Christmas 2021 in UAE: Where kids can meet Santa Claus

We wish you a Merry Christmas … with presents aplenty and of course, Santa Claus. The entire month is full of fun, festive opportunities and here’s a look at some that the kids will love. Besides sing-alongs and tree lighting ceremonies, these picks will also offer children to bump into ol’ St. Nick.

Aventura Parks: Dubai’s largest zipline park is offering X-mas spirit with a difference. There’s a tree-lighting ceremony taking place on December 18 at 7pm, followed by Christmas carols, the chance to meet Santa – and of course, some outdoor adventure.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai: Sing along to a merry band as the night comes on and Santa Claus makes at appearance when you eat at Suq Restaurant on Christmas Eve. The buffet promises traditional treats, from lovely roasts to grand desserts. Kids under five eat for free.

Atlantis, The Palm: Treat yourself to the Cirque de Cuisine: Christmas Edition, which offers an all-you-can-eat buffet across ten restaurants. You can nosh on food from Nobu by Nobu Matsuhisa, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza, Chris Malone’s award-winning underwater restaurant Ossiano, Ronda Locatelli by Giorgio Locatelli and the Michelin star Cantonese restaurant, Hakkasan. There’s plenty of entertainment to be had here too; think cool performances, gravity-defying stunts and elaborate costumes, including an underwater Santa's grotto in The Lost Chambers Aquarium, live music and DJs in all restaurants as well as magicians and Santa's dancing elves. This offer is available on Thursday, from 7pm to 11pm.

Expo 2020 Dubai: Meet Santa and his little helpers, send letters to St. Nick and see thematic entertainment at the world’s greatest show. There are Al Wasl Christmas Shows every evening that see Santa and ‘snow fall’. Plus, if you head to the Finland Pavilion between December 17 and 22 from 11am to 8pm, you can meet and take pictures with Santa.

Dubai Mall: On December 16 and 17, Santa is going a-visiting to Candylicious from 5pm to 7pm. Take a picture and shop for that much-needed candy fix.

Couqley French Bistro & Bar: On December 18, from 1.30pm-3pm, you can enjoy holiday tunes, photo opportunities and a special present for the little ones – literally; Santa will be distributing gifts. The Winter Menu, available until January 15 – except on December 31 – includes dishes such as Escargots De Bourgogne and roast turkey.

Bab Al Shams: Head to this stunning resort and you’ll find you’ve made a good choice of spot to spend Christmas day – the brunch has delicious traditional roast turkey, live cooking stations, live entertainment and the must-have visit from Santa Claus, who comes bearing presents. There are also plenty of activities at Al Forsan’s Christmas Day brunch, which runs from 1pm-4.40pm. Looking for something to do all-day over the winter break instead? No problem – this resort is hosting a Desert Festive Market with a 40-foot tree and Christmas carol singers from December 10 to 21, from 6pm to 10pm. Santa’s on the ground too – and each child gets a gift!

READY SET GO!: The soft play area has undergone a transformation and now looks like a holiday hub complete with Winter Town Decorations, Christmas-themed activities, festive sing-alongs and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus.

The H Dubai: Bring friends and family to the festive table of Eat & Meet where you can enjoy a brunch with seasonal favourites, live entertainment – and a kids’ section rich in child-centric activities such as face painting and cookie decoration. As a special treat, Santa will make a special appearance. Timing: 1pm-4.30pm on December 25.

Pascal Tepper: Continue the merriment with a fabulous festive brunch, including a live turkey carving station and array of exquisite desserts. Little ones will be in for a treat with a face painting station and Santa Claus himself scheduled to visit with gifts.

Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers: Check out the Christmas brunch – from 12.30pm-3.30pm - at Paros on Christmas Day and you can expect a meet and greet with Santa and a live performance by DJ Rain.

Marriott Al Forsan: Indulge in a Christmas Eve dinner with international favorites at the restaurant Khayal. Showcasing a glistening selection of festive dishes across lavish buffet sections with six live cooking stations, beautiful décor, festive beverages and a visit from Santa. The dinner is on from 6.30pm to 11pm

Dukes The Palm - Great British Restaurant: Head over to Dukes The Palm - Great British Restaurant for breakfast, from 10am-11am, between December 17 and 24, and you may just run into Santa. Post a greet, you can enroll your child at the Dukesy Kids Club, which has a host of activities to keep the little ones entertained all day.

Santa Meet and Greet at Ski Dubai: Santa Claus is coming to town and guests will have the chance to meet the man himself and his merry elves at his grotto until December 25. This is the perfect way for the young and young at heart to get in the Christmas spirit and includes a festive gift bag, signature hot chocolate and a photo to capture the special moment. Cost: Dh125.