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Dubai remains wonderful all year long, but in December, the city begins to buzz with festive energy. Dining, shopping, and adventure all become so much better when Santa comes knocking.
Dinner
December is the time when the outdoor dining scene in Dubai becomes excellent. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Terrace Restaurants
Cool air, ambient lighting, and menus with the festival spirit describe the terrace restaurant dining experience in December. Most hotels bring out grills, warm appetisers, seasonal desserts, and mocktail menus.
- Neighbourhood Dining
Areas like JVC, Al Furjan and Jebel Ali Village promise a more laidback dining experience – perfect if you want to avoid the Marina crowds. Casual food, affordable menus, and the peaceful atmosphere are a few delightful aspects to look forward to.
- Hotel restaurants
Most hotels run buffet dinners, themed nights, and early evening dining for families.
Good Coffee
Dubai nights in December often begin with a warm drink before dinner. Most locales feature their own cafés that residents frequent. Hotel cafés have become quite popular too.
This is how the coffee scene evolves in December:
- Outdoor seating finally becomes usable
- Handcrafted coffees and seasonal drinks
- Quiet spaces that aren’t crowded like malls or beachside locations
Many Al Furjan hotels offer lobby cafés where you can settle into the evening with a cup of something warm. JA The Manor Hotel is a good choice if you’re a coffee lover.
Snacks and Sweets
Dining in Dubai in December is an unforgettable experience. Menus are filled with mouthwatering treats such as:
- Cakes and pastries with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg
- Festive specials
- Hot chocolate drinks
- Cookies, shortbread and winter desserts
If you’re staying at or near a modern hotel, chances are their lobby cafés introduce seasonal drinks and limited-time treats.
Outdoor Markets
Dubai’s outdoor markets offer cultural exploration, food, and shopping. In December, they embrace the Christmas spirit, so much so that they make you forget you’re in a desert city.
These markets feature food stalls, small craft vendors, live music, and seasonal décor. Most neighbourhoods have pop-up markets on weekend evenings, and hotel courtyards often host their own smaller versions.
Celebrations
December in Dubai is like one big celebration. Most hotels offer festive buffets and dinners, special menus, family-friendly evenings, and Christmas celebrations.
You don’t necessarily have to go to the Marina or a distant beach club to celebrate; the party is happening all around the city.
December Events
Dubai’s calendar in December is packed with exciting events. There’s so much you can look forward to.
- Dubai Shopping Festival: Starts December 5. It’s one of the largest shopping events, with sales, raffles, and city-wide deals. Major malls and shopping districts throughout Dubai host the event together.
- Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market: Happens mid-December to Dec 31. It’s a seasonal outdoor market with live music, artisan stalls, decorations, and festive-themed activities.
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Burj Khalifa: You can enjoy some of the most mesmerising fireworks and light-show displays at the harbour of the city’s tallest tower. Get here early if you want a good vantage point.
Christmas Trees
Here are some top locations where you can see impressive Christmas tree displays in December:
- Souk Al Seef – 7 December 2025, 8 pm
- Dubai Global Village – Date TBC, December 2025
- BurJuman Mall – Date TBC for 2025
- Emirates Golf Club – 5 December 2025, from 6:00 pm
Music and Parties
December is very much the party season in Dubai, so there’s quite a lot happening.
Music concerts in December 2025
Coca-Cola Arena
- Franz Ferdinand – 13 December 2025
- Pitbull Live in Dubai – 14 December 2025
Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience
- David Guetta – 19 December 2025
- Misfits Boxing ‘Fight Before Christmas’
- Black Coffee – 27 December 2025
- Monolink – 13 December 2025
Sole DXB 2025
- Dates: 12–14 December 2025
- Where: Dubai Design District (d3)
- What: Main stage performances, talks, brand activations, basketball, sneaker & vintage markets – very music/fashion/culture heavy.
Other concerts in the calendar
- Najwa Karam & Wael Kfoury – 31 December 2025
- Ebi at Dubai Opera – 25 December 2025
New Year’s Eve 2025/26
- Atlantis The Palm – Maroon 5 NYE
- Burj Khalifa NYE Event – a huge outdoor celebration
- NYE yacht parties across Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour and the Palm
- Rooftop and beachside Parties at JBR and Palm Jumeirah.
So yes, Dubai does know how to celebrate. If you visit this beautiful city this December, you’re certain to come away with wonderful memories.
Just be sure to book your accommodation early because December is the busiest time of the year. Most New Year celebrations have made their tickets available, so grab yours before it’s too late.