Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
It’s the start of a new month, which means it’s time to fill up your cultural calendar. As the festive season arrives, Dubai comes alive with an incredible lineup of brunches, concerts, and cultural events. Whether you’re looking for moments of zen or high-energy activities, here are the best things to do in Dubai this December.
Monday 1 December
Check out Dubai’s Festival of Cake
This brand-new celebration dedicated to cake, held from 28 November until 2 December at Expo City Dubai, will feature world-class pastry chefs showcasing some of their sweetest creations. The Festival of Cake will bring together bakers, celebrity chefs, and cake lovers from around the globe. Expect live bake-offs, cake-decorating masterclasses, cake-themed activities, a giant sprinkles pool, dining experiences and competitions.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Tuesday 2 December
Watch the Eid Al Etihad fireworks
Eid Al Etihad is one of the biggest celebrations in the country. Formally known as National Day, the occasion is called Al Yawm Al Watani in Arabic, and the official theme is Spirit of the Union. From landmark destinations to shopping precincts, celebrate the spirit of the union for the 54th Eid Al Etihad with fireworks. Displays will take place over the long weekend at Al Seef, Bluewaters Island, and JBR in Dubai.
GO: Visit www.visitdubai.com for more information.
Wednesday 3 December
Explore the Zayed National Museum
The long-awaited Zayed National Museum is set to open its doors on 3 December in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, the structure takes inspiration from the wings of a falcon — a nod to a cherished Emirati tradition — and will serve as the national museum of the United Arab Emirates. Created in honour of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the landmark institution charts the history of the land from deep prehistory to the present day, blending archaeological artefacts and historic objects with audiovisual storytelling, sensory experiences and contemporary installations.
GO: Visit https://zayednationalmuseum.ae for more information.
Thursday 4 December
Get into the groove with Benson Boone
It’s that time of year again. The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 is turning up the heat with a performance from Benson Boone. The singer first gained attention through TikTok and a brief appearance on American Idol. It was his debut single, “Ghost Town”, in 2021, that skyrocketed him to further fame. Since then, he has released several successful tracks, including “In the Stars,” “Sugar Sweet,” and the viral hit “Beautiful Things.”
GO: Visit www.abudhabigp.com for more information.
Friday 5 December
See Post Malone headline F1 weekend
Do the songs “Circles,” “Rockstar”, and “Sunflower” get your toes tapping? Well, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Post Malone, the man behind the hits, is performing at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025. The rapper has achieved critical and commercial success with his blend of hip-hop, rock, and trap. In 2024, he released his sixth studio album, F-1 Trillion. The release saw the singer move into country music, topping the album charts in the United States and the United Kingdom. Plus, he performed with Beyoncé at her 2024 NFL Halftime Show.
GO: Visit www.abudhabigp.com for more information.
Saturday 6 December
Rock out with Metallica
Metalheads in the UAE, prepare to unleash your inner rock star because the kings of metal, Metallica, are set to blow the roof off the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 concerts on 6 December. Metallica’s discography boasts a treasure trove of headbanging anthems. From “Fade to Black” to “Master of Puppets” and “One,” each song is a sonic adventure. With several Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they have repeatedly proven their musical prowess. The show forms part of Metallica’s M72 World Tour, which features a series of stadium shows in North America, Australia and New Zealand.
GO: Visit www.abudhabigp.com for more information.
Sunday 7 December
See Katy Perry in the capital
Yas Island will be buzzing with speed, energy, and superstar power as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix races into town. And on Sunday, 7 December, Katy Perry will be lighting up Etihad Park with a high-voltage performance. Dropping hit after hit, including “Dark Horse,” “Firework,” “Roar” and “Teenage Dream,” the pop princess has bagged numerous awards, including Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, a Guinness World Record and 13 Grammy nominations.
GO: Visit https://www.formula1.com for more information.
Monday 8 December
Shop at the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
Fort Island transforms into a winter wonderland as Madinat Jumeirah’s Festive Market returns with a 36-foot Christmas tree, choreographed light-and-sound shows, and the scent of cinnamon drifting through the souk. Wander between artisan stalls for seasonal gifts, pause for hot chocolate and festive bites, then take to the waterways on an abra to see the lights from a new angle. Younger visitors can hop aboard the North Pole Train, bounce on a four-lane bungee and whirl on a Venetian carousel, making this a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Available daily from 6 to 31 December from 3pm.
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for more information.
Tuesday 9 December
Check out Ski Dubai’s Winter Wonderland
Ski Dubai turns the season into pure magic from 1 to 25 December. Wander through a forest of Christmas trees, post your wish list straight to the North Pole, pose for festive photos, and say hello to Santa and his cheerful elves, all surrounded by real snow. New this year, Magic Planet joins the fun with Santa’s Magical Toy Workshop, plus an interactive colouring station beside Santa’s Grotto. Packages include Meet Santa from AED 160 and Breakfast with Santa from AED 80.
GO: Visit www.skidxb.com for more information.
Wednesday 10 December
Prepare for sensory overload at Dopamine Land
Dopamine Land has arrived in Dubai, bringing a burst of happiness to Oasis Mall. Designed as a multisensory playground, the journey features Colortopia, a neon kaleidoscope that resets the senses with saturated hues and hypnotic visual patterns. The tempo rises at Cushion Clash, where playful pillow fights deliver a stress-busting release, and at Euphoria Grove, which moves guests through all four seasons in one space. Neon Nebula surrounds visitors with colourful balloons that billow and shimmer as you move, while Scribblescape hands you the freedom to doodle and draw on surfaces, turning the environment into a living artwork.
GO: Visit https://dopaminelandexperience.com for more information.
Thursday 11 December
Dine at Rialto
Elevate every occasion at Rialto, where refined Italian flavours meet sweeping views of the superyacht marina at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. From the lively atmosphere of the restaurant to the polished setting of Rialto Bar, it is a go-to spot for celebrations, private chef’s table experiences or corporate events. Every detail at this refined Italian restaurant, from the menu to the marina-front setting, is designed to impress.
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for more information.
Friday 12 December
Witness Kaytranada on the decks
Kaytranada will kick off Sole DXB 2025. Born Louis Kevin Celestin, the Haitian-Canadian DJ and producer broke through with a viral remix of Janet Jackson’s “If” and never looked back. His debut album, 99.9% won the Polaris Music Prize and a Juno Award. Follow-up BUBBA debuted at number one on Billboard’s Electronic Albums chart and earned two GRAMMY Awards, including Best Dance Album. Renowned for collaborative alchemy, he has worked with Aminé, H.E.R., Kali Uchis and Tinashe on the 2023 Kaytraminé project.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Saturday 13 December
Watch Tyla perform at Sole DXB
Tyla will take to the stage on the second night of Sole DXB, bringing her amapiano pop fusion to Dubai. The South African singer broke out globally with “Water,” which became a worldwide phenomenon, topping charts, surpassing one billion streams, and winning the first-ever GRAMMY for Best African Music Performance. In 2024, her self-titled debut album delivered hits and collaborations with Tems and Travis Scott, including “Push 2 Start” and “Truth Or Dare.”
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 14 December
Visit the latest Signor Sassi Dubai collab
Signor Sassi Dubai is teaming up with Portofino icon ö Magazín for an exclusive culinary residency from 10 to 14 December at Giardino di Sassi. Diners can experience the flavours of the Italian Riviera, with Executive Chef Roberto Villa serving signature dishes such as Spaghetti Ö Magazín with mussel cream and Trofie al Pesto, alongside elegant raw seafood platters and coastal cocktails. The collaboration culminates in a lively Evviva Brunch on Sunday 14 December, channelling Portofino’s festive spirit with live music, tambourines and dancing.
GO: Visit signorsassidubai.com for more information.
Monday 15 December
Enjoy a festive feast at MiMi Mei Fair
Created for sharing, the Festive Feasting Menu at the FACT award-winning MiMi Mei Fair invites diners to indulge this Christmas. The experience opens with Poached Vegetable Wontons, Xiao Long Jewels, Lamb and Dumpling Soup, and the signature Wasabi Prawns. For the main event, MiMi’s Apple Wood Fired Peking Duck takes centre stage, carved tableside and served with pancakes and hoisin sauce. Further highlights include the Trio of Braised Mushrooms, Sichuan Chicken with cashew nuts, and Crispy Mandarin Beef glazed in a caramelised hawthorn berry reduction. Available daily until 3 December. AED 478 per person with optional wine pairing for AED 248 per person.
GO: Visit https://mimimeifair.com for more information.
Tuesday 16 December
Tuck into a festive business lunch
The Festive Business Lunch at the FACT award-winning La Petite Maison Dubai offers two choices: Le Petit Menu for AED 135 with one starter and one main, or Le Grand Menu for AED 185 with one starter, one main and one dessert. Seasonal French luxuries appear across the menu, including Foie Gras Terrine with Toasted Brioche and Boudoise Oyster with Citrus Mignonette. Mains feature Wild Mushrooms and Scallop Risotto or Grilled Tiger Prawns Provençal. Finish with a Hazelnut Chocolate Tart. Available on weekdays in December from 12pm to 3:30pm. Prices from AED 135.
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for more information.
Wednesday 17 December
Experience Asado Nights at Park Hyatt Dubai
Asado Nights at Park Hyatt Dubai, led by Chef Rodrigo Llanes, bring Argentina’s iconic fire-grilled tradition to life in an omakase-style setting with 360-degree seating. Guests embark on an interactive journey where each course is prepared in real time, balancing heritage with contemporary dining. This season, Asado Nights evolves into a Culinary and Creative Arts experience through a collaboration with artist Hakim Idriss, whose bespoke designs and custom artwork enrich the story. The result is an evening where craft, cuisine and creativity come together in a one-of-a-kind celebration.
GO: Visit dubaicreekresort.com for more information.
Thursday 18 December
Watch The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera
A festive classic for all ages, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker follows young Clara and her Prince on a magical journey through lands of snow and sweets. Beloved since its 1892 premiere, this production brings lively sets, costumes, and timeless melodies. This is a holiday tradition that captures the magic of the season. Performances take place from 18 to 21 December 2025.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Friday 19 December
See David Guetta live in Dubai
After a blockbuster summer in Ibiza, where he helmed two of the island’s most in-demand residencies, David Guetta will bring his signature sound to Dubai Harbour for one night only. The French DJ and music producer has been making waves in the music industry for decades, with hits such as “Hey Mama” and “Titanium.” While recent tracks like “I Don’t Wanna Wait” with OneRepublic underscore his chart staying power, projects like “Future Rave” with Morten and his Jack Back alias showcase his range across the dance spectrum.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Saturday 20 December
Party with Tiësto at Surf Club
Tiësto is known as the Godfather of EDM and is famous for his groundbreaking performances. Born Tijs Michiel Verwest, he hails from Breda, Netherlands. A true trailblazer of the global dance scene, Tiësto has dominated the main stages of every major international festival, selling over 36 million albums and racking up more than 11 billion streams. He has redefined mainstream music, earning critical acclaim and millions of fans worldwide with hits like “Don’t Be Shy,” “Jackie Chan,” “The Business,” and “The Motto.”
GO: Visit www.surfclubdubai.com for more information.
Sunday 21 December
See Himesh Reshammiya live in Dubai
For those who grew up in the 2000s, Himesh Reshammiya was impossible to ignore. He started as a music composer working behind the scenes, burst onto the mainstream with a unique, nasal tone and a cap that became his signature. It is this trademark look that has now become a symbol of his fandom, turning him into a pop-culture phenomenon. Expect a night at Coca-Cola Arena stacked with the songs that made him a phenomenon. From “Jhalak Dikhla Ja,” “Hookah Bar,” “Tera Suroor,” “Aap Ki Kashish,” and “Aashiq Banaya Aapne,” to the endlessly quotable “Tandoori Nights.”
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Monday 22 December
Get into the holiday spirit at Winter District
Dubai dwellers, get ready to sprinkle a little extra magic into your holiday season because a Winter District is returning to town. From 13 December to 28 December 2025, Emirates Towers will transform into a winter wonderland that promises to be the talk of the town. The fourth edition of Winter District promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and stalls filled with locally crafted treasures, such as handcrafted ornaments. Indulge in holiday dishes, sweet treats, and warm beverages that will make chilly evenings more enjoyable.
GO: Visit www.winterdistrict.com for more information.
Tuesday 23 December
Visit Winter City at Expo City Dubai
Have you been wishing you could revisit the Dubai Expo? Well, Christmas has come early, and you can return to the site for delicious dining experiences and an exciting Christmas-inspired experience. Expo City Winter Wonderland spans the Mobility District, the water feature and Al Wasl Plaza. The area will be home to chalet-style Christmas markets, traditional fairground games, a letter-to-Santa station and pine trees. Plus, there’ll be plenty of ways to get merry, as there’ll be hot chocolate, mince pies and, of course, mulled drinks. Available daily from 6 to 31 December 2025.
GO: Visit www.expocitydubai.com for more information.
Wednesday 24 December
Spend Christmas Eve at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
A FACT award winner in both Dubai and London, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal invites guests to travel through time with a menu inspired by centuries of British gastronomy. This Christmas, the restaurant presents a six-course tasting experience that brings historic recipes into the present with Heston’s trademark precision and flair. Dishes include Earl Grey Tea Smoked Salmon (c.1730), Roast Potato and Caviar (c.1664), the signature Three Bird Roast and a festive dessert of Smoked Walnut Mousse with gingerbread ice cream and poached pear. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 6pm to 11pm. AED 980 per person (excluding beverages).
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for more information.
Thursday 25 December
Spend Christmas at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
Celebrate Christmas Day at Boons Brasserie & Bar with a lively beachfront brunch in true island style. The festive spread features premium seafood, cold cuts, live grills and global stations serving Asian favourites, Italian classics, sushi and sashimi. Expect live entertainment, a magic show and a dedicated Kids’ Corner with ice cream treats, bites and fun activities. Families also enjoy access to the private beach, swimming pools, Starfish Kids Club and Teen Zone. Available on 25 December. From 1pm to 4pm. AED 225 (soft beverages) or AED 325 (house beverages).
GO: WhatsApp 050 601 3537 for more information.
Friday 26 December
Tuck into a festive feast
The FACT award-winning Jamavar Dubai reimagines Christmas through the lens of Indian royalty. Guests begin with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé, followed by Jamavar’s Jewel Box amuse-bouche featuring mirchi pakore, masala cashew, mathri, papad and chutney. The menu boasts warmth and texture with Hyderabadi Lamb Korma, Karwari Soft Shell Crab, Prawn Mappas, Salmon Dill Tikka or the Shahi Galouti Kebab. Dessert is a Warm Valrhona Chocolate Mousse, combining Guanaja chocolate, sesame seed crisp and vanilla bean ice cream. Available daily until 31 December. AED 395 per person (food only).
GO: Visit https://jamavarrestaurants.com for more information.
Saturday 27 December
Dance the night away at Ushuaïa Dubai
Party people of Dubai, mark your calendars because Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee is making his triumphant return to Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. For the unversed, Black Coffee is no stranger to Dubai. The South African DJ and producer is celebrated for his unique fusion of house music with soulful elements, African rhythms, organic electronics, jazz influences, and evocative vocals, earning his signature style the name “Afropolitan House.” Black Coffee has also collaborated with global superstars such as Alicia Keys, Drake, Pharrell Williams, and David Guetta.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 28 December
Dine at Dragonfly Dubai
Discover Dragonfly Dubai, a Japanese dining destination where contemporary creativity meets timeless tradition. Enjoy artfully crafted sushi, signature plates and terrace evenings framed by Burj Khalifa views, with every detail tuned to refinement. By day, the energy lifts with Tokyo-inspired brunches; by night, Sakura-themed dinners bring a softer, more intimate mood. With its modern design, curated menus and warm hospitality, Dragonfly creates an elevated culinary journey for guests who appreciate exceptional Japanese cuisine.
GO: Call 04 834 8278 for reservations and more information.
Monday 29 December
Ride the world’s tallest observation wheel
Towering 250 metres above Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai is the world’s tallest observation wheel. Each of its 48 high-tech cabins offers a cool, comfortable vantage point for taking in sweeping views of the skyline, from the Palm Jumeirah to the Burj Khalifa. The full rotation takes around 38 minutes, making it the ultimate slow spin through Dubai’s ever-evolving cityscape. For locals and tourists alike, it’s a ride worth repeating.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Tuesday 30 December
Visit The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Cultural District is now home to a new museum and scientific research centre, showcasing natural history spanning 13.8 billion years. Covering an area of over 35,000 square metres, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is the largest of its kind in the region. Inside, the narrative begins in the atrium amidst a herd of sauropods before spanning 13.8 billion years, from the Big Bang and the formation of the solar system to the rise of biodiversity across land and sea. Star exhibits include Stan, the famed Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton that ruled Earth 67 million years ago. Elsewhere, a 25-metre-long female blue whale specimen illustrates the evolution of the largest animal ever to live.
GO: Follow @nhm_abudhabi on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 31 December
Celebrate New Year’s Eve under the stars
Ring in 2026 with a Silk Route–inspired feast, live entertainment and a front-row view of the fireworks at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. From the bold flavours of Asia to the rich indulgence of Turkish delights, Sanchaya and Meze restaurants set the stage for an evening of flavour, music and celebration. Guests can expect a lavish buffet featuring seafood and sizzling live grills paired with signature cocktails mixed for the occasion. As midnight approaches, a live band and DJ keep the tempo high. Available on 31 December from 8pm to 1am. AED 999 per person.
GO: Visit https://online.fliphtml5.com for more information.
