30 Sep 2025
5 min read
Author: Darshan GuptaWassup buddies? The festive season is back, and you are still yawning at your homes? Still, there is time to plan your vacation in Dubai. Or, if you are a local, plan your day. What makes Dubai special during the festive season? Dubai in December 2026 transforms into a dazzling playground of lights, laughter, and unforgettable experiences.
If you're lucky enough to find yourself in this dynamic city in December 2026, get ready for a whirl of festivities and fun activities. Here's the ultimate list of the Best places to visit in Dubai with family in December that will make your trip the highlight of the year.
To make your journey memorable and fun, consider booking your package with the leading travel agency in Dubai, Next Holidays.
Weather in Dubai in December 2026
| Weather Opinion | Day Temperature | Night Temperature | Rain |
| Peak season | 26 degrees Celsius | 15 degrees Celsius | Low chances |
packages during the winter. The weather in December in Dubai is ideal for exploring the city. The temperature in Dubai in December 2026 ranges from a minimum of 20°C to a maximum of 16°C. The weather in Dubai is pleasant, with sunny days and cool nights. You can also explore the attractions and enjoy the outdoor activities. Here, you will find low humidity and minimal rainfall.
Do you know what the best things to do in Dubai in the winter? Here it is.
Popular Events in December in Dubai 2026
Popular Events in December in Dubai 2026
Winter City in Dubai
December 6 to 31, 2026
Winter City is back in all its festive beauty in December, as the heart of the season vibrates under the luminous dome of Al Wasl Plaza. The plaza transforms into a live snow globe when it is covered with red and white sparkles, sparkling with colour, music, and the unquestionable pleasure of Christmas. The Candy Cane Comet shines brightly above it all. Its path of dazzling light leads guests into a world of wonder and fantasy as it winds through the night sky. The secret to this year's magic is that Winter City can only function with the assistance of kids. Known as the Candy Cane Watchers, the comet's light is fueled by their faith, ignorance, and happy hearts. One lucky guest is selected each evening to set up the Winter City Christmas Tree during a spectacular celebration of faith, harmony, and happiness. With a variety of free activities included in the admission ticket, there is joy around every corner, a sparkling market filled with seasonal treasures, holiday treats to satisfy every sweet tooth, and a magical energy that envelops every visitor. Al Wasl Plaza is truly One Destination for Every Celebration.
X562+974, Al Wasl Avenue, Expo City Dubai, Dubai South, Dubai | 4 pm to 10 pm | AED 90 per person
Be a Shopping Freak at the Dubai Shopping Festival
5 December 2026, to 11 January 2026
How can you forget shopping at the Dubai Shopping Festival? This festival is a month-long exhibition offering amazing deals, discounts, and stunning promotions. At the Dubai Shopping Festival, you can explore the wide range of luxury brands and local products, as well as live entertainment and fireworks displays. So, feel the shopping paradise with amazing things. DSF Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 won’t wait for you. So, head on and chase your favourites.
Best Things to Buy in DSF 2026: At DSF Dubai, you can buy all the best things in one place, like jewelry, electronics, watches, home decor, perfumes, carpets, and much more.
Malls and Shopping Destinations, Dubai, UAE | AED 100
Glow at Garden Glow Festival
November 6, 2025, to March 31, 2026 (Tentative)
If you are passionate about art and technology, this festival is perfect for you. This is one of the amazing Dubai December events. Here, you can discover beautiful representations of lights and glowing sculptures. This festival provides a unique opportunity to experience live music, explore artistic designs, and engage in engaging workshops. So, if you want to get an unforgettable experience under the stars, then this place is for you.
Garden Glow Festival, Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7, Dubai | Ticket from AED 65 to over AED 115 | 5 pm to 11 pm approx.
Looking for what to do on weekends? Then, here are some upcoming events in Dubai
Places to Visit in Dubai With Family for Free in December
Dubai, the dazzling city of plushness and innovation, isn't just a playground for the filthy rich. Everyone can experience the magic of this city without breaking the bank, especially during the festive mo
nth of December. So let’s explore a variety of free activities and attractions that will add more fun to things to do in Dubai in December with family and make your family vacation in Dubai truly memorable.
As we already know, the lavish lifestyle of Dubai and how we have to pay for the luxury that we enjoy on our visit. Here is a list of places to visit with family in Dubai for free.
Taste Dhs 52 Thali at Dhaba Lane
It's time to discover and relish delights with the blend of traditions and culture. This is one of the best places to visit in December from Dubai. This Punjabi restaurant, Dhaba Lane, serves up thali for Dhs 52 as it honors the 52nd National UAE Day on December 2. So, let’s get stuck with the chaat, starters, and main courses, which are filled with authentic taste. Here, you can also get complementary fragrant rice and pilaf.
Dhaba Lane, AL Karama, Garhous, JLT and Al Nahda, Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Opens 8 am to 11 am | Dhs 52
Feel the art at Alserkal Avenue
Witness the vibrant arts district in Dubai. This is one of the best tourist places to visit in December in Dubai. You can also call it home to several galleries, design studios, and creative spaces. You can also explore contemporary art exhibitions, attend cultural events, and discover unique shops selling local products.
Alserkal Avenue, 17th Street, Al Quoz, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai, UAE | Open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Free
XVA Gallery
One of the best places to visit from Dubai in December, as it offers a unique blend of contemporary and traditional art. You can also explore the thoughtful exhibitions, engage with local artists, and find hidden gems. This gallery also offers a commitment to rising talent and promoting cultural exchange, making it a special place for art enthusiasts.
XVA Gallery, Al Fahidi Neighborhood, 312th Road, Al Fahidi Street, Dubai, UAE. | Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Free
Feel the Joy of Snowfall
A magical place with snowflakes falling and is considered one of the exciting places to visit in Dubai in December. This is the place that you won’t resist and is available to you on the rainy streets of Dubai. So, give your warm hearts a break and have some cooler experiences. Have a peaceful time with your family while watching the snow all around you.
Heart of Europe, The World Islands, Dubai, UAE | Dhs 300
Fireworks at the waters of Al Seef
We all know New Year’s has its charm, right!! So, let’s celebrate this new year by witnessing the historic waters of Dubai Creek. You can here see the photogenic setting with traditional dhows and old architecture of previous centuries. Get alluring views of the fireworks.
7873+RP9 7873 + RP9 - Al Seef St, Al Hamriya, Dubai, United Arab Emirates | From 9 pm
From seaside strolls to historical explorations and stunning fountain shows, there's no shortage of places to visit in Dubai for free in December.
Be an Attendant in Live Performances at the Dubai Opera
An amazing venue that hosts a variety of live performances, from classical music concerts to theatrical productions. This is one of the exciting things to do in December in Dubai. Here, you can find the world's most known artists and companies gracing its stage and can get unforgettable experiences. The elegant ambiance of the opera's acoustics creates a perfect setting to enjoy the art.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd., Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Starts From AED 175
Dhow cruise Dubai
What could be better than experiencing the city and skyline from the middle of the water? The place offers you a unique and beautiful experience, along with complete live entertainment. While gliding along Dubai Creek, you can enjoy traditional Arabic music, belly dance performances, and other cultural shows. You can feel the peaceful combination of the water views and the happening entertainment. So, create a memorable evening now.
Dubai Marina, The Palm Islands, Dubai | 7 pm to 10 pm | Starts from AED 120 per person
Taste the Delicacies Dinner in the Sky
Have you ever thought of having dinner in the sky, No? Don’t worry, here is one adventurous yet alluring place to visit in Dubai in December. Here, you can get an unforgettable dining experience up in the sky. Suspended high above the city, you'll enjoy a gourmet meal while taking in breathtaking panoramic views. The unique setting, combined with the delicious cuisine, makes for a memorable and luxurious evening.
Dubai Marina, Dubai | After 5 pm and during nights | Starts From AED 699
Hot Air Balloon Dubai
Celebrating the New Year party in Dubai with a breathtaking hot air balloon flight over the wide desert landscapes, rising with the sun, Isn’t it interesting? It is. Here, you'll catch a bird's-eye view of the breathtaking desert landscape as the first light of dawn colors the dunes in shades of pink and gold. It's a calming and breathtaking way to begin your Dubai day. You can check online for the Hot Air Balloon Dubai's cost and book it in advance to avoid any kind of hassle during the trip.
23 Marina Tower Office no. 507, Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Starts from 9 am to 11 am, Evening 6 pm to Midnight | Starts from AED 1049
Book your tickets for the Hot Air Balloon now so that nothing can stop you from flying.
Relish Shawarma on your way
Thinking about what to do in Dubai in December next! Then stop because here are some delights for you. Al Mallah, one of the most famous places in Dubai, you can here try out a classic Arabic Shawarma. The staff of this place is very polite and friendly. They also serve the best falafel sandwich just in case one wants to try out some vegetarian options. This is, as a crowd favorite, the best shawarma in Dubai.
Satwa, Mamzar, Al Qusais, Dubai | Daily from 07:00 AM to 02:00 AM on weekends from 09:00 AM onwards | AED 8 per chicken shawarma
Feel the Theatre at La Perle
Have fun in Dubai with a New Year’s celebration at an Aqua theatre show. Here, you will be able to see the representation of breathtaking acrobatics, aerial performances, and immersive storytelling. The show is set in a purpose-built theatre that can transform from a dry stage into a water-filled arena in seconds. You will surely be creating a unique and unforgettable experience here.
Al Habtoor City, 260 Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Tuesday to Saturday, 6:30 pm and 9 pm | Starts at AED 350
Ice Skating in the Desert? Yes, Please!
Step ahead; where impossible becomes possible. Snowing in December is real but when in Dubai, ice- skating is the best thing to do in December. Here, you can glide right into the heart of the shopping haven. The place is surrounded by the stunning architecture of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. The exposure to ice skating in the desert will be a unique experience for you to feel like a winter wonderland.
The Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Mall, UAE | 10 AM TO 10 PM | Starts from AED 40 (skate rentals available at additional cost)
And, to make the most of it, you know what to do. Get your Dubai Ice Rink tickets now.
Celebrate Your Christmas and New Year's Eve with a Bang
Dubai is a city that miraculously gets all dolled up into a Christmas paradise straight away from the UAE National Day Celebration. Xmas celebration in Dubai will take you into a wonderland where Santa will be cruising on a camel, palm trees decked up in the starry lights, and here is a twist: instead of hot cocoa, you will be served chilled mocktails. So gear up for a glammed-up and never-seen-before Christmas celebration in Dubai.
New Year’s Eve in Dubai is all about a big show. The city is known for its breathtaking events. This makes it one of the best things to do in Dubai in December. You can book a spot at the Palm Jumeirah or along the famous Burj Khalifa for an amazing view and to see one of the most amazing New Year celebrations in Dubai, the fireworks show. Let's ring in the new year with a view of Dubai's dazzling skyline.
Dubai in December 2026
Dubai in December is a magical blend of festive cheer, cultural richness, and adventurous escapades. So, discover the marveling city's glittering skyline during New Year's Eve or sip hot chocolate in Ski Dubai; the choice is yours. Every experience will build a castle of memories. So, pack your bags and let Dubai enchant the beauty all over you.
Read Also:- Dubai Esports and Games Festival | Diwali in Dubai | Outdoor Adventure Activities in Dubai | Dubai Shopping Festival
Read Also:- Dubai Esports and Games Festival | Diwali in Dubai | Outdoor Adventure Activities in Dubai | Dubai Shopping Festival
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