With Christmas just around the corner, this weekend will either be chaos or calm depending on where you're up to with your Christmas preparations. Here's everything we'll be doing in Dubai this weekend.
Final Festivities at La Pomme Atelier at Goshá
Step into a world of festive charm at the La Pomme Festive Atelier at Goshá. Whether you’re elevating your holiday décor or seeking thoughtful gifts, this exclusive experience has it all. Enjoy a bespoke gift-wrapping service, craft dining table centrepieces that wow, or let your creativity shine by designing your own festive decorations with the guidance of their talented design team.
Looking to bring some holiday spirit into your home? Choose from an exquisite selection of festive flowers, berries, and foliage that will fill your space with warmth and beauty. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and La Pomme Atelier is here to help you decorate it in style.
Location: Goshá
Dates: December 20-23
Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM
Get in the Festive Spirit at Winter Garden
Get ready to soak up the festive magic at the Winter Garden in Al Habtoor City, a seasonal favorite that transforms Dubai into a holiday wonderland. With its sparkling 18-meter Christmas tree and enchanting decor, this family-friendly destination is packed with holiday spirit. Kids will love the carnival games, mini zoo, and soft play areas, plus a chance to meet Santa every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM for gifts and sweet surprises. The venue is even pet-friendly, so your furry friends can join in on the festivities. Explore the new Souk concept by SAMSWEK Global, offering unique artisanal finds, from skincare essentials to beachwear. When hunger strikes, indulge in gourmet delights from food stalls catering to every craving.
Timings: Weekdays: 4 PM - 12 AM, Weekends: 4 PM - 1 AM
Entry: Free (Dhs25 minimum voucher purchase, redeemable inside)
Location: Al Habtoor City, Dubai
Instagram: @wintergardendubai
Savour a Festive Lunch at La Petite Maison
For a festive dining experience with a touch of luxury, La Petite Maison is the place to be. This season, the DIFC restaurant transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland. The entrance delights with a gingerbread house facade, complete with woodland animals, an emerald sleigh, and twinkling icicle lights that glow beautifully at night. Step inside to discover wreaths, garlands, a majestic Christmas tree, and a fireplace-like reception desk adorned with stockings. The menu features festive indulgences like creamy chestnut soup and a show stopping Black Forest dessert, making it the perfect spot to celebrate with loved ones.
Location: Gate Village 8, DIFC, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 439 0505
Instagram: @lpmdubai
Head to Abu Dhabi for Festive Magic at Yas Winter Fest
Yas Winter Fest on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, is your go-to destination for festive fun with your littles. Running from December 13 to 22, the festival offers a magical journey through Santa’s workshop, hands-on elf experiences, gingerbread decorating, slime making, canvas painting, and more. With live entertainment, holiday markets, and plenty of seasonal surprises, it’s the perfect place to create holiday memories with your loved ones.
Tickets: AED 20 per adult
Location: Yas Winter Fest, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Dates: December 13 - 22
Instagram: @yaswinterfest
Have a Laid Back Lunch at The Byron Bathers Club
If you're fed up of festive then head to the laid-back charm of The Byron Bathers Club. With three distinct experiences to explore, it’s perfect for everything from family brunches to relaxed evening gatherings. At the heart of it is Byron’s Bar & Bistro, a chic main restaurant and terrace. For seafood lovers, there’s Ulu’s Oyster Bar, an alfresco delight, while Tigerlily’s Beach offers loungers, deck chairs, and even a play area for kids.Inside, the décor exudes a breezy, surf-inspired vibe with preppy blue-and-white stripes, lush greenery, and a warm, family-friendly ambiance. Step outside to find a tropical garden setting with Santorini-style umbrellas, terrace tables, and a beer garden-inspired aesthetic that’s perfect for soaking up the sunshine.
Location: Al Manhal Building, Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah
Timings: 9 AM to 11 PM (Mon-Fri), 8 AM to 12 AM (Sat & Sun)
Contact: +971 4 323 7378
Instagram: @byronbathersclub
Discover the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve
Get out of the city for some fresh air and step into a natural wonder just 45 kilometers outside Abu Dhabi at the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve. Home to over 1,700 striking fossil dunes, these otherworldly stone formations have been sculpted by wind and sediment over four million years. Spanning 7 kilometers, this reserve boasts the highest concentration of fossil dunes in the emirate. Designed for exploration, it features visitor-friendly trails, shaded seating, an amphitheater, and even light and sound shows to enhance your experience.
Timings: Daily, 8 AM - 8 PM
Location: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 55 110 2124
Website: ead.gov.ae