1. December 6 to January 5: Take the little ones to see Santa at a Grotto
Bringing the North Pole to Dubai, The Grotto is coming to Dubai Ice Rink at Dubai Mall this December. Think walking in a winter wonderland through Candy Cane Land, passing through the Enchanted Forest, a trip to the Merry Mailroom, and a visit to Santa’s cosy cabin. Running from December 6 until January 5, The Grotto will open from 10am to midnight daily, with visitors able to book 10-minute windows for entry.
2. December 6 to 9: Get your thrills in the capital as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix returns
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final race of the F1 calendar, and it returns to Yas Marina Circuit from December 6 to 8. The on- and off-grid spectacle isn’t just about the thrilling Formula 1 race, it also comes with headline performances from Maroon 5, Muse and Eminem, brunches and after parties aplenty, and so much more.
3. December 6: See a mesmerising drone show at JBR
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) calendar features an action-packed line-up of concerts, festivals and pop-ups – as well as all the fantastic deals – across 38 days from December 6, 2024 to January 12, 2025. And one of the star attractions of DSF – the incredible drone show – is set to return for this year’s 30th anniversary edition. The DSF drone show lights up the skies at Bluewaters and The Beach opposite JBR every day from December 6 until the end of DSF with not one, but two displays.
4. December 6 to 31: Embrace a magical winter wonderland at two iconic Christmas markets
Winter City will make a welcome return to Expo City Dubai from December 6 to 31 transforming Al Wasl Plaza into a magical toy factory in partnership with Toys R Us. Inside the festive wonderland, families can meet Santa Claus, post their letters to Santa in the giant letterbox, wander around the North Pole Market, and dive into fun-filled workshops hosted by Santa’s elves, from cookie decorating to festive crafts. And one of the most popular festive market’s, Fort Island at Madinat Jumeirah, will also return for 2024, running from December 6 to 31.
5. December 7: Enjoy dinner with a view at a duo of new restaurant
ICD Brookfield Place is set to get a double serving of culinary excellence from December 7, with the opening of two London exports. From Paris and London comes Bar des Prés, a Franco-East Asian restaurant helmed by star chef Cyricl Lignac. Making its mark on the DIFC dining scene this December, the restaurant promises French sophistication, Japanese individuality, and breathtaking Dubai views from its lofty 51st floor location.
6. December 12: See a festive film in the sky
Aura Skypool is screening a Christmas classic, The Holiday, for one night only. Priced at Dhs650 and with space for just 50 guests, it includes free-flowing bubbles, festive canapes, a bento box for dinner and of course, the film screening backdropped by panoramic views.
7. December date TBC: Challenge your mates to a round of mini-golf
First announced last summer, London’s popular crazy golf venue, Swingers, is opening on Bluewaters Island later this year. Each Swingers venue is made to look and feel like an English country club, bringing nature indoors with plants and trees and windmill-themed golf courses. In Dubai, the super-sized 22,000 square foot venue will be set over two floors, and feature three fun-filled crazy golf courses.
8. December 14: Sing along with a Latin superstar
Latin megastar, Ricky Martin, known for such silk-hipped pop bangers as Livin’ La Vida Loca, She Bangs, and Vente Pa’ Ca, is coming to Dubai. He’ll be bringing his ‘Ricky Marin Live‘ world tour to the Coca-Cola Arena on December 14, with tickets priced from Dhs299. Gotta, gotta, gotta la vida local!
9. December 14 to 22: Celebrate silly season at Winter District
New location, same fabulous festive fun – Winter District heads to Dubai Media City Amphitheatre from December 14. Transforming it into a fun-filled winter wonderland filled with twinkling fairy lights, festive décor, and holiday cheer, expect a Santa’s grotto, snow park, ice rink, market, and a cosy Alpine-inspired lounge.
10. From mid-December check in for a playful new staycation
Ennismore Hotels are set to expand their portfolio of Dubai properties with the arrival of Mama Shelter Dubai, and it’s opening this month. The 197 key hotel will open in Business Bay. The playful brand, born in Paris in 2008, now has hotels all over Europe, known for their cheeky decor and casual, welcoming vibe, which is exactly what we can look forward to here. For dining, the all-day dining restaurant is designed like a cosy cantina on the hotel’s fourth floor.
11. December 17: Enjoy a unique sushi collab on court
Matcha Club and Kokoro Hand Roll bar are teaming up for a one-night-only experience, that will see Matcha Club’s padel court transformed into a a pop-up sushi bar, with three sushi bar each seating 8 to 10. The owners and operators of Kokoro, Tamer El Khayat and Faisal Yabroudi will guide diners through an authentic, chef’s-choice dining adventure in a unique open-air setting. There’s two seatings, one at 7pm and one at 9.15pm, and it’s Dhs650.
12. From early December: Tuck in at a beloved Beirut restaurant
Beirut-born Mediterranean dining destination, Meat the Fish, is set to make its debut in Dubai, within the highly-anticipated Jumierah Marsa Al Arab hotel this December. From the team behind February 30 and The Theater – 7 Management – the Beirut-export, Meat the Fish, will be one of 10 new restaurants opening up inside the five-star resort. The casual dining spot is known for its stunning interiors, delicious Mediter-Asian cuisine, and warm Lebanese hospitality.
13. December 28: Party at the harbour with Black Coffee
Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee returns to Dubai Harbour to round-out the year with an unforgettable set of his signature ethereal house sound on December 28. Tickets start from Dhs195.
14. December: Soak up the sun at a gorgeous new beach club
Building on the smash-hit success of homegrown Greek restaurant Gaia, Fundamental Hospitality will bring Aegean-inspired luxury to J1 Beach with the opening of Sirene Beach by Gaia. Expect hidden bars, a restaurant with seating for up to 400, a golden beach, a swimming pool, 300 sunbeds and an array of luxe cabanas.
15. December 31: Party All Night Long with Lionel Richie at Atlantis, The Palm
Atlantis, The Palm is set to welcome the one and only Lionel Richie to headline its 2024 New Year’s Eve Party on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. The legendary soul and R&B singer is sure to belt out his hit singles such as Hello, Endless Love, All Night Long, Dancing On The Ceiling, We Are The World, and Say You, Say Me, and many more. Packages for the New Year’s Eve gala dinner start from Dhs6,500 for adults and Dhs4,500 for children aged 4 to 13, with children under 3 going free.
