Muscat – With only days to go until Christmas, Muscat has stepped into a festive rhythm, with lights, music and the familiar aroma of cake setting the tone across the city. Hotels, homes and public spaces are dressed in seasonal décor, drawing residents and visitors into a shared celebration marked by warmth and togetherness.
Hotels across Oman have unveiled Christmas displays, turning lobbies into gathering points, while shopping malls welcome shoppers with seasonal treats and colourful settings. The mood is lively, with families and friends pausing to take in the decorations and festive sounds.
At InterContinental Muscat, guests are greeted by a 6m Christmas tree in the lobby, lit with twinkling decorations. Ryan Cornelio, Commercial Director, said, “This tree, one of the tallest in Muscat, took more than three days to set up with the support of our multi-department team. We marked the tree lighting with a traditional performance by the British School Choir.”
St Regis Muscat has opted for a cone-shaped Christmas tree blending tradition with a modern touch.
At Sheraton Oman, the festive décor has been designed around the theme of togetherness. General Manager Rejin Thomas said Christmas is a time for reflection and shared moments. “Our decorations reflect that sense of connection, from gingerbread displays to our Water Tree made entirely from recycled materials.”
Thomas added that festive din-ing experiences, including Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas Day brunches, are timed to suit guests attending church services, with open-air poolside celebrations taking advantage of Muscat’s mild winter weather.
Beyond hotels, neighbourhoods such as Ruwi, Ghubra and Azaiba have joined in, with homes adorned with lights and wreaths, adding personal touches to the city’s festive look. Malls including Oman Avenues and Muscat City Centre are equally lively, with seasonal music and steady crowds creating a cheerful backdrop.
Community spaces are also sharing in the celebrations. Jaison M, a gym instructor, said his gym will mark the nights of December 24 and 25 with cakes and carols. “The decorations and the mood are about bringing people together,” he said.
