Dubai Minute: Festive Events, Top Nightlife & Culture Picks For You

Good day, Dubai.

December has officially shifted gears.

The city is no longer easing into the festive season - it’s operating at full volume. Theatre schedules are stacked, concert venues are booked solid, and nightlife calendars now stretch five nights deep instead of two. From classical ballet and family pantomimes to international DJs and large-scale festive dining experiences, this is the point in the month where planning matters.

This Wednesday edition is built for coverage and clarity. Events are grouped by category, allowing you to quickly scan what fits your mood - whether that’s culture, concerts, family plans, or late nights. Every listing includes dates, locations, prices, and direct booking links.

Let’s start with the largest and most time-sensitive events.

Festive Friday at Meydan Racecourse blends international horse racing with seasonal hospitality, themed entertainment, and a social crowd that treats race night as much like a December outing as a sporting fixture.

📅 Date: Fri, 19 Dec
📍 Location: Meydan Racecourse
💰 Cost: Varies by enclosure
👉 Book Now

Insider Tip: You can attend the Dubai Racing Carnival for just AED 10 - select General Public tickets for full race-day access at Meydan without paying for hospitality packages.

The AHPC Festive League brings competitive polo back to Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club. A quieter, more refined festive option, this event combines sport, outdoor social seating, and hospitality lounges in a relaxed setting.

📅 Dates: Mon, 15 Dec – Sat, 20 Dec
📍 Location: Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
💰 Cost: Varies by match
👉 Tournament calendar

One of the biggest electronic music bookings of the season, David Guetta headlines a festival-scale night at Dubai Harbour under the Ushuaïa banner. Expect large LED installations, a packed international crowd, and extended peak-time sets.

📅 Date: Fri, 19 Dec
📍 Location: Dubai Harbour
💰 Cost: From AED 400+
👉 Book tickets

Tomorrowland’s desert destination hosts Fideles, delivering melodic techno in a fully immersive, open-air desert environment. This event leans heavily toward music-first audiences rather than casual clubbing.

📅 Date: Sat, 20 Dec
📍 Location: Terra Solis Dubai
💰 Cost: From AED 150+
👉 More info

A high-intensity techno booking aimed at serious electronic music fans. Expect fast pacing, heavy sound, and a late-night crowd.

📅 Date: Fri, 19 Dec
📍 Location: Hive, Soho Garden Meydan
💰 Cost: From AED 150+
👉 Book tickets

A major Bollywood concert featuring one of India’s most recognisable playback singers, delivering a high-energy set of hits and fan favourites.

📅 Date: Sun, 21 Dec
📍 Location: Coca-Cola Arena
💰 Cost: From AED 200+
👉 Book tickets

An electronic live performance curated by Eden Presents, focused on immersive sound and visual staging.

📅 Date: Fri, 19 Dec
📍 Location: Cavo
💰 Cost: From AED 150+
👉 Event details

A December essential, The Nutcracker returns to Dubai Opera with full orchestration, classical choreography, and festive staging. One of the most reliable cultural bookings of the season.

📅 Dates: Thu, 18 Dec – Sun, 21 Dec
📍 Location: Dubai Opera
💰 Cost: From AED 380+
👉 Book tickets

A stage adaptation of the classic Russian novel, offering a slower, dialogue-driven cultural experience.

📅 Dates: Fri, 19 Dec
📍 Location: Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA)
💰 Cost: From AED 390+
👉 Book tickets

A modern reinterpretation of classic festive carols, blending live vocals, contemporary arrangements, and theatrical staging. Designed for audiences looking for a seasonal concert experience that feels polished rather than traditional.

📅 Date: Fri, 19 Dec
📍 Location: Zabeel Theatre, Dubai
💰 Cost: From AED 200+
👉 Carols Reimagined

A high-energy dance production celebrating Irish culture through choreography, live music, and theatrical lighting. This is a strong pick for audiences who enjoy rhythmic, movement-driven performances over narrative theatre.

📅 Date: Sun, 21 Dec - Tue, 23 Dec
📍 Location: Zabeel Theatre, Dubai
💰 Cost: From AED 150+
👉 More Info 

A live performance by Komnata Kultury, bringing alternative sounds to an intimate pub-style venue. This is a smaller-scale cultural night focused on atmosphere and music discovery.

📅 Date: Sat, 20 Dec
📍 Location: Harat’s Republic, Dubai
💰 Cost: From AED 500+
👉 Book Tickets

One of Dubai’s largest festive villages, Winter City transforms Expo City into a seasonal destination featuring snow zones, festive markets, roaming entertainment, workshops, and family-friendly dining.

📅 Dates: Wed, 17 Dec - Wed, 31 Dec
📍 Location: Expo City Dubai
💰 Cost: Entry from AED 50 (activities priced separately)
👉 Visit Winter City

A calmer festive concert experience focused on choral performances and seasonal music in a candle-lit setting. Ideal for those seeking a reflective, low-noise festive evening.

📅 Dates: Sat, 20 Dec - Wed, 24 Dec
📍 Location: Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai
💰 Cost: From AED 150+
👉 Book Tickets

A classic pantomime-style production featuring comedy, audience participation, and musical numbers. Designed primarily for children and families, with short runtimes and daytime-friendly scheduling.

📅 Dates: Wed, 17 Dec - Mon, 29 Dec
📍 Location: The Jumeirah Beach Hotel Theatre
💰 Cost: From AED 95+
👉 Watch the Performance

A festive theatre production staged inside the Mall of the Emirates, making it an easy add-on to shopping or dining plans. Expect storytelling, seasonal visuals, and family-friendly pacing.

📅 Dates: December
📍 Location: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
💰 Cost: From AED 195+
👉 A Fairytale for Christmas

A headline combat sports event featuring influencer and crossover boxing matchups. Expect a loud crowd, fast pacing, and full arena production.

📅 Date: Sat, 20 Dec
📍 Location: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
💰 Cost: From AED 400+
👉 Watch Misfits Boxing

An immersive dining experience combining live performances, acrobatics, music, and theatrical staging alongside a multi-course dinner. This is a destination-style evening designed for celebrations and special occasions.

📅 Dates: Ongoing through winter
📍 Location: Dream Dubai
💰 Cost: From AED 800+
👉 See details of the dream Dinner Show

A lively brunch featuring live entertainment, European classics, and group-friendly seating. Popular with mixed crowds and casual festive planners.

📅 Dates: Saturdays (seasonal run) | 12.30 pm – 4.00 pm
📍 Location: Bavarian Beerhouse, Dubai (Buy 1 Get 1)
💰 Cost: From AED 299+
👉 Oktoberfest Brunch

Belcanto’s Night
Dinner-to-party crossover with live performances.
👉 More info

Voyage Nights
Rotating DJ lineup and club-forward sound.
👉 See details

Monkey Bar - Jay Abo & The Band (Live)
Live band party night with strong crowd energy.
👉 More info

Bliss Lounge - Live Entertainment
Friday lounge night with DJs and performers.
👉 More info

VNYL Hi-Fi - Friday Sessions
House, disco and music-first crowd.
👉 See details

Midnight by Amor
Late-night Downtown party energy.
👉 Book now

Arrive Early, Leave Late
Extended party format built for peak hours.
👉 More info

Lumen
Upscale house & techno-led club night.
👉 Event page

Aurora by Iris Club
Melodic techno and atmospheric visuals.
👉 See details

Fiesta del Sol at Toro Toro
Latin dining that turns into a party.
👉 Book tickets

Favela Disco at Salvaje
Latin house and disco-driven Saturday night.
👉 More info

CÉ LA VI - She’s With Us
Skyline views and curated DJ sets.
👉 See details

Be Beach DXB - Dionysus
Beach party inspired by rhythmic house music.
👉 Event page

Overtime - 5-Hour Brunch
Long-format brunch that becomes a party.
👉 Book now

Barasti - Tease Me, Tempt Me
Outdoor party classic with DJs and open-air vibes.
👉 See details

Bla Bla Sunday Pool Brunch
Poolside brunch that runs into the evening.
👉 Book tickets

Surf Club Odyssey
Sunset-to-night deep house session.
👉 More info

BLU - La Parisienne
Paris-inspired Sunday night with house music.
👉 See details

O Beach - House in Paradise (Ladies Day)
Relaxed beach session with music and drinks offers.
👉 Event page

Ku Bu Ladies Night
Sunday ladies’ night with DJ sets and dining.
👉 Book now

Bagatelle - Courchevel Night
Upscale Sunday soirée with live entertainment.
👉 More info

Dubai Shopping Festival is now fully active across the city, with roaming performers, live music pop-ups, cultural acts, and festive street entertainment appearing nightly. Fireworks take place on select evenings at major districts.

📍 Festival City, Downtown, JBR, City Walk & more
📅 Throughout December
💰 Free
👉 See the DSF schedule

While some attractions are ticketed, large parts of Winter City remain open to explore for free - including festive décor zones, outdoor installations, and roaming performers. A solid midweek option if you want atmosphere without commitment.

📍 Expo City Dubai
📅 Wed, 17 Dec - Wed, 31 Dec
💰 Free (paid activities optional)
👉 More details

Entry is free, and parking at most locations stays under AED 20. Live music, food stalls, and browsing make this one of the easiest low-cost plans, especially on weekends.

📍 Various locations
📅 Weekends
💰 Free entry / parking under AED 20
👉 See locations & timings

One of the biggest live music events of the season, Arijit Singh brings his full concert production to Abu Dhabi. Expect a packed arena and a crowd travelling from across the UAE.

📍 Etihad Arena, Yas Island
📅 Fri, 19 Dec
💰 From AED 295+
👉 Book tickets

A large-scale, international event blending esports, robotics, technology competitions, and live demonstrations. This is one of the most unique, future-focused events on the UAE calendar.

📍 Abu Dhabi
📅 Thu, Dec 18 - Tue, Dec 23
💰 Varies by day
👉 See event details

A family-friendly winter festival with festive décor, entertainment zones, food stalls, and seasonal activities. Easy to combine with Yas Island attractions for a full-day plan.

📍 Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
📅 Fri, Dec 12 - Sun, Dec 21
💰 Free entry (activities vary)
👉 More info

That’s a wrap on Wednesday’s edition of Dubai Minute.

If this guide helped you decide what actually deserves your time, share it with someone who always asks, “What’s happening this week?” It’s the easiest way to help more people enjoy the city without scrolling endlessly.

We’ll see you Friday with the top weekend picks - the busiest stretch of the season, simplified.

— Matthias