Photos: UAE residents gear up for the festive season with Christmas decorations, lights and shopping

The first week of Christmas has seen the entire city light up for the festive season as residents gear up to celebrate Christmas, New Year's Eve and the winter. Above, BurJuman centre comes to life with song, dance and festive celebrations.

Lulu Hypermarket in Al Qusais was decorated with Christmas trees and decorations for the holiday season.

Christmas decoration at Mega Mall in Sharjah. Many malls and shopping outlets offer great bargains for last-minute Christmas day shopping.

The festive activations' best part is the display of gigantic, extravagant Christmas trees. Above is the Christmas tree at Al Seef in Dubai.

People enjoy the Christmas festivities at the Al Habtoor Winter Garden.

With bright decorations, bazaars, night markets and special offerings, the season has something for every age and every interest.

People enjoy the Christmas festivities at Wafi Mall.

Christmas decorations at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.

Also part of the celebration is shopping and malls have been piling on the festive decorations with everything from 'snow' to leaping reindeers. Above, Downtown Dubai decoarted with lights on the occasion of Christmas.

Christmas decoration at a store in Sahara centre in Sharjah.