New to Abu Dhabi during the festive season? Get ready for something special.
Christmas in Abu Dhabi seems like a dream; the city is loaded with lights and decorations, music and that feel-good holiday spirit. As December approaches, Abu Dhabi is even more illuminated than usual – the hotels, malls and the streets are decorated with festive colours. You cannot help being caught up in the Christmas spirit, whether you are there as a visitor or you are a local.
When it comes to Christmas tree lighting in Abu Dhabi, the city knows how to celebrate. You will crash into these massive hotel lobbies with their lights, people carolling, and even Santa coming in to play pranks on children. Certain locations will even allow you to get in free, eat delicious snacks, and give special holiday offers.
There will be spectacular light displays at Anantara Santorini, festive carols at Fairmonth Bab Al Bahar, and many more celebrations.
So bring your family and enjoy the magic as Abu Dhabi lights up for Christmas.
Also read: Christmas Tree Lighting Dubai 2025 ceremonies
List of the Best Places to Witness Christmas Tree Lighting in Abu Dhabi 2025
1. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi – Grand Festive Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dusit Thani celebrates Christmas in Abu Dhabi in the beautiful hotel Lobby. This mega event has magical performances from talented students of the British School of Al Khubairat, Mayoor School, and the Philippine School. Get ready to see how the amazingly decorated tree shines to have a cosy evening, full of miracles, wonders, and the real essence of being together.
- Date: Friday, 5 December 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Pricing: Complimentary
- Contact: +971 2 698 8888
2. Emirates Palace – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Emirates Palace has one of the most expensive events in Christmas Tree lightings in Abu Dhabi. The Palace Tree lighting is followed by magic music, ballet, a children’s choir and even a sprinkling of snow. This miracle in the Grand Dome is the beginning of the festive season in style.
- Date: Thursday, 5 December 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Grand Dome, Emirates Palace
- Pricing: Open to all
- Reservations: +971 2 690 9000
3. Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat – The Grand Tree Lighting
Spend Christmas in Abu Dhabi in a Santorini-style architecture in Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat with a breathtaking background. This is an adults-only retreat that will feature the beautiful and peaceful tree lighting ceremony, accompanied by festive music and a happy atmosphere. This is a couple-friendly event to enjoy. Adults are only allowed to enter the event.
- Date: Thursday, 11 December 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Pricing: Complimentary for guests
- Contact: +971 2 817 0000
4. Jumeirah Saadiyat Island – White Christmas Tree Lighting
Experience a pleasurable feast with the Christmas Tree Lighting in Abu Dhabi at this high-end beachfront hotel, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island. There will be live food stations, mulled wine, hot chocolate, carol singers and a special guest appearance by Santa himself. The ideal combination of the food treat and a vacation is magic.
- Date: Wednesday, 11 December 2025
- Pricing: Complimentary for all guests
- Contact: +971 2 811 4444
5. Saadiyat Beach Club – Christmas Tree Lighting (Members Only)
A Christmas tree lighting event that is exclusive to the members of one of the beach clubs in Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Club. Enjoy canapés and hot chocolate, and children can go through gingerbread house decorating, cookie activities, and a magical meet and greet with Santa. This is a family friendly event that is finished with festive carols.
- Date: Friday, 12 December 2025
- Time: From 4:30 PM
- Contact: +971 2 656 3500
6. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Spend a grand Christmas in Abu Dhabi in the Outdoor Falcon Lawn of the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. This performance includes the lovely Christmas market, the grand entry of Santa via boat, child activities with gifts and a magical tree light celebration. There are prolonged celebrations, such as a Festive Afternoon Tea that has magical entertainment during the holiday season.
- Date: Friday, 12 December 2025
- Festive Afternoon Tea: 5 December – 1 January 2026 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Afternoon Tea Pricing: AED 150 per person | Add AED 55 for Champagne
- Contact: +971 2 654 3333
7. Novotel Gate Abu Dhabi – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Get the festive season magic into the air as Novotel Gate Abu Dhabi introduces its yearly Christmas tree lighting in Abu Dhabi. This is a family-friendly event that is filled with excitement in the hotel lobby to spend the evening with happiness, warmth, and holiday mood. A stunning show of carol singing by the church choir, mulled non-alcoholic wine, and delicious pass-through canapés, all accompanied by the Christmas lights blazing in the room as the festive season is officially opened.
- Date: Friday, 5 December 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Pricing: Complimentary for invitees
- Contact: +971 2 508 8000
Christmas tree lighting in Abu Dhabi provides a magic to each and every person, whether it is the stylistic beauty of the Emirates Palace or the aesthetic elegance of Saadiyat Beach Club overlooking the beach. The event, be it family-friendly, adults-only, or events to invite members only, these festivities have the essence of the real Christmas in Abu Dhabi. Early bookings are made since these events are always very popular, and you should be ready to experience a memorable season during the festivals in the fascinating capital of the UAE.
1 AED