As cooler weather settles across the UAE, a diverse array of outdoor and festive experiences is now available for residents and visitors. From sprawling winter markets and family-friendly festivals to high-adrenaline adventures in the mountains, the season offers a packed calendar of activities designed to make the most of the pleasant climate.
Festive Markets and Holiday Events
Expo City Dubai will transform into a Winter City from 6 to 31 December. The family-oriented festival features a collaboration with Toys “R” Us, turning Al Wasl Plaza into a large-scale Santa’s toy factory. The event also includes the Carols by Candlelight musical performances from 20 to 24 December. Tickets start at Dh40, with family packages available for Dh240.
In a similar festive spirit, the Ice & Lights Festival will take over The Bay by Social at Dubai Festival City Mall from 28 November to 28 December. Open daily from 4pm to midnight with free entry, the event offers light displays, family activities, and local shopping.
The Winter District returns for its second season at a new location in the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre from 14 to 22 December. The event will host a festive marketplace with local crafts and food from vendors like Joe & The Juice and Freedom Pizza, making it one of the many top dining experiences in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this August 2025. Attractions include Santa’s Grotto, carol singers, carnival games, and a snow play area.
Snow Parks and Family Activities
For an authentic “White Christmas” experience, Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi are offering winter wonderland attractions from 1 to 25 December. Both venues will feature real snow in temperatures as low as -2°C, along with opportunities to meet Santa Claus and his elves. Ski Dubai offers several packages, including Meet Santa (Dh160), Snow Fun & Meet Santa (Dh325), and a family option for Dh600. A special Breakfast with Santa is also available, priced at Dh160 for adults and Dh80 for children under two.
In Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is hosting festive activities at its Kids Palace. The new Junior Chef Series offers cooking workshops for children aged 6 to 12 on Saturday mornings for Dh450. Parents can participate in Chef Duo workshops on Sundays for Dh650. These offerings build on a calendar of top kids’ camps in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Outdoor and Adventure Pursuits
The Green Planet Dubai brings back its ‘Camping in the Rainforest’ experience with themed weekends through December. The festive edition, running on 20-21 and 27-28 December, includes Santa visits and gingerbread decorating. An overnight stay starts at Dh850 for a two-person tent.
Fitness enthusiasts can join the Dubai Run on 24 November, a key event in the Dubai Fitness Challenge. Participants can run or walk a 5km or 10km route along a closed-off section of Sheikh Zayed Road. For a different kind of thrill, Jais Flight in Ras Al Khaimah, the world’s longest zipline, offers a three-minute ride over mountain peaks at speeds up to 160 km/h.
For a more relaxed escape, Hatta Dome Park provides a luxury glamping experience with 15 minimalist tents featuring panoramic windows and private terraces. The park is located near Hatta Wadi Hub, which offers activities like mountain karting and paragliding. Meanwhile, Global Village remains a popular evening destination, open until 11 May 2025, with tickets starting from Dh25.
