What to Do in Dubai This December

Dubai: With cooler weather, outdoor adventures, and festive entertainment, December is one of the best months to visit Dubai. From major city-wide events to thrilling activities, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of the top attractions and experiences to explore this December:

Dubai Shopping Festival (6 December 2024 – 12 January 2025)

The 30th edition of the iconic Dubai Shopping Festival promises unforgettable experiences. Highlights include incredible retail deals, life-changing prizes, and world-class family entertainment. Opening with the 321 Festival (6-8 December) at two iconic venues, the event also features drone shows, fireworks displays, and light art installations. Key shopping destinations include Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.

Outdoor Experiences

• Desert Safaris: Explore Dubai’s majestic sand dunes through exciting desert safari adventures.
• Hatta Activities: Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking in the scenic landscapes of Hatta, with the Hatta Dam offering picturesque kayaking opportunities.
• Camping and Glamping: Spend a magical night under the stars or indulge in desert luxury at Al Maha Desert Resort or Bab Al Shams, complete with private villas, camel rides, and falconry.

Family-Friendly Attractions

• Waterparks: Thrill-seekers can visit Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm, or Wild Wadi Waterpark.
• Nature & Wildlife: Explore The Green Planet, a tropical rainforest home to over 3,000 plants and animals, or visit The Lost Chambers Aquarium and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
• Theme Parks: Experience the region’s largest theme park destination, Dubai Parks and Resorts, or explore IMG Worlds of Adventure, featuring zones themed around Marvel, Cartoon Network, and more.
• Global Village: Celebrate diverse cultures with entertainment, food, and shopping at this family-friendly event in its 29th season.

Seasonal Highlights

• Winter Markets: Browse festive markets at locations like Expo City Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, and Habtoor Palace Dubai, offering unique gifts and activities.
• Winter Wonderland Experiences: Visit Ski Dubai for skiing, tobogganing, and snow-filled fun. At Dubai Mall, enjoy ice skating at the Dubai Ice Rink, which will also host “The Grotto” from 6 December.