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Dubai in December 2025

Dubai in December blends ideal winter weather with high-season excitement. With crisp 26 °C days and festive nights, this month delivers fireworks, global events, and great shopping. Join Christmas brunches, watch NYE light shows, or wander heritage souks in comfort. Tourist sites are busy—arrive early or book ahead to avoid queues.

Dubai in December 2025 at a glance

🌧️Weather

Avg highs 26 °C / 79 °F, lows 16 °C / 61 °F; breezy evenings.

☀️Daylight

~10.5 h; sunrise ~7am, sunset ~5:30pm.

🎉Key events

National Day (Dec 2), Dubai Shopping Festival (starts Dec 6), New Year’s Eve.

👥Crowds

Very high; hotels book out, especially over NYE.

🛋️What to pack

Light layers, sunblock, a jacket for evenings or desert trips.

🍽️Seasonal treats

Festive brunches, date-stuffed sweets, hot karak tea.

Top things to do in Dubai in December

View NYE fireworks from Burj Khalifa

  • When: Dec 31
  • Tags: Festival, Outdoors

Catch the iconic fireworks at Burj Khalifa—Dubai’s biggest NYE draw. Arrive before 6pm to secure a spot near Dubai Mall. Expect road closures after 8 pm and large crowds.

Recommended experiences:

  • Burj Khalifa At The Top Tickets: Levels 124 & 125
  • Burj Khalifa At The Top Tickets: SKY Level 148, 124 & 125 Access with Refreshments
  • Burj Khalifa Tickets with Light Meal or Café Treat
Check all Burj Khalifa tickets & tours

Explore the Dubai Shopping Festival

  • When: From Dec 6
  • Tags: Seasonal, Tour, Family-friendly

Launched in December, DSF transforms malls with sales, raffles, and performances. Visit Ibn Battuta or City Centre Mirdif for fewer crowds than Dubai Mall.

Relax on JBR Beach

  • When: All month
  • Tags: Outdoors, Family-friendly

December is perfect beach weather. Pack swimwear and sunblock for Jumeirah Beach Residence. Come before noon to rent loungers, or stay for sunsets and street shows.

Cruise Dubai Creek on a dhow

  • When: Evenings in December
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Tour

Traditional wooden boats glide past the gold souk and Al Fahidi. Book a dinner cruise with live oud music. Bring a jacket—nights get cool on the water.

Recommended experiences:

  • From Dubai Creek: Dhow Cruise with Dinner & Live Entertainment
  • From Dubai Marina/Creek: 1-Hour Sightseeing Dhow Cruise with Unlimited Soft Drinks
Explore all Dubai Dhow cruises

Tour Al Fahidi Historical District

  • When: All month
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Explorer

Wander narrow lanes and wind towers in this preserved heritage quarter. December's mild temps make midday walks enjoyable. Don’t miss the Coffee Museum or SMCCU cultural talks.

See Christmas decor at Madinat Jumeirah

  • When: Mid-Dec to Dec 25
  • Tags: Seasonal, Family-friendly

Madinat's festive market features a tree, snowball zone, and seasonal eats. Book dining in advance for waterfront views with fairy lights and live carols.

Shop under the stars at Global Village

  • When: Evenings
  • Tags: Family-friendly, Tour, Outdoors

This open-air cultural bazaar has pavilions from 90+ countries. Try street food, watch stunt shows, and haggle for handmade gifts. Avoid weekends to skip traffic.

Recommended experiences:

  • Global Village Entry Tickets – Kids Go Free!
  • Combo: Free Global Village + Dubai Safari Park Explorer Safari Tickets
Explore all Global Village Dubai tickets

Catch a show at Dubai Opera

  • When: Check listings
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Tour

The December lineup often includes holiday ballets or musicals. Arrive early for pre-show drinks at the plaza. Dress code is smart casual; no shorts.

Offbeat experiences in December

Take a camel ride in the dunes

Golden light, silent desert, slow rhythm
Book a sunset camel ride in Al Marmoom. December skies glow pink over the dunes, and the cooler air is ideal. Most tours include tea in Bedouin tents.
📍Where: Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

Tour the Coffee Museum

Scented beans and global brews
This tucked-away spot showcases coffee rituals from Ethiopia to the Arabian Peninsula. You can sample unusual brews and learn roasting techniques.
📍Where: Al Fahidi Historical District

Visit The Green Planet

Tropical rainforest in the desert
Step into this indoor bio-dome with toucans, sloths, and lush canopy paths. Great for families dodging peak sun hours or rare December showers.
📍Where: City Walk

Walk the Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk

Bridges, skyline views, quiet detour
Stroll past yacht marinas and under color-lit bridges. Ideal at dusk when the towers reflect off the water. Few tourists venture past Safa Park.
📍Where: Near Al Habtoor City

Join a rooftop yoga session

Stretch with a view
Many hotels offer December yoga with skyline views. Sign up for a 7am or sunset session when the air is crisp and clear.
📍Where: Check listings at Fairmont, Zabeel House, or Vida Hotels

Festivals and events in Dubai this December 2025

UAE National Day

  • Dates: 01–03 Dec 2025
  • Event type: Cultural Festival
  • Location: Citywide

Expect fireworks at Burj Khalifa and JBR, parades, and traditional dance. Book accommodations early as domestic travel spikes over the long weekend.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)

  • Dates: Starts 06 Dec 2025
  • Event type: Shopping Festival
  • Location: Citywide

Expect up to 75% off, daily raffles, drone shows, and celeb concerts. Top malls include Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Festival City.

Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market

  • Dates: Mid–late Dec 2025 [TBC]
  • Event type: Christmas Market
  • Location: Madinat Jumeirah

A family favorite with a tree, live music, snow fights, and gingerbread decorating. Ride the abra boats for canal views lit in gold.

Burj Khalifa NYE Fireworks

  • Dates: 31 Dec 2025
  • Event type: Fireworks Celebration
  • Location: Downtown Dubai

Dubai’s most famous NYE show, with a drone and light spectacle. Get there early or book a restaurant table with direct views by November.

Christmas Eve Dinners

  • Dates: 24 Dec 2025
  • Event type: Holiday Dining
  • Location: Citywide hotels

Hotels host themed dinners—from buffet feasts to gourmet five-course menus. Reserve early, especially at Burj Al Arab or Atlantis.

Dubai Winter City (Expo)

Festive rides, light tunnels, live shows, and Santa photo ops. Ideal for kids; evenings are the most atmospheric.

Dubai Desert Classic (Golf)

See pro golfers in a cool-season tournament. Watch from shaded grandstands or reserve VIP access for lounge perks.

Global Village NYE Fireworks

  • Dates: 31 Dec 2025
  • Event type: Cultural Celebration
  • Location: Global Village

Midnight fireworks every hour across time zones. Less packed than Downtown and fun for families. Arrive by 6pm to explore pavilions first.

Highlights for different traveller types

Families with kids

December is ideal for families: Visit Dubai Winter City for Santa photo ops, catch fireworks at Global Village, or snorkel at The Lost Chambers Aquarium without the summer heat.

Couples

Sail on a private dhow at sunset, dine amid fairy lights at Madinat Jumeirah, or toast the New Year from a rooftop lounge with views of the Burj.

Shopaholics

Hunt DSF deals at Mall of the Emirates, browse artisanal gifts at the Madinat festive market, or explore night stalls at Global Village for quirky souvenirs.

Culture vultures

Attend SMCCU's heritage programs in Al Fahidi, book a tour of the Etihad Museum, or catch a seasonal opera at Dubai Opera House.

Adventure seekers

Book a sunrise desert quad tour, test your skills at Ski Dubai, or zipline across the Dubai Marina skyline with XLine.

Your perfect 3-day Dubai in December itinerary

  • Morning: Start at Al Fahidi District; join a walking tour of the wind-tower lanes.
  • Breakfast: Grab karak tea and chebab pancakes at Arabian Tea House.
  • Midday: Visit Etihad Museum for UAE history and interactive exhibits.
  • Lunch: Enjoy mezze and grills at Al Fanar, Dubai Festival City.
  • Afternoon: Abra ride across Dubai Creek, then explore the gold souk.
  • Evening: Visit Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market for lights and dinner.
  • Morning: Head to the dunes for camel rides and falcon photos.
  • Breakfast: Desert safari camps offer local pastries and Arabic coffee.
  • Midday: Rest back at hotel or visit The Green Planet.
  • Lunch: Try elevated Middle Eastern at Orfali Bros Bistro.
  • Afternoon: Shop at Mall of the Emirates or check Ski Dubai.
  • Evening: Book dinner with NYE fireworks views at Burj Khalifa area.
  • Morning: Stroll Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk for skyline photos.
  • Breakfast: Enjoy coffee at The Sum of Us, near Burj.
  • Midday: Take kids to Expo City’s Winter Village.
  • Lunch: Food trucks and bites onsite at Expo.
  • Afternoon: See Dubai Opera or explore City Walk art installations.
  • Evening: Wrap up with Global Village for shows and fireworks.

Best day trips from Dubai in December

Abu Dhabi

🚌Travel time: ~90 min by car or bus

Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in comfortable weather, stroll the Louvre Abu Dhabi, or see the falcon hospital. Book mosque slots early.

Abu Dhabi city tours

Hatta

🚍Travel time: ~90 min by car

Cooler than the city, Hatta is perfect in December. Hike, kayak in the dam, or explore heritage village trails. Dress in layers.

Sharjah

🚌Travel time: ~30 min by taxi

The cultural capital offers museums, heritage areas, and art walks. Combine with a visit to the Souk Al Arsah. Less busy than Dubai.

Sharjah day trip

Al Ain

🚍Travel time: ~1 h 45 min by car

Explore Al Ain Oasis, camel market, or mountain drives up Jebel Hafeet. Cooler air makes December ideal. Avoid weekend congestion.

Go shopping in Dubai in December

  • When: From Dec 6
  • Where: Citywide malls

Expect huge discounts, flash sales, and raffles. Best for big-brand electronics, fashion, and souvenirs.

Holiday decor, live music, and artisan stalls make this a scenic seasonal spot.

Browse indie vendors selling home goods, fashion, and gourmet food in a park setting.

Night market meets theme park. Shop cultural crafts from 90+ countries under festive lights.

Pro tips for visiting Dubai in December

  1. Book NYE dinner spots and Downtown hotels by mid-November to avoid full capacity.

  2. Roads close by 8pm near Burj Khalifa on Dec 31. Use Metro early or stay walkable.

  3. Desert gets chilly at night—bring a jacket for safaris and late dhow cruises.

  4. Malls extend hours during DSF; shop late to avoid peak midday crowds.

  5. Christmas isn’t a public holiday, but restaurants and churches are packed—reserve early.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Dubai in December

Is Dubai cold in December?

Not really—days are 26 °C / 79 °F; evenings dip to 16 °C / 61 °F. A light jacket is useful after sunset.

Is everything open at Christmas?

Yes, tourist sites and malls stay open. Some offices may close, but all key attractions operate.

Can I swim at the beach?

Yes, the sea remains warm. December is ideal for beach visits without extreme heat.

Do I need to dress modestly in December?

Yes, despite holiday events, Dubai expects modest attire in public. Cover shoulders and knees.

How early should I arrive for NYE fireworks?

Get to Downtown by 5pm-6pm. Roads close after 8pm and crowds are huge.

Are there any dry days?

Yes, possibly Dec 1–2 for National Day. Alcohol may not be served in bars briefly.

Is Dubai crowded in December?

Very. It's peak season, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. Book hotels, tickets, and restaurants early.

Are tours still running in December?

Yes, and many add festive options. Desert tours, dhow cruises, and markets are all fully active.