Dubai does Christmas in style, and the countdown begins the moment the first tree lights up. From a lobby jazz night to beachfront pastries and a visit from Santa, hotels across the city are hosting family-friendly evenings this season. Here are eight tree lighting ceremonies worth marking on your calendar, listed by date.
1. The Garden Project At Address Montgomerie
Start the season early at Emirates Hills. The Garden Project at Address Montgomerie is lighting its Christmas tree on Friday, 20 November. Live carol singing begins at 5pm, with the tree lighting at 6:30pm, after which Friday Night Live carries on with music, food and drinks. Entry is free, though drinks packages cost extra, at AED 225 for house beverages and AED 275 for sparkling.
Where: The Garden Project, Address Montgomerie, Emirates Hills
When: 20 November 2026, 5pm to 8pm (tree lighting at 6:30pm)
Cost: Free entry
2. Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
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Head to the polo club on 30 November for an evening of choir music and gingerbread. The resort’s annual celebration begins at 6pm on the Equestrian Lounge Terrace, where choirs from Nord Anglia International School perform, Santa greets guests and giveaways are up for grabs. Kids can try gingerbread decorating while snacking on seasonal treats and drinks, and the fun then shifts to Horse & Hound for bingo rounds with prizes.
Where: Equestrian Lounge Terrace, followed by Horse & Hound
When: 30 November 2026, from 6pm
Cost: Free entry
3. Jumeirah Golf Estates
Families get plenty to do at the annual Tree Lighting Celebration on 5 December. Set on the Earth Terrace, the event has craft stations, face painting, popcorn and candy floss for children, plus a visit from Santa, who hands out gifts to every child. As evening sets in, the tree is lit while a live band plays festive favourites.
Where: Earth Terrace, Jumeirah Golf Estates
When: 5 December 2026, 5pm to 8pm
Cost: Free entry
4. Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah
The hotel is lighting its tree on 8 December in the lobby, with music, entertainment and a sparkly start to its December programme. The evening is a good warm-up for what follows, including gingerbread-making sessions for kids and special Christmas dining. It is an easy pick if you want a relaxed, family-friendly night out.
Where: Hotel lobby, Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah
When: 8 December 2026, 7pm to 9pm
Cost: Free entry
5. Novotel Dubai Al Barsha
Live jazz sets the tone at this lobby ceremony on 8 December, which begins at 6:30 pm. Guests can enjoy festive treats while the tree lights up, making it a laid-back option for friends and families who like their Christmas cheer with a musical touch. The ceremony is complimentary.
Where: Lobby, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha
When: 8 December 2026, 6:30 pm
Cost: Free entry
Enquiries: WhatsApp +971 56 999 4822
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6. Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort
Beachside Christmas is the draw here. Th8 Palm opens its festive experience, A Nutcracker Tale On The Palm, with a tree lighting at 7pm on 8 December. Mimo Café serves Portuguese festive pastries and seasonal drinks, including warm Leite Creme, Spiced Hibiscus Punch and mini hot chocolates, and Santa pops by for the little ones.
Where: Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort
When: 8 December 2026, 7pm
7. Vistas Lobby Café
Carols, mulled grape and hot chocolate make this a cosy pick on 11 December. The annual ceremony starts at 6pm, and Santa drops in with surprises for the children. It suits families who want a relaxed evening with a little festive excitement.
Where: Vistas Lobby Café
When: 11 December 2026, from 6pm
Enquiries: +971 4 522 9999 or cdd@chr.co.th
8. Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai
The hotel’s festive programme opens with a lobby tree lighting, followed by a traditional Christmas atmosphere, golden decorations, festive dining and celebrations leading up to New Year’s Eve. The date and timings are yet to be confirmed, so keep an eye on the hotel’s official channels before planning your evening.
Where: Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai
When: Date and timings to be confirmed
Tips For Your Festive Evening
Dates and timings can change, so confirm with the venue before heading out, particularly for the Grand Millennium, which is yet to announce its schedule. Several ceremonies are free to attend, but food and drinks may be charged separately, as the Garden Project’s drinks packages show. If you are visiting with children, arrive a little early to get a good spot for Santa and the tree lighting. Check each venue’s parking arrangements, since hotel lobbies can get busy during the first week of December, so arriving early helps. Whether you prefer jazz in a hotel lobby, beachside pastries or a family fun evening with face painting and gifts, Dubai has a tree lighting to match. Pick your date, bring the family and let the festive season begin.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Tatiana Dyuvbanova
FAQs
Which Dubai tree lighting ceremonies are free to attend?
Entry is free at Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club and The Garden Project. At the Garden Project, drinks packages (AED 225 for house beverages, AED 275 for sparkling) are charged separately.
What activities are there for children?
Jumeirah Golf Estates has craft stations, face painting, popcorn and candy floss, and Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club has gingerbread decorating. Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah runs gingerbread-making sessions as part of its December programme.
