Dubai in December marks the beginning of winter in the city and, at the same time, the peak of the tourist season. The heat subsides, and the city comes alive with festivals. However, prices rise, and popular attractions fill up quickly.
Find out what the weather in Dubai in December is like and what to expect from New Year’s Eve in Dubai and Christmas in Dubai.
Dubai in December – is it a good time to visit?
December is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing in the city. Temperatures drop enough to make walks and excursions less tiring. At the same time, the festival and events season is in full swing.
Weather and sea temperature
The weather in Dubai in December is sunny and stable. During the day, temperatures average around 27°C, while at night they drop to around 16°C. The sea is usually 24–27°C, so swimming is comfortable. Rainfall is rare, averaging around 16 mm over just under four days per month. Evenings and the desert can get chilly. Shopping malls, on the other hand, have powerful air conditioning, so a lightweight sweatshirt is worth bringing.
Crowds and prices
From December to February, Dubai experiences the busiest period of the year. This means higher accommodation prices and longer queues. Tickets for popular attractions sell out quickly.
Key dates in December and January
- December 2, 2026: Eid Al Etihad, the 55th UAE National Day.
- December 4, 2026 – January 17, 2027: The 32nd edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, featuring 45 days of promotions and performances.
- October 14, 2026 – May 2027: The 31st season of Global Village.
- October 8, 2026 – May 31, 2027: The 15th season of Miracle Garden.
- December 31: New Year’s Eve, with the program still being announced.
New Year’s Eve in Dubai – where to watch the fireworks?
The show at Burj Khalifa
New Year’s Eve in Dubai is centered around the Downtown district. For 2025/26, Emaar organized eight days of celebrations, running from December 31 to January 7. The highlight of New Year’s Eve is the Burj Khalifa fireworks display, combined with lasers, lighting effects on the facade, and a fountain show. In previous years, Downtown attracted as many as 1.7 million visitors. That’s why it’s worth planning your viewing spot and transportation in advance.
Paid or free New Year’s Eve celebrations?
If you want to be as close to the show as possible, choose Burj Park. In 2025/26, tickets cost AED 950 for adults and AED 550 for children aged 5–12, plus 5% VAT. Children under five were admitted free of charge. Prices for 2026/27 have not yet been announced.
Official free viewing areas with LED screens were available in Downtown.
Planning to book a table? Be prepared to pay anywhere from AED 2,000 to as much as AED 20,000! However, if you’re looking for a free spot to celebrate New Year’s Eve, the following locations were available last year:
- Dubai Mall,
- Zabeel Park,
- Dubai Water Canal,
- Dubai Design District.
Please note! Dubai Mall can get extremely crowded, so arrive well in advance.
Can you see fireworks in other parts of the city?
Last year, Dubai hosted 48 fireworks displays across 40 locations, including:
- Burj Al Arab,
- Atlantis The Palm,
- Dubai Frame,
- Expo City,
- Bluewaters,
- JBR.
Global Village also had its own fireworks display. Dubai Frame featured a drone show for the first time. Families opted for Expo City, where a ticket costing AED 150 included admission to Winter City.
How to plan around New Year’s Eve in Dubai?
On New Year’s Eve, roads around Downtown are closed in stages, often starting as early as 4:00 p.m. The metro, specifically the Red and Green Lines, operates virtually nonstop between December 31 and January 1. Therefore, if you’re planning to celebrate in the city center, it’s worth switching to public transportation.
Prefer to travel by car? Last year, Emaar provided more than 20,000 parking spaces and free shuttle buses. However, it’s worth checking for updates shortly before New Year’s Eve and planning to travel before 4:00 p.m.
Christmas in Dubai – markets and festive attractions
Christmas in Dubai looks different from Christmas in Europe. Instead of snow, you’ll find sunshine and enormous Christmas trees in shopping malls.
In December 2026, there are three main Christmas markets worth visiting in Dubai.
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market (December 5–31, free admission) features a Christmas tree more than 10 meters tall and Abra boat rides with Santa Claus, with the Burj Al Arab hotel providing a stunning backdrop.
Families with children often choose the interactive Winter City at Expo City Dubai (December 6–31, admission approximately AED 50), where visitors can explore a toy factory and Santa’s house.
Meanwhile, beneath the skyscrapers of Jumeirah Emirates Towers, a more intimate Winter District (December 13–28, free admission) is organized, offering an ice rink, artificial snow, and stalls selling local handicrafts.
Things to do in Dubai in December
If you’re wondering what to do in Dubai in December, there are plenty of options. Start with the city’s most popular observation decks. From the Burj Khalifa observation decks on floors 124, 125, and 148, you can admire the city skyline, while Dubai Frame offers views of both the older and more modern parts of the city from a single vantage point. Another interesting destination is The View at The Palm, which offers panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah. In the evening, head to Dubai Mall to watch the fountain show, which is free to enjoy.
Seasonal attractions
December is a great time to visit attractions that operate seasonally. One of them is Global Village, a park where you can discover cultures from around the world. During the previous season, it featured 30 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, with ticket prices starting at around AED 25. Since the current season has only just begun, it’s best to check the park’s latest opening hours on its website before visiting.
Dubai Miracle Garden, which opened on October 8, is also worth a visit. This enormous garden is filled with floral displays and, according to its organizers, is home to more than 200 million flowers. On weekdays, it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on weekends until 11:00 p.m.
Indoor attractions
Dubai also has plenty to offer when you want a break from outdoor sightseeing. Dubai Mall is home to attractions including an aquarium and an ice rink, while Mall of the Emirates features Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort with five slopes. If you’re planning an evening out, you could also attend La Perle, a spectacular show combining acrobatics and visual effects.
What should you book in advance?
December is one of the most popular times to visit Dubai, so some things are best booked well ahead of time. This applies primarily to flights and accommodation, whose prices may rise as your travel date approaches.
Attractions and events that attract particularly high demand also require advance booking. If you’re planning to spend New Year’s Eve in Dubai, make sure to book your Burj Park tickets in advance, along with a gala dinner or a New Year’s Eve cruise. It’s also worth reserving a table at a restaurant with views of Burj Khalifa, tickets for the skyscraper’s observation decks, and a desert safari well in advance.
By contrast, visits to Global Village, Miracle Garden, free Christmas markets, and public viewing areas in Downtown are generally easier to plan without much advance notice. Even so, check opening hours and admission rules on the organizers’ websites before heading out. During the festive season and around New Year’s Eve in particular, make sure there are no additional restrictions in place.
How to get around Dubai in December?
The metro is a convenient way to get around Dubai, and it operated continuously during New Year’s Eve. Four bus routes serve Global Village, so you don’t always need a car.
However, keep in mind that on New Year’s Eve, road closures and major traffic disruptions may occur around Burj Khalifa and Downtown. A car is particularly useful if you’re planning trips outside the city, for example, to Hatta. However, you should be prepared for traffic jams and limited parking availability, especially during peak season. If you’re planning to rent a car, choose the trusted Modena Car rental company.
What to pack for Dubai in December?
Wondering what to pack for Dubai in December? Light clothing is usually sufficient during the day, but it’s also worth preparing for cooler evenings. A sweatshirt and long trousers are particularly useful during a desert safari, as temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
Pack comfortable shoes as well, since exploring Dubai Mall or Global Village involves a lot of walking. If you plan to use your hotel’s swimming pool or visit the beach, don’t forget your swimsuit and sunscreen. Also, remember local dress customs, particularly when visiting mosques and other religious sites.
