GET FESTIVE AT THESE FABULOUS ABU DHABI EVENTS!

Get festive all December long with the best events Abu Dhabi has to offer! Decorate, dine and delight your way to peak Christmas cheer with plenty of activities to share with your loved ones.


Dig our that festive jumper, warm up the vocal chords and dive into December - from tree lightings, gingerbread house decorating, themed meals, markets, even Winter Fest - we have it all covered!

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA

JUMEIRAH SAADIYAT


As the last light leaves the day, take in the splendour of this magical space in a quintessential Abu Dhabi location. Immerse yourself in joy with a delightful festive afternoon tea with a loved one in the beautiful Majlis. This quiet, cosy space is perfect for an elegant afternoon tea and the view is lovely - down to the pool and out to sea. Available throughout December and early January, it's perfect for a pre-Christmas catch up or to keep the festivities going into the new year! Their stunning lobby also transforms into a festive wonderland, complete with a seasonal shop offering traditional delicacies for sale


Timing: 12th December - 10th January.

Price: AED338 for two

Contact: +97128114342

B.I.G BRUNCH: SNOW BUNNIES EDITION 

GARAGE | W ABU DHABI - YAS ISLAND


Festive season is here, and the B.I.G-gest brunch in town is turning Christmas mode on! This December, enjoy three special edition B.I.G brunches at Garage. They have new resident DJ Firas spinning the decks, non-stop entertainment and promise B.I.G festive surprises at every turn. Look out for snow bunnies, all your favourite bites and of course the buzzing atmosphere B.I.G is famous for - but supercharged with festive cheer! 


Timing: Saturday 9th, 16th & 23rd December | 1-4PM

Price: AED320 soft | AED 420 house | AED 589 sparkling

Contact: +971 2 656 0000

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AND FESTIVE MARKET

DUSIT THANI


A Christmas tree lighting and a festive market? Say no more - we can’t wait for this one! The annual tree-lighting ceremony at Dusit Thani will feature guest carolers from different institutions and a special appearance by Santa Claus will be the cherry on the Christmas trifle. The carolers will have something for all tastes, singing a variety of traditional and contemporary Christmas songs to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Christmas goodies will be passed around for you to enjoy, and the annual festive market will mark its official opening.


Timing: Thursday, 7th December | 6PM

Contact: +971 2 698 8137

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

SOFITEL ABU DHABI CORNICHE


Get ready for an evening of holiday cheer and festivities at Sofitel’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join in to kick off the most wonderful time of the year as the tree lights up - you’ll be treated to live music by their talented choir, as well as a special guest appearance by Santa Claus himself, who will be available for photos and to hear those holiday wishes. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture the magic of the holiday season and create memories that will last a lifetime.


Gingerbread houses will be available for sale, along with cookie and gingerbread giveaways for kids, complimentary eggnog and juices and of course that annual Santa photo! 


Timing: Monday, December 11th | 6-7PM | lobby area

Contact: +971 2 813 7777

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN


Join in on the festive family fun this season with something a little different: a delightful breakfast experience featuring a festive set menu. Create special memories with your loved ones while reveling in the joy of lively sing-alongs, enchanting story time, engaging activities, and the opportunity to personally greet Santa himself. Get ready for sleighfuls of festive fun and picture-perfect moments!


This is one you won’t want to miss - and breakfast with Santa runs every weekend in December, so you won’t have to!


Timing: 9-11AM | every Saturday & Sunday in December | 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 23rd & 24th

Price: children 2-3 years from AED75 | children 4-16 years from AED100 | adults from AED125

Contact: Purchase tickets here or call 02 674 2020

FESTIVE TREE LIGHTING

THE WB™ ABU DHABI


Santa often makes a guest appearance this time of year, but join in the fun as he is joined by some special friends: your favourite WB™ characters! Cosy up and watch the illumination of the tree, join in a fun carol sing-along, fuel up with some festive treats and don’t forget to take some pics with Bugs, Daffy and the gang. 


Timing: Friday 8th Dec | 5.30-6.30PM

Contact: +971 2 815 0000


CHRISTMAS EVE DOUBLE MOVIE NIGHT 

THE MATINEE | THE WB™ ABU DHABI


Christmas movies are arguably one of the best parts of the festive season, and film fans, this is one for you! Join in on a festive poolside movie screening, complete with popcorn and cosy blankets. With movie snacks available from the a la carte menu, you can spend Christmas snuggled up outdoors with your loved ones for something a little different! 


Timing: 4.30-6.30PM and 7-9PM | December 24th

Contact: +971 2 815 0000

YAS WINTER FEST

GATEWAY PARK SOUTH YAS ISLAND


Unleash the magic at Yas Winter Fest this festive season over 5 fun-filled days. With 6 different zones, twice-daily parades, a tree lighting each evening at 6.30PM and nightly fireworks at 9PM, we know it will provide festive, wintery fun for the whole family. 


Snow Park: all snow, all the time! Test your skills in the snow fight maze, enjoy a snow play zone and feel a rush on the snow slide.

Santa Land: write a letter to Santa, do some craft at Santa’s workshop, make some festive cookies or a gingerbread house, or look out for the man in red himself, as Santa makes special appearances from 4PM. 

Carnival: rides for adults and kids, games of skill and the pièce de résistance: a grand carousel for those nostalgic vibes. 

Kids Zone: the little ones can enjoy activities including an inflatable park, soft play zone and trampoline.

Wintertainment: enjoy a range of entertainment all weekend long: music, performances, jugglers and magicians will grace the main stage, as well as sing-alongs to your favourite Christmas songs and carols. Elves, fairies, stilt-walkers and Santa will join the parade twice daily through the park. 

Culinary Wonderland: Of course this one is our personal favourite - participants will be guided through fun and flavourful recipes led by a pro chef, with fresh ingredients provided, at Kibsons Festive Cook School. 



Timings: Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th December | 2-10PM; Friday 8th, Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th December | 12-10PM

Price: Adults AED25/30 | Children AED15/20 (advanced/on the door); Individual activities and amusements may have additional costs

Contact: Tickets and more details are available here

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING

GIORNOTTE | THE RITZ-CARLTON GRAND CANAL, ABU DHABI


Create some memories - and a masterpiece - by decorating your very own gingerbread house with candy canes, cookies and marshmallows. Under the pastry chef’s expert guidance, let the creativity flow and a little piece of magic come to life. Our favourite part? Multiple workshops, meaning you can find a day to fit around that busy festive schedule! 


Timing: Sunday 10th, Friday 15th, Sunday 17th, Friday 22nd, Sunday 24th December

Price: AED179 per gingerbread house

Contact: 02 818 8203

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING

THE ST REGIS ABU DHABI


The perfect setting for a little Christmas magic, bring the little ones along for a sweet afternoon at the St Regis: decorate up a storm with a gingerbread dream house, enjoy some refreshments to keep the creativity flowing and keep an eye out for a special guest as Santa comes to bestow some seasons greetings.  


Timing: Friday, 8th December | 3.30PM

Price: AED 195 per child

Contact: 02 694 4553



CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

THE ST REGIS ABU DHABI


The perfect combination to amp up that Christmas spirit, couple your gingerbread house decorating skills with a magical tree lighting ceremony in a gorgeous setting. Witness the towering 20-foot Christmas tree aglow with thousands of twinkling lights, set to the enchanting piano music in the background. 


Timing: Friday, 8th December | 6PM

Contact: 02 694 4553

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

EMIRATES PALACE MANDARIN ORIENTAL 


Feeling festive and fancy this season? Watch the already-spectacular grand dome come to life with the annual Christmas tree lighting. A children’s choir will raise your festive spirits, and you can linger over some treats and bask in the opulence. 


Timing: Friday, 8th December | 6PM

Contact: 02 690 7999

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONIES

YAS PLAZA HOTELS | CROWN PLAZA | RADISSON BLU | ROTANA YAS ISLAND


A triple offering this season at Yas Plaza Hotels, mark your calendars for the tree lighting ceremonies at Crowne Plaza, Radisson Blu and Rotana Yas Island. With plenty to look forward to, you can sip on eggnog and glühwein, enjoy pass-around snacks, join in with the Christmas carolers, and of course there will be special guest appearances by Santa for gift-giving and photo opportunities. The perfect way to start your holiday celebrations and enjoy a family evening out. 


Timings: Friday, December 8th | 6PM

Location: Crowne Plaza Yas Island | Radisson Blu Yas Island | Rotana Yas Island

Contact: 02 656 3000 | 02 656 2000 | 02 656 4000

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING 

JING ASIA | CROWNE PLAZA YAS ISLAND


Let the kids unleash their creativity (or unleash your own) by decorating a gingerbread house, and have a delightful centrepiece for the Christmas table this festive season. Dive into the festive spirit with carols, delightful treats, canapés, and special Christmas beverages and enjoy the magical experience! For an added treat, scoot across to Crowne Plaza’s tree lighting ceremony at 6PM once you’re done. 


Timing: Friday, December 8th | 5-6PM

Price: AED69 for ages 10-12 | AED99 for adults | kids under 10 free

Contact: +97126563055

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

HILTON ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND


Settle in to the charming Lobby Lounge to take in the elaborate decorations before the Christmas tree lighting takes place at 6PM. Sip on hot chocolate for the little ones and mulled wine for the not-so-little ones, and enjoy some festive pass arounds. 


Timing: Friday, 8th December | 6PM

Contact: 02 208 6900

Rachael Partington

11/21/2023