20 Magical things to do with kids in Dubai this weekend

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From snow fights to gamer-battles, and magic shows to macramé and Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties, there’s so much to delight the little ones this weekend… Image Credit: Supplied

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STEP INTO A SNOW GLOBE AT WAFI MALL’s DECEMBER TO REMEMBER: The Wafi Santa is always one of the favourites, and this year they have an entire Santa’s workshop to explore, as well as the usual traditional festive market, full of tasty treats and lovely present ideas. Tickets grant you access to the workshop – which is full of arts and crafts activities to enjoy - as well as a framed photo with Santa and a gift. Every few hours Santa will read stories to the children in English and in Arabic, and there’s even a life-sized snow globe, which kids can go inside to take pictures and videos. Every ticket purchase includes a booklet of promotions and discounts which can be redeemed at several restaurants and stores within the mall. DETAILS: A December to Remember at Wafi will open to all on December 3 from 3pm – 9:30 and December 4 – 24 from 8:30am – 9:30pm. In order to accommodate everybody, your tickets for the event can be purchased at: https://www.eticketing.ae/a-december-to-remember-at-wafi-mall.html Image Credit: Supplied

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HAVE A MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY AT AL KHAWANEEJ’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND: The Dubai Shopping Festival Market at Al Khawaneej is swapping Winter Wonderland for Alice in Wonderland, staging a series of themed children’s entertainment, with a weekly lineup of activations and attractions. Enjoy a WonderMaze, Enchanted Garden, Venus Fly Jump, Wishing Lake, Arcade games, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party full of arts and crafts workshops, outdoor cinema and daily theatre shows, game shows, musical performances and storytelling sessions. DETAILS: 17 December to 16 January, Sunday to Wednesday, 6pm to 12am and Thursday to Saturday, 4pm to 2am. Image Credit: Supplied

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MEET SANTA AND HIS MAGIC ELF PHIL AT COUQLEY: Couqley French Bistro & Bar has invited Father Christmas along with his loyal Elf Phil, to spread the season’s joy on Saturday, the 19th of December from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The afternoon will be a combination of (socially distanced) photo opportunities, classic holiday music, and gift distribution for the children by Santa and his helper. In addition to meeting Santa Claus, children will also be able to attend the magic Elf Phil’s show. DETAILS: 19 December, 1-2pm: Christmas show by Elf Phil; 2pm-3:30pm – Santa’s visit. Adults can enjoy a winter menu with special grape prices while watching the cheerful festivities. Couqley.ae. Image Credit: Supplied

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SEE AN OLD FASHIONED PANTO AT JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, INTERCONTINENTAL DFC: Kids will adore all the fun and silliness of the pantomime version of the familiar fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk, performed in the ballroom of the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City, which will be transformed into a theatre for the occasion. Expect lots of festive antics, enchantment, adventure, and a whole lot of “Oh no he didn’t!” audience interaction. DETAILS: From 16-27 December (except 25 Dec), various performances at kid-friendly times, from Dh125, tickets being sold in groups of 2,3,4 etc to comply with social distancing. www.dubaipanto.com. Image Credit: Supplied

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PLAY FOR FREE AT NAKHEEL MALL’S ROOFTOP FESTIVE VILLAGE: Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah has transformed its rooftop into a Winter Wonderland, offering a variety of festive entertainment including a free Santa meet and greet, a market full of gorgeous gifts, a fun play area for the kids complete with Toy Factory Workshops, a winter-wonderland ice rink, and a 13-metre Festive tree and live music every day at the entrance of Santa’s hideout. It also features food and crafted gift pop ups by Ripe Market. DETAILS: Time: 2pm - 10pm on weekdays and 12pm - 10pm weekends (Thursday Friday Saturday), every day from 10 December 2020 – 2 January 2021, at Nakheel Mall Rooftop, free to enter. Image Credit: Supplied

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SING ALONG AT JINGLE BELL ROCK, DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE: The ultimate festive, feel good family concert, Jingle Bell Rock will take place at Sheikh Saeed Hall at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 18 December. Featuring much-loved Christmas songs performed by a stellar lineup of international singers and musicians, the show is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays in a safe and socially distanced environment. DETAILS: 18 Dec, 3pm and 8pm, from Dh175 for children in all seating categories, from Dh350 for adults, tickets sold in groups of two, four etc with spaces between seats for social distancing. Dubai.platinumlist.net. Image Credit: Supplied

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MAKE A DELIGHTFUL DIY MACRAME KEY CHAIN: With Turquoise Boutique’s Macramé Keychain DIY Kit, kids aged 10+ will learn how to create four different kinds of macramé keychains, which make super gifts this festive season. Turquoise Boutique sends you everything you need, from the string to the keychain toppers, and access to an exclsuibe online workshop, covering everything you need to know to make your own keychain. Dh 135, turquoise-boutique-studio.zbni.co. Image Credit: Supplied

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UPGRADE YOUR MOVIE NIGHT WITH A CHRISTMAS PIZZA: Festive-fy your kids’ weekend takeaway with new restaurant Pizzetta’s delicious Christmas Tree-shaped pizzas. Perfect for Christmas movie nights or small children’s Xmas playdates, the Pizzetta Christmas Tree pizza is available in Pepperoni and Margherita styles and can be ordered from 20th to 31st December inclusive. pizzetta.me.com and IG: @pizzettadubai, or call +971 4 8748 320. Image Credit: Supplied

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WATCH THE SNOWMAN AT THE THEATRE MOE: A special screening of The Snowman, a Christmas classic movie will play at The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates on 18 December and from 22 to 24 December with the final show on 26 December. The magical spectacle is based on Raymond Brigg's much-loved book and features Howard Blake's classic song ‘Walking In The Air’. DETAILS: Friday Dec 11, 11am at The Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dh45, for 2 years and upwards, Artforall.ae. Image Credit: Supplied

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HAVE FUN AT THE BRAND NEW BATTLE PARK: Town Square Dubai by Nshama has just opened Battle Park, which combines realistic online-style gaming experiences with never-before seen gaming scenarios, for a complete action-packed adventure. Ideal for those looking for an exhilarating outdoor and action-packed adventure, Town Square Dubai is offering the Battle Park ‘IBATTLE’ experience, which is suitable for ids aged 7 upwards, thanks to the Junior Gun which weighs less than 1 kg. With all gaming scenarios designed to encourage teamwork, the IBATTLE technology creates adrenaline-infused battle scenarios and offers real-time feedback for players. DETAILS: Located in the Recreational Park of Town Square Dubai, Battle Park is open daily from 2pm to midnight. One IBATTLE game costs Dh75 for walk-in guests or Dh65 for residents. www.battlepark.ae/nshama. Image Credit: Supplied

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WALK THROUGH A SNOW FLURRY AT BURJUMAN: Explore a host of festive setups under shimmering lights, surrounded by the magic of glistening snow, with seasonal décor, surprising snowfalls, VR and motion games and Instagrammable photo ups. With snowfall every 30 minutes in the main atrium, scan the QR code and experience a magical Winter Tale as you walk through the snow-clad forest, with live animators on hand to guide your journey. DETAILS: Until 9 January 2021, www.burjuman.com Image Credit: Supplied

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WATCH THE BEAUTY & THE BEAST STAGE SHOW: Until 27 December, the Theatre at the QE2 will host twice daily performances of the classic family stage show, Beauty and the Beast. Based on the 18th century French fairy tale ‘La Belle et la Bete’, the story is still as hugely popular with fans all around the world. DETAILS: 16-27 December, 11am and 3pm shows, from Dh108, www.theatrebyqe2.com/ Image Credit: Supplied

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MEANDER THROUGH A MAGICAL MAZE: A host of festive retailers and Christmassy food kiosks await at The Festive Experience in Dubai Festival City, which also features a festive maze, enchanted polar bear valley, sing-a-longs, live performances, Gingerbread House workshops and a Santa’s Grotto. The enchanted Polar Bear Valley takes you on a magical walk through beautiful ever green fir trees, snow drifts, polar bears and reindeers to get to the Festive Market which features a huge tree, as well as a Santa’s Grotto with meet and greet available (through COVID-compliant screen, daily from 4pm, Dh50 for photo souvenir). A tree lighting ceremony every day at 6pm will feature snowfall and hourly sing-along performances, there will be carnival rides, festive jugglers and mimes. DETAILS: AT Dubai Festival City, from 6 to 29 December, 4pm to 10pm from Sunday to Wednesday and 4pm to 11pm from Thursday to Saturday, free entry and most entertainment is free. Image Credit: Supplied

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DESIGN YOUR ULTIMATE CUP OF COCOA AT THE DIY HOT CHOCOLATE BAR AT LA SERRE: Great fun for the little ones, La Serre Boulangerie is now home to a DIY Christmas Hot Chocolate Bar, where guests can top their cup of warming cocoa with everything from mini meringue coated with white chocolate, crunchy caramel, popping candy, crushed gingerbread marshmallows and more. DETAILS: Priced at Dh25 for hot chocolate with toppings, or Dh30 for white hot chocolate with toppings. Available till end of December at La Serre, Downtown Dubai. Image Credit: Supplied

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GET FABULOUSLY FESTIVE AT THE CHRISTMAS SHOW: The Christmas Show at Fairmont The Palm is guaranteed to get audiences in the festive spirit. The family celebration of all things Christmassy is a mix of all the favourite festive songs, and will take place from 17 to 28 December, except 21 and 25 December. DETAILS: 17-28 December, show times vary from 10.30am, 2.30pm and 6.30pm, all ages welcome (under 3s free), from Dh120, dubai.platinumlist.net. Image Credit: Supplied

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HAVE FUN AT THE FAIR IN ZABEEL PARK’S WINTER CARNIVAL: A whimsical wonderland and carnival of kid-friendly fun, games, entertainment, pop-up shops, food stalls and much more, the Dubai Winter Festival will be staged at Zabeel Park until 15 January 2021, from 4pm to 10pm each day. DETAILS: Zabeel Park, 4pm-10pm daily. Image Credit: Supplied

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ENJOY A TRADITIONAL FESTIVE MARKET AT RIPE: Ripe market has gone crazy for Chrimbo this December, and until 26 December will be offering all the ingredients of a traditional European festive market, including the usual line-up of excellent artisan retailers selling stunning craftware and gifts, a Santa’s Grotto, photos with Father Christmas, buying real Christmas trees, tree lighting ceremony, gingerbread making, cookie decorating, workshops and much more. Meanwhile parents can relax, enjoy the festive food and beverage, and listen to the seasonal songs. DETAILS: Ripe market at Police Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, Fridays 9am-7pm, Saturdays 10am-7pm, until 26 December. Dh5 entry to the park. Image Credit: Supplied

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WATCH A MERRY MOVIE IN THE SNOW: Nothing says Noel like a festive movie, and the only way to guarantee a white Christmas in the desert is at Ski Dubai, with their brand-new Snow Cinema. From 11 December until the end of February, guests can snuggle up and get cosy while enjoying the magic of movies, surrounded by real snow. Meet Santa Claus in his grotto, followed by a screening of a family-friendly festive favourite such as The Grinch, Frozen 2 or Daddy’s Home 2. Snow Cinema provides table service so you can munch on gourmet popcorn, or choose from North 28’s menu, featuring everything from Raclette, to mince pies and Peppermint Hot Chocolate. DETAILS: Shows daily at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm. From Dh100 per person, including cinema ticket and F&B package consisting of a signature hot chocolate, popcorn and bottle of water. Or book the VIP Chalet at Dh800 for four people, which includes a cinema ticket, two-course meal from North 28 Restaurant, a hand warmer, premium gloves and beanie as well as an F&B package consisting of signature hot chocolate popcorn and bottle of water. All guests at Snow Cinema will receive rental clothing, fleece gloves, socks, boots, a blanket, wireless headphones and a dedicated locker. Skidxb.com. Image Credit: Supplied

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BE AN ELF IN SANTA’S WORKSHOP ELF AT SOUK MADINAT’S WINTER WONDERLAND: The popular Winter Wonderland is back for 2020, where families can enjoy a central Festive Garden with traditional stalls, choral carol singing and garden games, outdoor movie nights featuring holiday favourites like Home Alone and The Grinch, kids crafting workshops and a Santa’s Grotto between 10 – 26 December. Entrance to Santa’s Grotto will be free and manned by elves, where children will be able to enjoy the magic of Christmas daily from 4pm to 7pm. The central courtyard will also be transformed Santa’s workshop with a packed schedule of kids workshops and art stations from 10 to 26 December, running between 12pm to 10pm. Activities include canvas painting, string art, creation of DIY snow globe jars; decoupage with Christmas themed cut-outs, and painting sessions where kids can paint their own Christmas house, and more. Image Credit: Supplied

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JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE AT JBR’S WINTER WONDERLAND: Winter Wonderland at JBR features an all-new digital pavilion, several street performances, a glice-skating rink, a visit from Santa, as well as a wonderful market organized by Tiny Bean Events. The immersive multimedia show creates a realm of wonder using 360 projections with holograms. Enjoy a magical 15-minute walk through a narrated ‘Journey to the North Pole’, complete with twinkling palaces, lollipop trees and snow-capped forests. Adding to the magical setting are the incredible decorations that include thousands of lights, Christmas trees, life-size toy soldiers – and constant snowfall to add. The festive village also includes a variety of fun activities for the little ones, including a glice-skating rink, bouncy castle and slide, and Build A Bear stations. Food kiosks, set up along the walkway, offer festive favourites like mulled grape (non-alcohol), hot apple and cranberry pie, grilled raclette cheese and roast beef sandwiches, baked potatoes and turkey sausages, and hot chocolate with a selection of toppings. DETAILS: Entry for a single activity from Dh28, all activities from D123. Family packages for four from Dh463, digital pavilion show can be accessed separately for Dh70pp. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. From 12 Dec until 7 Jan, 12pm to 10pm weekdays, until 12am weekends. Image Credit: Supplied

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20 Magical things to do with kids in Dubai this weekend

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20 Magical things to do with kids in Dubai this weekend

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