Best places to celebrate the festive season in Dubai

This holiday season in Dubai there are plenty of opportunities for family and friends to enjoy the most wonderful time - and wonderful weather - of the year with seasonal festivities taking place all over Dubai. Whether it's a winter market, a themed event at the Dubai Opera, or a fabulously festive village, there is something for everyone to enjoy this Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) with opportunities galore to create unforgettable memories with loved ones.

Bluewaters is bringing all things festive to Santa’s Secret Island, starting with a dazzling tree situated amidst all the entertainment. Families can take their little ones to be photographed with Santa and his elves in Santa's grotto and get creative with arts and crafts with the elves. Get into the winter spirit whilst ice skating or taking a snapshot in Santa's snow globe. Mingle with live singers, acrobatic shows and parades taking place across the island. Santa’s Secret Island is open daily from 4 PM to 9 PM until 28 December.

Ibn Battuta is transporting everyone who walks through its doors to the northern hemisphere to enjoy one of the natural wonders of the world, the Northern Lights. Using projection mapping, the polar portal to the Aurora Borealis Chamber is located in India Court. Meet and greets with Santa are taking place in his Grotto location in China Court which also features a host of stage shows for kids to enjoy. Adding on to the festivities, every court in the mall will feature seasonal decorations providing the perfect backdrop for everyone’s Instagram feed, from 15 December to 1 January, from 2 PM to 10 PM.

Mercato brings the world to you this DSF with a culturally enriching experience at one of Dubai’s most iconic malls. The streets of Mercato will be transformed, having taken inspiration from different countries and cultures around the world such as Italy, Africa, Russia, Belarus, and Mongolia. Shoppers will also witness dazzling live stage shows inspired by everything this world has to offer. Shoppers, Mercato is also offering fabulous discounts ranging from up to 25% to 75% off whilst also getting a chance to win a weekly cash prize worth AED 20,000, just spend a minimum of AED 200 at any store at Mercato or Town Centre Jumeirah.

Without Madinat Jumeirah’s Festive Market, the festive season in Dubai would not be complete. Head to the iconic market to get into the holiday spirit with an outdoor festive extravaganza. Running until 30 December, the market features an impressive tree, seasonal food stalls, immersive family-friendly activities, a live band playing everyone’s favourite seasonal tunes, and so much more for all to enjoy.

Bid farewell to 2022 with a host of choices to enjoy New Year’s Eve. Australian diva Kylie Minogue will be performing a string of hits at Atlantis, The Palm on 31 December. Listen to the Grammy-award winning superstar whilst sampling the finest of dining, and watching the spectacular fireworks show. Little ones can also enjoy their time on a bouncy castle, game stalls, an enormous slide, and more at the famous Asateer tent. The blacktie affair encourages everyone to dress to impress and welcome 2023 in style. For more information on ticket purchases visit, dubai.platinumlist.net.

Or why not ring in 2023, with a fabulous Disco till-Dawn-themed celebration at the Dubai Opera. Internationally acclaimed dancing duo Jasmine and Aaron of Britain's Got Talent will shake up the stage with a phenomenal performance, followed by energetic sets by DJ Bliss and DJ Keza. The iconic venue will also be serving up an indulgent three-course set menu and free-flowing refreshments. And, just before the clock strikes 12, guests will be ushered outside to the promenade to witness Dubai’s Burj Khalifa fireworks.

Latin heartthrob Enrique Iglesias will be playing to the crowds this NYE at Dubai’s trendiest  Greek hotspot, Nammos. The multi-award winning artist will be joined by the well-known Cuban reggaeton duo Gente De Zona, who have collaborated with the likes of Marc Anthony. The dress code is glam-chic, and a set menu featuring exquisite Mediterranean dishes will be served whilst enjoying hits like Bailando and more. Visit nammos.com for more information and to purchase tickets. 

Shop, win and be entertained as Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) returns from 15 December 2022 to 29 January 2023 with incredible deals, innovative events, world-class entertainment and life-changing prizes. As the longest running event of its kind, DSF has grown over the last 28 years into a signature celebration for citizens, residents and visitors alike. Featuring the ultimate retail therapy from a wide range of homegrown and global brands as well as live concerts, outdoors markets, pop-up dining and more, this year’s DSF experience is not to be missed.