Meet Santa, see Alicia Keys perform, watch critically acclaimed films: Your December highlights for Expo 2020 Dubai

We might have come out of the long National Day weekend, but the same can’t be said about our holiday mood. ‘Tis the season, as they say, and with many looking to fill their long winter nights, Expo 2020 Dubai’s December events could offer us some more merry amusement. You can groove along to the live tunes of Alicia Keys’ new album, tell the real Santa your year-end wishes and watch award-winning films from around the world. Check out our handpicked list for you to plan out the month:

THE WESTERN FLYERS: A renowned fiddle band straight from Texas, The Western Flyers come bearing authentic country music to Dubai. The ensemble is led by world champion fiddler Joey McKenzie. Catch them performing live from December 5 to 8 on Earth Stage in Sustainability District, with shows starting at 5pm.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BALLET THEATRE: Montana-based theatre company is bringing its Ballet Beyond Borders programming to Dubai for the first time since its inception in 1998. Tip your imaginary hats and shout ‘Howdy!’ for the cowboy crew on December 9 at 3pm on Jubilee Stage; December 10 at 3.30pm on Jubilee Stage; December 11 at 7pm on Sun Stage; and December 12 at 6pm on Jubilee Stage.

HUNGARIAN ARTISANS AND CIRCUS ARTISTS WORKSHOP: On December 10, from 11am to 6pm, dive into Hungarian arts and crafts at Al Forsan Park. At this Christmas edition workshop, you can even take the kids to see gingerbread painting.

ALICIA KEYS FOR INFINITE NIGHTS: Next artist up on Expo’s Infinite Nights series is the 15-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys. The singer is set to perform her latest double album ‘Keys’ from the heart of the site, Al Wasl Plaza, on Dec 10 at 10pm. Don’t miss it!

TANK AND THE BANGAS: If you enjoy NPR Tiny Desk concerts, then meet the 2017 winners Tank and the Bangas at Expo. Get a dose of funk, soul and rock from December 12 to 15 at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, 4.30pm.

CHROMOSATURATION ROOM BY FRANCE PAVILION: Another exciting reason to stop by the France Pavilion! A special futuristic room on the ground floor is going to douse you in hues of neon green, red and blue. This temporary exhibit pays homage to the colourful work of the late Carlos Cruz-Diez, and is only open from December 13 to January 14. Here is something for your mood board, with no filters.

MEET SANTA CLAUS: Touching down from his official office in Lapland, Finland, Santa Claus is coming to Dubai to spread happiness. The real Santa will resume his duties on Expo grounds from December 17 to 22, visiting pavilions and greeting visitors from 11am to 8pm. Click a picture with the jolly old man and tell him your last-minute Christmas wishes.

SCREENING OF BHUTANESE FILM ‘LUNANA: A YAK IN THE CLASSROOM’: Watch this slice-of-life drama film that chronicles the life of an aspiring singer teaching at the world’s most remote school in Bhutan. This warm movie set against the backdrop of nature shots in the Himalayas can be seen on December 17 at Jubilee Stage, starting 10.30pm.

CHRISTMAS WINTER WONDERLAND: The Expo site will transform overnight from December 20 to 28 into a magical winter site. Expect Christmas carols at every turn and festive décor decking the site. If you stop by, do visit Al Wasl Plaza to experience Winter Wonderland.

AR RAHMAN CONCERT: On December 22, the music maestro AR Rahman will hold a concert on Jubilee Stage at 8pm. Previously seen accompanying his mentored all-women ensemble Firdaus Orchestra (pictured), the composer is taking to the stage with a line-up of Indian playback artists this time round.

MYBUTTERFLY KITES FLYING: The Malaysia Pavilion brings another month of flying kites with fellow visitors. On December 25 at 4.30pm in Al Forsan Park, a limited number of 50 visitors will come together to send their kites in the air – particularly a hit with children.

OMANI MOVIES: Witness the dream-like landscapes of Oman in a series of long and short documentaries screening at the Terra Auditorium. Catch the films on December 26 at 10am and 2pm; December 27 at 10am and 7pm; and December 28 at 7pm.

GIANT KARAKIZE PERFORMANCE: Celebrate Morocco National Day on December 26 with a giant marionette parade. Keep your eyes trained on the 2020 Plaza and Sun Plaza at 11:30am, and then at 5pm.

‘OPERA STAR’ INTERNATIONAL OPERA AWARDS: Italy Pavilion is hosting The International Opera Awards at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre on December 29, 8.30pm. Enjoy live performances from Emirati and Italian opera stars at this gala event.

NEW YEAR’S EVE @ EXPO: Make your New Year’s a little more special with live countdown from Expo 2020 Dubai. On December 31, site-wide events during the evening include fireworks, live music and dance with over 190 countries.