Dubai in December is a mood. The city goes from “sunny desert chic” to “Santa’s glamorous second home,” complete with twinkling lights, fake snow (but make it premium), festive markets, and more Christmas events Dubai kids love than you can possibly squeeze into one school holiday.
Whether your little ones want snowball fights in the desert, cookie-decorating chaos, penguin meet-and-greets, or Christmas shows for families that look straight out of a Netflix holiday special — this guide covers EVERYTHING.
So grab your hot chocolate (or karak, we don’t judge), and let’s unwrap the most magical Dubai Christmas activities for children.
🎄 TLDR: Christmas Events for Kids in Dubai
Dubai turns into a full-on festive wonderland every December with snow zones, Santa meet-and-greets, Christmas markets, and magical shows for all ages.
- ✨ Best spots: Global Village, Ski Dubai, Dubai Festival City, Legoland & The Beach JBR.
- 🎅 Loads of kid-friendly fun: workshops, cookie decorating, crafts & Santa letters.
- 🎭 Don’t miss: Christmas pantomimes, ice shows & holiday-themed entertainment.
- 🍽️ Family dining: festive brunches, Santa breakfasts & Christmas tea parties.
- 💸 Budget-friendly fun: park light displays, mall shows & community celebrations.
Save this guide — festive season fills up FAST! 🎁
Top Christmas Markets & Family Festivals in Dubai
1. Global Village Christmas Celebrations
Global Village doesn’t just “celebrate” Christmas — it multiplies it by 90+ countries. Each pavilion brings its own holiday traditions, turning the entire venue into a global festive carnival.
Why Kids Love It
- Santa meets dressed in multicultural outfits
- Christmas crafts inspired by Europe, Asia, and beyond
- Live Christmas shows, carols & puppet performances
- Special kids zone with festive games & mini rides
For all the latest opening dates, ticket info and special shows at Global Village, check out our detailed guide Global Village 2025 – Everything You Need to Know
WOW-Emirates Expert Tip: Visit between 4 PM – 6 PM on weekdays if you want photos without the entire UAE in your background.
2. Dubai Festival City’s Enchanted Winter Wonderland
This is the place where Christmas meets spectacle. Expect snowy tunnels, twinkling light forests, and the iconic IMAGINE show synced to holiday music.
What Kids Enjoy
- Indoor snow play
- Christmas cookie decorating tables
- Santa workshops
- Giant tree with hourly light shows
3. The Beach JBR Holiday Market
A beachfront Christmas? Only in Dubai.
Highlights
- Wooden chalets selling gifts & treats
- Santa on the BEACH (yes, in full costume)
- Holiday treasure hunts
- Mini festive train for toddlers
- Street entertainers dressed as Christmas elves
WOW-Emirates Expert Tip: Sunset is the best time to visit — the sky turns gold, and the lights start popping.
4. City Walk Festive Street Celebration
Think “Christmas in a movie set.” City Walk turns its streets into a vibrant open-air festive hub with dancing elves, flash mobs, and interactive light installations.
Must-Try for Kids
- Musical Christmas parades
- Light-controlled installations
- Weekend children’s market with toys and festive snacks
Must-Visit Christmas Theme Parks in Dubai
Dubai’s theme parks go all out — like “Santa took over the entire park” levels of extra.
1. IMG Worlds of Adventure – Holiday Spectacular
The entire Marvel zone gets a festive glow-up. Picture superheroes wearing Santa hats and Cartoon Network characters handing out candy canes.
Kids Can Enjoy
- Holiday-themed shows
- Christmas mission adventures
- Cookie decorating with live characters
- Snowfall sessions inside the park
WOW-Emirates Expert Tip: For families with toddlers, Cartoon Network Zone is quieter and easier for stroller navigation.
2. Dubai Parks & Resorts – Full Christmas Takeover
Each park becomes its own festive kingdom:
| Park | Christmas Highlight | Kid-Friendly Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Motiongate | Christmas movie nights, themed shows | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Legoland Dubai | LEGO Christmas villages & workshops | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Riverland | Daily Christmas parades | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bollywood Parks | Bollywood-style Christmas carols | ⭐⭐⭐ |
WOW-Emirates Expert Tip: Buy the multi-park pass — it’s the best value during festive season.
3. Ski Dubai – Snow-Filled Christmas Adventures
If you want REAL winter, this is where Dubai hides it.
Activities Kids Will Lose Their Minds Over
- Snowball fights
- Tobogganing
- Ski lessons
- Christmas penguin parade
- Santa visiting on skis (iconic)
Interactive Christmas Workshops for Kids
Let the kids be creative (and burn off sugar).
1. Cookie Decorating at Dubai Mall & Mall of the Emirates
Pastry chefs guide kids through icing techniques with adorable festive shapes — snowflakes, reindeer, Santa hats.
Perfect for ages: 3–12
Runs: Daily through December
2. Christmas Craft Workshops
Dubai’s art centers host dozens of seasonal craft events:
Popular Craft Activities
- Snowflake mobiles
- Ceramic ornament painting
- Felt stocking making
- Christmas puppet creations
- Origami trees
Venues: The Jam Jar, KidzMondo, community art studios.
3. Santa Letter-Writing Zones
A Dubai classic — kids write letters to Santa using adorable stationery and Christmas stamps.
Top Spots:
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Atlantis The Palm
- JA Resort
WOW-Emirates Expert Tip: Many venues offer an official North Pole reply — don’t forget to ask!
4. Holiday Photo Studios
Holiday-themed photography sets appear all over the city.
Popular Christmas Photo Locations:
| Venue | Theme | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Marina Mall | Santa’s Workshop | Reindeer props |
| Ibn Battuta | Winter Forest | Snow effects |
| Global Village | World Christmas | Cultural backdrops |
| Luxury Hotels | Elegant Christmas | Professional retouching |
The Best Christmas Shows & Entertainment for Families
1. Dubai Ice Rink – Christmas Ice Shows
Professional figure skaters perform Christmas classics with lights, music, and plenty of sparkle.
Runs: Evenings & weekends in December
Bonus: Kids can skate with Santa after the show.
2. Christmas Pantomimes
Community theatres like The Junction bring classic stories to life — think Cinderella with a Dubai twist and lots of audience participation.
Kid appeal: Extremely high
Ticket prices: Usually budget-friendly
3. Holiday Magic Shows & Puppet Performances
Themed illusion shows turn Christmas stories into dramatic magic moments.
WOW-Emirates Expert Tip: Check KidZania Dubai’s festive lineup — they combine magic shows with character meet-and-greets.
4. Family-Friendly Carol Concerts
Dubai Opera, community centres, and international schools host concerts where kids can sing along to classics.
Best For: Ages 4+
Atmosphere: Warm, musical, family-friendly
Unique Christmas Dining Experiences for Kids
Dubai’s restaurants know how to entertain kids while parents enjoy the buffet.
1. Luxury Christmas Brunches
These brunches are practically mini theme parks:
Top Picks:
| Hotel | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Ritz-Carlton DIFC | Live reindeer, kids buffet, snow machines |
| Atlantis The Palm | Underwater Christmas decorations |
| Four Seasons | Art stations, face painting |
| Address Downtown | Live cooking stations + kids’ dessert lab |
2. Santa Breakfasts
Wake up, have pancakes, and meet Santa — kids think it’s the greatest concept ever invented.
Best Venues:
- Westin Mina Seyahi
- JW Marriott Marquis
- Jumeirah Beach Hotel
3. Children’s Christmas Tea Parties
Little ones learn etiquette while eating cookies shaped like snowmen.
Most Popular Locations:
- Burj Al Arab
- Armani Hotel
- Palazzo Versace
4. Kids’ Holiday Cooking Classes
From gingerbread houses to hot chocolate mixes — kids get hands-on with festive flavours.
Top Spots:
- Culinary Boutique
- Dubai Mall cooking studios
- La Petite Maison (special kids workshops)
Free & Budget-Friendly Christmas Events in Dubai
Yes — there are MANY free Christmas events Dubai families can enjoy.
1. Public Park Light Displays
Dubai’s parks go BIG on festive décor.
Top Picks:
- Zabeel Park – giant ornaments & tunnels
- Al Barsha Pond Park – lakeside displays
- Al Khawaneej Walk – candy cane streets
2. Mall Shows & Entertainment (Free)
Every mall creates daily performances, crafts, and live shows.
Expect:
- Puppet shows
- Kids carol sing-alongs
- Elf parades
- Craft corners
Best malls: Dubai Mall, MOE, Ibn Battuta, City Centre Mirdif
3. Community Centre Celebrations
Villa communities in Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, and Springs host festive parties with movie nights, talent shows, and Christmas potlucks.
Looking for even more wallet-friendly fun? Don’t miss our full guide to 12 Free Things to Do with Kids in Dubai — perfect for filling up the festive season without spending a dirham.
Conclusion: Dubai Is the Christmas Capital for Kids
From snowy adventures to markets under the stars, from penguin encounters to glittery Christmas shows for families — Dubai truly knows how to celebrate the season. Whether you’re splurging on theme parks or exploring free festive activities, there’s something magical for every family.
So start planning, hit “book now” where needed, and get those Santa hats ready — Christmas in Dubai is about to deliver all the sparkle your kids can handle.
And if your festive spirit is still buzzing, hop over to our mega guide on where to celebrate Christmas in Dubai — it’s basically the city’s holiday cheat sheet for families.
FAQs for Christmas Events for Kids in Dubai ?
Dubai offers everything from winter wonderlands and Santa meet-and-greets to Christmas markets, festive parades, workshops, and holiday shows. Top picks include Global Village, Dubai Festival City Mall, Ski Dubai, and Legoland’s Bricktacular Christmas.
Most Christmas events begin around late November and continue until the first week of January. Theme parks and malls usually open festive zones by the last weekend of November.
Yes! Many parks, malls, and community centres host free Christmas events including light displays, carol shows, elf parades, and kids craft stations. Great free spots: Zabeel Park, Al Khawaneej Walk, Dubai Mall festive zone.
Top family-friendly markets include Global Village, The Beach JBR market, Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market, and City Walk’s festive bazaar. They offer treats, crafts, kids zones, entertainment, and beachside or street vibes.
Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Legoland Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, and Riverland create full festive makeovers with snow zones, Christmas shows, character meet-and-greets, parades, and themed rides.
Kids can enjoy cookie decorating, craft sessions, DIY ornaments, gingerbread house building, and letter-writing to Santa at Dubai Mall, MOE, KidzMondo, art studios, and community centers.
Santa appears at malls (Dubai Mall, MOE, Mirdif City Centre), hotels, Global Village, Ski Dubai, and even beach markets like The Beach at JBR. Many venues offer premium photo sessions.
Absolutely! Luxury hotels offer kid-friendly Christmas dining with mini buffets, chocolate fountains, reindeer meet-ups, face painting, and kids entertainment. Best spots include Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Atlantis, Four Seasons, Address Downtown.
Prices range from free to AED 400+ depending on the venue. Theme parks, shows, and brunches cost more, while markets, mall shows, and park displays offer budget-friendly options.
Weekdays from 3 PM – 6 PM are ideal. For theme parks, visit at opening time. Christmas markets and mall events are busiest on weekends and evenings.
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