Christmas at Dubai Opera: Dazzling ice show and Gareth Gates gig among festive line-up

A selection of noughties British artists and a spectacular ice show are coming to Dubai Opera next month.

The Downtown Dubai venue has unveiled its festive programme for December, with music and dance featuring heavily among the upcoming performances.

Here's what to expect ...

'Christmas Cracker': Thursday, December 10

Among the artists jetting into the UAE ahead of Christmas is Gareth Gates, who will perform as part of Christmas Cracker, a concert featuring Yuletide classics and singalong carols.

The British singer-songwriter was runner-up in the first series of Pop Idol in 2002, the talent show that went on to become The X Factor. He will be joined on the night by Natasha Hamilton, former member of Atomic Kitten, the British girl band known for hits such as 2000's Whole Again.

"This festive extravaganza promises to transport guests to the magical days of Christmases past, a definite delight for those who want to reignite that childhood wonder," said Dubai Opera.

While the pop stars will perform festive classics, guests can also expect renditions of their most famous chart hits, too.

Tickets for Christmas Cracker start from Dh225, including a welcome drink.

'Santa Baby': Friday, December 11

NSO Big Band will put a jazz twist on festive favourites in this concert, which will be performed at 2pm and 8pm.

The band, which brings together musicians from across the UAE, will perform upbeat renditions of songs such as Everybody's Waitin' for the Man With the Bag, Silver Bells and All I Want for Christmas is You.

The show will also feature guest jazz musicians and vocalists from Europe and Armenia.

Tickets start from Dh190 and include a welcome drink.

'The Simon & Garfunkel Story': Saturday, December 19

This concert-inspired show tells the story behind the musical folk duo of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel.

Following a sold-out run in London's West End as well as a worldwide tour, The Simon & Garfunkel Story uses projections, photos and film footage alongside live performances and eerily similar vocalists. The duo, who rose to fame as one of the best-selling music groups of the 1960s, disbanded in 1970 and went on to forge solo careers, although they did reunite several times.

Expect to hear some of the New York duo's most recognisable hits, including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia and Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Tickets start from Dh145 and include a welcome drink.

'Cirque de Glace': Thursday to Saturday, November 24 to November 26

Dubai Opera is set to turn its stage into an ice rink once more for this frosty show (it previously did the same for The Nutcracker on Ice in 2016).

This year, a troupe from Russian Ice Stars will perform a series of theatrical acrobatics, dances and contortions on skates, in a show that's touted to trace the story of human evolution.

There will be high-octane lifts and high-speed throws aplenty, ensuring you'll be gripping the edge of your (socially distanced) seat.

Tickets start from Dh295 and include a welcome drink.

For more information or to book tickets, visit dubaiopera.com