5 Winter wonderlands to visit with children this winter break

Dubai: Making your list of things to do over the school winter break that starts this weekend? You will love this list of winter wonderlands that you can visit with your families this festive season.

1. Festival Bay – Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall will turn into a ‘Winter Wonderland’. Spend an evening at Santa’s log cabin, check out the Ice Maze where the Snow Queen awaits, and stroll through Winnie the Pooh’s Enchanted Festive Forest, the Valley of the Lights, and the Upside-Down Festive Tavern. Food enthusiasts can head to the Eats Square for festive treats, freshly baked mince pies, cupcakes, cookies, turkey kebabs, and more. Children can take part in all the Christmas-themed activities and carolling, and also meet legendary characters including the Gingerbread Man, Jack Frost, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Reindeer.

2. Winter Wonderland at The Green Planet: The Green Planet Dubai and Nature Park unveiled a festive Winter Wonderland from December 6 to January 7. Guests can meet and greet Santa and expect encounters with the ‘Friends of The Green Planet’, Dubai’s mascots. Visitors can also enjoy Christmas carols in collaboration with the Centre for Musical Arts on December 11 at 4pm. Check out the Christmas Tree made of recycled material and the eco-friendly snowfall at Nature Park and Biodome. And, visit the Festive Market at Rainforest Café. Children are welcome to participate in daily Santa's workshops from Friday to Sunday. Here, they can decorate Christmas cards using sustainable materials and showcase their artistic skills. They can write their letters to Santa, who will choose one letter on January 7, 2024, and make one kid’s wish come true. For those looking for a unique festive present, The Green Planet Dubai offers them the opportunity to make an 'Adopt an Animal' donation on behalf of loved ones or purchase a The Green Planet Dubai gift card. But that’s not all! Nature lovers can also explore the Nature Park’s nine vibrant botanical gardens, treehouse adventure trails, skyline walks, and nine viewing platforms designed for youngsters. Guests can visit the ‘The Green Planet Dubai Winter Wonderland’ with a Nature Park day pass for Dh69 per person from 10am to 6pm.

3. Winter playdates: Dubai Mums Meet, a community for mothers and children based in Dubai, will host winter wonderland playdates till December 9. The Dubai Mums Meet team will keep your little one engaged as they post those important letters to Santa and build a snowman. Playdate on Friday, December 8 will be hosted outdoors at Victory Heights from 3.30 to 5pm. And, on Saturday, December 9, indoors at BohoX Downtown from 9.30 to 11am. Join the team on December 18, for a magical adventure as author Kathy Urban reads her new Hop Lola Hop storybook at City Walk from 3.30 to 5pm.

4. Magical mini wonderland at OliOli: It’s officially winter season at OliOli, with the opening of their much-loved temporary exhibition: Magical Winterland. The installation is designed to bring the magic of miniature models to families and children. The immersive attraction features more than 700 miniature pieces including animated buildings, scenic landscapes, wizardly worlds, model trains, and a fun-filled carnival, all nestled against the backdrop of enchanting snow-capped mountains. There is also a new magical winter lodge to explore – where families will find creative winter-themed activities and a picturesque view of the miniature wintery town. Children can also take part in a magical scavenger hunt, where they can spot wintery moments in the gallery, and solve the hunt for a special treat from the OliOli cafe.

5. Snow Abu Dhabi’s first ever Winter Wonderland: Snow Abu Dhabi will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland from December 1 to 25, where guests can enjoy a line-up of family-friendly activities surrounded by real snow. Santa Claus is coming to town and guests will have the chance to meet him and his merry elves at the venue. Enjoy a special meet-and-greet with the Meet Santa package priced at Dh150, which includes a surprise gift made by Santa’s elves, signature hot chocolate, fleece gloves, and a printed photo to capture the moment. The Snow Park and Meet Santa package priced at Dh295 will include a special meet-and-greet and printed photo with Santa Claus, a surprise gift made by Santa’s elves, signature hot chocolate, fleece gloves, and one-time access to the Snow Park. Choose from over 20 Enchanted Forest-themed rides including the Crystal Carousel, Polar Express Train, Flight of the Snowy Owl, Snowflake Garden, and Enchanted Tree. Looking for a festive breakfast spot? Enjoy a merry Breakfast with Santa for Dh150, at The Lodge located inside Snow Abu Dhabi. Indulge in festive treats such as Snowman Pancakes and signature hot chocolate served daily at 8am. Perfect for families with little ones below two years old, this package includes one breakfast dish and a beverage from a wide-ranging menu. Bookings can be made on Snow Abu Dhabi’s website.