Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with these fantastic tree-lighting ceremonies.
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony is a cherished tradition that ushers in the festive season. As the sun sets, families and communities gather in anticipation, uniting under the glow of twinkling lights. The ceremony, often accompanied by carols and merriment, marks the symbolic illumination of a towering evergreen, adorned with ornaments and gleaming decorations. The moment the switch is flipped, the tree comes alive in a dazzling display of colours. This enchanting event not only signifies the beginning of the holiday season but also fosters a sense of togetherness and goodwill. Here are the tree lighting ceremonies you don’t want to miss this Christmas.
Dubai
Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah: 5 December 2025
Step into the season at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah’s sparkling tree-lighting ceremony. The lobby transforms with twinkling lights and a soaring tree, while a live choir fills the air with classic carols. With free entry, guests can sip warm mulled wine, mingle with loved ones and soak up the festive ambience as Santa makes a special appearance. Available on Friday, 5 December from 6pm.
GO: Visit www.hilton.com for more information.
Jumeirah Golf Estates: 5 December 2025
Ring in the season as the Christmas tree lights up the Earth Terrace at Jumeirah Golf Estates Clubhouse. The evening is designed for all ages, with children’s craft stations, popcorn and a candy floss stand keeping little ones entertained. The highlight is Santa’s gift distribution, where every child receives a special present to take home. As the terrace glows, a live band performs festive favourites, while face painting and charming seasonal décor transform the venue into a winter wonderland. Available on Friday, 5 December from 5pm to 8pm.
GO: Call 056 998 3703 for more information.
Meliá Desert Palm: 5 December 2025
Gather beneath open skies on the Portico Terrace at Meliá Desert Palm as the Christmas tree is illuminated to mark the start of the season. The evening blends carols with complimentary homemade mulled wine, served in both spirited and alcohol-free versions, paired with classic mince pies and ginger cookies. Available on Friday, 5 December from 7pm to 8pm.
GO: Call 050 170 6138 for more information.
Park Hyatt Dubai: 5 December 2025
Begin the season with a charming tree lighting that transforms The Piazza at Park Hyatt Dubai into a scene from a Christmas card. Join the countdown with live carols as the tree is illuminated. Sip festive drinks, enjoy sweet treats and capture photos under the Creekside glow. Children will love meeting Santa, setting the tone for celebrations to come.
GO: Email festive.parkhyattdubai@hyatt.com for more information.
Raffles Dubai: 5 December 2025
Raffles Dubai welcomes the season with its much-loved Christmas Tree Lighting in the grand lobby. Guests are invited to gather around the towering tree as it is illuminated for the first time, marking the official start of the festivities. Expect a cosy atmosphere enhanced by seasonal décor, trays of festive treats and glasses of warm mulled grape. Little ones can meet Santa, share their wish lists and discover the surprises he has planned for this year. Available on Friday, 5 December from 6pm.
GO: Visit www.raffles.com for more information.
Palazzo Versace Dubai: 6 December 2025
Palazzo Versace Dubai opens the season with its much-loved Christmas Tree Lighting at Mosaico Lobby Lounge. Arrive to enchanting carols and an early visit from Santa for little ones, then gather as the tree glows to signal festivities across the hotel. Choose festive refreshments at Mosaico, from a mulled wine station to a petite Christmas market on the terrace, or pause in the lobby to admire the spectacle. Available on Saturday, 6 December from 6pm to 8pm, with a minimum spend of AED 150 per person.
GO: Visit www.palazzoversace.ae for more information.
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre: 7 December 2025
Join Le Méridien Dubai’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and welcome the festive season in style. Gather in the lobby as the dazzling tree illuminates the room and carols fill the air. Nibble on canapés and festive sweets while little ones meet Santa and embrace the spirit of gift-giving. Expect cheer, photo moments and plenty of holiday sparkle for all ages. Available on Sunday, 7 December from 6pm.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers: 8 December 2025
Celebrate the city’s skyline at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, where the tree lighting brings seasonal sparkle to the sleek lines of Daefi Lounge. Expect an intimate hour of live saxophone, festive beverages and refined canapés, all delivered with the property’s trademark polish. Available on Monday, 8 December from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for more information.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray: 12 December 2025
Mark the start of the season in the lobby at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, where an illuminated tree and a grand choir set a suitably festive tone. Families and friends are invited to gather beneath the Ottoman-inspired domes as seasonal carols fill the space and the lights flicker to life. Arrive early to secure a good vantage point and linger after the switch-on to savour the hotel’s lavish surroundings. Available on Friday, 12 December from 5pm.
GO: Call 04 453 0444 for more information.
Abu Dhabi
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi: 5 December 2025
Ring in the season as the UAE’s tallest indoor suspended Christmas tree takes centre stage in Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi’s impressive atrium. Soaring 20 metres high, the showstopper comes to life with two heart-warming choir performances and a special appearance by Santa. As the lights twinkle, the Christmas Market opens, inviting guests to browse festive sweets, artisanal treats and seasonal treasures to take home. Available on Friday, 5 December from 6pm to 7:30pm.
GO: Call 02 698 8137 for more information.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: 5 December 2025
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental ushers in the season with a glittering tree lighting and a snowy Winter Village. The evening opens with a performance from The Nutcracker, followed by cheerful appearances from Santa, his elves and a live children’s choir from the British College of Abu Dhabi. Arrive early for complimentary festive arts and crafts, plus traditional chalets serving hot chocolate and mulled wine. Available on Friday, 5 December from 5pm.
GO: Call 02 690 9000 for more information.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi: 5 December 2025
The season begins with a joyful afternoon at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. Gather under the lobby’s golden chandeliers for the annual tree lighting, a glittering moment that marks the start of the festivities. Santa will pass through the St. Regis Library to share merry gifts with children on the nice list. Available on Friday, 5 December from 3pm to 5pm.
GO: Call 02 694 4553 for more information.
The WB™ Abu Dhabi: 5 December 2025
The festive season officially begins at The WB™ Abu Dhabi with the grand lighting of the lobby tree. Families are invited to gather for an hour of cheer featuring live music, classic carols and surprise appearances from beloved WB™ characters, including Tom and Jerry. Expect complimentary festive treats, warm drinks and plenty of photo-ready moments beneath the hotel’s beautifully decorated centrepiece. Available on Friday, 5 December from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
GO: Call 02 815 0000 for more information.
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island: 8 December 2025
The season begins with a Tree Lighting Ceremony in the grand lobby at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island. A live Christmas choir fills the space with classic carols, while trays of mince pies, spiced cookies and warming drinks set an indulgent tone. Available on Monday, 8 December from 6pm.
GO: Call 02 492 2222 for more information.
Jumeirah Saadiyat Island: 11 December 2025
Welcome the festive season as Jumeirah Saadiyat Island illuminates its grand tree. Gather with family and friends for an evening of seasonal sparkle as the sun sets over the island. Expect carols and plenty of photo moments as the lights are switched on and the resort’s holiday programme begins. Available on Thursday, 11 December from 5pm to 6:30pm.
GO: Call 02 811 4342 for more information.
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island: 12 December 2025
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island marks the start of the season with its annual tree lighting in the lobby, a family-friendly moment filled with sparkle and song. Gather with loved ones for live carols, a visit from Santa, and an array of seasonal treats and festive bites served beneath the hotel’s beautifully decorated tree. The setting is warm and welcoming, with plenty of photo opportunities and space for little ones to soak up the magic. Available on Friday, 12 December from 6pm.
GO: Call 02 208 6888 for more information.
