Did you know that most hotels, restaurants in golf clubs, as well as some bars do a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the start of the Festive Season? Some start as early as mid-November (we’re not complaining!) whereas most will be at the start of December and onwards. It’s one of our favourite things to do with the kids here in Dubai during this beautiful season. The venues are all decked out for the season, there will be carolling and possibly mulled wine – and sometimes Santa makes an appearance. Typically – these are free to attend, although some would impose a minimum spend. Some venues keep it exclusive to hotel guests – so you could consider booking a festive staycation with the family as well. To help you plan, we have compiled a list of most of the Christmas Tree Lightings this year.

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

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For more information on the Tree Lighting Ceremony and other Festive Offers, please click on the venue name.

Week One

As they do every single year – McGettigans kicks things off early with their Christmas Tree Lightings happening across their various branches towards the end of November. Most will have live music and entertainment, as well as mince pies and mulled wine. Santa will be making an appearance in McGettigan’s Ibn Battuta Gate, and the best bit is that they will be all held on different days so if you’re really up for it – you can make it to every single McGettigan’s Christmas Tree Lighting this year!

▪️Wednesday, 18th November 5pm : McGettigans Souk Madinat Jumeirah _{50 AED Fully Redeemable}
▪️Thursday, 19th November 5pm : McGettigans Ibn Battuta Gate _{50 AED Fully Redeemable}
▪️Friday, 20th November 7pm : McGettigans JLT _{100 AED Fully Redeemable}
▪️Sunday, 22nd November 5pm : Brasserie by McGettigan’s _{50 AED Fully Redeemable}

Week Two

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates’s Tree Lighting will be extra glamourous this year, with a partnership with Charlotte Tilbury. The hotel lobby will be decked out with Christmas lights, ornaments, and a live band kicks the festive season off in style. Over at Fairmont the Palm, the grand tree lighting will be accompanied by festive tunes and holiday cheer. Book in a table at Mashrabiya Lounge for prime views!

▪️Wednesday, 25th November 6pm : Kempinski Mall of the Emirates
▪️Saturday, 28th November 4pm to 6pm : Fairmont the Palm

Week Three

Bla Bla by McGettigan in JBR kicks things off, on the 1st of December with their event, filled with festive food and live music. Clear all your plans for Friday evening as it will be a busy night! Emirates Golf Estates’s Tree Lighting will feature a small Chef’s Festive Feast showcasing a selection of pastries and desserts, with two food kiosks offering festive treats. Jumeirah Golf Estates will have craft stations, face painting, popcorn and a candy floss station plus Santa! There’s an opportunity to book in a Gingerbread House Decorating session at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and SO/Uptown with limited availability so get in quick!

On Saturday evening, Sofitel Dubai the Palm kicks off their festive season with their Tree Lighting in the lobby, filled with carol singing, as well Santa’s arrival.

▪️Tuesday, 1st December 5pm : Bla Bla by McGettigan’s _{100 AED Fully Redeemable}
▪️Friday, 4th December :

• 5pm – 7pm : Hilton Dubai Jumeirah _{Gingerbread House Decorating}
• 5pm – 8pm : Jumeirah Golf Estates
• 6pm : Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
• 6pm – 8pm : SO/ Uptown Dubai _{Gingerbread House Decorating}
• 7pm – 9pm : Emirates Golf Club

▪️Saturday, 5th December :

• 5:30pm onwards : Sofitel Dubai the Palm _{Gingerbread House Decorating}
• 5:30pm – 7pm : Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumerah _{In-House Guests Only}

Week Four

One&Only Royal Mirage does a magical Tree Lighting every year at The Grand Gallery in the Arabian Court – though take note this is strictly for in-house guests only so maybe you could consider booking a staycation to join in the festive fun? Dukes and NH Collection is partnering up Dubai Heights Academy this year for their choir, so take the kids over for a festive sing a-long!

Over at JA Hatta Fort Hotel, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony illuminates the lobby with heartwarming carols, warm mulled grape, and festive canapés. Santa will likely be swinging by – so keep an eye out for the Father Christmas!

▪️Tuesday, 8th December 6pm – 8pm : One&Only Royal Mirage _{In-House Guest Only}
▪️Wednesday, 9th December 6pm – 6:30pm : Dukes the Palm _{Choir – Dubai Heights Academy}
▪️Thursday, 10th December 6pm – 6:30pm : NH Collection Dubai the Palm _{Choir – Dubai Heights Academy}
▪️Saturday, 12th December 6:30pm : JA Hatta Fort Hotel

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Have a look at the following Festive Listings for 2026 :

• Breakfast with Santa @ Villa Verona, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
• Family Christmas Eve Dinners in Dubai : 2026
• Best Family-friendly Christmas Day Brunches in Dubai : 2026

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