Two Christmas holiday destinations with a twist
Looking for holiday inspiration? To help your planning, we have highlighted two contrasting destinations to discover. December in Dubai means blue skies and bold celebrations, while Istanbul offers crisp days, festive markets and winter magic. Both have no shortage of sights to see or festive celebrations to enjoy.
Get festive in Dubai
The cooler temperatures and low rainfall of Dubai in December make it the perfect holiday hotspot. It’s warm enough to enjoy water-based fun and beaching, yet cool enough to comfortably explore the city on foot. National Day, also called Eid Al Etihad, takes place in early December and signals the start of the season’s celebrations. The day, which commemorates the federation of six emirates, is marked by parades, cultural performances and the chance to sample traditional Emirati fare.
As the calendar edges towards December 25th, the city burns with festive fever. The hotels, resorts and malls transform into glittering Christmas markets that blend shopping sprees with holiday cheer. Taking the fun outside, you can dive into the clear, warm waters of the Persian Gulf or take to the sands on a dune safari. And while Dubai may be in the Arabian Desert, you can still get your chill on at Ski Dubai, an indoor snow park with slopes, a ski academy and even resident penguins. Ring in 2026 with a bang and watch as the night sky explodes in a symphony of fireworks and light shows around the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera and the waterfront areas. In a country known for doing things at scale, this is a night you do not want to miss. As you head home to a brand-new year, try out a new Priority Pass lounge at Dubai International Airport, where you can catch your breath and unwind from your unforgettable city celebrations.
Snuggle up in Istanbul
The most important thing to know about Istanbul in December is that it is the city’s low tourist season, making it easy to explore its many treasures like Galata Town, the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque at your own pace. And while the temperatures may be low, the malls and hotels turn up the festive charm with Christmas markets that are perfect for filling the heart with cheer and soaking up the holiday spirit.
Another holiday highlight is the Istanbul Winter Festival. Held in December, it is a family-friendly collection of fairs and events, ranging from live music and theatre performances to short film festivals, literary fairs and dance exhibitions. This ancient city is also home to a seemingly endless number of one-of-a-kind cafes serving everything from Turkish coffee, biscuits and desserts to traditional meals and drinks, making café hopping a wonderful way to explore Istanbul while staying warm and well fed. Alternatively, book a culinary tour to sink your teeth into hearty stews like Kuru Fasulye or Tarhana soup, and street foods like Kumpir baked potato and roasted chestnuts, to name a delicious few. Shifting from Turkish winter nibbles to traditional Western bites at the Priority Pass lounge at Istanbul International Airport, take a moment to savour your Istanbul memories before winging your way back home.
The holidays are never over with Priority Pass
Looking for holiday inspiration? To help your planning, we have highlighted two contrasting destinations to discover. December in Dubai means blue skies and bold celebrations, while Istanbul offers crisp days, festive markets and winter magic. Both have no shortage of sights to see or festive celebrations to enjoy.