New openings, great concert and lots of Christmas cheer…
With December upon us, you might be wondering how to spend the last month of the year in Dubai. Lucky for you, there are tons of events, from winter wonderlands to big music stars.
Here are 10 things to look forward to in Dubai this Christmas.
From 1 to 25 December: a white Christmas at Ski Dubai
In classic Dubai fashion, you can have a white Christmas in the middle of the desert. Experience your very own winter wonderland at Ski Dubai from 1st to 25th December. You can visit Father Christmas in his grotto from 12:00 to 14:30, from 15:30 to 18:00 and from 19:00 to 21:00. You can also enjoy free hot chocolate on the snowy slopes. Check out the experiences and prices here.
Ski Dubai, Emirates Mall, 12pm to 9pm, December 1 to 25 from Dhs 125. Tel: (0)6 005 9905, skidxb.com
1, 9 and 23 December: Racing returns to Meydan
The horse racing season is in full swing, with three dates for your diary this December. Head to Meydan on December 1, 9 and 23 and choose from general admission packages, which will give you access to the outdoor grandstand with prime views of the parade ring; dining experience, with four hospitality packages available; and the private VIP suites
Meydan Racecourse, Meydan, December 1, 9 and 23, tickets from Dhs2. dubairacingclub.com
From December 9 to 11: El cor i el Sole returns to D3
After a three-year hiatus, Sole DXB returns this month for a three-day culture and lifestyle festival, taking place from Friday 9th December to Sunday 11th December. Headlining Saturday, British rapper Central Cee known for hits like doja i loading will perform his first headlining show in Dubai. R&B singer Jorja Smith headlines Sunday, you’ll recognize her hits as Blue lights, be honesti in my mind In collaboration with the visionary Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj, the festival is based on four pillars: music, fashion, visual arts and sports. Celebrating Arab excellence, the festival will feature a stellar lineup of musicians, artists, designers, speakers and athletes from the UAE, Kuwait, KSA, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Morocco, Algeria, and more.
Sole DXB, Dubai Design District, Friday 9 December to Sunday 11 December, @soledxb / tickets.virginmegastore.me
December date to be confirmed: check-in to a glamping retreat in the desert
Iconic music festival Tomorrowland is coming to Dubai, but not as you know it. The renowned festival will open Terra Solis in the Dubai desert, a unique destination inspired by the festival of hedonistic parties. Opening in December 2022, Terra Solis will bring a lively pool scene, incredible dining and a trio of unique glamping experiences to Dubai Heritage Vision. The sprawling elegant desert oasis covers 371,000 square meters and guests can choose from three accommodation options, all named after stars, meteor showers and constellations. The 48 Polaris bell tents are spacious tents all beautifully decorated, while a collection of 20 Perseid cottages combine comfort and style. Then there are the six Orion Pool Lodges, each with a private pool and a large outdoor cabana and private terrace, for a true VIP experience.
Terra Solis, Dubai Heritage Vision, Dubai Desert, opens December 2022 from Dhs500. terrasolisdubai.com
December 10: Santa Run in Dubai Festival City
The Santa Run returns to Dubai Festival City this December so you can hit your stride before the weeks of endless eating and drinking begin. There are three different distances: 1km, 2.5km and 5km, with prizes for the best costumes, so get creative Santa. Registration is Dhs125.
Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 10 Dec from 7am, Dhs125, raceme.ae
From 15 December: Shop till you drop at the Dubai Shopping Festival
The annual citywide shopping extravaganza returns for 46 days of entertainment, concerts and unbeatable deals on shopping, stays and dining. Welcome features returning this year include Market Outside The Box and the DSF Drone Light Show.
@celebrateddubai
December 16: Fill your boots at Cirque de Cuisine
Atlantis, Cirque de Cuisine’s epic mega brunch at The Palm takes over the resort on December 16th. In case you’re unfamiliar, this four-hour dinner invites guests to fill their boots at some of Atlantis’ most beloved restaurants, including Nobu, Seafire Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, and more. With flowing drinks, out-of-this-world entertainment and dazzling decor, this is one that calls for your springiest pants.
Cirque de Cuisine, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Friday 16 December, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs655. atlantis.com
From mid-December: Check out a stylish new beach club
From the elegant shores of St Tropez comes Verde Beach, a new beach club at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Part beach club, part restaurant, it’s the sister beach restaurant to the Four Seasons Party Center, Verde. Expect to dine on crowd-pleasing Mediterranean hits that pair perfectly with a day of tan coverage.
Verde Beach, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, opening December 2022. @verdebeachdubai
December 17-24: Panto season returns with Elf The Musical
Based on the beloved holiday film, Elf The Musical is coming to Dubai this December. From London’s West End, the musical is based on the beloved film that follows Buddy the Elf as he embarks on an adventure to discover his birth father and true identity. The must-see 80-minute musical from Olivier Award-winning producer Paul Taylor-Mills is suitable for all ages and the perfect festive family experience.
Elf The Musical, The Theater at Mall of Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. From December 17 to 24, from Dhs 100. febreup.com
December 30: Get the party started early with a Martin Garrix concert
Want to get the New Year’s party started a little earlier this year? Then tick this off: one of the biggest names on the international DJ circuit, Martin Garrix, will be spinning at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 30th. Martin Garrix rose to fame thanks to his solo release, Animals, which was released in June 2013. He is also the mastermind behind other hits such as In the name of love, afraid to be alone, there for you and more Known for his energetic shows as well as epic sets, Martin Garrix has headlined the UAE several times. He first performed at Sensation Dubai aged just 18 in 2014, then went on to spin on New Year’s Eve 2015, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2017 and the Bao Festival in Dubai in 2018.
Martin Garrix, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Friday 30 December, from Dhs175. Phone: (800) 223 388. coca-cola-arena.com, platinumlist.net