Believe it or not, we’re just 30 days away from bidding farewell to 2023 and ushering in the new year. It feels like 2020 was just yesterday for most of us, right? December, being the last hurrah of the year, is gearing up to be a whirlwind of festivities, events, and mouthwatering food. Let’s dive into the bustling happenings across Dubai this December!

Also read: Family Vacay Alert: Dubai Private Schools May Get 3 Weeks Holiday In 2024

December Events In Dubai

1. Official UAE Union Day Ceremony At Expo City – December 2nd

Expo City Is Hosting The Official UAE Union Day Ceremony on December 2nd. The show will spotlight the nation’s commitment to sustainability, giving you a front-row seat to witness the strides towards a greener future. Exciting projections, captivating performances, and engaging storytelling await, promising a spectacle that you won’t want to miss for just AED 300. And for those of you unable to attend in person, don’t worry! The official ceremony will be broadcasted on all local TV channels and the official website on Saturday, December 2. So, grab some snacks, cozy up, and enjoy the festivities from the comfort of your home.

Visit their website to get your tickets.

Also read: Expo City Is Hosting The Official UAE National Day Ceremony This Year – Tickets Are Now On Sale

2. Dubai Rugby 7’s – December 1st till December 3rd

Not just for rugby fans, Dubai Rugby 7’s features netball, cricket, entertainment from DJ Luck & MC Neat, Artful Dodger, child-friendly pop-ups, and a variety of food trucks. It’s a delight for sports and entertainment enthusiasts alike.

Visit their website to get your tickets.

3. Free Entry to Expo City Dubai During COP28 – December 3rd till December 12th

From December 3rd to December 12th during COP28, explore amazing pavilions for free when you register for your Green Zone pass. Dive into Alif – The Mobility Pavilion, Garden In The Sky, Women’s Pavilion, Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, and Surreal. An incredible to experience Expo City Dubai if you’ve never done so before, and all for free!

Visit their website to get your tickets.

Also read: Everything You Can Do At COP28 In Expo City

4. Dubai Shopping Festival – December 8th till January 14, 2024

Brace yourself for the colossal 29th edition of DSF, transforming Dubai into a haven of entertainment, concerts, unbeatable shopping deals, and feasts from December 8, 2023, to January 14, 2024. Etisalat MOTB, an outdoor extravaganza at D3, is making a grand return, featuring live entertainment, local artists, retailers, and diverse dining options.

5. Ski Dubai’s Festive Fun Run – December 9th

Lace up those boots! On December 9th, Ski Dubai hosts the coolest race of the season – the Festive Fun Run. Picture -4⁰C temperatures, Santa Claus in the mix, and a snowy challenge for all ages. Dress festively, and you might snag a prize for the best costume. Crossing the finish line? You get a commemorative medal – a cool keepsake for an unforgettable day.

Visit their website to get your tickets.

Dazzling December Concerts & Shows

1. Tesher’s Dubai Debut at Terra Solis – December 2nd

Watch Tesher make his Dubai debut at Terra Solis on Saturday, December 2nd. The up and coming Indian-Canadian artist is making waves in the music scene. Watch him perform his hit songs like ‘Jalebi Baby’ (and yes, I am talking about the same song with Jason Derulo!) ‘Jacquemus’, ‘Desperado’ and many others. For one night only, don’t miss out

Visit their website to get your tickets.

2. Soho Garden Festival – December 2nd

Soho Garden is hosting their second Festival at Media City Amphitheatre on Saturday December 2nd. Dance the Night Away With X by Adriatique – Renowned for their chart-toppers like ‘Home,’ ‘Miracle,’ and ‘With You,’ this dynamic duo is here to get your feet moving. Expect an evening filled with electronic hits that’ll keep you dancing till dawn. And many more artists will excite you all night long. 

Visit their website to get your tickets.

Also read: Soho Garden Festival Comes Back Again This December For An Electrifying Encore!

3. Sole DXB – December 8th till December 10th

Sole DXB, the much-awaited celebration of music, fashion, and art, is returning this year with a bang. Prepare for a mesmerising night as the iconic American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer, Busta Rhymes graces the stage on Sunday, December 10. But that’s not all! Sunday, December 10, will also feature incredible artists like Sampa the Great and the talented Syrian-American rapper and spoken word poet, Omar Offendum. And if you think the excitement ends there, it doesn’t – But for that you’ll just have to attended the festival and find out for yourself…

Visit their website to get your tickets.

Also read: Sole DXB 2023 Is Back With International Headline Busta Rhymes & More Set To Perform This December

Christmas Events & Activities

1. Christmas Tree Lighting Spectacles – December 1st till December 7th

‘Tis the season to be merry! Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies in Dubai. Gather your loved ones for a joyous journey through twinkling lights, heartwarming carols, and the arrival of Santa Claus himself. Each tree lighting ceremony promises to kindle the spirit of the season. Let me take you through all the stunning places around Dubai where you can experience this magic for yourself! Indulge in 7 ceremonies in Dubai from the 1st till the 7th of December

Also read: 7 Tree Lighting Ceremonies In Dubai 2023 You Just Can’t Miss

2. Visit Santa At Ski Dubai – December 1st till December 25th

For a snowy adventure and a chance to make your wishes known to Santa, head to Ski Dubai from December 1st to 25th. Experience the thrill of sliding down the slopes, greet the resident penguins, and enjoy the rides at the Snow Park. Don’t miss the Alpine-inspired cafe for a cozy hot chocolate break. The highlight? A visit to Santa’s Grotto, but be sure to check the timings, as Santa occasionally takes breaks to tend to his reindeer. For more frosty fun, venture to Dubai Ice Rink at Dubai Mall, where winter is a year-round escape with magical snowfall included.

Visit their website to book your tickets.

3. The Nutcracker At The Dubai Opera – December 15th till December 17th

 Experience the enchantment of the festive season with a night out at the ballet. Catch The Nutcracker at the Dubai Opera from December 15th – 17th for a spectacular performance. It’s not just about the ballet; it’s an opportunity to dress up in festive sparkles and enjoy a glamorous night with your loved one, concluding with a heartwarming Christmas cuddle for good luck.

Visit their website to book your tickets.

4. Carols By Candlelight At Expo City – December 20th till December 24th

Dive into the festive spirit with classic carols, live dancers, and Christmas-themed projections on the iconic Al Wasl Plaza. The enchanting Carols by Candlelight is coming to Expo City from December 20th to December 24th.Starting at 6:30 pm, this two-hour spectacle features beloved tunes like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Silent Night,” and “Jingle Bells.” Brace yourself for a surprise visit from the man himself – Santa Claus, along with Mrs. Claus.

Visit their website to get your tickets.

5. Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Meals – December 24 & December 25th

Indulge in a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meal surrounded by your closest friends, family and loved ones. Whether it be brunch, lunch, or dinner, Dubai has something to satisfy everyone’s tastes. You’ll find splendid dining deals spread all across Dubai to embrace the spirit of Christmas.

Also read: Dubai’s Festive Feasts: 12 Christmas Day Brunch & Dinners To Indulge In

6. Christmas/Winter Markets – Various Dates Throughout December

Get ready to be swept away by the magic of Dubai’s most anticipated winter celebration this December! From shimmering lights to enchanted music to dreamy weather, Dubai is the place to be during wintertime. Christmas markets that are highlight attractions include; Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market, Winter City,  and Winter Garden, along with many others in Dubai. 

Also read: 5 Of Abu Dhabi And Dubai’s Most Enchanting Winter/Christmas Markets To Enjoy This Year

Restaurants Opening In Dubai This December

1. Market Island

Dubai Festival City Mall is set to become home to Market Island, the Middle East’s largest food hall, opening in December 2023. With 53 venues, dedicated restaurant spaces, bars, lounges, live 

entertainment, and a wide variety of cuisines, it’s a culinary paradise within a mall.

2. Alba Restaurant And Bisou

Dubai Opera District will soon welcome two new restaurants, Alba Restaurant and Bisou, by Metafoodies Restaurants Management. Alba Restaurant offers a ‘Mediterr-Asian’ experience, while Bisou Restaurant blends modern French Middle Eastern cuisine. Both promise a unique dining adventure that combines the best of two culinary worlds right at the doorstep of Dubai Opera.

3. Arrazuna By Mehmet Gürs

Arrazuna by Mehmet Gürs is not your ordinary dining destination. With eight open kitchens and a gourmet retail offering, this high-end food hall at The Link boasts vibrant flavours from the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula. Expect a diverse culinary experience in a dynamic setting.

4. DuangDy By Bo.Lan

Experience the cutting-edge Thai cuisine of Bangkok at DuangDy by Bo.Lan, a restaurant opening at The Link later this year. This exciting addition offers a fusion of Thai flavours that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

5. Tapasake

Tapasake, a One&Only homegrown concept already present in the Maldives and Montenegro, promises elevated Nikkei cuisine at The Link with access to the UAE’s longest infinity pool. Enjoy Japanese-Peruvian dishes poolside on plush cabanas while taking in stunning Dubai skyline views.

6. Jamavar

From London’s prestigious Mayfair district, upscale Indian restaurant Jamavar is set to open in the final quarter of 2023. Expect a show-stopping dining hall, a chic bar, and a charming outdoor terrace offering a menu that combines pan-Indian flavours with local ingredients.

7. La Dame De Pic

Enlivened by Anne-Sophie Pic, La Dame de Pic is a chic restaurant found in foodie capitals worldwide. Dubai welcomes this exquisite French dining experience at The Link at One&Only Za’abeel, offering a sophisticated ambience and delectable French fine dining dishes.

8. Ninive At Bab Al Shams

Ninive, a beloved Middle Eastern eatery in DIFC, is expanding to Bab Al Shams. Recreating the ambience of a Bedouin tent, Ninive at Bab Al Shams promises an enchanting atmosphere and elevated Middle Eastern and Anatolian cuisine.

9. NAC

Prepare for NAC (North Audley Canteen), a trendy Mayfair eatery opening soon in Dubai. Offering picture-perfect sharing plates inspired by chic Parisian restaurants, NAC is your go-to spot for a relaxed get-together with friends and indulgent desserts.

10. Osterio Funkcoolio

Chef Akmal Anuar is introducing Osteria Funkcoolio, a restaurant that blends Italian and Japanese cuisines. Located in Port De La Mer, this eatery offers innovative Itameshi creations that showcase the best of both worlds.

11. Qabu By Paco Morales

Paco Morales adds a fine dining touch to Andalusian cuisine with Qabu by Paco Morales. This destination offers a bar area and an elegant dining room, serving up the rich culinary history of Cordoba in an inviting setting.

12. StreetXO By Dabiz Muñoz

From Madrid’s culinary scene comes StreetXO by Dabiz Muñoz, a concept that fuses international street food with haute cuisine. Located at The Link at One&Only Za’abeel, this eatery promises a dynamic dining experience in an informal setting.

13. Sagetsu By Tetsuya Wakuda

No Dubai dining scene is complete without a Japanese restaurant, and Sagetsu by Tetsuya Wakuda at The Link at One&Only Za’abeel is set to impress. This Michelin-starred chef brings traditional and modern Japanese cuisine to the table, highlighting natural, seasonal flavours.

14. Tang

Tang, opening in December at Palace Downtown, pays homage to contemporary Japanese izakayas and Cantonese eateries. With fusion Asian flavours and breathtaking Burj Khalifa views, it’s a culinary journey named after the Tang dynasty.

15. Brass Monkey, City Walk

Brass Monkey is already a hit on Bluewaters and is set to open its second venue in City Walk. This new location, opening later this year, promises the same relaxed vibes, games, bowling, and delicious dining options.

New Year’s Eve In Dubai 

Now it wouldn’t be a list of things to do in December if we didn’t end it with Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Dubai. And Dubai does NYE like no one else! From the worlds biggest building displaying record breaking fireworks years after year, to delicious dinning deals all over the city and epic parties that last all night long. You will be spoiled for choice for things to do this New years eve in Dubai.

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