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 from 1-25 December 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 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 cool thrills, head to Dubai Ice Rink at Dubai Mall, a year-round winter escape in Dubai (magical snowfall included).

December delights with a particularly whimsical tune when it comes to live entertainment. Start your December with Slava's SNOW SHOW, which celebrates the winter season in a mesmerising stage production at Dubai Opera. The Downtown venue will also host Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker by the Ballet Theatre and State Opera Orchestra of Astana from Kazakhstan. Little ones can also have a merry time at Magic Phil's Cirque du Silly, as one of the city's most loved children's entertainers lights up the stage at Theatre by QE2 with tricks and laugh-out-loud silliness. You can also enjoy festive hits with the entire family at Irish Village for the Christmas Cracker showcase at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, with an 18-piece band belting out yuletide tunes. There's plenty to enjoy this season, 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 9 December, where you can watch a classic festive movie wrapped up in cashmere pashminas and tucking into a 'movie bento box'. City favourites like Bistro Des Arts, Folly and Publique are offering limited-edition menus from 1 December onwards. Make the Christmas weekend one to remember at Grosvenor House, where you can pick from a festive brunch on 23 December at Toro Toro, Sloane's or City Social, or indulge in Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas Day brunches at Address Fountain Views and Address Grand Creek Harbour. On 25 December, you can also head to Mott 32's festive-themed brunch with dishes created just for the season, or visit Jumeirah Mina A'Salam on Monday for The Grand Christmas Brunch, complete with yuletide tunes, a visit from flying Santa Claus, plus interactive kids activities and special gifts. Meanwhile, Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre will be offering a four-course brunch on 25 December.

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 Dubai 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 on the best things to do and ring in 2024 in style.

Make your way to Burj Al Arab this festive season for a series of tour experiences that the whole family can enjoy. Indulge in a 60-90 minute family tour of the luxury hotel and follow it up with anything from indulgent festive feasts to picture-perfect moments at Santa’s Grotto and gifting packages, or book yourself some time in at the stunning outdoor UMA Lounge. It's truly a memorable opportunity to combine luxury with the festive spirit of the season.