Every year, like every other holiday, Christmas arrives on the 25th of December. It is a holiday where people get into the festive spirit with Christmas afternoon tea, gingerbread house decorating classes to tree lit up with decorations and dinners and brunches. Christmas in Qatar is celebrated with utmost bliss and numerous events. 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 one can spend this thrilling festival of carols, bells, gifts, and love? Keep reading!

Join the holiday spirit in Qatar this Christmas 2024!

Christmas in Qatar
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Christmas is one of the most special holidays most people often look forward to every year. Even though, the festive season may not be celebrated in a big way in the Middle East, the Christians living in Qatar celebrate it privately. Christmas 2024 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 tree, candy canes, gifts, lights and the star are one of the many things that comes 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 offer special Christmas eve dinner which include traditional dishes like turkey. It’s not just dinner, 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 super markets in Qatar.

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Family-Friendly Christmas Events and Activities in Qatar

Celebrating Christmas in Qatar- Where and Things To Do
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Christmas celebrations in Qatar are all set to begin a week before 25th Dec 2024. It marks the beginning of the celebrations for several Christan residents in the country. It embarks the 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 2024, 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, it’s only just begun. The craft fair is one of the many things that continues till New Year 2024, people should attend, especially kids, as there are all kinds of fun activities for them as well.  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 are some of the things featured at the market.

Religious Services

Several religious services a week before and during the Christmas period will be held at the Doha’s churches, on the outskirts of the city. Several worshippers have attended masses on Christmas Eve and on Christmas morning, every year. So, if you like, you can attend mass in anyone of the churches.

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

Festive Decorations For Christmas
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Christmas is never the same without shopping for presents and decorations. It is the one time of the year where people shop for everyone else but themselves. So, when it comes to shopping, there are a couple of places people can buy their decorations from.

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 favorite stores in Doha people often come too. Speaking of shopping for the festive season, people will be in heaven with the range of things the store has to offer. One of the many things to do in Qatar is shop for all kinds of decorations and of course a Christmas Tree. 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, accessories are some of the things people can shop for, even during the festive season. There is so much to choose from, which will ensure people will never want to leave and may come back for more.

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. People will not be disappointed when shopping during the festive season. It will be one of the most memorable holidays for people.

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When one thinks of Christmas, one thinks of the presents and the special food cooked. 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 one’s home. It will be one memorable holiday season will remember for a long time. 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 - FAQs

Q1. How is Christmas celebrated in Qatar?

Christmas is celebrated with food, parties, decorations and gifts exchange in Qatar, and Christians 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.

Q2. What is the 12 days after Christmas called?

Epiphany Eve, also known to the world as the 12th night, is festival that marks the coming of Epiphany. After Christmas, people enjoy the celebrations like firecrackers, live events, food, parties and more on New Year's Eve.

Q3. What is the period leading up to Christmas called?

The period leading up to Christmas is called Advent, which begins close to 30th November and ends before the 25th of December. Currently, people start shopping and decorating their homes with lights, bells, trees, and plan a special dinner, practicing singing carols for the Christmas Day.

Q4. What kind of food is served on Christmas?

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.

Q5. What is said to be the Christmas colors for 2024?

Colors for Christmas 2024 will 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.

Q6. From where can I buy festive decorations for Christmas?

One can buy festive decorations for Christmas from the following places:

  • Naaz Store
  • Daiso Japan Qatar
  • Dollar Plus Qatar
  • Al Rawnaq
Q7. What are the best places to visit in Qatar on the Christmas Eve?

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
Q8. Where is the Christmas fair held in Qatar?

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.