20 Fun and fabulous things to do with the family this weekend in UAE

Get out your diary and take notes – you are going to need it this weekend! From a fashion show to stunning dramas, there’s so much to do for the whole family. Let’s get started with this fantastic weekend’s options.

Eggiterian: It may seem like the easiest dish in the world, but eggs can be quite difficult to cook. Hook your child up with the life skill that allows for a perfect breakfast when you enroll him/her into the cooking class at this eatery on Saturday (6pm). Children over the age of four will be taught how to make Mexican Omelet and Egg Bonda. They also get to nosh on these dishes, so we’re thinking breakfast for dinner.

The Green Planet: Dubai’s only in-door rainforest is taking on a festive feel with recyclable wreath-making workshops that offer participants the opportunity to win ‘A Zookeeper for the Day’ experience for four. Guests visiting before December 31 will also take home seeds. The biodome is home to about 3,000 plants and animals including sloths and snakes and colourful birds. Stay for the ‘Thunderstorm’, which take place daily at 1pm and 5pm, which will also have a festive twist throughout the month of December. Hint: Christmas carols are involved.

Fashion Week 2021: This three-day bonanza sees a number of designers from the region and Asia showcasing their works at Arena - IMG Worlds of Adventure. While the line-up is pretty cool; it includes Rabia Z and Ameera Ahli (House of IKAT), Angelo Estera, Varoin Marwah, Behnoode, Atelier Zuhra, Nivedita Saboo, Rocky S, Victor Closet, Limak by Kamil, Lara Fashion, Muhammad Noman Ansari and Amato by Furne One; we suggest making a day of it. Check out the brands alright but also the cool rides at the world’s largest theme park. Besides the rollercoasters and immersive experiences, there are also a number of Christmas-themed activities the tots will love.

Aventura Parks: The Middle East's largest outdoor adventure park is home to a number of ziplines and trampolines that the kids will love. This weekend, check out the two new bungee trampolines at the Nature Chill Out Village for a jumping good time.

Global Village: During the winter season, the carnival atmosphere at this market is sure to spell cheer. Head to Arabian Square where you’ll spot Santa on a golden sleigh; buy your Christmas goodies at the mini-Festive Market; or just enjoy the cool air and the lovely offerings from around the world. This year, there’s another nice experience for the kiddos, you can buy a gift wish for kids; what this means is the kids write their name and wish (10 options to choose from) on a note that goes into a bauble that goes into a fountain. Each night at 11 pm, Santa will step down from his sleigh to select a floating bauble and grant the wish of one lucky child. Each bauble costs Dh5 and all proceeds will go to charity.

Modoux’s Culinary School for Kids: Get your free treats here! Co-founder Katarína Filipová is making a bunch of buchty sweet rolls - with homemade plum jam, or powidl, and dusted with powdered sugar - on Friday, and offering them for free as long as stocks last.

Snow White Pantomime: Looking for a Christmas-themed show that’ll have you singing along? Search no further than this production at The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates. This production, which runs until December 28, follows Snow White as she flees the Evil Queen and makes new friends along the way.

Dubai Harbour: Sea and ice, that’s what’s on offer at this Christmas market, where you can teach your little one to dance in an ice rink or play in the snow zone. There’s of course a Santa meet and greet, games and activities that everyone will enjoy. Don’t forget to take photos of the giant themed flotilla and the eight-metre floating nautical-themed Christmas tree in the Harbour Marina. The fest is on until December 30.

Deerfields Mall: Here’s another snow-filled offering; kids going to the Snow Park can experience snowfall and play with ready-made snowmen and snow toys. There are arts and craft activities on site too and meet and greets with characters from the popular show ‘Freej’, who will do a live show over the weekend. For the grown-ups, there’s stuff to do too, so don’t feel left out – there’s a souq on site with confectionery, perfumes, oud, cheeses, authentic clothing and more from 4pm – 10pm every day. The Festive Barasti campaign is on till January 5.

SFC: Got a hankering for some fried chicken? Check out the Dh10 combo, which has five wings fried golden and dipped in the sauce of your choice and served with French fries and soda.

Legoland Dubai: Kids are going to love the ornament building class at the Festive Bricktacular event this year, which runs until January 8. There’s also a return of Lego Bingo at Miniland, cupcake decorating classes, snowfall and a Lego Santa – and elves- doing the rounds. Bonus: There are daily giveaways and presents on site in the run up to Christmas that are worth a grand Dh40,000. If you get hungry – and let’s face it, with all that action, you are bound to – head over to the Caesar's Pizza & Pasta Buffet, where you can get one kid meal free with an adult’s. DETAILS: The themepark is open from 10am-7pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah : Sip on some afternoon tea and enjoy traditional treats while the kids learn how to decorate gingerbread, led by the hotel’s pastry chefs in the beautiful Vinesse Olive Garden. The offer is on until December 22.

Oblong Contemporary Gallery: This is storytelling with a difference. Italian artist Antonio Nocera just unveiled an exhibit titled ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’, which runs until January 31. Pinocchio has been prevalent in Antonio’s works for over two decades – and he’s showcasing the results of that relationship using materials from sand to sawdust, from glass to canapa.

Trump International Golf Club: Between 2pm and 9pm, the Caddy Shack will play host to family-friendly actives including an arts and crafts workshop, a class where you can create a personalised Christmas ornament, or join the delightful caroling and violin performances. There is a magician and stilt walkers on site – and a stop-over by Santa. Starting from 6.30pm on the lawn, kids can catch specials screenings of ‘The Christmas Chronicles’ followed by ‘The Boy Called Christmas’.

Mister Baker: Looking for an activity you’ll enjoy doing with the kiddos at home? Check out the DIY gingerbread house kit, which comes with walls, roof and a door. The assembly board, royal icing and decorations are included so you can enjoy your hot cup of chocolate and have fun creating your masterpiece.

Roxy Cinemas (City Walk and The Beach): These movie-watching hot spots are turning into winter wonderlands so you can enjoy a relaxed festive atmosphere as you watch the latest releases. There are also special dishes on the menu including Roxy Xmas turkey burgers and decadent red velvet cakes. The offer runs till December 26.

Yas Mall: When you shop in the largest mall in Abu Dhabi, you are in for a treat. There are special activities for the whole family in the run up to Christmas day, complete with roaming performers, Santa visits, gingerbread baking classes, a face-painting counter and more. A Snowball Zone with a 360-degree camera photo is available to snap the perfect picture, and kids can take pictures at the Elf Toy Factory.

Moscow Animation Film Festival: This weekend, from Thursday to Saturday, the Yard at Al Serkal Avenue in Dubai will play host to art, culture, cuisine and masterclasses all the way from Moscow.

Meadow: Check out an interactive dance performance-installation for children of aged between 6 and 18 months at The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates.

Gems Private School Oud Metha: This school is having a fete on Friday, from 2pm-10pm, where you can meet homegrown exhibitors and the little ones can enjoy activities such as face painting, balloon bending, bouncy castles, magic shows and train rides.