Quick answer: Most people in the UAE put up Christmas decorations between late November and the first week of December, and take them down after New Year or by 6 January. In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday, 25 December. If you're hiring professional decorators in Dubai, book by mid-November for the best choice of dates, because the first two weeks of December are the busiest.
Key Christmas dates in the UAE for 2026
Date | Day | What it means for decorating |
Mid-November | – | Best time to book Christmas decorators |
29 November 2026 | Sunday | First Sunday of Advent; many families put the tree up this weekend |
2 December 2026 | Wednesday | UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad); many people decorate after the National Day weekend |
1–12 December | – | Peak installation period for homes and offices in Dubai |
24–25 December 2026 | Thursday–Friday | Christmas Eve and Christmas Day |
31 December 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Eve; many keep décor up for parties |
6 January 2027 | Wednesday | Epiphany; the traditional day to take decorations down |
7 January 2027 | Thursday | Orthodox Christmas; some families keep décor up until after this date |
When do most Dubai residents put up their Christmas tree?
There's no single rule, but these timings are the most common in the UAE:
- Homes with children: the last weekend of November or the first weekend of December, so the family gets the full month of festive feeling.
- Apartments and busy professionals: the first or second week of December, often with a professional installer so it's done in a few hours.
- Villas with outdoor lighting: late November, because exterior work takes longer and the best slots fill up first.
- Offices, shops and restaurants: by 1 December, so customers and staff see the décor all season.
- Hotels and malls: mid to late November, as part of their seasonal campaigns.
The weather also helps. December in Dubai is mild and dry, which makes it a comfortable time for balcony, garden and facade lighting.
When should you book professional Christmas decorators?
Book 3 to 4 weeks before the date you want your décor installed.
Install date you want | Book by | Availability |
Late November | Early November | Good |
1–7 December | Mid-November | Limited; this is the busiest week |
8–15 December | Late November | Moderate |
16–22 December | Early December | Last-minute; fewer themes and tree sizes left |
Booking early gives you a wider choice of themes, tree sizes and installation slots. Large trees (9 to 12 ft) and custom colour themes sell out first.
Book your installation now: see our Christmas decoration services in Dubai, with packages from AED 999 including installation and removal.
When should you take Christmas decorations down?
Most UAE residents take their décor down in the first week of January:
- 2–4 January: the most popular choice, after the New Year celebrations.
- 6 January (Epiphany): the traditional date in many Christian traditions.
- After 7 January: families who celebrate Orthodox Christmas often keep it up a little longer.
If you hired professional decorators, book your take-down date when you book your installation. Early January is busy too.
A simple timeline for a stress-free Christmas in Dubai
- Early to mid-November: decide on your theme and budget, and book your decorators.
- Mid-November: confirm your tree size and the areas to decorate. Send photos of your space to get a fixed quote.
- Late November to early December: installation day. Most apartments take 2 to 4 hours; villas can take a full day.
- December: enjoy it. Ask your decorator about adding New Year's Eve décor to the same setup.
- Early January: take-down and packing, with optional storage until next year.
Not sure how much it will cost? Read our guide: How much does it cost to pay someone to decorate your house for Christmas in Dubai?
Tips for decorating in the UAE climate
- Choose an artificial tree if you want décor up for 5 to 6 weeks. Real trees dry out quickly in air-conditioned rooms.
- Keep trees away from AC vents and direct sunlight to stop ornaments fading and real needles dropping.
- Use outdoor-rated LED lights on balconies and gardens. Dew and humidity can damage indoor lights.
- Check your building rules before putting lights on a balcony or facade. Some communities and towers have restrictions.
How Duo Star can help
Duo Star provides professional Christmas decoration in Dubai for apartments, villas, offices and venues. We supply the tree and décor, install everything, and come back in January to take it down. Packages start from AED 999, and we serve Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
WhatsApp +971 55 963 0484 or contact us to reserve your installation date before the December rush.
Frequently asked questions
When should I put up my Christmas tree in Dubai?
Most Dubai residents put up their tree between the last weekend of November and the first week of December. In 2026, the first Sunday of Advent is 29 November, a popular weekend to decorate.
Is it too early to decorate for Christmas in November?
No. Many UAE families, hotels and malls decorate in mid to late November. Offices and shops usually want décor ready by 1 December.
When should I book a Christmas decorator in Dubai?
Book 3 to 4 weeks before your preferred installation date. For installation in the first week of December, book by mid-November.
When should Christmas decorations come down?
Most people take decorations down between 2 and 6 January. 6 January (Epiphany) is the traditional date.
How long does Christmas tree installation take?
A standard apartment tree takes about 2 to 4 hours. A villa with indoor and outdoor décor can take 6 to 10 hours.
Can I keep my decorations up for New Year's Eve?
Yes. Most people keep Christmas décor up through New Year's Eve, and some add gold and silver New Year touches to the same setup.