Take a Vacation and Go: Where to Travel for Eid al-Fitr from Dubai?

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Eid al-Fitr (Uraza Bayram) is one of the main holidays in Islam, celebrated to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Its date depends on the lunar calendar and occurs after 29 or 30 days of Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr symbolizes gratitude to the Almighty for the strength and patience granted during Ramadan, as well as unity and care for family and the community. In 2025, Eid al-Fitr will fall on March 30 or 31.

The celebration begins with a communal prayer, before which every Muslim is obliged to give a special donation to help those in need. Afterward, families exchange gifts and gather at the table to enjoy festive dishes, with sweets being the centerpiece. But there’s another option: plan a trip with loved ones and enjoy the holiday in a new destination.

Where to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is a great opportunity to take a break and go on a trip. Many are already planning their routes to exciting destinations, with London, New York, Tokyo, and Dublin expected to be the top choices this spring. Here’s why:

London

The grand celebrations of Eid al-Fitr in London are connected to the city’s large and diverse community. This year, the holiday will traditionally begin with prayers held at major mosques, including the East London Mosque, Regent’s Park Mosque, and Brixton Mosque, as well as at open spaces and arenas such as Excel London or in local cultural centers.

After the prayers, families and friends will gather at home for festive meals or in halal-friendly restaurants, which are abundant in London, especially in Whitechapel and Southall (with popular choices being Dishoom, Halal Guys, and Tayyabs). In many city parks, such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Victoria Park, Muslim communities organize picnics featuring charity events, fairs, and sports activities.

The Westfield London and Westfield Stratford shopping centers host annual themed fairs with halal food tastings for Eid al-Fitr. In 2025, the fairs will be held from April 4–6 and April 11–13. The program includes performances by Muslim music and dance groups, interactive workshops for families, children’s play zones with entertainers, and showcases from local and international brands.

Additionally, museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum occasionally organize special exhibitions dedicated to Muslim culture.

New York

In New York, as in London, there is a significant Muslim community, which is why the city recognizes Eid al-Fitr as an official holiday. It will be celebrated on March 31 and April 1, starting with prayers at major mosques such as the Islamic Center in Manhattan.

During these days, various events organized by Muslim communities will take place in New York. Everyone is welcome to attend cultural festivals, fairs, and charity concerts dedicated to Eid al-Fitr. In certain neighborhoods, such as Queens and Brooklyn, you can explore fascinating restaurants offering halal cuisine.

New York is not only a great place to celebrate Eid al-Fitr but also an excellent destination for a vibrant family vacation. At this time of year, the city comes alive in a special way. Take a stroll through Central Park, which is just beginning to turn green and is not yet overcrowded with tourists, or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for some of the best views of the city. For a cultural program, be sure to visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Tokyo

In Tokyo, the Muslim community is relatively small, and large-scale citywide events for celebrating Eid al-Fitr are usually not held. However, local Muslim organizations and cultural centers, including Tokyo Camii, the largest mosque in Tokyo, traditionally organize festive prayers. Additionally, in Japan’s capital, you can find halal restaurants where you can celebrate the holiday with family and friends.

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, and spending a holiday here for Eid al-Fitr is a great idea for at least a few reasons:

Late March marks the beginning of cherry blossom season, which can be observed in various parts of the city, but the best spots are Ueno Park and Shibuya;

Shibuya and Shinjuku are vibrant districts that everyone should visit. Shops, restaurants, and skyscrapers are truly mesmerizing;

Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and visiting it is a must for any tourist.

While Tokyo may not offer anything particularly special for celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the city provides an unforgettable atmosphere and the chance to enjoy the holiday in a delightful and undoubtedly unique setting.

Dublin

Like Tokyo, Dublin does not have a large Muslim community. However, there are mosques, such as the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, where festive prayers and small gatherings for worshippers take place. You can also find restaurants and cafes offering halal menus in Dublin.

Still, visiting Dublin in April is worthwhile for several reasons. At this time of year, nature begins to awaken, and you can enjoy walks in the city’s famous parks, including Phoenix Park – one of the largest parks in Europe, where you might encounter deer, and St. Stephen’s Green, a historic park in the city center, perfect for picnics and relaxation.

Additionally, Dublin hosts various exhibitions and cultural events in spring, such as those at the Irish Museum of Modern Art or the Guinness Storehouse. Be sure to include in your itinerary a visit to Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College, and the Book of Kells – one of the oldest and most renowned academic institutions, where the historic illuminated manuscript is preserved.

Planning Your Eid al-Fitr Trip

London, New York, Tokyo, and Dublin – each of these destinations offers something special, making it a great choice for celebrating Eid al-Fitr and enjoying an unforgettable vacation with family or friends.

These countries are entirely different, but they share one important factor: the need to apply for a visa in advance. To ensure your travel preparations are filled with excitement and anticipation, entrust all your visa-related matters to the experts at The Visa Services. For over 7 years, we have specialized in visa processing for various destinations – from Europe to Japan and the USA, and offer tailored solutions to meet every customer’s needs, guaranteeing visa approval.

Contact us today and start planning your warm family getaway while our specialists handle the collection and submission of your visa documents!

FAQ:

What traditions are associated with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr in different countries?

The celebration of Eid al-Fitr varies across countries. For example, in the UK, there are fairs and picnics, in New York – cultural festivals and charity concerts, while in Japan and Ireland, due to the smaller Muslim communities, more focus is given to prayers and family gatherings

What should I consider when choosing a destination for a vacation during the celebration of Eid al-Fitr?

When choosing a destination for your vacation in celebration of Eid al-Fitr, consider the presence of a Muslim community in the country. Cities with diverse cultural heritage (such as London and New York) are great choices for those who want to experience the holiday atmosphere even while being far from home

I don’t have a visa for any of these countries. Which destination is the easiest to get a visa for in a short time to ensure I can travel?

When you contact The Visa Services, you can rely on receiving your visa on time for any of the mentioned destinations. However, the timeline for New York is quite tight, while obtaining a visa for Japan, Europe, or London is more feasible. On average, a tourist visa for Japan takes 7 to 10 days to process, for Europe – 2 to 3 weeks (an expedited visa option is also available), and for London – 2 to 3 days from the time of application

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