14 Christmas markets & events in Dubai to look forward to

We know it’s still November, but we’re antsy to get seasonal…

Christmas season is fast approaching (yay!) meaning mince pies, festive decoration and carols. Oh, but we live in the desert, which means no snowmen, and a lack of winter coat weather.

If you’re excited though and looking to get festive, here are a bunch of events happening in Dubai in the lead up to Christmas…

1. The Christmas Market at Reform Social & Grill

WHEN: November 19

Over 50 market stalls will be flogging everything from the latest fashion to jewellery, homewares and art. There’ll also be a Santa’s grotto, food and beverage as well as children’s gifts by Hamley’s.

Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes. November 19, 12pm to 6pm. Free entry. Tel: (04) 4542638. More info on Facebook.

2. ARTE, The Makers Market at Times Square

WHEN: November 25

The ARTE market in Times Square shopping mall will be selling handmade products, as well as hosting a bundle of creative workshops and demonstrations in all things craft.

Times Square Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road. November 25, 11am to 2pm. Free entry. More info on Facebook.

3. German Christmas Flea Market at the Auris Metro Hotel

WHEN: November 25

This flea market will be full of all sorts of crafts, wooden toys, Christmas decorations as well as German food and drinks.

Auris Metro Central Hotel Apartments, Barsha Heights. November 25, 2pm to 6pm. Free entry. Tel: (04) 4354200. More info on Facebook.

4. Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Maison Mathis restaurant

WHEN: December 1

This Belgian restaurant in Ranches will be lighting up their Christmas tree, and are inviting you to come down for complimentary mulled grape, mince pies and entertainment.

Maison Mathis, Arabian Ranches. December 1, 6pm to 8pm. Tel: (04) 4501313. Free entry. More info on Facebook.

5. Christmas market at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights

WHEN: December 4 to December 26

The lobby of this new hotel will be transformed into a Christmas market for nearly a whole month, with homemade cookies, stollen and gluwein on offer, as well as a pianist pumping out festive music from 7pm to 11pm daily. Stop by at the excellent Mexican restaurant La Tablita for dinner post-festive shop (it’s one of our faves).

Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, Dubai Healthcare City, December 4 to 26, 7am to 11pm daily. Tel: (04) 553 1234. More info on website.

6. Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Irish Village

WHEN: December 5

Irish Village will be hosting a tree lighting ceremony, complete with carols, mulled drinks and home-made mince pies. Magical.

Irish Village, Garhoud. December 5, 7pm to 9pm. Tel: (04) 2824750. More info on Facebook.

7. Santa’s Grotto at Maison Mathis restaurant

WHEN: December 5, 12 & 19

If you fancy meeting Santa, he’ll be stopping by Maison Mathis in Arabian Ranches, where you can have your photo taken and receive a gift.

Maison Mathis, Arabian Ranches. December 5, 12 and 19, 3pm to 6pm. Tel: (04) 4501313. Free entry. More info on Facebook.

8. Carol singing by Dubai City Sound at Maison Mathis restaurant

WHEN: December 6

If a singalong is your thing, Maison Mathis will be hosting a carol-singing session by the all-female acappella group Dubai City Sound.

Maison Mathis, Arabian Ranches. December 6, 7pm to 9pm. Tel: (04) 4501313. Free entry. Event page.

9. Christmas celebrations at Fairmont The Palm

WHEN: December 7

Expect Christmas tree lighting, carols, hot chocolate, mince pies and festive treats.

Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah. December 7, 5pm to 8pm. Free entry. Tel: (04) 4573388. More info on the Facebook page.

10. Dubai Winter Festival at Media City Amphitheatre

WHEN: December 8 to 10

The Media City Amphitheatre will be transformed for Christmas, with activities including snowman building, a princess show, carols, a pantomime, a winter market, grotto, snow area, pizza making, gingerbread house decorating and a fun fair.

Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, December 8 to 10, 4pm to 10pm. Tickets from Dhs50. Event page.

11. Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Bab Al Shams

WHEN: December 11 & 12

The desert resort will be hosting a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, complete with carols and Santa appearances.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, Al Qudra Road. December 11 and 12, 7pm onwards. Tel: (04) 8096100. More info on Facebook.

12. Christmas Quiz with Catboy and Lorra at The Westin

WHEN: December 12 & 19

The well-loved Dubai 92 radio hosts will be hosting the Christmas rendition of their quiz nights at The Westin, involving a Christmas dinner buffet, drinks deals and of course, a quiz.

Industrial Avenue, The Westin Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh Road. December 12 and 19. Booking required. thedubaiquiz.com. 

13. Christmas pub quiz at Arabian Ranches Golf Club 

WHEN: December 13

There’ll be a buffet, as well as a quiz at this Christmas event, where the winner will walk away with a prize.

Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Arabian Ranches. December 13, 7pm onwards. Dhs175 for members, Dhs195 for non-members. Tel: (04) 3663000. arabianranchesgolfdubai.com.

14. Peter Pan pantomime at Ductac

WHEN: December 20, 24, 26 & 27

Over the Christmas break, Ductac will be hosting a traditional British pantomime featuring Peter Pan, as he makes the journey to Neverland to take down Hook with the help of the Lost Boys.

Ductac, Mall of the Emirates. December 20 to 24, 26 and 27. Tickets from Dhs140. More info on website.

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Images: Getty, Facebook