Christmas Tree Lighting in Dubai 2026: 8 Ceremonies to Catch

Christmas tree lighting in Dubai 2026 kicks off on Wednesday 18 November, and from then on it is carols, Santa and mince pies most evenings until mid-December. Some ceremonies are free hotel lobby affairs for families, others are pub nights with a minimum spend.

Here is every confirmed date so far, in calendar order.

Christmas tree lighting ceremonies in Dubai 2026 at a glance

Every Christmas tree lighting in Dubai, by date

McGettigan’s Souk Madinat: Wednesday 18 November

Live entertainment and a visit from Santa from 5pm. Entry works on an AED 50 (USD 14) minimum spend.

McGettigan’s Souk Madinat
The first tree lighting of the season.
Area: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim
Date: Wednesday 18 November 2026
Hours: From 5pm
Price: AED 50 (USD 14) minimum spend
Phone: +971 4 447 0219
Map: Open in Google Maps

McGettigan’s Ibn Battuta Gate: Thursday 19 November

From 5pm with Santa and live entertainment, AED 50 (USD 14) minimum spend.

McGettigan’s Ibn Battuta Gate
Family-friendly tree lighting in the south of the city.
Area: Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Jebel Ali
Date: Thursday 19 November 2026
Hours: From 5pm
Price: AED 50 (USD 14) minimum spend
Phone: +971 56 688 3489
Map: Open in Google Maps

McGettigan’s JLT: Friday 20 November

Later start at 7pm and adults only, with an AED 100 (USD 27) minimum spend.

McGettigan’s JLT
Adults-only tree lighting.
Area: Cluster J, next to Bonnington, Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Date: Friday 20 November 2026
Hours: From 7pm
Price: AED 100 (USD 27) minimum spend
Phone: +971 54 998 4152
Map: Open in Google Maps

Brasserie by McGettigan’s, Expo City Dubai: Sunday 22 November

From 5pm with Santa and live entertainment, AED 50 (USD 14) minimum spend.

Brasserie by McGettigan’s
Tree lighting at Expo City.
Area: Madinat Al Mataar, Expo City Dubai
Date: Sunday 22 November 2026
Hours: From 5pm
Price: AED 50 (USD 14) minimum spend
Phone: +971 56 585 7145
Map: Open in Google Maps

McGettigan’s Bla Bla JBR: Tuesday 1 December

From 5pm on The Beach at JBR, AED 50 (USD 14) minimum spend.

McGettigan’s Bla Bla
A beachfront tree lighting.
Area: The Beach, JBR
Date: Tuesday 1 December 2026
Hours: From 5pm
Price: AED 50 (USD 14) minimum spend
Phone: +971 4 584 4111
Map: Open in Google Maps

Wow-Emirates Expert Tip: The pub ceremonies run on a minimum spend, not a ticket, so you are paying for food and drinks you would order anyway. Arrive 30 minutes before the lighting to get a table near the tree, because the countdown is what the kids want to see.

Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel: Monday 7 December

Carols from a live choir, canapés and gifts for the kids from 6.30pm. Earlier that evening, from 5pm to 6.30pm, children can decorate their own gingerbread house at Timo for AED 79 (USD 22), so you can make an evening of it.

Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel
Lobby tree lighting with a choir and gifts for children.
Area: Hotel lobby, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel, Al Jaddaf
Date: Monday 7 December 2026
Hours: From 6.30pm
Price: Free to attend, gingerbread house workshop AED 79 (USD 22)
Phone: +971 4 596 2222
Map: Open in Google Maps

Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort: Tuesday 8 December

From 7pm on the beach and at Mimo Café, with Portuguese festive pastries, seasonal drinks and a visit from Santa.

Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort
Beachside tree lighting with Portuguese festive pastries.
Area: Palm Jumeirah
Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Hours: From 7pm
Phone: +971 4 525 8888
Map: Open in Google Maps

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray: Tuesday 15 December

From 6pm with live music and carols in the lounge. The hotel’s weekend Christmas Market in the lobby starts the same week, on Fridays to Sundays from 15 to 27 December, 5pm to 8pm.

Lale Lounge, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Tree lighting with live music and carols.
Area: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah
Date: Tuesday 15 December 2026
Hours: From 6pm
Phone: +971 4 453 0000
Map: Open in Google Maps

More Christmas in Dubai

Once the trees are lit, the season moves fast. See our Christmas Day brunches, Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas events for kids in Dubai, and browse the Christmas markets in Dubai for gifts.

Frequently asked questions

Last updated: 31 October 2026. Dates, prices and offers come from the venues and can change. Check with the venue before you book.