It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Dubai. There’s just something about the winter season in Dubai that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. Maybe it’s the dip in the temperature, or perhaps it’s the anticipation of the festive season that’s soon approaching. Whatever the reason, the city knows how to put on a show, and tree-lighting ceremonies are where the Christmas magic truly kicks in. Whether you’re here to grab photos or want to sample all the free hot chocolate and desserts (don’t pretend you don’t want to), here are some of the best places to catch the sparkle this season.
Also Read: Dubai: 5 Winter/Christmas Market Opening Dates You Can’t Miss This Season
1. Al Habtoor Polo Resort (On 4th December)
Kick off the festive season with a delightful evening as the resort’s Christmas tree sparkles to life. As the lights twinkle on, sit back and enjoy the carols performed by the Nord Anglia School choir. For the kids, get ready to have a blast decorating gingerbread and getting a visit from Santa. After the event, families can head over to the Horse and Hound for a fun Christmas-themed quiz.
- Date & Time: Thu Dec 4 | From 5.30 PM
- Location: Al Habtoor Polo Resort, Wadi Al Safa
- Price: Free
- Contact: +971 56 812 1295
- For more information, visit their website
2. The Bolt Hole (On 4th December)
The cosy tree lighting ceremony invites guests and their fur-babies to celebrate the Christmas season at the pub. Guests can enjoy mulled grape, hot chocolate, and marshmallows, while their furry friends are welcome to partake in festive puppaccinos. The evening will also feature carol singing, with jingle bells ringing from 6 PM onward.
- Date & Time: Thursday, 4th December | From 6 PM
- Location: Villa Nova, Wadi Al Safa
- Price: Free entry
- Contact: 800 666353
- For more information, visit their Instagram page
3. Meliá Desert Palm (On 5th December)
This year, Meliá Desert Palm is offering you a festive retreat at its tranquil 64-hectare private polo estate. This season, guests are invited to kick off the celebrations with an enthralling Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. As evening settles in, guests gather on the Portico Terrace where the warm glow of the Christmas tree sets the festive tone. Get ready to be surrounded by nature and the delightful aromas of mulled wine (which are complimentary!) and spiced pastries. Paired with these traditional treats, you’ll also get to sit back and listen to festive carols, creating the perfect cosy atmosphere.
- Date & Time: Friday, 5th December | From 7 PM-8 PM
- Location: Al Awir Road, Warsan 2 inside the Desert Palm Polo Resort
- Contact: +971 50 170 6138.
- For more information, visit their website
4. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah (On 5th December)
Embrace the holiday spirit with a tree-lighting ceremony at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. Guests and visitors can experience the lobby come alive with sparkling lights and a magnificent tree, complemented by a live choir performing timeless carols. Entry is free, allowing guests to enjoy warm mulled wine, gather with friends and family, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. The entire experience gets a lot better as Santa makes a special visit!
- Date & Time: Friday, 5th December | From 6 PM
- Location: Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
- Price: Free entry
- Contact: +971 50 170 6138.
- For more information, visit their website
5. Park Hyatt Dubai (On 5th December)
Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony that will turn The Piazza at Park Hyatt Dubai into a picturesque Christmas scene. Guests can be a part of the countdown, accompanied by live carols as the tree lights up. Paired with festive beverages and sweet treats, guests can snap memorable photos along the serene Creekside ambience. For the kids, get ready for a special treat as Santa makes a special appearance!
- Date & Time: Friday, 5th December | From 6:30 PM
- Location: The Piazza at Park Hyatt Dubai
- Contact:
8000 311 1234 - For more information, visit their website
6. Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai (On 5th December)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Vistas Lobby Café is kicking off the festive season in style. Get ready for a magical tree lighting ceremony, along with a talented choir and a special guest from the North Pole. Guests can sample a delightful spread of holiday treats while enjoying warm hot chocolate for the kids and mulled grape for the adults. It’s an evening filled with festive bites, cheerful beverages, and a few surprises for the little ones.
- Date & Time: Friday, 5th December | From 6 PM
- Location: Vistas Lobby Café
- Contact: +971 4 522 9999
- For more information, visit their website
7. Palazzo Versace (On 6th December)
At Palazzo Versace, enjoy a delightful evening at the hotel’s Mosaico Lobby Lounge. At the lobby, guests can witness the Christmas tree sparkle to the sound of live carol performances and a special guest appearance by Santa Claus himself. Savour the moment as the tree lights up, with a warm cup of mulled grape. If you need to shop for some early holiday gifts, explore festive goodies available at the mini Christmas market on the terrace.
- Date & Time: Saturday, 6th December | From 6 PM-8 PM
- Location: Palazzo Versace, Al Jaddaf
- Price: AED 150 min spend per person
- Contact: +971 568345717
- For more information, visit their website
8. Souk Al Seef (On 7th December)
Nestled right on the Dubai Creek, Souk Al Seef stands out as one of the city’s most vibrant leisure spots. With cafes, stylish shops, and so much more, the upcoming Christmas Tree Lighting is an event you won’t want to miss! Prepare to experience a dazzling 39-meter Christmas tree, one of the tallest in the region, as it comes to life on December 7. And that’s not all. You’ll also have the chance to meet Santa himself, write letters, and unleash your creativity with some artsy activities, which you can send all the way to the North Pole. It’s a festive extravaganza that promises joy for kids and the young at heart alike!
- Date & Time: Sunday, 7th December | From 8 PM onwards
- Location: Souk Al Seef, Al Seef Street (opposite the USA Embassy)
- Contact: 800 738 245
- For more information, visit their website
9. JA Beach Hotel and JA Palm Tree Court X Villeroy & Boch (On 9th December)
You’ll need to mark your calendars for this one because the festive spirit just got a whole new glow at JA Beach Hotel and JA Palm Tree Court! This season, the stunning Jebel Ali destinations teamed up with Villeroy & Boch to add a touch of elegance to your celebrations. The festivities will dazzle you with a Christmas tree lighting at JA Beach Hotel, where Villeroy & Boch will decorate the resort’s grand outdoor tree with elegant ornaments. Guests can join in the festive fun, including a choir, kid-friendly games and seasonal treats. And, of course, we haven’t forgotten warm mulled wine. Little ones can also take part in a gingerbread workshop to whip up some holiday moments.
- Date & Time: Tuesday, 9th December | From 5 PM-6:30 PM
- Where: Palmito Garden, JA Beach Hotel
- Price: Complimentary for in-house guests, AED 225 for outside guests, AED 150 for the gingerbread workshop
- Contact: +971 4 814 5604
- For more information, visit their website
10. Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel (On 10th December)
Get ready for a magical evening at the Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel as they host a spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on 10th December! As the festive season commences, this event promises to be a dazzling experience filled with sparkle and charm. Once the tree lights up, treat yourself to a fabulous dinner featuring delicious dishes that celebrate culinary traditions from around the world.
- Date & Time: Wednesday, 10th December 2025 | From 6:30 PM
- Location: Lobby at Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel
- Contact: +971 4 444 1444
- For more information, visit the website
