A Complete Guide to Planning Your Christmas & New Year Holiday in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)

If you’re dreaming of a holiday that blends sunny beaches, thrilling water sports, relaxing resorts, and festive vibes, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the perfect destination for your Christmas and New Year getaway. With its warm winter weather, calm sea conditions, and beautiful coastline, RAK offers an unforgettable mix of adventure and relaxation—ideal for couples, families, and solo travellers.

This guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect festive holiday in Ras Al Khaimah.

1. Why Visit Ras Al Khaimah During Christmas & New Year?

✔ Perfect weather (December–January)

• Temperature: 22°C – 28°C
• Sea temperature: Comfortable for all water sports
• Humidity: Low
• Sky: Mostly clear and sunny

It’s the best time of the year to enjoy outdoor adventures. For more details about seasonal conditions, check out this helpful guide on the best time of year to try watersports in Ras Al Khaimah.

✔ Festive atmosphere

Beaches, hotels, and resorts host Christmas brunches, New Year dinners, and live entertainment.

✔ Calm sea = perfect for water adventures

Jet ski, parasailing, kayaking, banana boat, paddle boarding, e-foil, and more.

2. Best Beaches to Visit During Your Holiday in RAK

Ras Al Khaimah is known for its clean, peaceful, and picturesque beaches—great for sunbathing, photography, and adventure sports.

Al Hamra Beach

One of the best beaches in RAK for families and adventure lovers. Clear water, beautiful views, and packed with water activities.

👉 If you want to know why this beach is so popular for adventure, check this article on why Al Hamra Beach is one of the best beaches for watersports activities.

Al Marjan Island Beach

Perfect for Christmas sunset views, New Year fireworks, and relaxing evenings. Resorts here also host special holiday events.

Hidden Beaches for Peace Lovers

If you’re looking for quieter spots for kayaking or paddleboarding during the holiday break, don’t miss this guide to the top hidden beaches in Ras Al Khaimah for kayaking & SUP lovers.

3. Top Water Sports to Experience During Christmas & New Year

The sea is calm and the weather is perfect—making this the best time to try something new!

Jet Ski Rides

• Best for: Adventure seekers, couples, groups
• Timing: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
• Cost: AED 150 – AED 300 (depending on duration)
  Fast, fun, and scenic—jet skiing is one of the top attractions in RAK. You can also check out a detailed guide on why jet skiing in Ras Al Khaimah beats Dubai any day for more insider tips.

Parasailing

• Best for: Couples, families
• Timing: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Cost: AED 250 – AED 350 per person
  Enjoy breathtaking views of Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra.

Self-Drive Boats

• Best for: Couples, families, photographers
• Timing: 8 AM – 5 PM
• Cost: AED 300 – AED 500
  Perfect for a relaxing holiday ride.

Jet Car Ride (Luxury experience)

RAK is becoming a hotspot for jet car lovers. If you’re curious about this trending activity, read this blog on why Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE’s hidden gem for jet car & e-foil adventures.

E-Foil Ride

• Best for: Adults and teens
  A trending activity and perfect for your holiday bucket list.

Banana Boat / Donut Ride / Flyfish

• Best for: Families, friends, group travellers
  
• Cost: AED 50 – AED 120 per person
  Super fun, exciting, and perfect for holiday energy.

4. Best Time of Day for Water Sports

Tip: Mornings are the best time if you want smooth water and clear skyline shots.

5. Cost Guide for Water Sports at Ras Al Khaimah

Prices may vary based on equipment, duration, and peak-season demand, but here’s a simple breakdown:

Adventure Activities

• Jet Ski (15–30 mins): AED 300 – AED 550
  
• Jet Car (15–30 mins): AED 550 – AED 1000
  
• Parasailing : AED 400 – AED 700

Water Rides

• Banana Boat: AED 125 per person
  
• Donut Ride: AED 150 per person
  
• Flyfish Ride: AED 200 per person

Relaxing Activities

• Kayaking: AED 100 – AED 150
  
• Paddle Board: AED 150 – AED 200
  
• Self-Drive Boat: AED 250 – AED 800

Want a detailed breakdown for one popular beach? Here’s a guide on how much a jet ski ride costs at Al Hamra Beach RAK.

6. Where to Stay During Christmas & New Year

Some of the best luxury and family-friendly resorts in RAK include:

• Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
  
• Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort
  
• Rixos Bab Al Bahr
  
• Al Hamra Village Hotel

These resorts offer festive dinners, beach fireworks, Christmas events, and kids’ activities.

7. Things to Do in RAK Beyond Water Sports

Ras Al Khaimah is full of culture, nature, and history.

■ Visit Jebel Jais

Hike, enjoy the viewing deck, or try the world’s longest zipline.

■ Explore Historical Sites

The emirate has forts, museums, and archaeological sites worth visiting. Here’s a great list of historical places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah.

■ Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner

A perfect holiday evening plan.

■ Christmas & New Year Fireworks at Al Marjan Island

Record-breaking shows every year.

8. Tips for Planning Your Christmas & New Year Holiday

✔ Book water sports early

December–January is the peak tourist season.

✔ Choose morning slots

Best for calm water and clear photos.

✔ Pick a beachfront hotel

Easy access to activities + beautiful sunrise views.

✔ Pack light and breathable clothes

Evenings can be a bit cooler—carry a light jacket.

✔ Don’t skip travel insurance

Especially important if you’re planning adventure activities.

Final Thoughts

A Christmas or New Year holiday in Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect blend of sunshine, adventure, relaxation, and festive experiences. Whether you want a thrilling jet ski ride, a peaceful beach day, or a romantic sunset on a self-drive boat, RAK offers memories that stay with you forever.

If you’re planning to explore multiple adventures in a single day, you may also enjoy this guide on a day in RAK for adventure junkies, which includes jet skis, self-drive boats, and parasailing ideas.