December in Abu Dhabi means cool winter weather and loads of time outdoors. 2021 is wrapping up, and it’s finally the festive season. There are so many things to do in Abu Dhabi in December, you might need to hold onto your hat.
From live gigs and concerts to the best food in the city and the coolest new openings, December is packed with incredible things to do the capital.
Ready? Here’s the full list of all the best things to do in Abu Dhabi in December.
Hoping to discover your next favourite dish? Head here for all the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
If you love to keep active, jog over here for everything sport and wellbeing-related across the capital.
Looking to have fun with the whole family? Gather the gang and click here to explore the best things to do with the kids.
Abu Dhabi has incredible art and culture to explore. Click here for the best of Abu Dhabi culture.
Ready for December? Here are all the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Dec 1
Al Hosn Festival at Qasr Al Hosn
Performances, art installations, film screenings, culinary experiences, crafts and design – what more could you ask for?
For more incredible things to do in Abu Dhabi click here.
Nov 25 to Dec 4. Qasr Al Hosn, alhosn.ae.
December 4
Dog-friendly brunch at Stars ‘N’ Bars Abu Dhabi
Love brunch but hate leaving your best friend at home? Now you can bring your dog to breakfast brunch at Stars ‘N’ Bars Abu Dhabi – the perfect way to enjoy a Saturday with your pooch.
For everything to know about adopting a pet in the UAE click here.
Dhs99 (food, one drink), Dhs198 (2 hours house). Sat noon-4pm. Stars ‘N’ Bars, Yas Marina (02 565 0101).
December 9
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
It’s the most explosive sporting event in the region, the event we’ve all been waiting for: F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is finally speeding around the corner with four days of on-track and off-track action. (Hello, Yasalam concerts). The track itself has also undergone some exciting changes to keep us on the edge of our seats. Vroom.
For our ultimate guide to F1 click here.
Dec 9-12 Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island www.yasmarinacircuit.com.
December 10
Trackside brunch Easy Tiger and Rush
Easy Tiger is taking over Rush for a thrilling trackside brunch. Choose a single-day, three-day package or a full trackside view table. Every brunch booking comes with a concert pass.
For the best brunches in Abu Dhabi click here.
From Dhs599. Dec 10-12, noon-4am. W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (050 593 7977).
Catch a Wizkid concert in Abu Dhabi
Wizkid is coming to Abu Dhabi for the first time for the Futr World Festival at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Friday December 10. Time to book your evening off – the show starts at 10pm.
For the latest and greatest in music in the capital click here.
Dhs250. Dec 10, 10pm. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, futrworld.com/live
December 11
Pink Party at Garage
Ready to party F1 style? All Pink Party guests receive a concert ticket for the Yasalam After-Race Concert, too.
Click here for all the best F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix parties.
Dhs650 (indoors), Dhs1,050 (racetrack views). Dec 10-12. Fri 1pm-4pm, Sat noon-3pm, 4pm-7pm; Sun 4pm-7pm. Garage, W Hotel Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, whotels.com (02 656 0000).
December 12
Banging Beats at W Lounge
Multimedia artist Alec Monopoly is DJing at W Lounge for the highly anticipated Formula 1 Race Day. W Lounge will also host a jungle-themed party, Wanderlust, with live music, food and drinks happening from December 10 to December 12.
Read more about the event here.
Dhs7,000 (minimum spend for table). Dec 12, 10pm-late. W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 0000).
December 13
Mother of the Nation Festival at the Abu Dhabi Corniche
The MOTN Festival is returning to Abu Dhabi with food, music, art and tonnes of fun.
For the best spots on the Corniche click here.
Dec 9-19, 4pm-midnight (Sun-Thu), 2pm-midnight (Fri-Sat). Abu Dhabi Corniche www.motn.ae.
December 16
Flyboarding on the Abu Dhabi Corniche
Look oh so fly while flyboarding with Abu Dhabi Marine. Whether you faceplant straight into the mighty blue or remain drier than a camel’s knuckle, this truly is an activity to grasp with both hands
For more extreme spots in the UAE click here.
Daily. Call for timings. Abu Dhabi Marine, Abu Dhabi Corniche, abudhabimarine.ae (056 946 6898).
December 18
Jubilee Celebration at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
In celebration of the UAE’s 50th National Day, Louvre Abu Dhabi will display artworks from each of the seven emirates. To celebrate the nation’s Jubilee, December will see the museum’s dome transformed into an audio-visual installation reflecting 50 years of the UAE. There will also be a roller-skating rink for an event in collaboration with Madrollers. Strap on your skates, it’s time to get celebrating.
For more about the Louvre Abu Dhabi click here.
Dhs150. Dec 1-31. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island (600 565566).
December 19
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival at Al Wathbah
This cool and cultural festival celebrates Emirati heritage through arts, crafts, food and more.
For more cultural activities in the capital click here.
Nov 18 to Apr 1, 2022, open daily 4pm-midnight. Al Wathbah South (800 555).
December 20
Go under da sea at the National Aquarium
Get your camera ready because the National Aquarium is open and it is mega. Home to more than 46,000 creatures, the new attraction in Al Qana is the largest aquarium in the Middle East and contains more than 200 sharks and rays. Feed the sharks, swim with rays, and play with puffins.
To find out more about the super snake at the aquarium click here.
Dhs105 (general admission), Dhs130 (Beyond the Glass), Dhs150 (Bu Tinah Dhow), Dhs200 (Fast Track). Opens Nov 12. The National Aquarium, Al Qana www.thenationalaquarium.com
December 22
Dune Bashing in Liwa Desert
Love to get out into nature? Those rolling orange dunes are calling your name. Even after years of living in the UAE, we at Time Out never tire of taking our visiting loved ones for a thrill-a-minute dune bash in the Liwa Desert. If your heart doesn’t start racing as your driver pulls off outrageous manoeuvres, you’re braver than us.
For a new camping and yoga experience under the moon click here.
Prices vary. desertsafariuae.ae.
December 23
Check out the brand new Warner Bros. Hotel
The world’s first Warner Bros. Hotel has opened in Abu Dhabi and it is amazing. Check into this brand new spot this month.
For more about the Warner Bros hotel opening click here.
Yas Island. hilton.com/en/hotels/auhwbqq-the-wb-abu-dhabi-hotel
December 24
Christmas Eve Brunch at Urban Kitchen
Ready to feel very merry? Join this family brunch on Christmas Eve in Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi with a spread of international dishes.
For all the incredible Christmas Eve activities to do in the capital click here.
Dhs270 (soft), Dhs400 (house), Dhs99 (kids 7-12), free (kids under 7). Fri Dec 24, 12.30pm-4pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (02 698 8137).
December 25
Christmas Day Brunch at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Tuck into a yummy Christmas brunch with festive carvery buffet and house beverages. Plus, a live guest performer and a plenty of activities for the kids.
For the fun ways of how to celebrate Christmas in Abu Dhabi click here.
Dhs285 (soft), Dhs399 (house), Dhs143 (kids 7-12), free (kids under 7). Sat Dec 25, noon-3.30pm. Saadiyat Island (056 660 8780).
December 31
Ring in the New Year at Time Out Market Dubai
If you’re looking for a massive NYE party you’ve got to get the sneakers and sparkles party at the Market on your radar.
For the amazing New Year’s Eve celebrations in Abu Dhabi click here.
Dec 31, 7pm-2am, downtown Dubai timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
