If you’ve been craving that warm, fuzzy holiday feeling, you’re in for a treat. Abu Dhabi is going full winter mode this December with the return of Yas Winter Fest! From December 12th to 21st, turning Yas Gateway Park into a snowy celebration with food trucks, rides, shows, and everything else you love about the festive season. I have all the dazzling details you want to know, so keep reading to find out more.
Also read: Manar Abu Dhabi Returns For A 2nd Edition This November With Dazzling Installations & More
10 Days Of Festive Zones To Explore
1. Santa’s Village
Start your festive journey at Santa’s Village, where every evening kicks off with the Festive Tree Lighting Ceremony, turning the garden amphitheatre into a glowing scene packed with colour, joyful music, and a massive tree that lights up the night. Kids can write their cutest Letters to Santa Claus, post them in a vintage letterbox headed straight to the North Pole, and then meet Santa himself for a photo they’ll treasure forever.
2. Snowfall Park
At Snowfall Park kids can glide under twinkling lights at the Winter Sparkle Ice Rink, then hop into the larger-than-life Snow Globe for the ultimate winter photo. There are also inflatable worlds like the Penguin Snow Park, Frozen Palace, and the North Pole Challenge Obstacle Course, all designed for non-stop fun. There’s even a Snowfight Zone where you can build snowmen, make snow angels, and have friendly snowball battles.
3. Festive Fairground
For families who love a bit of adrenaline, the Festive Fairground is the place to be. Hop on Santa’s Grand Carousel, take a spin on the Tinsel Tea Swirlers, soar through the air on the Frostlight Flyers, or feel like a pirate on the Snowy Sailors Ship. Younger visitors will love the Winterlife Snowballoons, while families can crash and laugh together on the Blizzard Cars bumper arena or ride the twisty Snowworm Express roller coaster. You can also test your skills at festive games like Elf Launch, Holiday Gift Grab, and Winter Wipeout.
4. The Winter Workshop
Step into The Winter Workshop to bring your festive imagination to life. You can make your own candles, snow globes, macramé ornaments, or even wooden toys. There’s also T-shirt decorating, marble ornament painting, and the super cute Festive Smile Station for face painting. If you have a sweet tooth, this zone will be your happy place. Enjoy Marshmallow Making, take part in the Candy Cane Hunt, or join in on Snowman Making with props and all the festive trimmings.
5. Celebration Stage
At the Celebration Stage expect heartwarming live music, choirs, stage performances, and even outdoor movie nights. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, grab a seat, and let the holiday spirit take over.
6. Winter Feast
Hungry? The Winter Feast area brings together the best of comfort food with food trucks serving juicy burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and Asian street food. And for dessert? Think warm stroopwafels, chocolate-dipped churros, and steaming cups of hot chocolate or coffee to keep you cosy as you explore.
7. Festive Market
End your journey at the Festive Market, a charming open-air bazaar filled with local brands, handmade treasures, ornaments, decorations, and unique gifts. It’s perfect for holiday shopping, or treating yourself to something special. This adorable market truly captures the joy of giving and the thrill of discovering something new.
The Festive Celebration Abu Dhabi Has Been Waiting For
With ten full days of music, food, rides, shopping, creativity, and (most importantly) snow, Yas Winter Fest is ready to light up the capital like never before. And with even more surprises still to be revealed, it’s shaping up to be the must-visit winter event of the year.
Event Details You Need To Know
Where: Yas Gateway Park, Yas Island
When: December 12th to 21st
Timings: 4pm to 11pm
Tickets:
- AED 25 for children aged 4–12
- AED 35 for adults and kids above 12
- Kids under 3 enter free
To learn more about Abu Dhabi’s biggest winter celebration, visit Yas Winter Fest’s website.
