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Dubai December 2026 Calendar: Key Dates from Christmas Eve to 1 January

Dubai December 2026 Calendar: Key Dates from Christmas Eve to 1 January

Dubai is a popular winter holiday destination, and travellers can enjoy a trip here by planning beforehand. Whether you’re heading to a Christmas market or plan on 342864enjoying seasonal food and drinks, the city has something for every type of traveller. Further, you can also attend New Year’s Eve festivities and cruise on the waterfront. If you are visiting from 24 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, use this Dubai December 2026 calendar to plan your days, select events, and book experiences before the busiest days of the year.

Dubai December 2026 Calendar: Key Dates

Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve are all included in the last week of December, as are city-wide winter events. These are a few of the most important dates to note when planning your trip.

24 December: Christmas Eve

In 2026, Christmas Eve is a Thursday in Dubai. Spend the day seeing Dubai’s Christmas decorations and markets, and book a dinner or evening on Christmas Eve. When visiting a very popular hotel or restaurant, book early to get the menu, schedule, and dress code.

25 December: Christmas Day

Dubai’s festive dining is here at the hotels and restaurants scattered across the city for Christmas Day, which is on a Friday. Additionally, families can find activities and holiday displays that celebrate Christmas. The QE2 is offering a lunch special available from AED 335 per adult for the soft-drinks package at the Queens Room this Christmas Day from 1 pm to 4 pm.

26 December: Boxing Day

Boxing Day is on a Saturday, so it’s a day for a relaxed brunch, visiting a winter attraction or a cosy night by the sea. Further, the Pavilion is offering a Boxing Day BBQ from 6 pm to 10 pm, with packages for soft drinks starting at AED 199 per adult.

27–30 December: Festive Events and Celebrations

These dates are ideal for exploring Dubai’s winter events before New Year’s Eve. The Dubai Shopping Festival runs from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027, with citywide shopping offers, entertainment, and family experiences. The Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market runs until 27 December, so plan to visit before it closes.

31 December: New Year’s Eve

Event details and access arrangements for New Year’s Eve in Dubai 2026-27 vary by venue. Further, it gives access to fireworks, ticketed parties, special dinners, and cruises available on this day. Make your holiday choice in advance, check inclusions on your ticket, and make arrangements for arrival and departure to the event and back to your hotel.

1 January: New Year’s Day

The first day of the New Year is a Friday, so after the midnight celebrations, be flexible with your first meal of the day: a late breakfast. The QE2 is advertising a New Year’s Day barbecue at The Pavilion from 5 pm. The price of these drinks is often AED 199 per adult for the soft drinks package.

Note: You can enjoy your New Year celebrations at a New Year Shared Yacht Party, which is a budget-friendly and existing option to celebrate on the water.

Best Dubai Christmas and New Year Celebrations 2026

Explore the best Dubai Christmas and New Year celebrations 2026 to make your visit to the city a memorable and exciting experience.

Christmas Eve Yacht Party

Celebrate with a three-hour Christmas Eve Yacht Party from Dubai Marina. Spend the night on the water and enjoy the city’s water views with other guests. Further, the experience will be available on 25 December and starts from AED 750. Please see the product page for the precise schedule, inclusions, and boarding information before making a booking.

Dhow Cruise New Year Party

Enjoy a traditional Dhow Cruise Party with a DJ and live music while sailing through Dubai’s lit-up skyline with dinner. With a base price of AED 800, it’s a festive choice for anyone wanting a dinner and party on the water.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise, featuring an international buffet, live entertainment, and views of Dubai’s waterfront. The cruise also provides a view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks (depending on the planned route and event). Also, the prices start at AED 1,100, but these are general prices and are subject to change.

Mega Dhow Cruise Party

Take the Mega Dhow Cruise for an international buffet, live entertainment, and a more celebratory New Year’s Eve. Prices begin at AED 1,000 for the cruise, and it provides yet another way to celebrate on the water while enjoying Dubai’s night-time views.

Enquire Now New Year Cruise Party

Things to Do in Dubai in December 2026

The Dubai December 2026 calendar features seasonal markets, shopping events, festive dining, and New Year celebrations.

Visit the Dubai Shopping Festival

The Dubai Shopping Festival is taking place from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027. Also, it is a big event to be part of if you’re visiting Dubai in December 2026. In addition, take the opportunity to visit other malls and retail locations for seasonal shopping, offers, and entertainment.

Explore the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market

Shop at the festive market in Madinat Jumeirah for festive decorations, food, and festive activities. The market will operate at Fort Island from 4-27 December 2026. Please be aware of the current opening hours of the event before attending.

Enjoy Christmas Dining and Decorations

Keep an eye out for holiday menus, Christmas tree-lit hotels, and seasonal menus throughout the 24th and 25th of December. Also, it is wise to make reservations beforehand during the festive season in Dubai, especially if you have a specific place in mind.

See the New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Please note that the midnight events on 31 December 2026 will be held at a public viewing area or a booked venue. In addition, popular places may be crowded; please make arrangements for access and transportation before traveling.

How to Plan Around the Dubai December 2026 Calendar?

There is some planning that can be done to ensure that there is a festive activity available during the busiest time without last-minute changes. Also, before you visit, read our guide on New Year Traditions in Dubai 2027.

Please make sure you are aware of the event date. The Christmas Eve Yacht Party is listed as 25 December on the Christmas Eve page, but the date is different on the product page; please check the date before booking.
Don’t accept the lowest rate as the only consideration; package and deck selections can also impact the overall price.
Double-check the boarding location and when you are supposed to arrive for your desired cruise, as this may differ from one cruise to another.
Confirm if the hotel is included in your package or if you have to make your own arrangements to the boarding point.
Please allow extra time to arrive at the venue. New Year’s Eve can be busy with restrictions on access and traffic. Also, refer to arrival instructions in your booking confirmation.

Conclusion

In December 2026, Dubai will be hosting festive markets, seasonal cuisine, family-friendly activities, and celebrations that culminate in New Year’s Eve. For Dubai 2026, make time for travel on hectic evenings. Besides this, plan the visit using the Dubai December 2026 calendar to catch key dates. Visit Dubainewyearparty.com to find Christmas and New Year experiences in Dubai and select the one that suits your plans.