December doesn’t arrive quietly in the UAE, it makes a scene. Here is your ultimate guide to Dubai December events 2025
The weather is cool, the city is glowing, the social calendar is overflowing, and every weekend feels like a festival. Whether you’re here for the National Day spirit, the DSF madness, or the New Year’s fireworks, this is the month to move, explore, and show up boldly.
Here’s your ultimate guide to everything happening in Dubai this December, and how to make the most of it — Otto style.
1. UAE National Day Weekend 1–3 December
A four-day weekend + citywide celebrations = the strongest start to the month.
Expect:
• Fireworks at Dubai Festival City, Al Seef, Global Village, Bluewaters
• Burj Khalifa LED shows
• Patriotic performances at Expo City & Hatta
• Special parades across Dubai Parks & Resorts
• Drone shows lighting up the sky
• Global Village glowing in UAE flag colours
Otto Tip:
National Day gets BUSY. If you’re heading downtown, grab a car early, avoid peak-hour traffic, and use back routes. Flexibility = survival.
🛍 2. Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 5 December 2025 – 11 January 2026
This is Dubai’s Super Bowl of shopping.
Expect:
• Up to 90% off across malls
• Daily fireworks (Al Seef, Bluewaters, La Mer, The Beach)
• DSF drone shows
• Concerts + street performances
• Car raffles, gold raffles, cash raffles
• Pop-up markets, food festivals, late-night shopping
Otto Tip:
Parking at malls in December? No thanks. Get a car that fits your day — a zippy hatchback for quick missions or an SUV for family hauls.
🎄 3. Christmas & Winter Markets (All Month)
Dubai goes full winter wonderland. Minus the actual winter.
Winter City, Expo City Dubai (6–31 Dec)
• Santa’s Grotto
• Snow park
• Mrs Claus’ Kitchen
• Giant tree
• Festive lights everywhere
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
• Traditional wooden chalets
• Tree lighting
• Abra rides with Santa
• Venetian carousel
Ski Dubai Winter Wonderland (1–25 Dec)
• Snow activities
• Penguin encounters
• Meet Santa in actual cold
Other markets:
• Habtoor Palace Winter Garden
• Hotel pop-ups across the Marina & Palm
Otto Tip:
These spots get packed. Pick an Otto that makes arrival easy — the right drive = the right entrance.
🎶 4. Concerts, Festivals & Music (All Month)
December serves serious headliners:
• Franz Ferdinand – 13 Dec, Coca-Cola Arena
• Pitbull – 14 Dec
• Keinemusik – 5 Dec (Abu Dhabi)
• Sole DXB – mid-Dec, D3
• DSF surprise concerts (expect A-list acts)
Otto Tip:
If you’re planning nights out, avoid last-minute booking. Dubai taxis will NOT be your friend this month. An Otto keeps the night smooth.
🏉 5. Sport: Rugby Sevens, F1 & More
Dubai Rugby Sevens
First weekend of December – The Sevens Stadium
Rugby + costumes + music + food + chaos.
Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix (5–7 Dec)
Yas Marina Circuit
With after-race concerts including:
• Elyanna (5 Dec)
• Halsey (5 Dec)
• Katy Perry (7 Dec)
• More artists TBC
Other fitness events:
Leftovers from Dubai Fitness Challenge may spill into early December.
Otto Tip:
Sevens + F1 = traffic apocalypse. Book early, leave early, drive something comfortable.
👨👩👧👦 6. Family Outings & Seasonal Attractions
Dubai is built for family adventures in December.
Global Village
• National Day fireworks
• Christmas programming
• Food from everywhere
• Firework shows every weekend
Dubai Parks & Resorts
• Santa parades
• Holiday shows
Expo City (again!)
• Winter City
• Light installations
• Open-air dining
Beach Clubs & Brunches
Weather: perfect
Crowds: massive
Vibe: peak December
Otto Tip:
If you’re taking the family out, pick something with space — the Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sonet are weekend heroes.
🎆 7. New Year’s Eve (31 December)
Dubai goes global. And loud.
Expect fireworks at:
•Burj Khalifa
•Atlantis The Palm
•Burj Al Arab
•Global Village
•JBR / The Beach
•Dubai Frame
•Bluewaters Island
Plus every hotel, rooftop, beach club and yacht you can imagine.
Otto Tip:
Move early. Book restaurants in advance. And choose a car that fits your entrance energy — especially if you’re heading somewhere premium.
🚗 Need a December Drive? Otto Has You.
With Otto, you get:
No long-term contracts. No deposits. No paperwork.
Swap cars anytime. Pick the right vibe for every plan. Delivered to your door.
Whether your month is about events, shopping, brunches, family adventures or just exploring the city — your drive should keep up.
December doesn’t arrive. It makes a scene. Make yours with Otto.
