Christmas in Dubai: Sun, Sea and Festive Celebrations
Christmas in Dubai is unlike anywhere else in the world. Instead of snow and cold, you get warm sunshine, blue skies and a city that sparkles with festive lights, decorated trees and seasonal events. Whether you live here or are visiting for the Dubai Christmas holidays, there are endless ways to celebrate.
One of the most memorable ways to spend Christmas in Dubai is celebrating at sea. A private yacht cruise lets you enjoy Christmas with your family or friends, surrounded by the Dubai skyline, away from the crowded restaurants and malls. In this guide, we cover the best Christmas things to do in Dubai, festive lunch ideas and how to plan a Christmas yacht celebration with Supernova Yachts.
Christmas Celebration in Dubai: What to Expect
The Christmas celebration in Dubai is bigger every year. Hotels, malls and public spaces put up giant Christmas trees and lights, and the city hosts festive markets, carols, family activities and special dining events throughout December.
Christmas is not a public holiday in the UAE, but many schools are on winter break and the city is busy with visitors, so restaurants and popular venues book up fast. Planning early is the best way to enjoy Christmas in Dubai the way you want.
Best Christmas Things to Do in Dubai
- Visit a festive market: browse gifts, food and decorations at seasonal Christmas markets around the city.
- See the Christmas lights: hotels and malls across Dubai put on spectacular light displays and giant trees.
- Join a Christmas event in Dubai: look out for carol concerts, family shows and festive activities. Check official listings for this year’s dates.
- Enjoy a Christmas Day lunch in Dubai: a festive lunch is a Dubai tradition, from hotel brunches to private dining.
- Celebrate on a private yacht: combine sunshine, sea views and festive food for a Christmas you will never forget.
Christmas Day Lunch in Dubai on a Private Yacht
A Christmas Day lunch is one of the most popular ways to celebrate Christmas in Dubai and there is no better setting than the open sea. Instead of a busy restaurant, gather your family and friends on your own yacht, cruise past the Dubai Marina skyline and enjoy a festive lunch on deck in the winter sunshine.
You are welcome to bring your own Christmas food, cake and drinks, or ask our team to help arrange catering for you. A midday or afternoon cruise is ideal for lunch, with calm water, comfortable temperatures and time for a swim if you wish.
Why Celebrate Christmas in Dubai on a Yacht
- Perfect winter weather: Christmas in Dubai falls in one of the most comfortable months of the year to be on the water.
- Your own private space: celebrate with just your group, with your own music, food and decorations.
- Beautiful views: cruise past the Dubai Marina towers, JBR and Ain Dubai on Bluewaters Island.
- Something different: a Christmas cruise is a memorable alternative to the usual hotel brunch.
- Sunset celebrations: an evening cruise gives you golden skies and the city lights as night falls.
Decorate Your Yacht for Christmas
Make your Christmas celebration in Dubai feel truly festive. Guests are welcome to bring their own Christmas decorations, such as lights, tinsel, Santa hats and a small tree, plus a Christmas cake. If you prefer, our team can help arrange decorations so everything is ready when you board.
Dubai Christmas Packages for Every Group
Our packages for Christmas in Dubai suit couples, families and large groups:
- Couples and small families: our 33ft VIP mini yacht starts from AED 699 per hour for up to 8 guests.
- Family gatherings and friends: our 66ft party yacht and 68ft premium luxury yacht start from AED 800 per hour for up to 30 guests.
- Special celebrations: our 80ft VIP yacht with its own jacuzzi hosts up to 30 guests from AED 2,650 per hour.
- Large groups and company parties: our super yachts in Dubai welcome bigger festive parties.
For current Christmas offers in Dubai, contact our team. Browse all our luxury yacht rental options to compare yachts and prices, or add jet ski and banana rides with our yacht watersports Dubai packages.
Tips for Your Christmas Yacht Cruise in Dubai
- Book early: the Christmas festivities in Dubai make late December one of the busiest times of the year.
- Choose your time: midday is best for a Christmas lunch, while sunset is perfect for photos and evening celebrations.
- Plan your food and decorations, or ask us to arrange them.
- Arrive 15 minutes early at Dubai Harbour, as roads can be busy over the holidays.
- Bring valid ID for every guest, as it is required for boarding.
- Staying for New Year? See our New Year’s Event page to plan your next celebration at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Christmas in Dubai on a yacht? Here are quick answers to our guests’ most common questions.
Fatma Mohammed
Sales Director
Let us help you pick the perfect yacht
Location: Dubai
