Dubai: With decorated Christmas trees and snow machines in place across Dubai’s popular hot spots and malls, the holiday cheer is not lost on residents going out with their families and friends.
Places like City Walk and the Dubai Christmas Fest are especially popular this year with visitors gathering around the Christmas trees covered in dazzling ornaments and decorations for pictures.
Sandra Miller from England said she as an expat in the UAE appreciates the effort made by society to make those who are away from their families feel at home during the Christmas holiday.
“My four-year-old son loves coming to City Walk to play with the fake snow. The atmosphere in the evening is great for the kids because it gives them a chance to play around the tree and feel the Christmas joy,” said the 35-year-old.
@miss_simmons1 @zumadubai— Ask Guzel (@ImdatAsk) December 19, 2014
This year, a record-breaking 30,975 people visited the Dubai Christmas Fest, which transformed the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre into a winter wonderland.
Marking a 14 per cent increase from last year in terms of number of visitors, the three-day event drew thousands of people who enjoyed a full day of activities.
With snow falling on the hour children played in the snow fight zone and skated in the outdoor skating rink, while others enjoyed the different entertainment festivities on the main stage.
Assisted by his team of elves, Santa Claus was especially busy at the Christmas fest this year as scores of children lined up to meet him at Santa’s Grotto.
Mid morning walk in the snow, checking out our #frozen village ❄️❄️❄️ Designed for #skidubai #dubaichristmas #myd... pic.twitter.com/qT5GsSUpNB— Frozen Movie (@FrozenMOVlE) December 17, 2014
Mother of three, Nicola Wales, who won the Ultimate Christmas Hamper worth more than Dh10,000 at the festival, said she was speechless to win on her first visit to the festival.
“The boys loved the arts and craft areas and the snow fight zone, and we’re all looking forward to returning next year,” she added.
Popular attractions also included the fun fair, a new magical bouncy castle, a rodeo reindeer complete with Rudolph’s red nose, and a penguin bowling alley.
Children and adults also designed festive t-shirts and personalised Christmas tree decorations at the new Christmas craft theatre.
The festival took place from December 11-13.
