Everything you need to know about visiting Abu Dhabi in December
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Abu Dhabi is a truly magical place to be in December. Eid Al Etihad (National Day) festivities are always a colourful and exciting way to kick off the month, with the whole country painting itself in the national flag colours of red, green, white & black.
Schools break up locally in early December for the winter break, and plenty of hotels and shopping malls are decked with holiday decorations. You can experience festive markets as well as “winter wonderlands”, and this year, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will fall early in December.
A festive brunch in a nice hotel is an absolute must if you’re here over Christmas itself, or you can join in one of the many tree-lighting ceremonies, Santa Chases, or gingerbread house-making classes across the city.
There are carol services in church and out in the desert for anyone wanting to sing some good old-fashioned carols. Or, for a much more local traditional experience, why not attend a camel beauty pageant? You heard right; read on!!
Further Reading: When is the best time of year to visit Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi Weather in December
Abu Dhabi’s average daytime maximum temperature in December is a pleasant 24.7°C (76.5°F), with highs as much as 31.6°C (88.9°F) and average lows overnight down to 20.1°C (68.2°F).
In December, you should expect sea temperatures of 24.9°C (76.8°F) on average. Maximum sea temperatures are expected at 27.4°C (79.3°F) through to a minimum of 22.5°C (74.4°F) by month-end.
In general, you should expect mild, sunny days, but rainstorms are not out of the question in December. Whatever time of year you visit Abu Dhabi, you will still want a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses – you can find our full packing list tips for Abu Dhabi here.
Weather information sourced from the National Centre of Meteorology Climate Report 2003-2019 for Abu Dhabi Corniche and seatemperature.org
Abu Dhabi Special Events in December 2026
Annual Events in Abu Dhabi During December
- National Day (Eid al Etihad) traditionally 2 & 3 December: 2025 will mark 54 years since the unification of the United Arab Emirates; previously called National Day, the event was briefly renamed to Union Day, and it seems they have now settled on the Arabic name Eid Al Etihad – meaning ‘Celebration of the Union’. Due to the 2nd and 3rd falling midweek, the public holiday has been moved to the 1st and 2nd December for 2025 – learn more here.
- This Eid Al Etihad will also mark the official opening of the brand new Zayed National Museum, which is set to open its doors to the public on 3 December.
- The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held annually on the Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island. This event typically occurs in late November, but the busy events schedule sees the annual season closer, occurring from 4 – 7 December this year. Make sure you grab your tickets to the GP early, as the event does sell out, or reserve your seat at a Grand Prix Brunch for a unique way to experience the race.
- Ferrari HP Esports Series 2024 Grand Final will take place at Ferrari World on December, 3 2025 – alongside the Ferrari World Supercharged Fan Zone from 4 to 7 December 2025
- Al Dhafra Festival – A traditional Bedouin Festival held in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region, near the town of Madinat Zayed. Events range from Saluki racing and falconry to the much-converted – Camel Mazayna, finding the region’s most beautiful camels. This really is one of the country’s most exciting and intriguing cultural events – you can learn more here. This year’s festival will run from the 27 October 2025 until the 22 January 2026.
- Sheikh Zayed Festival – Held nightly on the outskirts of the city in a purpose-built showground, this annual event showcases local culture. Open from 1 November and throughout the winter, this is a fabulous way to experience local culture during your time in the UAE.
- The Mother of the Nation Festival will bring a variety of live acts and other entertainment around the Emirate, with events centred on Abu Dhabi Corniche from 10 December 2025 until 4 January 2026. For more details, click here
- Liwa International Festival, which takes place around Liwa Village in the Empty Quarter from 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. This is a unique desert event with desert motorsport action at Tal Moreeb, one of the world’s largest sand dunes. The events schedule includes special weekends for Extreme Mudfest 19-20 Dec, and an appearance by Monster Jam 26-27 Dec – learn more and plan your trip here
Winter Festivities in Abu Dhabi 2026
In December, Abu Dhabi usually hosts a wide array of Christmas events, from Santa Chase events to Christmas markets, various tree-lighting ceremonies, the Winter Wonderland showcase on Al Maryah Island, and a big Christmas family event on Yas Island.
- Breakfast with Santa at Le Royal Meridien. Join the big man in red whilst indulging in a delicious breakfast at the cosy Royal Meridien on Saturdays and Sundays during December, plus they have a Brunch with the Grinch every Saturday – buy tickets on Virgin Tickets
- There will be Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies throughout the city during December. Along with tree lighting ceremonies, there’s likely to be lots of gingerbread house-making workshops around town – see our detailed Christmas guide to Abu Dhabi for more information on venues and times.
- Enjoy the Mirbad Express Winter Popup at Erth from 4 pm to midnight daily from 5to 14 December – 85AED entry including ice skating.
- This year, Yas Winter Fest will take place at Yas Gateway Park North from December 12 to 21. This family-friendly festive event will feature loads of winter-themed fun.
- ‘Winterfest’ also comes to Ferrari World in December and will stay until early January. There will be festive shows, arts and crafts, and gingerbread decorating workshops (book in advance to avoid disappointment).
- Step into the magic at Warner Bros World’s Winter Spectacular from 6 December to 11 January.
- The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon takes place on 13 December 2025 – City
- Fontana Circus will continue their awe-inspiring run in the Fontana Circus Tent at Marina Mall.
- The Arabian Days Festival will take place from 13-15 December 2025 celebrating the richness of the arabic language, with storytelling and writing workshops – Manarat al Saadiyat
- The legendary Rod Stewart will be rousing audiences at the Etihad Arena on the 17 December, with the renowned Arijit Singh performing two days later on 19 December.
- NB Christmas Day, Thursday the 25th of December 2025, is NOT a public holiday in the UAE. All shops and businesses will trade as normal. Restaurant Christmas Day brunches book up early, so make sure that you book in advance, or try a Christmas Eve brunch.
- Hussain Al Jassmi and Kadim Al Sahir will bring an unforgettable night of music and poetry to the Etihad Arena on 27 December.
- New Year’s Eve – celebrations across the city on 31 December! You can find a detailed guide to what’s happening for New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi here.
Suggested Abu Dhabi Activities in December 2026
December is the perfect month for experiencing the UAE’s desert. Take a night time desert safari, which includes dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, henna painting, and traditional music around a Bedouin camp.
Many companies offer this service with pickups from central Abu Dhabi hotels or other pick-up points; here are a few to try:
Explore Saadiyat Cultural District
With the Cultural District nearing completion, there’s never been a better time to take a few days touring Saadiyat Island. If the long stretches of sandy beach aren’t enough, you can now visit the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abrahamic House & teamLab Phenomena.
Day Trips from Abu Dhabi in December 2026
It’s a great time of year to head further afield in the cooler weather, so why not arrange a camping trip into the Liwa Desert?
Explore the UAE’s vast Empty Quarter
Do it in style and stay overnight in Qasr Al Sarab or join a more rustic group of campers who will take you deep into the dunes and past Liwa’s historic and hidden forts.
Historic Al Ain
Open during the winter season, take a step back in time at the Jebel Hafit Desert Park, and explore the UNESCO sites of Al Ain, followed by glamping or BYO camping site options at the foot of Jebel Hafit, the tallest mountain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Western Region
Alternatively, as mentioned above, a day trip out to the Al Dhafra Festival is one of the most unique and rewarding cultural experiences not to be missed. You will need to hire your own car and probably get slightly lost in the desert, but it’s a wonderful and unique experience you’ll never forget – a detailed guide here on how to get there and what to expect as a tourist.
Abu Dhabi With Kids in December 2026
This is definitely the kids’ time of year in Abu Dhabi! From Mall Santas and festive winter wonderlands, our top pick for an action-packed outing is Ferrari World.
During December, as well as their fabulous fun adrenaline rides with an Italian motoring theme, they run Winter Wonderland, full of extra shows and events over the December school holidays – you’ll find similar festive celebrations this year also at SeaWorld and Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi Winter Spectacular
Close to the city, there are many leisure facilities to enjoy on Al Hudayriat Island, including Circuit X with a skate park, high ropes course, BMX track and splash park, and the newly opened Surf Abu Dhabi. There’s also a free beach and cycling track here, the heritage trail and even some glamping options, just a stone’s throw from the city.
For more nature-based experiences, check out Jubail Mangrove Park, on the outskirts of the city between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island. Enjoy the wonders of the mangroves in this boardwalk park, or take a kayak to get up close to this amazingly tranquil experience.
Check out the best things to do in Abu Dhabi every month here
Before you go… Important Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack, as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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