From Santa’s villages to winter wonderlands, these are the best festive activities in Abu Dhabi
While Santa and his elves are busy at the North Pole, Abu Dhabi is also getting ready to sleigh the holiday season with the most exciting family festivities.
From snowy adventures and gingerbread masterpieces to magical tree-lighting ceremonies and festive workshops, there’s something for every elf in the family.
Kids can meet Santa, craft holiday treats, and explore winter wonderlands, while everyone enjoys dazzling décor, live shows, and seasonal cheer.
With so much fun wrapped up in one city, Christmas in Abu Dhabi promises a holly-jolly season full of memories for families of all ages.
Best festive activities in Abu Dhabi
Festive flavors and elegant treats at Majlis by Pierre Hermé
Until 7 January, Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Throughout the festive season, Majlis by Pierre Hermé at Rosewood Abu Dhabi becomes a refined winter destination, celebrating Maison Pierre Hermé’s craftsmanship through limited-edition festive macaron and chocolate collections designed for elegant gifting.
Adding to the seasonal experience are handcrafted Christmas Log Cakes in Mandarin and Chocolate & Dried Lemon, alongside a winter-inspired Christmas Afternoon Tea available until 7 January 2026.
AED 345 per person for regular package, AED 595 per person with French bubbly. To book, call 02 813 5550 or visit Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Winter Village at Abu Dhabi Mall
10 December to 4 January, Abu Dhabi
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Abu Dhabi Mall’s Winter Village is back, bringing festive magic for the whole family this December.
Step into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, oversized decorations, and joyful holiday vibes.
Meet Santa and his elves, enjoy live shows, parades, and roaming performers, and explore the Festive Market for unique gifts and seasonal treats.
Families can capture memories with whimsical photo opportunities, take part in fun activities, and enjoy exclusive offers at entertainment outlets.
With something for every age, Abu Dhabi Mall’s Winter Village promises a season full of laughter and festive cheer.
For further information, visit Abu Dhabi Mall
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
6 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, Yas Island
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is gearing up for its most magical festive season yet, transforming the entire park into a vibrant winter escape for families.
Every land comes alive with sparkling décor, seasonal surprises, and nonstop entertainment, making it the perfect place to celebrate the holidays.
You can meet more than 60 iconic Warner Bros. characters, enjoy thrilling rides, and soak up the cheerful atmosphere at every turn.
This year’s highlight is an exciting new live theatrical show on the Warner Bros. Plaza Stage, set to be the standout performance of the season.
For further information, visit Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Yas Winter Fest 2025
12–21 December, Yas Gateway Park
Yas Winter Fest 2025 is Abu Dhabi’s ultimate festive playground for you and your family, running from 12–21 December at Yas Gateway Park.
You can meet Santa in Santa’s Village, glide across the Winter Sparkle Ice Rink, explore inflatables, and join snowball battles at Snowfall Park.
Thrill-seekers will love the Festive Fairground rides, while creative minds can craft ornaments, candles, and snow globes at the Winter Workshop.
Live music, choirs, and nightly movie screenings bring magic to the Celebration Stage, while the Winter Feast satisfies cravings with global street food.
And don’t forget the Festive Market for unique gifts and treats.
12-21 December, open daily from 4 pm to 11 pm, Yas Gateway Park, Yas Island. Tickets are available now at Yas Winterfest
Festive Movie Nights at Bab Al Nojoum
Every Friday, 7pm, Hudayriyat Island
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Looking for something cosy and festive to enjoy this Christmas? Festive Movie Nights at Bab Al Nojoum on Hudayriyat Island and 25 Minutes to Tulum offer the perfect seasonal escape.
Every Friday in December, families and friends can relax under the palms and enjoy classic Christmas films in an open-air setting, with free entry, hot cocoa and popcorn included.
The highlight is The Holiday, the beloved rom-com starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, set between snowy England and sunny California.
Warm, heart-lifting and full of festive charm, it’s an easy, feel-good way to celebrate the season together.
Free. For further information, visit Bab Al Nojoum on IG
A magical Winter Wonderland at The Galleria Al Maryah Island
6–26 December, 10am-10pm
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The Galleria Al Maryah Island brings festive cheer to Abu Dhabi with its all-new Winter Wonderland 2025, running until 26 December at the North Atrium.
Highlights include a towering 12-metre Christmas tree, a gently rising six-metre hot-air balloon, and Santa’s Winter Fair, featuring games, arts and crafts, and Santa’s Grotto for guided visits and Polaroid keepsakes.
This year also marks the debut of Elva, the UAE’s first AI elf influencer, adding a modern, interactive twist for digitally native families.
For further information, visit The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Afternoon Tea at Andaz Lounge
Available from 1 December 2025-10 January 2026, 3pm – 6pm
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Treat yourself to a little festive indulgence with Afternoon Tea at Andaz Lounge, where classic winter flavours are reimagined with a modern, elegant twist.
Settle into the lounge’s calm, art-filled surroundings and enjoy a beautifully curated selection of artisanal sandwiches, delicate pastries, and premium teas, perfect for a cosy catch-up or seasonal treat.
AED 150 per person inclusive of tea selection; AED 75 supplement for a glass of bubbly. To book, visit Andaz Lounge
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Snow Abu Dhabi’s Winter Wonderland
12-25 December, Reem Mall
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Snow Abu Dhabi is bringing the magic of winter to the capital, inviting kids, families, and everyone young at heart to step into a world of frosty fun.
Explore the Snowflake Garden, wander through the enchanted forest, or take on thrilling rides and snowy adventures that make every moment feel like a holiday escape.
For further information, visit Snow Abu Dhabi
Fa La La Land at Reem Mall
Until 28 December, 10am-10pm
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Looking for the ultimate festive escape this December? Step into Fa La La Land at Reem Mall, a vibrant winter wonderland brimming with holiday cheer.
Open daily until 28 December at the Main Atrium (Ground Floor), it’s the perfect stop during your holiday shopping.
Explore a series of enchanting festive stations, where kids can dive into arts, crafts, and balloon-making, while adults soak up the magical seasonal atmosphere.
From playful adventures to cosy moments, every corner is designed to spark joy and bring out the child in everyone.
For further information, visit Platinumlist
Al Qana Winter Festival
Until 31 December, 5pm-11pm
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This is your chance to experience holiday magic at Al Qana Winter Festival, Abu Dhabi’s waterfront wonderland running daily until 31 December.
Perfect for families, the festival dazzles with sparkling decorations, a majestic Christmas tree, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Roaming performers and festive scenes bring the weekends to life, making every visit unforgettable.
Enjoy weekend fun every Friday and Saturday with kids’ workshops, shows, face painting, winter bauble making, LED Golden Angels, and Choco Loco dancers.
For further information, visit Platinumlist
Kids Palace
8 December to 11 January, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
From 8 December to 11 January, Kids Palace transforms into a magical Winter Wonderland Camp, inviting children to a festive world of fun and creativity, weekdays from 8 am to 3.30 pm.
During Christmas week, little ones can craft and create in enchanting workshops: design wooden Nutcrackers, personalise festive ornaments and mugs, compete in a gingerbread house challenge, or dance the evening away at a joyful Christmas pajama party.
With day passes from AED 385, weekly passes at AED 1,595, and monthly passes at AED 5,600, or walk-in options, every day is a new adventure.
For bookings, call 02 690 7220
Ice-skating at Sheikh Zayed Festival
31 December, 4pm
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Add a touch of winter magic to the season at the ice-skating rink, a festive favourite for families and friends.
Glide across the ice to lively music in a cheerful holiday atmosphere, perfect for creating seasonal memories.
Suitable for all ages and abilities, the rink combines fun, energy and celebration, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security for a worry-free festive outing.
AED10. For further information, visit Sheikh Zayed Festival
Festive movies with Cinemacity
1-31 December, Al Qana
Cinemacity is bringing all the festive feels to Abu Dhabi this December with a cosy Christmas Movie Marathon at Al Qana.
Every Thursday and Friday, guests can settle in for the perfect seasonal double feature: from the nostalgic chaos of Home Alone to the heartwarming mischief of Elf.
To make movie nights even sweeter, the festive combo (AED36) comes loaded with a large popcorn topped with gingerbread crumble and mini marshmallows. Pair it with a rich hot chocolate (AED23) for the ultimate winter treat.
For further information, visit Cinemacity
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