Everything you need to know about visiting Dubai in December
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December is probably our favourite month to encourage visitors to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. There is so much to enjoy, from the perfect weather to Eid al Etihad (National Day) and Christmas festivities around town – though it is also one of the most expensive and crowded times to visit.
This page still requires many updates for 2025; 2024 event information has been left as a guide as to what to expect in Dubai this coming December
Dubai Weather in December
If it’s the scorching heat of the summer months that has ever put you off visiting Dubai, get set for the wonderfully mild days of December and the winter months in Dubai.
December’s average temperature is around 26°C/78.8°F, and the average sea temperature is around the same, 25.6°C/78°F. By month’s end, it can even be a little too nippy for ocean swimming—ensure your resort or hotel has a temperature-controlled pool!
The minimum temperature you can expect overnight in Dubai in December is 15°C/59°F. You won’t need much more in the city than a light jacket. Though note, if you are heading to the desert or the mountains overnight on a camping or glamping trip, it could be several degrees cooler; you’ll want a warmer layer of clothing.
With an average of 8 hours of sunshine, you should expect mostly blue skies, though rain and fog are not unheard of in the winter season. Use the cooler weather to get out there and enjoy the natural wonders that surround Dubai.
You can read our complete guide to Dubai Weather in December here, as well as our suggested ideas of what to pack for Dubai in December.
Dubai Special Events December 2026
Cultural Events & Special Occasions
- Commemoration Day is 1 December, in honour of those soldiers who served their country and lost their lives for the United Arab Emirates. Previously called Martyrs Day, this day of national importance and reflection has been moved to coincide with the National Day holidays. (It is not always a Public Holiday, but events will be held around the country.)
- National Day (Eid al Etihad) traditionally 2 & 3 December, 2025 will mark 54 years since the unification of the United Arab Emirates; previously called National Day, the event was briefly renamed to Union Day, and it seems they have now settled on Arabic name Eid Al Etihad – meaning ‘Celebration of the Union’. Due to the 2nd and 3rd falling midweek, the public holiday has been moved to the 1st and 2nd December for 2025. You will find 54th Anniversary Eid Al Etihad events across the city.
- Christmas Festivities – a great lineup of events is still expected across the city, from winter markets and Christmas trees, to opera shows, kids’ sing-along events and, of course, Christmas Day brunches and takeaway meals. NB Christmas Day is NOT a public holiday in the UAE. You can find our complete listing of Christmas events in Dubai here.
- New Year’s Eve – 31 December always sees spectacular fireworks that light up many of the city’s famous buildings. Crowds can be manic, and hotel costs in prime locations are sky-high, so book well in advance to enjoy this one! Find the lineup of New Year’s Eve events here, which includes Lionel Richie performing live at the Atlantis!
Live Events in Dubai This December
- The queen of Arabic pop, Nancy Ajram will perform live at the Atlantis Dubai Festival on 5 December. She will be joined by Arabic singing sensation Adam ensuring an unforgettable night of music for those lucky enough to attend.
- Korean star Peggy Gou will be bringing her unique mix of vocals and beats to Pacha Icons at Five Luxe on 6 December.
- December 7 brings The Festive Concert to Dubai Opera’s main auditorium, featuring the National Youth Orchestra and National Youth Choir of Dubai, this promises to provide a wonderful start to the festive season.
- Renowned Palestinian composer and pianist, Faraj Suleiman, will take to the stage at the Dubai Opera on 8 December.
- Fans of Japanese culture shouldn’t miss the Japan Culture Convention, which provides an opportunity to learn about Japanese traditions and contemporary culture through immersive workshops and performances. 12-14 December, at Burj Park.
- For something a bit different, why not head aboard the QE2 for a murder mystery dinner on 13 December!
- Don’t miss the festive ballet The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera between 18 and 21 December. Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to book early!
- Franz Ferdinand will make a return to Dubai on 13 December, followed by Pitbull on 14 December. CocaCola Arena
- Once Upon a Time in Dubai:The Musical is Dubai’s first musical, born and raised in the city! With amazing choreography and an original soundtrack, catch this debut show from 20 December through 11 January 2026 – The Agenda, Media City
- From 20-24 December there will be Carols by Candlelight with the Firdaus Orchestra at the Al Wasl Dome in Expo City.
- Experience an Irish Christmas with Emerald Isle – Irish Dance Reborn at the Zabeel Theatre from 21-23 December.
- If you’re seeking festive events for the school holidays, see more shows and events below in our kids’ suggestions!
Suggested Dubai Activities in December 2026
Given the mild sunny days, it’s a perfect time of year to do some of Dubai’s more physical outdoor activities. Our top picks for things to do in Dubai in December are:
- Take on the Ras al Khaimah zipline course – Jebel Jais Flight! Not only the longest zipline in the world, where speeds can reach up to 160kms an hour, but also Jebel Jais Tour – seven different zipline courses that meet on a suspended platform in the Hajar Mountains.
Top tip: If you don’t fancy the self-drive up to Ras al Khaimah, check out this tour which can pick you up from your Dubai hotel. It includes transfers to Jebel Jais and the zipline experience.
- Take a tour around the world at Dubai’s Global Village – an international fair-style event held nightly; you’ll find seasonal celebrations, including Union Day and Christmas, marked with stage shows and fireworks.
- This is the perfect time of year to experience Dubai Garden Glow & Dinosaur Park in Zabeel Park. An evening wonderland, the festive season makes it all the more magical.
- Take a tour of the UAE’s east coast. Cross the spectacular Hajar Mountains and experience the calm, warm waters of the Gulf of Oman. There are snorkelling opportunities, as well as boat tours that can take you in amongst the spectacular khors of Musandam, Oman, without needing to cross the land border. Check out this east coast Fujairah day trip, or you can hire your own car and set your own pace.
- For something unique this December, head to the Sharjah exclave of Kalba on the east coast for the weekend of 14-15 December for the inaugural Adventure Festival on 14-15 December for 2 days to partake in a huge range of outdoor and nature-filled adventures. All activities are included in your entry, with the opportunity to participate in water sports, hiking, mountain biking, yoga sessions, and outdoor survival skills sessions.
- Take a Desert Safari – the cooler weather makes it the perfect time to get out on a dune-bashing adventure, or if you’d prefer a more sedate way to enjoy the desert, with an eco-friendly focus, take a journey to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
- Visit Hatta. Hatta can be found to the south of Dubai, near the Oman border, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Downtown Dubai. Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding, or try the tandem water bikes with a friend! The Hatta Heritage Village will take you through the fascinating history of this mountainous border town, or get into the mountains on one of the hiking trails or hire a mountain bike. Find our complete guide to visiting Hatta here – along with detailed driving directions and public transport.
Top tip: Stay nearby at the JA Hatta Fort Hotel to make a full weekend of it, or enjoy luxury glamping under the stars at Hatta Resorts – offering bubble domes to caravans and luxury mountain cabins.
- Day trip to Abu Dhabi – there’s no better time to visit Abu Dhabi than in the cooler winter months. The month of December is particularly special, as you’ll get to experience the special events that surround Union Day, as well as Christmas Festivities, from Winter Fest on Yas Island to special theme park theming at Warner Bros World, SeaWorld and Ferrari World for the winter season. Don’t miss the public art exhibition Manar Abu Dhabi happening this winter.
- Seek out Souk Madinat Jumeirah – one of the most festive places to visit in Dubai in December. The annual Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market is one of the best in the city, with the Burj Al Arab providing a beautiful backdrop to their delightful Christmas tree.
Dubai with the Kids in December 2026
This is a fabulous time of year to visit Dubai with your family, though, as we’ve mentioned, it is also one of the most expensive times to visit, and accommodation is booked up in popular locations.
We suggest families look at booking serviced apartments or Airbnb – we have selected our favourite Dubai family apartment options here – or go all out if you’re in a big group and book a family villa with a pool!
There are activities aplenty for families to enjoy; here are some suggestions for December:
- Attend a Christmas show at the QE2 Theatre – this hotel-come-entertainment venue permanently docked at Port Rashid is a wonderful family experience with winter shows a highlight. This year Sinead the Sailor will take to the stage between the 18 and 27 December to share the thrill of his amazing adventures! Younger children (3-11) might also enjoy The Great Christmas Elf Bake Off – a live interactive show on the 6 and 7 December on the QE2.
- Families can also enjoy Rapunzel and her holiday wish at the New Covent Garden Theatre from the 5-24 December and Annie The Musical at the Zabeel Theatre from the 12-14 December. Dubai based children’s entertainer Magic Phil will be bringing his Christmas Cracker show to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel Theatre from 12-14 December. Then from the 17-29 December the magic of the panto hits with Cinderella (also at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel).
- Visit Santa in his snowy Grotto at Ski Dubai! A favourite with local families seeking the perfect Santa photo meet and greet opportunity. Book earlier as this is very popular! Tickets go on sale in early November.
- Swing your way through Mushrif Park – a little hidden gem on the city’s outskirts is Aventura Parks – high ropes and zip lines through the almost forest-like Mushrif Park. Ideal in winter when the waterparks are getting a little cool, but your kids still want an active adventure – other than the occasional Emirates flight landing over your heads, you won’t believe you’re in the city! Check out session times and pricing here.
- Thrilling roller coasters at Motiongate – home to the most thrilling rollercoasters in the Middle East, Motiongate, part of the Dubai Parks & Resorts complex on the city’s western side, is a family favourite of ours. Rides cross all ages and interests, from the giant indoor Dreamworks to Lionsgate and thrilling Hunger Games rides. Stay at Lapita Resort or Rove at the Park and get your theme park tickets included or check out the One Day Pass here.
You can find our complete family guide to Dubai with over 80 suggestions on family activities in Dubai here.
Splurge for December in Dubai
- It’s easy to get carried away in Dubai and splurge without realising it! But if you are coming to Dubai for something special in December, you can’t go past booking one of Dubai’s top hotels or restaurants to ring in the New Year. Here you’ll find our top selection of hotels with the best views of Burj Khalifa.
More FAQs About Dubai in December
Yes, December is one of the best times to visit Dubai if you prefer cooler weather. It is also peak tourist season, so be mindful that this makes it the most expensive time for accommodation, and you can expect lines and crowds everywhere you go.
It’s not unheard of for rain to fall in Dubai in December, though it’s not a daily occurrence – we wouldn’t go packing an umbrella ‘just in case.’ If it does rain in Dubai, it’s best to try and stay put, as it can lead to chaos on the roads and minor flash flooding. It typically lasts less than a day or two before rain clouds move on. The average precipitation is about 20mm in December.
Dubai is in a Muslim country, though it receives a large influx of international workers and tourists of all religions. Whilst Christmas is not a recognised public holiday, it is widely observed in Dubai in the tourism and hospitality sector. You will have no problem finding some festive cheer in Dubai in December – although they may be called winter festivals rather than Christmas.
Due to increased demand for hotels during December, December can be an expensive time to visit Dubai. There can be shopping bargains to be had and deals if you book in advance, but do expect it to be the most expensive time to visit Dubai as demand outstrips supply for basically everything – particularly the week of Christmas to New Year.
Still not found what you’re looking for?
Check out the best things to do every month in Dubai here!
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel, event or tour recommendation links. First published November 2019, updated for December 2023.
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