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TAKING a city break to a top Christmas market destination usually involves woolly hats and the promise of snow. 

But Dubai is becoming an unlikely festive hotspot for winter sunseekers, who want to cruise for tree decorations in a T-shirt and shorts. 

The Souk Madinat Jumeirah has Dubai's main Christmas market
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The Souk Madinat Jumeirah has Dubai's main Christmas market
Keep an eye out for Santa on a boat
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Keep an eye out for Santa on a boatCredit: The Studio/Wilbur Smith
You can still find an ice rink even in Dubai for Christmas
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You can still find an ice rink even in Dubai for Christmas

It has more than five different Christmas themed events taking place across the city in December. 

With temperatures hitting highs of 25 degrees, the annual Christmas Market takes place in the Souk Madinat Jumeirah. 

Set across 1,750sqm, it is free to visit and starts from December 6 until the end of the month.

Along with a huge 36ft tree, there are food and drink stalls for your fill of mulled wine as well as a North Pole train ride and carousel.

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And there's even the unique sight of Father Christmas sailing along the waterways in a traditional abra boat. 

There’s also a Winter District at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre runnign from December 14 to 22.

Inside is live entertainment, festive food, a snow play area and Santa’s Grotto.

Then Habtoor Palace Dubai’s Winter Garden is already open, and will run until the end of January.

This has an even more wintry theme, with a festive wonderland combining food stalls and pop-up shops. 

For those looking for a reason to put on a pair of gloves still, there’s a grotto at the ice rink in the Dubai Mall.

Best Value Winter Sun Long Haul Destinations

And there is a Winter Wonderland at Ski Dubai with its real snow slopes, an Alpine cafe and another grotto. 

Or, for those looking for a more traditional experience, visitors can actually pick up 

Some real gold, frankincense and myrrh in the traditional souk markets in Old Dubai. 

It’s a busy month for the city, as away from all things Christmas, the world's largest beach club is also opening in December. 

The Greek-inspired Sirene Beach by Gaia will launch at the J1 Beach in Jumeirah, with 300 sun loungers and cabins, 10 restaurants and three bars. 

The restaurants will be French, Polynesian, Italian, Japanese, Nigerian and Spanish themed, and many of them will have their own pools. 

One of the restaurants that is already open is the Italian Gigi Rigolatto, which has a private pool, Bellini bar and even a kids' circus.

Habtoor Palace is already open
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Habtoor Palace is already open
If you still want snow, head to Ski Dubai
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If you still want snow, head to Ski Dubai
You can then pop back outside for some warmth when needed
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You can then pop back outside for some warmth when needed
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