2020 Christmas Guide in the UAE

It is nearly Christmas and soon we will be bidding goodbye to 2020! It is time to get on that holiday cheer and keep the festive fun going on!

Ever heard of Christmas markets in the Middle East?  A Christmas show? Or have a proper roast dinner for Christmas eve? There may still be a few expats and residents skeptical of celebrating Christmas in the Middle East. While the outside temperature may not be freezing cold, the UAE does host a handful of festivities and activities to celebrate this holiday season.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, UAE nationals and residents are getting in the mood for Christmas. So here we have made a list and checked it twice, for some of the top Christmas activities from Christmas Markets to Christmas Brunches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Winter Wonderland – Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi

The Winter Wonderland event in Al Maryah offers a sense of magic at the heart of the city. The Galleria is beautifully decorated with sleigh bells and reindeers that transformed into a winter village. The kids will also have the opportunity to meet Santa himself! Book early in advance to get a slot to meet Santa!

New for this year, is a festive-themed interactive sensory room where you get to experience seasonal sights and scents! There will also be a winter sale for shoppers who are still catching up on some Christmas shopping.

Running daily from 6^th to 26^th December 2020, 10 AM – late evening.

Website: https://santaatthegalleria.com/

Christmas Brunch - Le Meridien Abu Dhabi

Looking for a perfect place to brunch this Christmas? The Village Christmas Roast at the Le Meridien features a barbecue with assorted meat charred on the grill pit. You can also join Santa Claus for a feast with jolly delights. There will be games and singalongs to bring the magic, that is perfect for kids and the whole family! So, come along for the feast. Book directly with Le Royal Meridien.

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 5pm.

Price: AED149

Tel: 03 768 6666

Gingerbread House Decoration – Majlis, Rosewood Abu Dhabi

A festive family favourite activity is Gingerbread-making workshop or party. An exciting gingerbread decorating session is hosted yearly at the Majlis in Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Kids get to decorate their very own huge Gingerbread House with a little help demonstration from the Chef on how to use the frosting and all the candies. Moms, dads and children will definitely have a lovely time and will be able to bring the decorated Gingerbread house home beautifully wrapped after. Make reservations now!

Majlis, Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Price: 200 AED

Email: gabriel.masenda@rosewoodhotels.com

Website: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/

Christmas Brunch – Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR

Find your festive Christmas brunch and step into oriental fine dining in Asil at the Rixos hotel in JBR. Asil offers Lebanese, Moroccan and Turkish cuisine with options for unlimited soft or house beverages. Perfect to book with your friends or colleagues for that Christmas day feast. As the restaurant follows new rules due to COVID, it’s best to reserve your seats ahead of time.

Rixos Premium, Dubai, JBR. 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

Price: 275 AED (estimated price valid on soft beverages)

Price: 375 AED (estimated price valid on house beverages)

Website: https://www.rixos.com/

Christmas Show – Fairmont, The Palm

The Christmas Show at Fairmont, The Palm will certainly bring a lot of Christmas cheer for the whole family. There will be a variety of shows and performances. There will be Christmas carols and singalongs to our favourites such as “Santa Baby” or “All I want for Christmas is You”, which we all bet can sing along to! To top it off, there will also be a surprise snow flurry on the day where we can dream of a White Christmas. Running from 17^th to 28^th December, choose your day and book your tickets now.

Fairmont, The Palm, Dubai

Price: AED 33.68

Website: www.dubaiplatinumlist.net

Christmas Market – JLT Park

We love a good Christmas Market especially when it’s a family- and pet-friendly winter wonderland! The famous JLT Park is hosting its annual festive market from 18^th to 24^th December decked with Christmas trees, decors, and sparkling lights. Also prepare yourself for a treat as there will be Christmas stalls and small food kiosks filled with festive treats and presents for your last-minute Christmas shopping. The best part is you might just catch Santa and his elves in a rare appearance at the Christmas market! Swing by and get the festive spirit on!

JLT Park, Gate 2 between Cluster O and P, JLT.

Open daily from 4 PM to 9 PM.

And there you have it! Our lowdown for Christmas 2020 in the UAE. We believe that friends and families can celebrate this Holiday season at home or wherever you are. From us at MyVilla, we wish you a safe and happy holiday!