It can get pricey around Christmas when you buy gifts, go to holiday pop-ups, and make brunch and lunch reservations.
You can still feel like Christmas without spending a dime, though, and we've found some free Christmas-themed things to do in Dubai for you.
It's time to start making plans for things like a travelling shop that will come to your house, an outdoor movie theatre, and free Christmas markets.
Enjoy the stylish trees at Dubai Mall.
It's likely that you'll be at Dubai Mall this Christmas to get gifts for family and friends. While you're there, don't miss the designer Christmas trees that have been set up all over the shopping area. These trees are decorated with items from well-known names like Dior and Cartier.
Watch a movie for free at JLT Park.
Movies under the stars at JLT are back. Every Saturday at JLT Park in Cluster Q, you can watch films for free. This is a great free thing to do around Christmas. You have to get there early because seats are limited and will be given to people who arrive first. The movie starts at 7:30 p.m.Bring your own blanket and treats to enjoy the show.
At Nakheel Mall's Depachika, you can get crafty.
At Nakheel Mall's Depachika, there are many classes for kids to enjoy holiday fun. There will be crafts for kids to do, like painting holiday jars, making candy cane beads, and more. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekends until December 31, go to Depachika and get into the holiday mood.
Go to Aventura Parks for the event where the trees are lit.
The event to light the trees at Aventura Parks will take place on Friday, December 15. From 5 p.m. on, families and friends can get together for drinks, the lighting of the Christmas tree, Christmas movies, and a visit from Santa Claus.
At the Winter District, you can meet Santa and his helpers.
You can go into the Winter District for free, and there's a place called Santa's Grotto where kids can meet Santa and the elves for free. There are shops, a snow zone, and other things to check out.
Enjoy the Christmas spirit in JBR.
It's time for JBR Winter Nights again, which is a great way to get into the Christmas mood. Shopping for gifts is possible at the booths, and there are classes for kids to attend.
Take a stroll through Madinat Jumeirah's holiday market.
The Festive Market at Madinat Jumeirah will be back in Dubai on Friday, December 15. Santa can be observed riding an abra, which serves as an excellent warm-up for a spirited stroll around the Christmas tree. It's also free to get in.It starts on December 15. Free. Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. until late; Friday through Sunday from noon until late. Jump to Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island on jumeirah.com.
Take a quiz about Christmas.
On December 18, the Brainiac Blast Christmas Edition will be held. This is your chance to show how smart you are. From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mikey Ross will be hosting a party at The Irish Village in Studio City. It's free to get in, and there will be gifts to be won.
Outside of Ski Dubai, you can see singing reindeer.
There is nothing better than going to see the singing reindeer outside of Ski Dubai in December if you love all things happy. As they play holiday music, these cute artificial reindeer are sure to make you smile.
On Christmas Day, watch fireworks.
On Monday, December 25, at 9 p.m., there will be a big Christmas fireworks show at Al Seef. The show will be held on the waterfront walkway in Dubai Creek, and it is free to watch. The sky will be lit up with fireworks for three minutes to celebrate the holiday.
