What to do in Dubai with kids this festive period

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From Santa meets to festive markets, snow cinema and gingerbread afternoon teas, there’s so much to delight the little ones this week… 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 that can be redeemed at several restaurants and stores within the mall. DETAILS: A December to Remember at Wafi, December 4 – 24 from 8:30am – 9:30pm. In order to accommodate everybody, your tickets for the event should be purchased in advance at: https://www.eticketing.ae/a-december-to-remember-at-wafi-mall.html 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 had been transformed into an impressive 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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WATCH THE UAE’S LARGEST TROPICAL CHIRSTMAS TREE LIGHT UP: The 40-metre-high Kopak tree structure at indoor rainforest Green Planet (the largest man-made and life sustaining tree in the world) will be transformed into Dubai’s largest tropical Christmas tree every evening over the festive period, including 300m of lights, 60 ornaments and 400m of tinsel. The switching-on ceremony happens daily at 5.30pm, just after the Tropical Thunderstorm experience, where you are immersed in a rainforest-style storm, with gushing raindrops, plus simulated thunder and lightning flashes. When you visit over the festive period all guests will have the opportunity to plant their own seed into organically fertilized soil – ready to take home to watch grow – as well as a special Gift Card loaded with pocket money, valid until June 2021, to be used at the retail shop, café or for future ticket purchases. DETAILS: Tree lighting ceremony from 12 December, 5pm Thunderstorm, 5.15pm Christmas tree lit up and Christmas music playing, 6pm Green Planet closes. Experiences included in standard ticket price: Dh110 per adults online (Dh120 on the door); Dh89 per child age 3-12 online (Dh99 on the door), Infants below 3 are free. Image Credit: Supplied

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TOWN SQUARE DUBAI SANTA MEET & GREETS: Town Square Dubai’s community park is already a popular spot for its little electric train, play area and splash pad, but it’s bringing all the festive feels this winter with free Santa meet and greets from 11-25 December. There’s also an ice skating rink that’s been set up (with synthetic ice), open every day until 9 January from 4pm onwards (Dh10 for residents, Dh15 for visitors). DETAILS: Town Square Dubai Park, Santa’s Meet & Greet weekdays 5pm – 7pm; weekends 4-9pm, free entry for both residents and visitors. 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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UPGRADE YOUR MOVIE NIGHT WITH A CHRISTMAS PIZZA: Festive-fy your kids’ takeaway treat 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 20 to 31 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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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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ABU DHABI: WINTER ON ITALIAN STREET AT FERRARI WORLD: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s ‘Winter on Italian Street’ recreates the magical atmosphere of Buon Natale in Italy, with the whole theme park bedecked with enchanting snow-flecked trees and Nutcracker-inspired decorations. The event’s signature experience, the Gingerbread Factory, will welcome families wishing to create their festive masterpieces at Ristorante Il Cavallino (ticketed separately), while there will be a range of stocking fillers and Ferrari-branded merchandise to snap up, as well as complimentary crafting activities with a kids’ meal at Mamma Rossella’s, including 3D snow globes and gnome ornaments. All in addition to the park’s manifold family-frienldy rides and attractions. Running until 2 January, Day pass Dh295, discount for four or more tickets. Ferrariworldabudhabi.com. 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, 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. 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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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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ABU DHABI: WINTER SPECTACULAR AT WARNER BROS WORLD: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tom and Jerry and many more will be donning their festive best and welcoming guests at the winter wonderland-themed Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, where you can pose with your favourite characters, pick out holiday gifts, and of course enjoy the theme park’s many rides and attractions. Running until January 2, Dh295 per adult, Dh230 per child (3 years and under are free), or Dh885 for family of four. WBworldabudhabi.com. Image Credit: Supplied

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GET SANDY WITH SANTA AT THE BEACH, JBR: Visitors to the The Beach will get the chance to meet with Santa Claus and his elves for free, once you’ve spent Dh100 at any of the dining or shopping outlets Thursday – Saturday between 10 and 25 December. Simply present your receipt and you can have your family photo taken and sent to you as a keepsake. Image Credit: Supplied

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MAKE A CHRISTMAS MEMORY BOOK WITH STORY FOR ME: Remember the good times from 2020 and cherish precious holiday memories forever with a gorgeous Christmas Memory Book from homegrown, UAE mum-owned company Story For Me. This DIY photo book has so many adorable ways to encourage children to be creative and write, stick and frame your festive fun, making for an excellent holiday activity and an invaluable keepsake. Including Christmas-themed jokes, stickers and DIY activities like making your own Christmas ornaments, this is a gift that will not only keep kids busy, but will keep on giving over the years as a wonderful memory album. Available online across the GCC at www.storyforme.me for Dh75. 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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MOE FESTIVE MARKET: Mall of the Emirates’ first ever festive market overlooks the magical snowy slopes of Ski Dubai and is held in collaboration with Ripe Market. This unique festive market is made of 19 vendors with a rich range of festive food and beverage favourites and holiday-themed trinkets and gifts. Guests and visitors to Mall of the Emirates will also be allowed to donate their SHARE rewards points to the Emirati Red Crescent in order to help vulnerable members of society and ensure everyone gets to enjoy a truly great and memorable festive season. Free entry, running daily until 24 December 2020. Image Credit: supplied7

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MARVEL AT CIRQUE DE GLACE AT DUBAI OPERA: Ice-theatre performers Cirque de Glace will bring to life the story of creation, man’s evolution and a journey to the limits of technology as a stunning ice spectacular, combining dazzling ice dance with the world of cirque, made famous by Cirque Du Soleil. The show promises a thrilling, breathtaking experience filled with music, incredible costumes and jaw-dropping acrobatics to provide a festive extravaganza for the whole family. Dubai Opera, 24 - 26 December, shows at 2pm or 8pm, tickets from Dh295 with a welcome house beverage. Image Credit: Supplied

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EXPLORE A FESTIVE FOREST MAZE ON THE WAY TO MEET SANTA: This year at La Mer, you can journey through a forest maze, filled with snowy trees, larger-than-life candy canes and snowmen – all surrounded by white fences. For a minimum spend of Dh150, you can spot a golden reindeer or two and journey through glittering lights as you go to meet Father Christmas himself. DETAILS: Forest maze and Santa meet and greet every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 25 December from 4pm to 7:15pm, at La Mer. Image Credit: Supplied

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SNAP A PROFESSIONAL FESTIVE FAMILY PHOTO: Stu Williamson Photography will be running fun festive shoots from now until the end of December every Thursday and Friday. For Dh450 +VAT, the whole family can enjoy a 20 minute session and receive 2 retouched images. Other products are available to purchase separately. DETAILS: info@stu.ae or call 044573417. Image Credit: Supplied

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ENJOY A KID-FRIENDLY GINGERBREAD AFTERNOON TEA: Feel festive at Swissotel Al Ghurair’s family-friendly, magical high tea, starring traditional Christmas favourite treats and flavourful teas, alongside the hotel’s specialty karakcino (karak tea but with a twist). While you enjoy the fragrant spices and of this elegant East-meets-West afternoon tea, little ones will be occupied decorating fairytale-style gingerbread houses, which is included as part of the package. DETAILS: 16 December and 23 December, 12-6pm, Dh150 for two adults and two children, inclusive of afternoon tea and two gingerbread house decorating kits. https://www.swissotel.com/hotels/dubai-al-ghurair/. Image Credit: Supplied

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DESERT FESTIVE MARKET BAB AL SHAMS: Desert hotel Bab Al Shams has transformed its garden into a decadent desert wonderland, featuring a stunning 40-foot Christmas tree, 20 wonderful Christmas stalls full of trinkets and keepsakes to buy for loved ones, a meet and greet with Santa, and loads of delicious F&B offerings including mulled wine, hot chocolate and minced pies. DETAILS: Al Forsan Garden,12 December to 20 December 2020. Image Credit: Supplied

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SANTA’S ISLAND AT BLUEWATERS: Santa’s Island is back at Bluewaters, where you can enjoy drone light shows, live musical performances, roaming entertainers, a range of festive pop-up stores and retail offers, as well as a dedicated arts and crafts area for children. DETAILS: From 10-26 December, Bluewaters Island. Image Credit: Supplied

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WATCH THE NUTCRACKER, AT THE THEATRE, MOE: This Special Screening of The Nutcracker by The Royal Ballet was recorded live at The Royal Opera House! Tchaikovsky’s glittering score, the gorgeous festive stage designs, and The Royal Ballet’s captivating dancing including an exquisite pas de deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince make this Nutcracker the quintessential Christmas experience. DETAILS: December 23, 8pm, The Theatre Mall of the Emirates, from Dh75, for ages 5 upwards, Artforall.ae. Image Credit: Supplied

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WINTER WONDERLAND AT SKI DUBAI: For the most authentic Christmassy experience this season it has to be Ski Dubai. Until 25 December it has transformed into a picture-perfect Winter Wonderland, giving guests the unique opportunity to experience a snow-filled holiday season complete with a spectacular 40ft Christmas tree and a charming Santa’s Grotto, perched up high in the snow above the activity-filled Santa’s village. Kids are met by a jovial Santa (with real beard of course!), walk away with a lovely gift and get a scrumptious, thick hot chocolate included. For the first year ever, families will have the chance to visit Santa on Christmas Day after he has finished delivering presents to all the children around the world. Mrs Claus will also be making an appearance from 13 – 24 December and entertaining children at her storytelling sessions with festive tales about Santa, his reindeers and elves. Meet Santa packages available from Dh125, 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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HIRE A PRIVATE SCREENING OF YOUR FAVE FESTIVE FILM: Want something extra special to get you in the holiday mood? Hire the private screening room at Studio One hotel and enjoy a Christmas classic movie forDh699 for up to 12 people (kids or adults), including festive candies and popcorn. DETAILS: Daily throughout December, booking essential. Image Credit: Supplied

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What to do in Dubai with kids this festive period

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What to do in Dubai with kids this festive period

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