The best time to visit Dubai is here. From the receding temperatures bringing the perfect settings to explore outdoor attractions to the indulgent festive season ensuring the best offers and discounts at top places, there is a lot happening in Dubai during this time. The next month is bound to be more special as the UAE National Day 2025 approaches, Christmas markets open up across the city, NYE events pop up and stunning pyrotechnic displays happen all around. But that’s not all there is to the month. Let’s discuss in detail all the amazing things to do in Dubai in December 2025.
Let me start from Eid al Etihad. Each year, the UAE National Day brings in a sense of pride and unity among residents and citizens. Tourists in Dubai do not fail to realise the importance of this period as celebrations continue for multiple days. Public holidays are already announced from 29 November to 2 December for Eid al Etihad. You can expect a lot of stunning events happening around the city and beyond (more on this later).
Next, the annual Dubai Shopping Festival is happening from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. From giant DSF raffles to indulgent discounts, offers, concerts and outdoor pop-up markets, there is a lot supposed to happen at DSF 2025. You cannot miss this experience, as the festival combines shopping, dining, entertainment and much more.
Christmas and NYE in Dubai celebrations are also going to start soon, taking you on a memorable journey of quality experiences and incredible memories that last a lifetime. Burj Khalifa is going to light up for the occassions. You can catch all of the action from different restaurants in Dubai Mall and nearby. Many concerts and open-air pop-up markets are being planned out. Do not miss these things to do in Dubai in December 2025, as your experience is going to be much more magical than you currently expect it to be.
Top things to do in Dubai in December 2025 – UAE National Day Celebrations
The UAE National Day 2025 is right around the corner. There is a lot happening at this year’s Eid al Etihad, including pyrotechnic displays, delicacies, entertainment and parades. Let’s not forget the upcoming UAE National Day fireworks at different locations in Dubai. You are in for a lot of surprises and splendid deals – making this experience as meaningful for you as possible. Let me highlight some of the important ones happening soon.
1. UAE National Day fireworks in Dubai
| Dubai Landmark Name | Date and Time |
| Burj Khalifa | 2 December 2025 |
| Global Village Dubai | 1, 3 December 2025 – 9:00 pm |
| The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) | 2 December 2025 – 9:00 pm |
| Dubai Festival City Mall | 2 December 2025 – 8:00 pm |
| Souk al Seef | 2 December 2025 – 9:00 pm |
| Hatta Sign | 2 December 2025 – 8:00 pm |
2. Global Village Eid al Etihad celebrations
Global Village – one of the best family-friendly attractions in Dubai – is getting ready for one of its most memorable UAE National Day celebrations. Starting from UAE-themed drone performances on 1-2 December at 9:00 pm to spectacular fireworks, Main Stage Operetta: ‘From the Desert to the Stars’ from 1-3 December, a live Khalid Mohammed concert on 1 December at 7:00 pm and scores of artistic cultural installations and traditional performances happening since 25 November and set to continue till 4 December at least, the UAE National Day events at Global Village Dubai are nothing but mesmerizing.
3. UAE National Day parades
Let’s not forget the rising popularity of UAE National Day Parades on social media these days. In 2025, you can expect a beautiful Dubai Police & Community Parade on 1 December from 4:00 pm. Do not miss this combination of music, culture and celebration.
4. UAE National Day concerts and cultural performances in Dubai
Let’s turn on the entertainment scale up. The upcoming UAE National Day 2025 is going to see a lot of entertainment options in Dubai. These include Balqees live concert at Dubai Festival City Mall on 2 December. You can find Lebanese singer Diana Haddad singing on 1 December. The highly anticipated Shamma Hamdan concert is set for 2 December. You can also find a number of cultural performances planned out across Dubai for Eid al Etihad, such as at Hatta and The Beach JBR. Do not miss out on these.
5. UAE National Day staycation offers, events and shopping deals
Last but not least, this year’s Eid al Etihad is promising a great time for shopping enthusiasts and fans of luxury staycation. Black Friday deals are also on, and alongside Eid al Etihad offers, you can expect some of the best offers. You can come to Dubai Festival City Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, Ibn Battuta Mall and so many more places for the surprises. There are many attractions in Dubai, too, promising interesting deals and celebrations this holiday season, including Riverland Dubai offering 10 experiences for AED 54, Dubai Frame, Mushrif Park, Burj Khalifa, Expo City and Dubai Public Library. Do not miss out.
Next coming to the UAE National Day staycation deals, there are plenty of hotels in Dubai offering big deals on staying during the holidays, such as Raffles Dubai and The H Dubai. These places scream luxury, comfort and indulgence. You are going to have a really fun time.
Read More: Detailed list of UAE National Day events in Dubai 2025
Read More: Detailed list of UAE National Day staycation in Dubai 2025 deals
Top things to do in Dubai in December 2025 – Dubai Shopping Festival Celebrations
One of the biggest retail events globally, Dubai Shopping Festival 2025 is all set to commence from 5 December 2025 until 11 January 2026. This means, for more than a month, you get to indulge in the best shopping in Dubai offers, enjoy delicacies from different cuisines at incredible prices, attend stunning concerts and events in Dubai, and make memories that last a lifetime. Isn’t it so pleasing? Let me take you through the list.
1. Top concerts and events in Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26
You can expect a lot of fun concerts and events in DSF 2025-26. Each evening from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, come to the Dubai Marina area for some of the most stunning DSF drone performances. You can see 1000+ drones in remarkable arrangements. That’s not all. Let’s not miss DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall. You can expect a lot of concerts, family entertainment, live events and celebrities like Nora Fatehi and Mahmoud El Esseily. e& MOTB at Dubai Design District (d3) is going to mesmerize you, featuring big local and international brands, food stalls, live entertainment and more. Basically, talk about a giant open-air pop-up market (from 1 to 11 January 2026). Sole DXB 2025 is happening from 12-14 December 2025 at Dubai Design District, keeping you close to big celebrities like Tyla, Loyle Carner, Kaytranada, Miguel and Gilles Peterson. But the list isn’t complete yet!
| Name and Location | Date and Time |
| Dubai Shopping Festival Drones (DSF Drones) at Dubai Marina | 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026 (each evening) |
| DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall | 5 December to 11 January 2026 (Mon to Fri – 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm and Sat to Sun – 4:30 pm to 12:00 am) |
| Sole DXB at Dubai Design District (d3) | 12-14 December 2025 |
| Franz Ferdinand Dubai Concert, Coca-Cola Arena | 13 December 2025 (8:00 am) |
| The Yemenis Orchestra at Dubai Opera | 14 December 2025 (9:00 pm) |
| Hany Shaker and Mai Farouk at Dubai Opera | 23 December 2025 (9:00 pm) |
| Sonu Nigam Dubai Concert at Coca-Cola Arena | 27 December 2025 (8:00 pm) |
2. DSF Mega Raffles and Top Deals
From 7 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, take part in Dubai Shopping Festival raffles and mega contests to get home a number of stunning prizes. DSF Mega Raffle Tickets are priced at AED 100 and can be bought at multiple locations, such as Global Village and ZOOM stores. In addition to this, you can also grab irresistible deals on more than 800 global and local brands at top shopping malls in Dubai.
Read More: Detailed list of DSF 2025-26 events, concerts and deals
Top things to do in Dubai in December 2025 – Christmas Celebrations
Christmas in Dubai is a magical experience. I agree that traditional champions like London, Finland and the Netherlands celebrate Xmas holidays really well. But Dubai, being a melting pot of cultures, plans for the entry of Christmas at least a month ago. Starting from Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies to brilliant Christmas markets in Dubai, there is a lot happening next month and you cannot miss any of these experiences. Let me take you through all the stunning things to do in Dubai in December 2025 as Christmas approaches.
1. Christmas Tree Lighting in Dubai 2025
Let’s start from the Christmas tree lighting in Dubai ceremonies. You can find these celebrations happening in different parts of the city, both paid and free. Make sure to get your reservations sorted at the necessary places.
| Landmark in Dubai | Date and Time |
| Souk al Seef | 7 December 2025 (8:00 pm) |
| NH Collection Dubai The Palm | 9 December 2025 (6:00 pm to 7:00 pm) |
| Emirates Golf Club | 5 December 2025 (6:00 pm) |
| Global Village Dubai | – |
| BurJuman Mall | – |
| Mashrabiya Lounge, Fairmont The Palm | 6 December 2025 (4:00 pm to 6:00 pm) |
| Dubai Creek Resort | 5 December 2025 (6:30 pm) |
| Sofitel Dubai The Palm | 5 December 2025 (5:30 pm) |
| Sheraton Dubai Creek | 5 December 2025 (6:00 pm to 7:00 pm) |
| Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort | 5 December 2025 (6:00 pm) |
2. Christmas in Dubai brunches and dinners
There is a lot happening in Dubai this Christmas 2025, and brunches and dinners are definitely going to steal the limelight. There are multiple restaurants in Dubai planning incredible Christmas dinner deals for you. These include Cinque Trattoria at FIVE Hotels and Resorts, Jou Jou Brasserie at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Imperium at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Emirates Golf Club, Creations Bakery at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. You can indulge in delicacies from different parts of the globe and be part of festive experiences that don’t fail to surprise you. Let’s not forget the brunch deals though. Step into places like Hanaaya in Jumeirah Mina al Salam, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Emirates Golf Club, McCafferty’s at Circle Mall and CUCINA at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah for all the bliss.
Read More: Top Christmas in Dubai brunches 2025
Read More: Top Christmas in Dubai dinners 2025
3. Christmas markets in Dubai and other events 2025
Exploring Christmas markets in Dubai is definitely a delightful experience. There are many examples, but one of the most important ones is the upcoming Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market 2025. It is kicking off 5 December 2025 and is scheduled to run until the end of the year. You can dine on seasonal treats, ride on a mini train and dance to the Christmas tunes. Winter City at Expo City Dubai and Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers are also great.
| Dubai Christmas Market 2025 | Date and Time |
| Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market | 6 to 31 December 2025 (Mon to Thu – 3 pm until late in the night, Fri to Sun – 12 pm until late in the night) |
| Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Toers | 13 to 28 December 2025 |
| Winter City at Expo City Dubai | 6 to 31 December 2025 (4 pm till late) |
| Winter Wonderland at Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates | 1 to 25 December 2025 |
4. Christmas in Dubai staycation deals 2025
There are plenty of hotels in Dubai releasing incredible Christmas staycation deals. You can use these offers to indulge in the most memorable experiences at great prices. From beachfront hotels to scenic city-centre properties, there are many places in the Emirate. This Xmas holidays, plan a trip to Dubai for a change. Dubai doesn’t fail to amaze and you are going to remember this trip for a lifetime, for sure.
Top things to do in Dubai in December 2025 – NYE Celebrations
New Year’s Eve in Dubai – more than just an experience, it is a pleasant memory to keep safe for a lifetime. On 31 December 2025, come near Burj Khalifa. You are going to see the skyscraper light up to ring in 2026 in the best manner possible. From engaging light and sound celebrations to fireworks, all of the things combine to bring out something that is so surreal that it continues to lure tourists from across the globe to check it out. But besides Burj Khalifa, many other places in Dubai are also planning incredible fireworks, such as Dubai Frame and Global Village. You can also see plenty of NYE staycation deals in Dubai floating around, dinner and brunch deals, parties and concerts, and shopping deals. In a nutshell, completely unmissable.
| NYE in Dubai 2026 | Date and Time | Key Highlights | Booking Link |
| Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve in Dubai 2026 | 31 December 2025 (reach Burj Khalifa area before 4:00 pm) | Catch Burj Khalifa fireworks for NYE 2026. There are free spots and paid ones in Burj Park | Click Here |
| Maroon 5 at Atlantis, The Palm NYE 2026 | 31 December 2025 (NYE Gala Dinner) | Catch Maroon 5 headline Atlantis, The Palm’s NYE Gala Dinner | Click Here |
| NYE 2026 at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience | 31 December 2025 (From 6:00 pm) | CamelPhat and Mahmut Orhan fuse music and dance at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience | Click Here |
| Sonny Fodera at FIVE Palm Jumeirah | 31 December 2025 (From 8:00 pm) | Sonny Fodera is bringing his soul-stirring music to FIVE Palm Jumeirah | Click Here |
| NYE Expo City Dubai | 31 December 2025 (from 7:00 pm) | Confetti blast, great music and more at Expo City Dubai | Click Here |
| Golden Night Gala Dinner at Zabeel Theatre | 31 December 2025 (from 8:00 pm) | Golden Night Gala Dinner at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Check out live performance by SOPRANO by Mikhail Turetsky | Click Here |
| NYE at Barasti | 31 December 2025 (from 8:00 pm) | International DJs step into Dubai for the ultimate night, set against the backdrop of Dubai Marina | Click Here |
Read More: Best NYE in Dubai parties 2026 list
Other top things to do in Dubai in December 2025
1. Peggy Gou in Dubai at FIVE Luxe JBR
South Korean star Peggy Gou is set to make Dubai dance at Pacha ICONS, FIVE Luxe Hotel, JBR. From her viral anthem ‘(It goes like) Nanana’ to sold-out events at Coachella and Glastonbury, Peggy Gou is promising a lot.
Date and Time: 6 December 2025 (from 7:00 pm)
Location: Pacha ICONS, FIVE Luxe Hotel, JBR
2. Ultra Trail Dubai 2025
Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025 might be over by 31 November. But Ultra Trail Dubai 2025 is going to keep the fitness mood up. You can explore Hatta in all its glory as this high-intensity race challenges both seasoned runners and road runners looking for a change in scenery.
Date and Time: 5-7 December 2025 (from 6:00 pm)
Location: Hatta
3. Japan Festival Dubai 2025
Step into Jameel Arts Centre on 6 December 2025 for Japan Festival. It is one of the best free things to do in Dubai in December 2025, letting you experience Japanese culture first-hand in Dubai. You get a full day of Japanese food, crafts, music and dance.
Date and Time: 6 December 2025 (1:30 pm to 8:30 pm)
Location: Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park, Jameel Arts Centre
4. Dubai Basketball vs FC Bayern Munich
Head to Coca-Cola Arena this 12 December 2025 to catch Dubai Basketball compete against FC Bayern Munich. Expect high-energy action and unforgettable memories. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Make sure to book your tickets as soon as possible.
Date and Time: 12 December 2025 (from 8:00 pm)
Location: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
5. Kunal Kamra Live
Indian comic Kunal Kamra is coming to Emirates International School Auditorium on 13 December 2025. You can definitely expect loads of jokes that do not fall flat. Make sure to get your tickets for the upcoming event in Dubai sorted on time.
Date and Time: 13 December 2025 (5:30 pm)
Location: Emirates International School Auditorium
6. Jamie Lever in Dubai
Be prepared for a night of side-splitting comedy. Jamie Lever is coming from India to Sheikh Rashid Auditorium on 13 December 2025 to blend standup comedy, impersonations and music. You are going to remember this event for quite a long time.
Date and Time: 13 December 2025 (6:00 pm)
Location: Sheikh Rashid Auditorium
7. Pitbull Dubai Concert 2025
Get ready for Pitbull in Dubai. Famous for a number of chart-topping hits, such as ‘Fireball’ and ‘Don’t Stop The Party’, Pitbull is bringing his I’m Back Tour to Coca-Cola Arena next month. Do not miss this experience, I insist. Grab the last-minute tickets, if any!
Date and Time: 14 December 2025 (9:30 pm)
Location: Coca-Cola Arena
8. Rock and Opera Live
The stars of Bolshoi Theatre take the stage of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on 18 December 2025 for the upcoming Rock and Opera Live. Experience timeless opera arias like no other place before. Book your tickets as soon as possible.
Date and Time: 18 December 2025 (from 8:30 pm)
Location: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
9. Sinbad the Sailor
Get ready for a thrilling treasure hunt at Theatre by QE2 from 18-27 December 2025. The voyage features Sinbad and his team aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 as they seek a legendary lost treasure, simultaneously, meeting fantastical creatures and making more friends.
Date: 18-24 December 2025
Location: Theatre by QE2, Mina Rashid
10. Battle of the Sexes at Coca-Cola Arena
On 28 December 2025, Coca-Cola Arena is going to host one of the highly anticipated events in Dubai. Battle of the Sexes features Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios. For one night only, the tennis champions are going to battel it out in a historic match-up that skillfully combines elite competition and blockbuster entertainment.
Date and Time: 28 December 2025 (8:00 pm)
Location: Coca-Cola Arena
One thing is clear: the things to do in Dubai in December 2025 list is nothing less than legendary. Starting from the UAE National Day fireworks, parades and cultural performances to Dubai Shopping Festival raffles, concerts and events, Christmas in Dubai tree lighting ceremonies, markets, brunches and dinners, and NYE Dubai fireworks, brunches, dinners and parties, there is a lot happening next month in this city. You need to make your reservations for the events before the tickets sell out. Nonetheless, there are many free things to do in Dubai, too, such as catching Burj Khalifa fireworks, exploring Eid al Etihad parades, checking out Japan Festival Dubai and clicking beautiful pictures of different other DSF events in Dubai. Are you ready?
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