social/provided