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If you are dreaming of festive sunshine, beach days, and spectacular celebrations, Dubai in December 2026 is one of the most magical choices for UK travellers. December brings perfect weather, iconic Christmas events, glamorous New Year celebrations, and a lively holiday atmosphere across the city. Instead of cold mornings and rain, Dubai offers warm, golden days, sparkling decorations, and world-class entertainment that transforms the festive season into something unforgettable.
For families and couples seeking to replace winter chills with winter sun, this guide explains why Dubai is one of the top destinations for December holidays. You will find everything you need to plan your Christmas and New Year trip, including Christmas markets, seasonal dining, fireworks, winter outdoor attractions, hotel packages, and holiday tips for travellers from the UK.
Why Visit Dubai In December 2026
Choosing Dubai in December 2026 means enjoying the most festive month of the year in warm sunshine instead of cold, grey skies. December is one of the most popular times for UK visitors, and for good reason. The weather is warm without being too hot, the city is beautifully decorated for the season, and both Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are designed to impress. Whether you want relaxation, excitement, or family fun, December offers something for every traveller.
Christmas week and New Year’s Eve create an atmosphere of celebration all over the city. Hotels put on special events, attractions offer seasonal experiences, and the skies light up with fireworks. Dubai is renowned for going above and beyond when it comes to celebrations, and December is a prime example of this.
Dubai Weather In December 2026
Understanding the weather is key to planning your winter sun holiday. Dubai in December 2026 is warm, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities. Days are comfortable for pool time, beach visits, outdoor markets, and sightseeing. Evenings feel cool enough for strolls around the Marina or Downtown, but not cold enough to require heavy layers.
Daytime temperatures average in the mid twenties, making December one of the best months for outdoor relaxation. The low humidity adds to the comfort, and rainfall is minimal compared to early winter in the UK. The weather is a major reason many travellers choose Dubai over traditional European Christmas destinations.
Temperature Overview
Expect daytime temperatures between 23°C and 28°C throughout December. These mild and sunny conditions make it perfect for festive brunches, beach clubs, boat tours, and desert adventures. Evenings drop to around 18°C, making it ideal for dining outdoors or watching the seasonal light displays.
Sea Conditions
The sea temperature sits at around 24°C. This is warm enough for swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and a variety of other water activities. Families especially appreciate the comfortable water temperature, as children can swim safely without feeling cold.
Winter Sun Benefits
Travellers choose Dubai for December because it offers something rare during winter: sunshine that lasts all day. Beaches remain lively, attraction queues are shorter than peak summer months, and outdoor soirées feel festive and enjoyable.
Christmas In Dubai 2026
Spending Dubai Christmas 2026 in a warm and festive setting creates a unique and memorable holiday experience. Dubai celebrates the Christmas season with markets, light displays, themed brunches, Santa meet-and-greets, and festive activities for all ages. Although Dubai is not traditionally a winter destination, the city celebrates Christmas with enthusiasm and elegance.
You will find Christmas decorations throughout major areas, including Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah, and JBR. Hotels, restaurants, malls, and resorts participate in the celebrations, offering travelers a festive atmosphere without the cold temperatures.
Christmas Markets And Festive Stalls
Dubai hosts several Christmas markets each year. These markets offer a variety of handmade gifts, festive foods, entertainment, and outdoor stalls adorned with fairy lights. Popular locations often include Madinat Jumeirah, Expo City, and City Walk.
Christmas Brunches And Dinners
Dubai is famous for its Christmas Day brunches. Top hotels and restaurants prepare festive buffets, carving stations, and themed desserts to celebrate the holiday season. Many brunches feature live music, children’s entertainment, and appearances by Santa.
Family Christmas Experiences
Families visiting in December can enjoy themed activities, such as winter wonderlands, snow play zones inside malls, and Christmas parades. Children especially love meeting Santa, taking holiday photos, and exploring decorated malls.
New Year’s Eve In Dubai 2026
Celebrating Dubai New Year 2026 is an unforgettable experience. Dubai is renowned for hosting one of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the world, with fireworks, live performances, luxury dinners, and waterfront parties taking place throughout the city. Travellers from around the world come to witness the incredible fireworks displays and vibrant celebrations.
New Year’s Eve in Dubai offers choices for every type of traveller, from family-friendly gatherings to romantic dinners and high-energy parties.
Fireworks And Countdown Celebrations
The fireworks in Dubai are world-renowned, with stunning displays at the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Dubai Marina. Each location offers a unique experience. Burj Khalifa typically attracts the largest crowds, while the Palm Jumeirah offers a more exclusive celebration, with events hosted by various hotels.
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinners
Many luxury hotels host gala dinners that include multi-course meals, live entertainment, and access to private fireworks viewing areas. These events are ideal for travellers who want a sophisticated celebration.
Family-Friendly New Year Activities
Not all New Year’s events in Dubai are late-night parties. Families can enjoy early fireworks at Festival City, outdoor cinema nights, and themed entertainment suitable for children.
Best Hotels For December Packages
Finding the right hotel is an important part of planning Dubai in December 2026. December is one of the busiest months of the year, and hotels offer seasonal packages that include Christmas dinners, New Year’s celebrations, and exclusive perks. Choosing the right hotel can enhance your festive holiday.
Beachfront resorts, city centre hotels, and family-friendly properties all offer December deals. Many include breakfast, access to events, and holiday activities.
Beachfront Hotels
Beach hotels offer festive buffets, gala dinners, and beachfront New Year’s celebrations. They are perfect for those who want sunshine and sea views for the holidays.
Downtown Hotels
Hotels near the Burj Khalifa provide front-row access to the fireworks. They also offer stylish Christmas brunches and seasonal décor that adds a festive touch.
Family Friendly Hotels
Resorts such as Atlantis or Jumeirah properties include Christmas kids clubs, festive shows, and themed dining that families love.
Winter Outdoor Activities In December
December is one of the best months to enjoy outdoor attractions, thanks to its mild temperatures and clear skies. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, December offers perfect weather for outdoor fun.
You can enjoy beaches, desert tours, parks, and boat cruises without the extreme heat of summer. Travellers coming from the cold UK weather especially appreciate how pleasant Dubai feels.
Beach Days And Waterfront Walks
Dubai’s beaches remain active in winter. JBR Beach, Kite Beach, and La Mer offer swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. The cooler weather makes waterfront walks around Dubai Marina and Palm West Beach enjoyable all day.
Desert Adventures
Desert safaris are popular in December as temperatures remain comfortable. Activities include dune bashing, camel rides, quad biking, and sunset dinners in traditional desert camps.
Boat Tours And Cruises
The mild evening weather makes boat tours perfect for the December holidays. Visitors can choose from luxury yachts, dinner cruises, or sightseeing tours around Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and the Creek.
Christmas And New Year Itineraries
If you are planning to celebrate Dubai Christmas 2026 or Dubai New Year 2026, having a simple itinerary helps you make the most of your holiday. December is full of events, so planning ensures you get reservations for brunches, dinners, and special celebrations.
Families, couples, and solo travellers can all create unique and enjoyable itineraries that match their interests.
Sample Christmas Itinerary For Families
Families can start with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to a Christmas market. Afternoon beach time or a trip to Dubai Mall keeps the day fun for children. A festive Christmas dinner or themed buffet completes the day.
Sample Christmas Itinerary For Couples
Couples may enjoy a relaxing beach morning, an afternoon visit to Madinat Jumeirah for Christmas markets, and a romantic dinner overlooking the Burj Al Arab. Evening strolls through Downtown add to the festive experience.
Sample New Year Itinerary
Travellers celebrating the New Year can enjoy a beach day, an early evening dinner, and a waterfront viewing spot for the fireworks. Booking early is essential, as New Year’s events tend to fill up quickly.
Travel Tips For December Holidays
Before booking your trip to Dubai in December 2026, it helps to understand how busy December can be. It is one of the most popular months for travellers from Europe, so making plans early helps secure better prices and availability.
Booking flights and hotels three to six months ahead is recommended. Many travellers choose package deals for Christmas and New Year because they simplify planning and often include festive events.
Dubai is a safe, welcoming, and easy-to-navigate destination. Public transportation, such as the metro, makes sightseeing easy, and taxis are readily available. Families, couples, and solo travellers all find December to be a smooth and enjoyable month to explore the city.
Celebrate The Festive Season In Dubai In December 2026
Choosing Dubai in December 2026 means celebrating Christmas and New Year in sunshine, surrounded by world-class events, beautiful decorations, and warm hospitality. From Christmas markets and festive brunches to spectacular fireworks and luxury gala dinners, December in Dubai offers unforgettable experiences for all ages. Whether you are searching for a romantic getaway, a fun family holiday, or simply a chance to escape the UK winter, Dubai delivers a festive season like no other.
