16 Amazing things to do with the kids this weekend

Santa Run: Dress up and run with the family in Dubai Festival City, where the fourth edition of the DFC Santa Run will take place on Friday at 9am. There are three distances to choose from: 1km, 2.5km and 5km. the DFC Santa Run will start at Dubai Festival City Promenade overlooking the Dubai Creek and the city skyline and finish at the Festive Market in the mall. Registered runners will receive a free Santa T-shirt along with a Santa hat and beard. Participants were also encouraged to get creative and come in their own Santa costumes to stand a chance to win best dressed Santa prizes. DETAILS: Pre-register at raceme.ae/dubai-santa-run and the run will open its doors at 8.30am.

Mother of the Nation festival in Abu Dhabi’s Corniche: This fest, which is on until December 18, has performances, food, shopping and even amusement park rides on the agenda. There’s a series of exciting games, carnival rides, engaging workshops and more. On Friday, Egyptian icon and actress Sherine will be the headline act at the Music Arena. The show, which kicks-off at 7pm, will see her performing hits such as ‘Hobbo Ganna’, ‘Nassay’ and ‘Kaddabeen’.

Dubai Festival City Mall: Besides a daily tree-lighting ceremony, there’s also roaming entertainment on the grounds – meet the Winter Fairy, Gingerbread Man and Nutcracker; check out the elf’s workshop; send the kids’ letters to Santa via the letterbox and allow them to learn new skills at the arts and crafts station. Don’t forget to visit Santa’s Grotto, where the kiddos can meet Mr Claus 5pm to 9pm daily.

Sizzling Wok: Hot dumplings on a cool day – they make the best memories. Head over to this try this selection of momos, baos and buns – there’s an all you can eat offer on from 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm.

Al Fresco Breakfast at Eggiterian Cafe JLT: You won’t run out of choices at this eatery that can serve up more than 100 variations of the humble egg. There’s the usual scrambled and fried options, but also Egg Patra, Egg Cheese Bonda, Italian Omelette and more.

Media One Hotel’s Festive Market at P7 Arena: Speaking of Christmas shopping, this market will give you plenty of gifting ideas, live music and food to keep you satiated between buys. DETAILS: The market, on Friday and Saturday, runs from 2pm-8pm.

The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC: Check-in to this hotel for a staycation close to the Dubai Mall, where you can get started on your Christmas shopping – to help you begin, bookings bring you a Dh300 voucher valid at the mall. Up until December 28, your kids under six will stay and eat for free when you book here. There’s complimentary parking and Wi-Fi too.

Inside Burj Al Arab: This sail-shaped icon of Dubai has introduced a family package that allows two adults and two children to take a curated tour – and pictures, of course. This promises to be a edutainment-rich experience thanks to interactive encounters including virtual reality displays, exciting video content showcasing key celebrity stunts, and a digital aquarium providing close-up experiences with some of the hotel’s more exotic inhabitants. The butler-guided groups set off every 15 minutes from 9.30am to 8.30pm. DETAILS: pre-booking required. The family package start at Dh599.

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort: This Friday, your little master chef can learn a new skill – how to build a gingerbread house by enlisting in The Gingerbread House Workshop at Oléa. The experience is further complemented with a Tiny Afternoon Tea spread. DETAILS: The class is on from 3pm to 5pm

Global village tree lighting ceremony: Check out the giant tree at this 1.6-million-square-metre park on Thursday evening. The ceremony will kick off with a performance by Columbian dance sensation Swing Latino at 6pm. Santa is coming too for the fun occasion –and watch out, because he’ll be making a surprising entrance.

Sauce: The American diner is really getting into the Christmas spirit with a month-long event that sees merry décor – think lit-up tree and cool lights – and festive movies. Until December 26, the diner will screen holiday flicks for the family, at 6pm, 8pm and 10pm. Movies screening this weekend on the alfresco terrace are: ‘Home Alone 1’ (Thursday); ‘Home Alone 2’ (Friday); ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (Saturday). There is special sauce-flavoured popcorn on offer and free cookies to end the sweet evening too!

Expo 2020 Dubai: The World’s Greatest Fair is always a good option for an outing with the family. There are loads of events talking place through the day and something for each member for the family. Head over to the Lebanon Pavilion, from 6pm-10pm, for a magical Christmas event for the kiddos or take a seat and enjoy Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys belt it out on Al Wasl Stage at 10pm.

Ready Set Go: Head to this soft play area, which you’ll find transformed into a holiday-themed hub – there are Winter Town Decorations, Christmas-themed activities, festive sing-alongs and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus!

Gingerbread Workshop at Her by Caroline Astor: It’s always good to learn a new skill, especially if it means pretty things to eat post class. On Saturday, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm is inviting kids to learn how to build elaborate gingerbread houses. Parents are invited to of course – to enjoy afternoon tea experience or à la carte treats. DETAILS: The class is on from 3pm to 6pm and aimed at children below 11 years of age.

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah: At this Ajman hotel, you can not only enjoy a lovely Oberoi Festive Afternoon Tea at Vinesse or Al Fresco, with sweet and savoury treats, but also the kids can take part in complimentary gingerbread decorating sessions led by the hotel’s pastry chefs in the Vinesse Olive Garden. DETAILS: The offer is on until December 22.

Wanasah Friday Family Lunch at Marriott Hotel Al Forsan: Getting together for lunch? Try the colourful – and creative – options served up at Khayal Dining; there are six interactive food stations offering fine global cuisine and a children’s buffet area. DETAILS: From 1pm-4pm