Christmas at Dubai Opera: visits from Santa, a night of carols and a festive market

The opera house is a one-stop shop for festivities this December

Jingle Bell Favourites returns to Dubai Opera from December 12-14. Courtesy Dubai Opera 
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There is no shortage of festivities taking place at Dubai Opera this Christmas. Not only will the opera house be hosting its annual Jingle Bell Favourites show, it will host a Christmas market for the first time.

At the market, little ones will be able to meet Father Christmas and there will be a selection of shopping opportunities and festive treats to buy. Plus, pop-up performances by the National Youth Orchestra and Gems Choir.

The market is free to visit daily until Saturday, December 14. Santa's grotto will be open for meet and greets on December 12 and 13, from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.

A festive market is coming to Dubai Opera.
A festive market is coming to Dubai Opera.

The Jingle Bell Favourites show is a family-friendly concert featuring festive classics and cheery carols at Dubai Opera. Performers and musicians taking part include London Concert Orchestra Show Band, Capital Voices and soloists from London's West End, with songs such as Frosty the Snowman and Silent Night on the cards. There will also be seasonal treats served up in the venue's cafe.

The show will take place from Wednesday to Saturday, December 12 to 14, tickets start from Dh175. Performances will take place at 8pm, Thursday, December 12; 11am, 3pm and 8pm, Friday December 13 and 2pm and 7pm, Saturday, December 14.

Handel's Messiah will be performed on Sunday, December 8 at 8pm. Known for its “Hallelujah!” chorus, the opera will be conducted by Andrei Danilov and features a combined force of 200 local and international voices and musicians.

Christmas market open daily until Saturday, December 14, 4pm-10pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and 4pm-midnight from Thursday to Saturday; free entry; Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai; www.dubaiopera.com