Just two more weeks until Christmas, but Santa has officially touched down in Dubai, and he is ready to sprinkle festive cheer all across the city! Want to double-check your spot on the nice list? Then head to these places where you can meet Santa himself! And that’s not all. If you want to make the most of your festive experience, don’t miss out on snowy play areas or the steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Want to know where you can experience all this merriment? Then keep reading.
1. Winter Wonderland At Ski Dubai (Until 25th December)
Experience the festive season at the North Pole right at the Mall of the Emirates! From 1st to 25th December, Ski Dubai is transforming into a Winter Wonderland decked up with festive cheer. You can expect delightful decorations everywhere, toss around in sparkling snow, and endless fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to meet Santa and sip on warm hot chocolate. And remember to head to the Snow Park for all the exciting activities.
- Date & Time: 1st-25th December | 10 AM to 10 PM/ 12 AM on weekends
- Location: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
- Price: From AED 140
- Visit the website for more information
2. The Grotto At New Covent Garden Theatre (Until 25th December)
The Grotto is back in Dubai! This UK-born holiday wonder is setting up shop in a brand-new location, the New Covent Garden Theatre at the Mall of the Emirates. At The Grotto, you’ll step into a world filled with the enchanting spirit of Christmas, right here in the desert. And the best part, you’ll get to experience those unforgettable moments with Santa himself. Don’t miss out on the perfect way to celebrate the season and make some memories with Santa!
- Date & Time: 6th-25th December, 2025 | Timings depend on slot availability
- Location: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
- Price: Adults AED 120 | Kids AED 165
- Contact: 052 620 0344
- For more information, visit the website
3. Winter City At Expo City (Until 31st December)
Expo City is transformed into a magical winter wonderland that whisks you away from Dubai right to the North Pole. Get ready to meet the big jolly man himself, and don’t forget to pen your letters to Santa. For some more festive fun, revel in the frosty feeling of snowfall inside the dome. This enchanting experience is available every day in December, and the highlight? Kids under three can enjoy the fun for free!
- Date & Time: Daily until 31st December, 2025 | 4 PM to 10 PM
- Location: Expo City, Expo, Dubai
- Price: General admission AED50 | Kids 3 and under, free
- For more information, visit the website
4. Santa’s Cosy Grotto At The Green Planet (Until 31st December)
Ever experienced festive charm inside a biodome? This year, The Green Planet transforms into a holiday-themed haven for the season. Kids can get hands-on with delicious cookie-making sessions inside JNGL Restaurant before heading to Santa’s cosy grotto for a heartwarming meet-and-greet. Don’t forget to pop your wishes into Santa’s Letterbox, as one lucky kid’s wish is set to come true on New Year’s Eve!
- Date & Time: Daily until 31st December
- Location: City Walk
- For more information, visit their website
5. Leave A Note For Santa At Riverland (Until 11th January)
Get into the festive spirit with a line-up of exciting shows leading up to the main event, a chance to visit the jolly man himself. There’s more! You can catch the Balloon Factory’s stilt clown or even join the Candy Factory Dance-Along, groove with the gingerbread crew. For a more relaxed festive experience, don’t miss out on magical dance shows, including Snow in the Desert and The Nutcrackers, which will add a sprinkle of holiday theatre along the way. And of course, do stop by the Wishing Trees to leave a note for Santa. You can then watch him arrive in style during The Magic We Share Parade, filled with music, dancers, and festive charm.
- Date & Time: Daily until 11th January, 2025 | Parade at 9 PM
- Location: Dubai Parks And Resorts
- Price: AED 15 entry fee/redeemable food voucher
- For more information, visit the website
6. Sparkling Santa Finale At Motiongate (Until 11th January)
Who doesn’t want to experience a Santa Claus Meet & Greet surrounded by a whirl of festive fun? The Village of Wonders Parade brings DreamWorks favourites from Madagascar, Shrek, and How to Train Your Dragon to life, marching alongside playful elves before Santa arrives in a sparkling finale. Your little elves can jump into animated shows like King Julien Holiday Stomp and Smurf-mas Storytime. Before you end the day, Elf Surprise leads everyone to Reindeer Road, stunning you as dancing reindeers wrap up the celebration, perfect for anyone hoping to spot Santa.
- Date & Time: Daily until 11th January, 2025 | Show begins at 12:30 PM
- Location: Dubai Parks And Resorts
- For more information, visit their website
7. Meet Santa Freestyle At Real Madrid World (Until 11th January)
Have you ever seen a blue Santa? Then get into the groove with high-energy shows at Real Madrid World, such as Ornament Freestyle and the Elf Breakers. At the end of the show, you get a chance to meet and greet with Santa Freestyle, the coolest Santa in blue. And for a big festive highlight, don’t miss the Real Madrid World.
- Date & Time: Daily until 11th January, 2025
- Location: Dubai Parks And Resorts
- For more information, visit their website
8. Santa’s Village At The Yas Winterfest (From 12th December)
For the most wonderful Christmassy experience, head to Yas Winter Fest, where Yas Gateway Park transforms into a winter wonderland! This magical celebration invites families to dive into a frosty paradise decked with snowy attractions and exciting fairground games! The highlight? Santa’s Village, which features a nightly Festive tree lighting ceremony. Little ones can let their creativity flow at Santa’s Letter Writing Corner before meeting the big guy himself and capturing magical moments to remember. Don’t miss out on this chance to create unforgettable memories together!
- Date & Time: 12th-21st December, 2025 | 4 PM – 11 PM
- Location: Yas Gateway Park, Yas Island
- Price: Entry tickets AED 25
- For more information, visit their website
9. Winter District Dubai At Jumeirah Emirates Towers (From 13th December)
The Winter District is back and more exciting than ever! This year’s festivities will feature some sought-after brands and loads of activities for kids, including a fun inflatable area. Get ready to stroll through a stunning market filled with festive decorations, topped off with a giant Christmas tree! And of course, this event isn’t complete without meeting Santa Claus. So, little ones, head to Santa’s grotto and check if you’re on the nice list. You also get to take part in games, workshops, and even an escape room to challenge your wits. Best of all? It’s completely free to enter! Don’t delay and bring the whole family for a magical experience!
- Date & Time: 13th-28th December, 2025 | 2 PM to 12 AM, 1 AM on weekends
- Location: Winter District, Jumeirah Emirates Towers
- Price: Free entry
- For more information, visit the website
10. Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai (From 24th December)
Experience a merry and bright at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, where the holiday season comes alive for the entire family! From now until the end of December, you can enjoy daily games, aqua fitness classes, and movie nights under the stars. Gear up for a spectacular three-day Christmas celebration from December 24th–26th, which features visits from Santa! And you also get to take part in festive crafts, face painting, and mesmerising fire shows on the beach!
- Date & Time: 24th-26th December, 2025
- Location: Centara Mirage Beach Resort
- Price: Free entry
- Contact Info: 04 522 9999
- For more information, visit the website
11. Special Appearance By Santa At Ancora (On 25th December)
Want to make your Christmas truly magical? Then head to Ancora to experience a unique Mediterranean-inspired festive brunch! Prepare your taste buds for a delightful mix of delicious dishes. The highlight of this brunch is for the little ones as Santa makes a special appearance! And that’s not all. Kids can cosy up into a mini cinema that plays Christmas classics or get their face painted.
- Date & Time: 25th December, 2025 | 1 PM – 4 PM
- Location: Ancora, InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay
- Price: Starting from AED 250 | For kids AED 125, complimentary for kids under 6
- Contact: +971 52 620 0344
- For more information, visit the website
