One of our favourite things to do over the Christmas season is taking the kids to a Christmas Tree Lighting. Most restaurants, hotels, bars and even golf clubs would do one at the start of the festive season. There’s carolling, mulled wine, and sometimes Santa makes an appearance, and better still – give out gifts to the little ones! Usually – these are free to attend, although some venues would have a minimum spend, or otherwise mention that it is for hotel guests only. To make it easier for everyone, we have put together a list again this year.

Enjoy taking the family to a Christmas Tree Lighting Event in and around Dubai, and please tag us on stories if you go!

---

For more info on the tree lighting ceremony – please click on the venue name.

Week One

McGettigans kicks things off early with their Christmas Tree Lightings happening across their various branches in November. Expect live music and entertainment in all venues, and festive carols by a children’s choir in their latest branch – Goose and Gander. Santa will be making an appearance in all* venues as well! _{*except the Deira branch}

• Monday, 17th November 5pm : McGettigans Ibn Battuta Gate _{50 AED Fully Redeemable}
• Tuesday, 18th November 5pm :
  • McGettigans Souk Madinat _{50 AED Fully Redeemable}
  • McGettigans Deira
• Wednesday, 19th November 5pm : Goose & Gander
• Thursday, 20th November 7pm : McGettigans JLT _{100 AED Fully Redeemable}

Week Two

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates does a fabulous one every year. Join in the fun as the hotel lobby is decked out with Christmas lights, ornaments, and a live band kicks the festive season off in style. At the other end of town – Hillhouse Brasserie and The Duck Hook comes together to hold their very first Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony. Sip on mulled wine, hot chocolate and seasonal cocktails as a live choir fills the night. Media One Hotel will be hosting theirs at Garden on 8. Expect corny carols, singalong lyric sheets, and plenty of laughs, all hosted by the one and only Jono from Dubai92.

• Thursday, 27th November
  • 6pm : Kempinski Mall of the Emirates
  • 7:30-8pm : Hillhouse Brasserie
• Friday, 28th November 6pm : Media One Hotel

Week Three

As December starts – so does most of the tree lighting events across town. Dukes at the Palm will be doing theirs, partnering with two fabulous Dubai schools for their choir. Habtoor Grand’s tree lighting will be held in the Grand Garden with a choir of elves and Santa popping in. Don’t miss Westin Mina Seyahi’s – this is a super popular one and bookings required! The Bolt Hole in Villa Nova is next – with mulled wine, hot chocolate with marshmallows and seasonal cocktails. Pets are very much welcomed!

On Friday – Hilton, Sofitel and the Taj at the Palm Jumeirah is doing theirs – with a live choir and Santa dropping by. Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates will have kids activities including face painting, craft stations as well as popcorn and candy floss! Santa will be giving away gifts at both venues so take your pick!

• Monday, 1st December
  • 6pm : Reform Social & Grill
  • 6-6:30pm : Dukes the Palm _{( Choir – Dubai Heights Academy )}
• Wednesday, 3rd December 6:30pm : Al Habtoor Grand Resort
• Thursday, 4th December
  • 5-8pm : Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi : Book here
  • 6-6:30pm : Dukes the Palm _{( Choir – Repton Dubai School )}
  • 6-8pm : Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay
  • 7:30-8pm : The Bolt Hole
• Friday, 5th December
  • 5-7pm : Taj Exotica Palm Dubai _{( Choir – GEMS Education )}
  • 5-8pm : Jumeirah Golf Estates
  • 5:30pm : Sofitel Dubai the Palm
  • 6pm : Emirates Golf Club
  • 6pm : Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
  • 6-7pm : Sheraton Dubai Creek
• Saturday, 6th December
  • 4-6pm : Fairmont the Palm
  • 6pm : One&Only Royal Mirage _{In-House Guests only}
  • 6:30pm : JA Hatta Fort Hotel

Week Four

Head on over to Hilton Dubai Jumeirah for a cozy Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. There will be festive music and carol singing, as well as delicious seasonal treats and warm beverages for everyone. Santa will be coming by for that family photo and yes – special surprises for the little ones!

• Monday, 8th December 6-7pm :
  • Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
  • Anantara the Palm Resort _{In-House Guests only}

---

Have a look at the following Festive Listings for 2025 :

• Turkey Takeaway in Dubai 2025 : Why Cook, when you can Order?
• Where to go Gingerbread House Making in Dubai this Festive Season 2025
• Family Christmas Eve Dinners in Dubai : 2025
• Best Family-friendly Christmas Day Brunches in Dubai : 2025
• New Year’s Eve in Dubai : Family Gala Dinners 2025/2026

Please check back as we add more venues to the Tree Lighting Listing!