While many travellers might envision snowy landscapes and cosy fireplaces for a festive break, Dubai defies these wintry expectations in the most enchanting way possible. Known for its opulent skyscrapers, futuristic architecture and year-round sun, Dubai transforms into a captivating winter wonderland come December.
From dazzling decorations and extravagant shopping to thrilling outdoor adventures and cultural discoveries, a holiday to Dubai in December promises to ignite your senses and leave you with cherished memories of a warm and wonderful winter escape.
In this article, we’ll explore why December is the perfect month to discover the allure of Dubai. We discuss the weather, exciting events, the best places to visit and the best things to do. So if you’re thinking about visiting Dubai in December, this is the guide for you.
Dubai is famous for its relentless heat and sunshine. Thankfully, December offers respite from the scorching summer, with average daytime temperatures hovering around a comfortable 25-30°C. Evenings can be cooler, so bring a light jacket or sweater for nighttime activities.
The pleasant climate ensures you can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city’s breathtaking landmarks without the stifling heat. However, the sun is still very intense, so make sure to layer on suncream when going out and stay hydrated. If you plan on going swimming, a rash vest is recommended for further sun protection.
There are a whole host of events in December which will add tremendous value to your Dubai trip. In this section, we highlight some of the best events and festivals that take place in Dubai in December and explain how you can get involved in them.
Taking place over a few weeks from December to January, the Dubai Shopping Festival is a retail extravaganza that brings exciting energy to the grandiose shopping malls of Dubai. Visitors and locals alike flock to the major shopping centres in the city for amazing discounts, so make sure you leave room in your suitcase for all your bargains.
The festival is more than just a sale, however. Across Dubai, a myriad of events and activities pop up which makes exploring the city all the more exciting. There are sell-out concerts, outdoor markets, raffles and prize draws which offer so much fun for all kinds of travellers.
One of the most significant events in Dubai in December is UAE National Day. Celebrated on the 2nd of December, the day marks the anniversary of the UAE’s union in 1971. Dubai bursts with patriotic pride during this time and the city becomes adorned in a sea of red, green, white, and black decorations.
One of the main highlights of the day is the grand parade. Dubai hosts a spectacular parade that features military displays, traditional music and dance performances, and colourful floats representing the different emirates. The parade usually takes place along the main streets of the city, providing a festive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
While spending Christmas abroad is always a delight, Dubai is the place to be if you’re looking for extravagant New Year’s celebrations. There are a variety of lavish parties and restaurants where you can enjoy the evening. The main event kicks off with the iconic Burj Khalifa fireworks that create a spectacular display as the clock strikes midnight.
We recommend booking your dinner reservations in advance, especially if you want to get a view of the skyline as it erupts into vibrant displays of colour. The nightlife in Dubai is second to none and will make your celebrations truly special. Alternatively, budget travellers can get set up on Jumeirah Beach and watch the fireworks from the sandy shores for a more intimate experience.
A great way to experience the top sights in Dubai is to embark on a city tour. However, if you’re eager to explore at your own pace, we’ve got some recommendations for the best places to visit on your Dubai trip.
When going on holiday to Dubai, one of the first places you should visit is the world’s tallest skyscraper. The Burj Khalifa is one of the main attractions of Dubai and is a striking feature of the skyline. The observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
It’s recommended that you book your tickets in advance as this is a very popular attraction. It can get very crowded around sunset and the evening as many want to get the best views of the city, so consider visiting earlier in the day for a quieter experience.
Adjacent to the Burj Khalifa is the jaw-dropping Dubai Mall. This shopping paradise features over 1000 different shops and boutiques that will tantalise shopaholics.
The mall also has a variety of entertainment options like an indoor ice rink, the Dubai Fountain, an interactive play zone for children and a larger-than-life aquarium. It’s a great place to visit in Dubai in December, as it is the main setting for the Dubai Shopping Festival.
We recommend combining your visit to the Burj Khalifa with a trip to the mesmerising Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo located within the mall to make the most of your time.
Dubai is a hub of luxury and there is no better place to experience the lavish offering than Souk Madinat Jumeirah. This extensive complex is nestled in the heart of Dubai and amazes visitors with its unique architecture and a sumptuous selection of restaurants.
Designed to resemble a traditional Arabian marketplace, the complex features a network of scenic waterways, reminiscent of Venice’s canals, navigated by traditional wooden boats known as abras. These abras provide transportation within the souk and offer a unique alternative to walking around.
December is a great time to visit the Madinat, as the whole complex becomes a winter wonderland that will excite the young and the young at heart. You can enjoy all the hallmarks of a traditional Christmas like snowball fights and roasted chestnuts, which only adds to the ambience of this Arabian gem.
There are multiple beaches in Dubai that are excellent spots to enjoy the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. Jumeirah Beach in particular is one of the best beaches in Dubai and is certainly worth a visit. The public beach is very accessible and is in close proximity to other attractions like the Burj al Arab and Safa Park.
Jumeirah Beach is an ideal spot for various water-side activities, including swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, jet skiing and parasailing. Many water sports operators and rental shops are dotted along the coast, so you’ll have no issues getting stuck into whatever activity your heart desires.
Whether you want to relax on the pristine sands or explore the nearby Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) for dining and shopping, Jumeirah Beach is a must-visit place in Dubai for anyone eager to spend some time by the azure waters.
Dubai is a metropolitan wonderland that has endless possibilities for travellers. Families can head to the amazing waterparks like Wild Wadi or get lost in the gargantuan Magic Planet arcade. Couples in particular will enjoy a romantic stroll through the Dubai Miracle Garden.
With so many options and opportunities, figuring out what to do in Dubai can be very overwhelming. To help you plan your December trip, we’ve collected some suggestions of the best things to do in Dubai which will make your visit truly one of a kind.
Although many choose to visit Dubai in December to escape the winter chill, you can still enjoy some snow-based fun at Ski Dubai. Located within the Mall of the Emirates, this massive indoor ski resort boasts a variety of wintery activities which will give you that Christmas feeling. Be sure to grab tickets early, as it gets very popular around Christmas time.
Ski Dubai offers multiple ski slopes with varying degrees of difficulty. The longest run is about 400 metres in length, which is perfect for anyone eager to show off their ski skills. All equipment will be provided for you, so there’s no need to worry about packing a ski jacket if you intend to visit.
The indoor resort is one of the best things to do in Dubai for families, as there is a snow park with activities like tubing and making snowmen which will be a real treat for the little ones. Likewise, there are also daily penguin encounters which allow visitors to get up close with the resident colony of King and Gentoo penguins, which is sure to fascinate the whole family.
There is a wide range of waterparks in Dubai that offer exciting experiences as well as some respite from the warm sun. December is an excellent time to visit the waterparks, as you won’t be overwhelmed by the heat and can make the most of the facilities available.
Wild Wadi is one of the most iconic waterparks in Dubai and is located between the Burj al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. With thrilling slides like the Jumeirah Scarer and a relaxing lazy river, it’s one of the best things to do in Dubai for families looking for a fun day out.
Another amazing waterpark is the Aquaventure waterpark in the Atlantis Resort. It’s the largest waterpark in the world, featuring slides with sheer drops, tubing rivers that take you through shark tanks and a dolphin experience for those eager to see the majestic animals up close.
We recommend you book your tickets in advance when visiting Dubai’s water parks as there can be long queues at the box office and you’ll want to make the most of your time at these fantastic attractions.
Dubai is mainly known for its modernity and metropolitan splendour. But if you’re eager to step back in time and explore Dubai’s heritage, be sure to visit the Al Fahidi neighbourhood. It is one of the oldest and most culturally significant areas in Dubai and provides a different perspective of the bustling city.
Located on Dubai Creek, Al Fahidi provides insight into what Dubai was like in times gone by. You can wander the twisting alleys and discover a whole range of museums and art galleries which tell the story of the city. Keep your eyes peeled for the striking wind towers which served as natural air conditioning systems, channelling cool breezes into the houses.
At the heart of the neighbourhood is the Al Fahidi Fort, which was built in 1787 and is one of the oldest existing buildings in Dubai. It has been transformed into the Dubai Museum, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the city’s history and culture.
If you want to explore outside of the city, December’s mild temperatures make it the perfect time for a desert adventure in Dubai. This is one of the best things to do in Dubai if you are seeking action and adventure to complement your lavish city experience.
For the best experience, book a guided safari through the desert dunes. Your guides will take you through the red expanse in 4WD before letting you enjoy some desert sports like sandboarding.
After an exhilarating day on the dunes, you can enjoy a delicious BBQ, traditional dance performances, as well as stargazing that will be unhindered by light pollution. It’s one of the best things to do in Dubai as it showcases a very different side to the sprawling metropolis and allows you to connect with Bedouin-style traditions.
Dubai in December offers an enchanting blend of mild weather, festive spirit and an array of attractions and events. Whether you’re a shopaholic, a culture enthusiast or an adventure seeker, Dubai has something for everyone during this magical month.
Embrace the warm winter charm of Dubai this December, and you’ll see why it’s a top destination for holidaymakers worldwide.
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