DO OR DINE: 7 FESTIVE THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN ABU DHABI

Christmas is just round the corner, and as we rush around buying the last presents, finish putting up the final decorations, and getting the last preparations for the big day, we've put together a great list of things to do this week, to provide diversion!


Merry Christmas to those of you celebrating and a Happy Holidays to those who are enjoying the winter break.


It's DO OR DINE

DO: WHERE TO SPOT SANTA IN ABU DHABI


The big day is fast approaching, and Santa’s workshop is a hive of activity, but the big man in red himself has taken some time out of his busy schedule and has come to Abu Dhabi to meet lots of the boys and girls and inspect his naughty and nice list. Here are Best Bites top places to spot Santa this Christmas:


The Galleria – The Galleria is full of fun activities to get into the festive spirit. Write your letter to Santa, find Elf On The Shelf for a chance to win some amazing prizes, and visit the winter village with a packed schedule of shows and activities from 4PM – 10PM every day. And of course, you can visit Santa, in his grotto, until the 24th of December. This experience can get very busy, so it is recommended that you book to avoid disappointment.

Santa’s Grotto, Level 3 Central Kitchens, The Galleria Al Maryah Island

10AM – 10PM

Winter Village: The South Plaza, 4PM – 10PM

DO: WHERE TO SPOT SANTA IN ABU DHABI CONT.


Abu Dhabi Mall – Abu Dhabi Mall has decked the halls for their Winter Village, snap a picture with some friendly penguins, check your name on the naughty and nice list, purchase a festive goodie at the festive market, and design a holiday postcard or special festive ornament at the arts and craft workshops. If you spend AED50 at any one of the mall’s shops (not the festive market or COOP) you can grab an activity passport from the customer service desk and get that all-important pic with Santa and his elves until the 25th December.

Winter Village: Level 1, Abu Dhabi Mall | Santa meet and greet 11AM – 3PM, 4PM – 8PM


Yas Mall – Do you think you can make it as one of Santa’s elves? Test your mettle at the Santa Academy at the Winter Wonderland at Yas Mall. Could you be Santa’s next naughty or nice marshall, packaging officer, or gift sender? Try your hand and all successful elves get a certificate on completion. Families can also take part in the Kidzania sponsored activities such as gingerbread decorating and face painting. The man of the hour will be taking his seat infront of the huge Christmas tree from 12PM – 9PM on weekdays, and 1PM – 10PM on weekends.

Winter Wonderland: Main Plaza, Yas Mall


Other great options a little further afield: 

Winter City at Expo City

This is Christmas at Ski Dubai

Santa’s Secret Island at Bliuewaters Island

Winterfest at Dubai Media City

DINE: GRAB A STEAL WITH BB+ WINTER MENU AT ASIA ASIA


With office parties in full swing, meet ups with friends and loved ones, and the perfect time for romantic date nights, December nights should be full of fun, good company, and excellent food and you get all of that in its loads at Asia Asia this holiday season. The BB+ Winter Menu is exceptional value giving you a massive 12 dishes and 3 drinks for just AED250pp. Couple that with glorious nights on the boardwalk at Yas Bay – this could be the deal you are looking for to celebrate the holiday season!


Check out Asia Asia at New Year's Eve and get a front-row seat to the fabulous Yas Bay fireworks.


Midnight Geisha Brunch

Saturday 31st December

8:30pm-12:30am

 

AED 700 – Set brunch menu & unlimited house beverages

AED 800 – Set brunch menu & unlimited house beverages & champagne

AED 900 – Terrace seating; Set brunch menu, unlimited house beverages & Champagne


Location: Asia Asia, Yas Bay

Date: Available daily from 6PM

Price: AED250 pp

Book: 02 235 8663


SIGN UP TO BB+



With BB+ you can get all these restaurant discounts plus loads more at a huge range of venues across Abu Dhabi. We also have offers for brunchbusiness lunches and more! Sign up today!

DO: WATCH A PANTO AT THEATRE BY ERTH


There is nothing quite like watching a panto during the festive season, and Theatre by ERTH (at ERTH Abu Dhabi, formally the Armed Forces Officers Club) are back again this year with Aladdin. Join Aladdin, Genie, and his best friend Shaggy, as they outwit the evil vizier Abanazer. Expect some booing, hissing, and plenty of panto capers, as this promises to be a magic carpet ride of fun. If you have never experienced a true British pantomime, get in to the spirit and be prepared to shout and sing along, and don’t be surprised if you are out of your seat and up dancing by the end! 


Aladdin runs from the 20th – 26th of December and tickets start from AED75.


Location: Theatre by ERTH, ERTH Abu Dhabi

Date: 20th – 26th December 2022

Time: 10:30AM – 1PM | 2:30PM – 5PM

Price: AED75

Book: https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/84151/aladdin-in-abu-dhabi

DINE: KIDS EAT FREE AT ROOTS


The winter holidays can be expensive for all of us, so why not save yourself a little money and enjoy a fab meal out with the family while you do. Roots, at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, with its chilled-out atmosphere, and brilliant views of the golf course beyond, is a fab place to spend some quality time with the family, and now kids eat free when adults purchase a main course from the a la carte menu. This offer is available every day of the week, so pair it up with a go on the driving range or a splash around on the splashpad.

 

Location: Roots, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club

Book: 050 757 4808 or email dining.yagcc@viyagolf.com

DO: AFFORDABLE FAMILY-FRIENDLY DAYS OUT AT SHEIKH ZAYED FESTIVAL

 

With even more amazing events and attractions on the bill, this year’s Sheikh Zayed Festival, is set to be the best yet. And with tickets costing just AED5, it’s an exceptionally affordable way to get out and about with the whole family and enjoy some of the UAE’s varied culture and heritage. 


Marvel at daily shows and parades, shop some bargains, snap a selfie in Seflie Street and get sweet at the festival’s newest attraction the Dessert Museum, this will be sure to be a fun-filled trip. 


Don’t forget to catch the Emirates fountain and laser shows happening daily every 45 minutes and if you are heading to the festival on Saturday be sure to stick around for the weekly firework show at 10PM.


Location: Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, Al Wathba

Date: 18th November 2022 – 18th March 2023

Time: Weekdays 4PM – 12AM | Weekends 4PM – 1AM

Price: AED5 pp

Book: https://online.event-tick.com/ticket-registration

DINE: GET YOUR MEAT ON AT 3B


Mouth-watering slow cooked brisket and short rib, juicy smashed burgers, bloomin’ onions - 3B has it all.


3B Burger, Brisket & Beyond has been getting a lot of love on Best Bites Abu Dhabi recently and for good reason. With exceptionally good meat on offer at this no frills, container-type resto at the InBetween on the Corniche, this is a fab place to enjoy the cooler weather and get your meat fix. 


We love the jalapeño poppers, mac & cheese bites, and the bone-in short rib. 


Location: 3B Burger, Brisket & Beyond, InBetween Corniche

Time: 1PM – 1AM

Contact: 050 669 5551

DO: SEE A WORLD CLASS WINTER SHOW AT WARNER BROS ABU DHABI

 

Warner Bros. Theme Park Abu Dhabi have really pulled it out of the bag this year with a world class theatre spectacular “The NutQuacker” live on stage every day until the 8th of January 2023. 


Join Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, and a host of their favourite friends, as the recreate the classic Christmas tale – with a Warner Bros. twist. With phenomenal dance routines, death-defying stunts, and some wonderful costumes (Lola Bunny can we borrow your dress, please?!) this daily spectacular will delight every member of the family and leave you with that warm fuzzy feeling inside. With a host of other festive activities happening park-wide this could be the festive entertainment you’ve been looking for.


Location: Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi, Yas Island

Date: 12th November 2022 – 8th January 2023

Time: NutQuacker showtimes 1:30PM, 4PM & 6PM

Book: https://www.wbworldabudhabi.com/en/booking

Lorenna White

12/20/2022