Things to do this week: Christmas Takeovers, Big Shows and Brunch That Turns Into a Day Out!

Morning! This week goes heavy on festive plans without boxing you into one kind of night. There are easy evening strolls with lights and food, big ticket shows that feel like an event, daytime brunches that turn into full afternoons, and family friendly theatre that actually keeps adults interested. You can keep things low effort, dress up and make a night of it, or stack a few plans across the week without burning out. It is varied, well timed, and full of options that fit after work catch ups, weekend plans, or visiting guests.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK

🎄 - JLT’s Christmas Takeover With Lights, Food and Santa on Duty
📍 - JLT Park Amphitheatre
📅 - Until 21st December
⏰ - Daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
🎟️ - Free Entry
📷 - @jltbydmcc

JLT turns festive for nine straight nights with food stalls, themed entertainment, Santa appearances and a full Christmas setup that makes an evening stroll turn into a full night out. The tree lighting happens daily at 6pm, with opening night going a bit bigger for obvious reasons. It is relaxed, family friendly and very easy to say you are just popping down and accidentally stay for hours. Ideal for after work wanderings, kid friendly plans or catching festive energy without committing to anything too intense.

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING?

Cinderella – The Magical Pantomime Fairytale - Jumeirah Beach Hotel Theatre
Wed 17th Dec | 7:00 PM | More Info

QE2 Christmas Carol Concert - Feel The Christmas Spirit - Grand Lounge, QE2
Wed 17th Dec | 7:00 PM | More Info

Leffi Bina Ya Donya Comedy Show - Zabeel Theatre
Wed 17th Dec | 8:00 PM | More Info

David Guetta Live - Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience
Fri 19th Dec | 7:00 PM | More Info

The Nutcracker Ballet - Dubai Opera
Fri 19th Dec | 8:00 PM | More Info

Carols Reimagined - Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Fri 19th Dec | 8:00 PM | More Info

Bavarian Beerhouse Oktoberfest Brunch - Towers Rotana
Sat 20th Dec | 12:30 PM | More Info

Winter City - Expo City
Sat 20th Dec | 1:00 PM | More Info

Carols by Candlelight - Expo City
Sat 20th Dec | 6:20 PM | More Info

A Fairytale for Christmas - New Covent Garden Theatre
Sat 20th Dec | 7:30 PM | More Info

Bollywood Style Sangeet Night - Metropolitan Hotel Dubai
Sat 20th Dec | 8:00 PM | More Info

Sinbad the Sailor - Theatre by QE2
Sun 21st Dec | 3:00 PM | More Info

Emerald Isle Irish Dance Reborn - Zabeel Theatre
Sun 21st Dec | 5:00 PM | More Info

SCRUMPTIOUS SCOOP

🍽️ - Eugène Eugène: A French Greenhouse Doing Christmas Properly
📍 - Mall of the Emirates, Kempinski Hotel
📷 - @eugeneeugenedubai
📞 - +971 4 379 8963

Eugène Eugène turns festive dining into something calm, stylish, and genuinely enjoyable. The greenhouse setting feels warm without trying too hard, and the Christmas menus lean into classic French comfort with polished execution. The festive set menu runs through December with rich seasonal dishes, while Christmas brunch on the 24th and 25th brings family friendly flair without turning chaotic. New Year’s Eve keeps things elegant with à la carte options or a set menu, live entertainment, and space to actually enjoy the moment. It is festive dining done with restraint, taste, and confidence.

ACTIVITY ALLEY

🎾 - Padel Edition: Indoor Courts, Ice Baths and a Lifestyle Upgrade in One Stop
📍 - Al Quoz
📅 - 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM
🎟️ - Court and session bookings available
📷 - @padeledition

Padel Edition is built for people who want more than just a game. Eight indoor padel courts sit alongside ice baths, infrared saunas, mobility sessions and a calm studio space that pulls everything back into balance. Matches feel competitive without being chaotic, and the recovery setup makes staying longer feel like the smart move. Add face workouts and stretch focused classes into the mix and you get a space that blends sport, wellness and reset time without trying too hard. It is social, focused and designed for anyone who likes to play, recover and go again.

FRESH EXPERIENCES

💫 - Afternoon Tea at The Lana Dubai: The Polite Way to Spend an Afternoon Feeling Fancy
📍 - The Gallery, The Lana, Business Bay
📅 - Daily
⏰ - 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
🎟️ - By reservation
📷 - @thelanadubai

Afternoon tea at The Lana is calm, polished and quietly impressive. Served inside The Gallery overlooking Marasi Bay, it pairs classic tea rituals with pastry work from Angelo Musa, the kind of chef who treats dessert like architecture. Finger sandwiches arrive immaculate, the sweets are refined rather than loud, and everything moves at an unhurried pace that feels rare in the city. It suits long catch ups, discreet meetings or a slow afternoon that feels intentional. Smart casual, beautifully done, and exactly the sort of plan that makes a weekday feel upgraded.

LOCAL SCOOP DUBAI WEATHER

Friday
22°C 🌡️ 19°C | Sunny.

Saturday
27°C 🌡️ 20°C | Sunny.

Sunday
27°C 🌡️ 22°C | Sunny.
Temperature readings taken the night before publication

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Local Scoop Dubai today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who loves rooftop brunches and pool parties as much as you do.

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