Every year, Christmas comes in with a spirit of hope and togetherness. It is a festival with message of unity and Christmas is celebrated in Qatar with much importance. December 25, the day of Christmas, is a holiday and people celebrate it with much enthusiasm. On the day, people enjoy sipping Christmas afternoon tea and relishing gingerbread and decorating the house with a Christmas tree and later in the night, having a great Christmas dinner. Tourists can see the Christmas trees in the foyer of hotels with several celebrating with a tree lighting ceremony, markets filled with décor items, chocolates and Santa caps to boost up the festive mood. Want to know how to spend this thrilling festival of carols, bells, gifts and love in Qatar? Keep reading!
Join the holiday spirit in Qatar this Christmas 2025!
Christmas is a major festival celebrated across the globe. Even though it is not celebrated in a big way in the Middle East as in Europe or Americas, people in Qatar celebrate it privately. Christmas 2025 in Qatar is all set to be celebrated with enthusiasm and bliss. From beautiful decorations to delicious Christmas cuisines, one can have an amazing time in the special gala.
Symbols and Decorations
Symbols and decorations like Christmas trees, candy canes, gifts, lights and the star are one of the many things that come to mind. These are things that make the festive season more delightful. Decorating a home and exchanging gifts makes the holiday complete. Special decorations start a week from Christmas till New Year's Eve in Qatar, making the aura positive and vibrant.
Christmas Food
Most hotels and restaurants in Qatar offer special Christmas eve dinner which include traditional dishes like turkey. The celebrations are not just limited to dinner but the residents and tourists can enjoy a special brunch and lunch as well. Every often, most homes cook their own special meals for Christmas and have a small gathering. Special Christmas themed goodies and a few special items to make the stuffing for the turkey and pie are sold at some of the supermarkets in Qatar.
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Family-Friendly Christmas Events and Activities in Qatar
Christmas celebrations in Qatar are all set to begin a week before 25th December 2025. It marks the beginning of the celebrations for several Christan residents in the country. It embarks on events, food festivals, concerts, fairs and more for a thrilling time.
Most hotels in Qatar have special events that celebrate the lighting of their Christmas trees. Each year, nestled on Pearl- Qatar, Marsa Malaz Kempinski has its lighting ceremony on its Grand staircase. The joyful sounds of Christmas in Doha, a visit by Santa, yummy food like cookies and hot chocolate is placed around the Christmas tree. Like Marza Malaz Kempinski, Intercontinental Doha, the city has people singing Christmas carols and offers festive mocktails. Tourists can enjoy the tree lighting ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Doha along with songs sung by the singers of Doha. One of the nicest things people can enjoy on Christmas and new year in Qatar is the festive songs, the drinks and canapes served at Hilton Doha along with the Gingerbread house at Melia Doha.
Christmas Concerts
One of the many concerts people should enjoy is the “Season of Joy” sung by the singers of Doha, the Doha community Orchestra, wind symphony and Doha youth choir. Tourists should also attend “Handel’s Messiah” performed by the Doha Bach Choir Society and Anglican center. Christmas is one of the many festivals in Qatar enjoyed and celebrated by many.
Christmas Fair
When it comes to shopping for Christmas in Doha 2025 people will find all kinds of handmade goodies at the Christmas fair at the West Bay Lagoon Festive Market. The fun and festivities don’t end just here. Qatar has many celebrations that will keep your spirits higher. The craft fair is one of the many things that continues until New Year 2026. The craft fair is a major event that must be attended by children to know the traditions off Qatar. In addition, there will also be all kinds of fun activities for them. Presents for a rescue animal are allowed and are encouraged, which are of course placed under the Christmas tree. Handmade art and craft, a picture with Santa’s Grotto, bouncy castles and book sales keep the market alive.
Religious Services
Several religious services a week before and during the Christmas period will be held at Doha’s churches, on the outskirts of the city. Several worshippers attend masses on Christmas Eve and on Christmas morning, every year.
Home to several Christian denominations, including the Anglican church of the Epiphany, the Anglican center has a crib service all day long. The church is one of the many places to visit in Qatar, for its masses.
Festive Decorations for Christmas
Christmas is never the same without shopping for presents and decorations. People shop not just for themselves but also for others.
If you want to shop for this Christmas, here are some of the markets you need to explore.
Naaz Store
Besides shopping for things like stationery, school bags, Islamic books, people can shop for all kinds of decorations for the festive season at Naaz Store. It is one of the most popular stores in Doha. Naaz Store sells all kinds of decorations for Christmas, including the Christmas trees. The store is your one stop shopping destination for the store.
Daiso Japan Qatar
People will have the most interesting shopping experience at Daiso Japan Qatar. Gifts, makeup, stationery, storage containers, garden tools, pet products and accessories are some of the things that you buy from here during Christmas. There is so much to choose from, at affordable rates.
Dollar Plus Qatar
The one- stop value store, Dollar plus Qatar is your one stop place for all kinds of household and family merchandise. There are a million merchandise and products that can be found at the store. The best part is that people can find all kinds of vibrant decorations and festive items for their homes. What more can one ask for when it comes to shopping for Christmas? It brings absolute joy when it comes to shopping for your loved ones.
Al Rawnaq
One of the leading stores in Qatar, Al Rawnaq is one of the best stores in Qatar, a favorite among families. All kinds of school and office supplies, toys for kids, educational aids, Arabic and English books, arts, crafts materials, balloons, gift bags, wrapping paper, shoes and all kinds of household goods are found at the store. You will not be disappointed while shopping here during the festive season. It will be one of the most memorable holidays for people.
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When you think about Christmas, the memories of gifts and delicious food come to mind. This time will be no different. Your Christmas 2025 in Qatar will be a great time to experiment with food and surprise the friends and loved ones with precious gifts. Christmas in Qatar is one of the most special holidays that gets people into the festive mood. It brings absolute joy when shopping for your loved ones and decorating the home. It will be a memorable holiday season. From events, concerts, shopping, delicious food, to lively decorations, the festival will let you enjoy a happening time in the gorgeous country. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Qatar tour packages today to be a part of all the fun-filled activities you just can’t afford to miss.
Christmas in Qatar - FAQ's
Christmas is celebrated with food, parties, decorations and gifts exchange in Qatar. Christians in Qatar celebrate the holiday with full enthusiasm. They decorate their home beautifully and gift each other chocolates and a special Christmas gift. They also enjoy special dinners and participate in activities like live concerts, fairs and charity work.
Epiphany Eve, also known to the world as the 12th night, is a festival that marks the coming of Epiphany. After Christmas, people enjoy celebrations like firecrackers, live events, food, parties and more on New Year's Eve.
The period leading up to Christmas is called Advent, which begins close to 30th November and ends before the 25th of December. During this period, people start shopping and decorating their homes with lights, bells, trees and plan a special dinner, practicing singing carols for Christmas Day.
Turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce and vegetables are some of the foods that is served on Christmas. The special dinner also includes cakes, beverages, Gingerbread Christmas cookies, apple pie and more for a very special gala.
Colors for Christmas 2025 include metallic silver and metallic gold, different shades of green, associated with grass and leaves as natural elements. This year, light blue and soft pink are also in trend for a special touch to the overall Christmas décor.
You can buy festive decorations for Christmas from the following places:
- Naaz Store
- Daiso Japan Qatar
- Dollar Plus Qatar
- Al Rawnaq
One can visit the following places on the Christmas Eve in Qatar to enjoy the festive moods with a special gala:
- Souq Waqif
- Katara Cultural Village
- Doha Corniche
- City Center Mall
- Oxygen Park
The Christmas fair in Qatar is held at the West Bay Lagoon Festive Market. One can shop for exciting gifts for their loved ones and savor delicious cuisine for a delightful experience.
