The festive season has arrived, and the UAE is leaning into the holidays with markets, light shows and family-friendly celebrations across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Whether it's waterfront pop-ups, theme park winter festivals or long-running Christmas markets, the month is packed with events for the occasion. Here are some worth to visit.
Abu Dhabi
Yas Winter Fest at Yas Gateway Park
Yas Gateway Park is being transformed into a winter-themed playground as Yas Winter Fest returns with 10 days of festive fun. Families can explore snowy attractions, fairground rides, a festive market, craft workshops and a nightly tree-lighting ceremony. Santa’s Village offers letter writing and meet-and-greets, while Snowfall Park includes an ice rink, giant snow globe and winter inflatables.
There’s also a Celebration Stage with live shows, choir performances and outdoor movie shows. Food trucks and dessert stalls round out the experience, with everything from burgers and pizza to churros, stroopwafels and bubble tea on offer.
December 12 to 21, 4pm–11pm; tickets start at Dh25, free entry for children aged 3 and under; Yas Gateway Park, Yas Island
Winter Wonderland at The Galleria Al Maryah Island
The Galleria Al Maryah's Winter Wonderland will take place in the North Atrium on the ground floor. Photo: The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Winter Wonderland returns to the Galleria Al Maryah Island with new festive installations, activities and family-friendly events. This year also introduces Elva, described as the "UAE’s first AI elf influencer".
The experience includes Santa’s Winter Fair, featuring zones for crafts, games and photo opportunities, as well as activities such as letters to Santa, snowball and antler toss, arts and crafts and interactive stations across the north atrium. Santa’s grotto runs until December 24, offering guided visits, a Polaroid photo and festive treats.
Until December 26, 10am to 10pm; free entry (Santa meet-and-greet via registration); north atrium, Level G, The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Fa La La Land at Reem Mall
Reem Mall’s will transform into Fa La La Land, a festive pop-up featuring interactive activities, photo spots and daily family-friendly programming. Highlights include a letters-to-Santa station with weekly gift presentations, a gift-wrapping counter, an advent calendar “spin to win” experience and a children's play area with arts, crafts and balloon making.
Visitors can also enjoy a snow globe photo experience, weekend live performances and donation opportunities through a Make-A-Wish toy drive. Santa meet-and-greets are available separately at Snow Abu Dhabi.
Until December 28; Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday, 10am to midnight; free entry; main atrium, ground floor, Reem Mall
Winterfest at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
This year's WinterFest at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will also include the opening of an ice rink. Victor Besa / The National
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi brings back its seasonal Winterfest with Gio’s Wint
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