Winter Festivities: Where Should You Visit this Christmas? 

 

Christmas brings with itself mixed emotions, it is truly a moment in limbo. On one hand, it provides you with the opportunity to reflect upon the year that has been. And on the other, it allows you to pause and think about the goals and pursuits that you wish to undertake in the following year. It is natural to want to end the year on a high note and that is why we’ve come up with a list of s10 places in the United Arab Emirates, where you can visit to unwind, and gather a sense of serenity this Christmas.

• Global Village

The Global Village is a good family destination for entertainment as well as shopping purposes. It is located on Exit 37 of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road in DubaiLand. The Global Village shall be hosting its own unique seasonal celebrations during the month of December. 

The Global Village has been conceptualized as a multi-cultural theme park. There are upwards of 30 pavilions here, which allow you to get a glimpse of the diverse cultures of various countries ranging from the likes of India, Egypt, China, Russia and so on. The Russian Pavilion is a first at the Global Village, and it shall be setting up its platform from the 1st to the 8th of January. Guests can also visit the Mini Festive Market at Celebration Walk, to enjoy the treats and trinkets. 

• Dubai Festival City Mall

The Dubai Festival City Mall is a shopping mall which overlooks the Dubai Creek, and is renowned as a waterfront shopping and leisure destination. It also has plenty of other options such as a cinema, other hotels and restaurants. This is a perfect winter treat for families who are wishing to get away from the hustle of the routine corporate life.

Until the 30th of December, guests to the mall shall have the option of visiting the free festive set up. The children can enjoy activities such as an elf’s workshop, a letterbox through which they can address letters to their beloved Santa, an arts and crafts section that’s dedicated to occupying the kids’ attention and so on.

A Santa’s Grotto shall be the highlight of the facilities available in the mall, which shall allow the kids to meet and greet Santa from 5 to 9 p.m. each day.

• Festive Family fun at Madinat Jumeirah

The Madinat Jumeirah is like a mini-city. The whole area comprises luxury hotels, aesthetically beautiful souks and beachfront sites. One of the most beloved activities is the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market. It has been in operation from the 16th of December and shall be in operation unto the 30th of December. No attention shall be spared regarding the detail as far as the festive market is concerned. The market shall be spread out across an area of 1750 square kilometres. A huge Christmas tree of 36 feet shall be erected along with baubles, stars and candies. 

In addition, there are also plenty of festive foods and drinks that you can stack up on. There shall be miscellaneous arrangements that will be made, including a snow fight zone, a North Pole train ride, and a Venetian modification of the classic carousel for the enjoyment of the children as well as couples.

• Decorations at the Mall of the Emirates 

Developed by the Majid al Futtaim group, the Mall of the Emirates is famous for hosting the largest indoor snow park in the world. Mall of the Emirates shall be hosting the festive market that it hosts annually. Several features shall be on offer such as an LED Christmas tree that changes colours in the most mesmerizing way. Outside the mall is a giant Christmas tree that towers in front of the building, while inside there shall be a decorated Winter Wonderland with reindeer, faux snow and sculptures made out of candy cane.

• Celebration Around the World at Wafi Mall

As far as the celebrations in the Wafi Mall are concerned, it shall seek to usher in Christmas with its special Celebration Around the World at Wafi City. This will be held between 8th December to 24th December from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. They shall also be partnering with Rashid Centre for People of Determination in order to make this festive season an inclusive one. On the purchase of each Santa’s Grotto ticket, an advance of AED 5 shall be donated to the humanitarian organization.

• Classic Performances at the Dubai Opera

The Dubai Opera is the premier location for the performing arts in Dubai, celebrating the culture of arts and music and playing host to established performers as well as artistes. The world-class performing arts destination is home to some of the best opera shows in Dubai. As part of the Christmas celebrations, the Opera shall play host to popular renderings of Tchaikovsky’s songs, ranging from the likes of the Waltz of the Flowers to the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Performances shall include dancers from the Russian State Ballet who shall enact the famous story of the Nutcracker.

• Ice Rink at Dubai Harbour

Harbour Wonderland is Dubai’s latest Christmas market, which shall play host to attractions such as an outdoor ice rink, a Snow Park, a Santa Claus meeting station, in addition to an eight metre floating Christmas tree at Harbour Marina. The snow park has been built using artificial snow, and shall also feature a snowstorm machine, which is of an evaporative design, and is meant for usage at the ground level. It sprays evaporative snow, wonderfully creating the illusion of a realistic snowfall. There will also be arrangements for other family friendly games and activities.

• Habtoor Palace

The Habtoor Palace is situated on the banks of the Dubai Water Canal, and it houses sprawling gardens, two rooftop pools. There is no doubt that the Habtoor palace is the place to go, if you are looking for an outdoor garden to spend a peaceful Christmas in. The winter garden shall remain open up to March 31, 2022. For the foodies, arrangements shall be provided of popular Christmas snacks including gingerbread and hot chocolate. Prominent artistes and acrobats shall be visiting the palace for performances. The winter market shall be there from December 1 to the 31st from 5 p.m. till midnight.

• Festive traditions at Dubai Expo 2020 

From the days of December 20th to the 27th, the Dubai Expo 2020 shall light up with the objective of celebrating the tradition of Christmas with a modern flavour. Several country pavilions will be hosted at the Expo with the objective of giving visitors a taste of the inter-cultural diversity in Christmas celebrations. From the 25th of December, there shall be arrangements of 5 hip hop dance classes which shall also feature choreography, cardio and so on. These shall be organized at the Sport, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub from 5 to 9 p.m.

•  Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai happens to be the world’s third largest indoor slope dedicated to the purpose of skiing, and the third such facility to have been opened in the Middle East. There are different packages available for visitors ranging from the Daycation and Meet Santa to the Snow Cinema and Meet Santa. These shall come with benefit options such as a Christmas Movie in Snow Cinema, or a snow park plus rides, options for lockers and gloves and so on.

This Christmas, we hope you have a great time with your near and dear ones, and enjoy the festival in anticipation of a more fortunate next year. And to safeguard the future of your loved ones, explore our unique insurance plans designed to cater to your requirements.