It may sound unconventional - Christmas in the desert, under palm trees and with temperatures around 25 degrees. Yet the UAE proves that the Christmas spirit can be magical even without snow. Each emirate has its own style, and if you're in Dubai or Abu Dhabi during December, you're in for a surprisingly rich selection of places to soak up the 'winter' atmosphere... just in sandals.
Below you'll find tips on the best markets, light installations and places for kids and adults to enjoy.
Expo City has a gift for creating an atmosphere that touches you - purely, gently and naturally. In December, it transforms into a winter town, blending European tradition with modern Dubai. It's exactly the kind of place where you slow down for a moment, take a breath and let yourself be carried away.
If there's one place where Christmas in the UAE has a "soul", it's Madinat. The canals, the lights, the smell of spices, the wooden stalls... and behind it all, the majestic Burj Al Arab. It's as if a European Christmas market meets the Orient - and something like a little theatre for the eyes is created. It's romantic, it's vibrant, and yet it has an elegance you won't find elsewhere.
Miracle Garden can do one thing: impress. In December, a little more. Light tunnels, installations from another universe and colours that light up every evening await you. It's not a traditional Christmas market, but an experience. And sometimes that's exactly what you need. There's something for the little ones and adults alike.
An elegant version of a Christmas program - less fairy tale, more modern.
The evening laser show has an energy that draws you in, smaller markets, a waterfront where you can go for dinner.
Quiet (by Dubai standards), stylish and beautifully lit place. The atmosphere is relaxed, with music, stalls, food trucks and decorations that are subtle and tasteful. Perfect if you want Christmas cheer but don't want to push through the crowds.
Abu Dhabi has its own pace - slower, quieter, but still elegant.
Yas Winter Fest is a combination of markets, live performances, decorations and a beautifully landscaped promenade.
After sunset, the whole of Yas Bay looks like a movie set.
And if you like lights, you definitely shouldn't skip these parts:
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the promenades around the fountains - it's all in full force in December.
Lighted palm trees, giant decorations, luxurious atmosphere = the perfect evening stroll.
Modern, photogenic, with a beautiful sea view.
Bluewaters has its own style - a little futuristic, a little romantic.
Every year a different concept, always refined and visually thoughtful.
For design lovers a great choice.
A multicultural world in one space.
Lots of lights, lots of music, lots of experiences.
Christmas in the Emirates is different - but maybe that's why it's so beautiful. It's about atmosphere, about light, about space to breathe. Moments to pause, even when everything around you is shining. Whether you live here, work here or are just visiting, December in the UAE has something worth experiencing.
