Seasonal celebrations, dazzling trees, afternoon teas & spa rituals to start the holidays in true Dubai style.
The UAE’s festive season arrives with a burst of sparkle: tree-lighting ceremonies, elegant afternoon teas, glamorous gifting, and luxe spa rituals designed for the most sparkly time of year. From Dubai’s luxury hotels to Abu Dhabi’s beachfront escapes and Ajman’s coastal hideaways, these festive experiences set the tone for a month of celebration.
Below, explore the UAE’s most enchanting Tree Lightings, Festive Gifting, Seasonal Afternoon Teas, and Holiday Spa Experiences, so you can live your best life in signature Insider style.
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONIES & SANTA’S GROTTOS
Yas Winter Fest – Abu Dhabi
A full-blown winter wonderland returns to Yas Island this December as Yas Winter Fest lights up Yas Gateway Park with ten days of festive magic. Every evening kicks off with a glowing Festive Tree Lighting Ceremony, transforming the amphitheatre into a dazzling display of lights and carols. Kids can write Letters to Santa, post them in a vintage-style letterbox, and snag a photo with Santa himself inside his charming grotto. There’s also a snowfall park, ice rink, snow globe, a full festive fairground with rides, and workshops for the whole family with sweet treats and arts and crafts.
When: 12–21 December, 4pm–11pm
Where: Yas Gateway Park
Price: AED 25 (kids 4–12), AED 35 (13+), under 3 free
Bookings: platinumlist.net
JA Beach Hotel – Festive Tree Lighting Ceremony
Watch the season come alive as JA Beach Hotel lights up its towering outdoor festive tree at Palmito Garden. Expect choir performances, family fun, festive treats, and even Santa arriving by helicopter; a magical evening for all ages.
When: 9 December, 5pm–6:30pm
Where: Palmito Garden, JA Beach Hotel, Dubai
Price: Free for in-house guests | AED 225 for outside guests | AED 150 for optional gingerbread workshop
Bookings: +971 4 814 5604 | restaurant.reservation@jaresorts.com
Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf – Tree Lighting Ceremony
Marriott Al Jaddaf kicks off the holidays with a warm and welcoming tree lighting in the hotel lobby, complete with festive canapés, drinks, and live carols, boasting a cosy and elegant start to the season.
When: 25 November | 6:30pm–7:30pm
Where: Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Dubai
Bookings: +971 4 317 7777 | WhatsApp +971 50 934 4357 | restaurants.aljaddaf@marriott.com
Palazzo Versace Dubai – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
One of Dubai’s most glamorous trees returns at Palazzo Versace’s Mosaico Lounge. Expect live carols, Santa’s early visit, mulled wine, and a mini Christmas market, all set inside an opulent, marble-filled lobby glowing with festive lights.
When: 6 December | 6pm–8pm (Lighting at 7pm)
Where: Mosaico Lounge, Palazzo Versace Dubai
Price: AED 150 minimum spend per person
Bookings: dining@palazzoversace.ae | +971 4 556 8805
Renaissance Business Bay – Tree Lighting Ceremony
Renaissance Business Bay welcomes the season with twinkling lights, festive bites, warm drinks, and the unveiling of a special festive menu. A relaxed, family-friendly celebration overlooking the Dubai Water Canal.
When: 9 December
Where: Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Business Bay
Bookings: +971 55 381 6629 | able.george@renaissancehotels.com
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island – Tree Lighting Ceremony
Abu Dhabi’s beachfront paradise lights up in spectacular fashion, with a grand lobby ceremony, a live Christmas choir, festive treats, and family-friendly entertainment. A magical way to start the season.
When: 8 December | From 6pm
Where: Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Price: Included for in-house guests
Bookings: reservation.saadiyat@rixos.com | +971 2 492 2222
The St. Regis Downtown Dubai – Festive Tree Lighting
St. Regis brings its signature elegance to the season with a sophisticated tree lighting paired with handcrafted pastries and festive delicacies at the Lobby Lounge.
Details: Festive goodies available daily at Lobby Lounge
Bookings: restaurant.reservations@stregis.com | +971 4 512 5522
FESTIVE GIFTING & HAMPERS
Ginori Terrace – Festive Hampers (St. Regis Downtown)
Celebrate the art of gifting with beautifully curated Ginori hampers filled with gourmet treats and pastries, wrapped in elegant festive packaging inspired by Ginori 1735.
Availability: Pre-order & collection at Ginori Terrace
Bookings: restaurant.reservations@stregis.com | +971 4 512 5522
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEAS
Al Zorah Beach Resort – Festive Afternoon Tea
A serene afternoon tea served in The Library or Vinesse Al Fresco Bar Island, with festive sandwiches, delicate pastries, winter-spiced teacakes, and signature scones. Add bubbly for a celebratory sparkle.
When: 9 Dec – 8 Jan
Price: AED 290 for two | AED 360 with Champagne
Bookings: alzorahbeachresort.com
Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf – Elegant Festive Afternoon Tea
A cosy and refined afternoon tea filled with seasonal pastries, festive sweets, and aromatic teas; an intimate way to enjoy the season.
When: Throughout December | 1pm–5pm
Where: Lobby Bar & Courtyard, Marriott Al Jaddaf
Price: AED 249 per person
Bookings: +971 4 317 7777 | restaurants.aljaddaf@marriott.com
Palazzo Versace Dubai – Festive High Tea
A glamorous high tea with festive cake trolleys, Christmas cookies, and a dedicated panettone station — served on elegant Versace china in the iconic Mosaico Lounge.
When: 7 Dec 2025 – 7 Jan 2026 | 10:30am–7pm
Price: AED 378 for two | AED 504 for two with prosecco
Bookings: dining@palazzoversace.ae | +971 4 556 8805
Rixos Premium Saadiyat – Festive Afternoon Tea
A refined selection of pastries, festive treats and artisanal teas served at The Library or al fresco. A beautiful way to slow down the season.
When: Throughout December & early January
Price: AED 249 per person
Bookings: RHAUH.DineinPremiumSaadiyat@rixos.com | +971 2 492 2222
FESTIVE SPA RITUALS
Al Zorah Beach Resort – Festive Rituals at the Spa
Two luxurious seasonal spa journeys designed to renew and restore: a candlelit full-body ritual with gold collagen mask, and a deeply hydrating Golden Eve Facial.
When: Throughout festive season
Where: Al Zorah Beach Resort Spa
Price: Candlelight Glow Ritual AED 750 (75 min) | Golden Eve Facial AED 700 (60 min)
Bookings: alzorahbeachresort.com
