What is Christmas like in Dubai?

Wil be lovely to welcome you and your family to Dubai - Ahlan wa Sahlan. Thanksgiving is not celebrated as much, but many American families throw big feasts and invite their friends of all nationalities. I went to a dinner one year during Ramadan and we waited until Iftar to carve the turkey playing a recording of the Macy's Day parade and last year's football (we are 9 hours ahead of the East Coast). The Emirati guests were very surprised and welcomed the new tastes. Lots of things are hard to find - such as dried onions for green bean casserole - there are options, but not as nice. Christmas is great. With so many nationalities it is hard for retailers to pass up the chance to earn some extra cash. Marks & Spencers (a UK chain) already has Christmas candies and sweets out! Spinney's (grocery store) has a huge tree in the lobby in front of their store. There are live trees for sale - but they are outrageously expensive. Fake is better for the climate. Decorations are easy to find at first, but will run out quickly, so buy early. Christmas Eve and Day are a little disappointing. Without snow (being from NY) it is something I miss. The Muslim Arabs certainly will celebrate in an indirect way with you - just as I say Ramadan Kareem for example, they greet me with Merry Christmas. It is all part of sharing one another's lives.

You'll be presently surprised. Christmas is celebrated with a great enthusiasm everywhere in Dubai.

Christmas here is not that much celebrated here compared to Ramadan or Eid, because this is an Arab country. However since there are a lot of expats in Dubai, Christmas is celebrated here too. Arabs and local people respect our celebrations. A lot of Christmas stuff are in store before the season. You'll enjoy it here :)