From last-minute shopping to a meet-and-greet with Santa, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in the run-up to the holiday season. We cherry-pick the best festivals, parties and markets in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi
Here Comes Santa
Yas Marina, Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19
Watch Santa arrive at Yas Marina – in a boat. Father Christmas will bring a bag filled with goodies and be ready to collect letters and take selfies with youngsters between 3pm and 6pm. Yas Marina has been transformed into a winter wonderland for the occasion, with daily activities, games and a snowball zone. A tree-lighting ceremony will be held on Friday from 5pm. A winter market opens on Saturday at 1pm. Visit yasisland.ae.
Swiss Christmas Market Beach Rotana, Wednesday until Saturday, December 9-12
The Beach Rotana has a Swiss village with 40 wooden "chalets" selling ornaments, decorative gifts, handicrafts and snacks, in an event organised by the Swiss Business Council and Embassy of Switzerland. Don't forget to sample Swiss delicacies such as raclette – a potato and cheese dish – and, of course, fondue. All proceeds from the chocolates stall will be doubled by the Swiss Business Council and donated to the Special Care Centre Abu Dhabi, a non-profit school for children with special needs. Kiddie activities include storytelling sessions and an open-air cinema. Visit www.swissbcuae.com for more details.
Tree-lighting ceremony
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Tuesday, December 8
The Sofitel Christmas tree will be ablaze with fairy lights today, accompanied by the sweet sound of the children’s choir from the Maestro Music and Arts Centre. Santa will also pay a visit, and there will be Christmas treats and a gingerbread house. The ceremony begins at 6pm.
Baby’s First Christmas The Dome, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Saturday, December 12
Make Christmas with your newborn memorable at The Dome, Abu Dhabi. The party for new parents will feature carols, comedians dressed as snowmen and a giant decorated Christmas tree. At 10am for parents with babies aged between 7 and 13 months, and 11.30am for those with babies six months and under. Tickets from Dh100 at www.babysensory.ae.
Dubai
The Christmas Carnival
Dubai Creek Park, Gate 1, Saturday, December 12
Pick up one-of-a-kind gifts from artisanal vendors at The Christmas Carnival on Saturday. While you shop and place advance Christmas orders, the kids will be kept occupied with face painting, games and telling Santa what presents they would like. From noon until 5.30pm. For more information, see the group's Facebook events page.
Raffles Christmas Market Raffles Dubai Saturday, December 12
Nothing spells a warm Christmas better than hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, turkey nuggets and mince pies. You’ll find all that and more at Raffles roof this weekend. The Raffles Garden will be decked out for an open-air market, and there will be face painting, balloon bending and a bouncy castle for the children.
Dubai Winter Festival Outdoor Plaza, World Trade Centre, December 17-19
If a white Christmas is on your wish list this year, head to the Dubai Winter Festival where you can meet Santa, make a snowman and have snowball fights. Also visit Santa's Grotto, take part in a tree-lighting ceremony and sign up for festive workshops. Tickets also include entry to the BBC Good Food Show Dubai. Tickets cost from Dh75 for adults and Dh35 for children at www.dubaiwinterfestival.com.
BBC Good Food Show Dubai
Dubai World Trade Centre December 17-19
Get tips on how to make a Christmas dinner at the inaugural BBC Good Food Show. With celebrity chefs, seasonal and regional producers, local and international cuisine and workshops, there is something for every food lover. The highlight is Supertheatre, with cooking sessions led by Paul Hollywood and Atul Kochhar. The show is modelled on the popular BBC Good Food Shows held around the world. Tickets are from Dh125 at www.bbcgoodfoodshowdubai.com
Ras Al Khaimah
Holiday Feast for Everyone
Al Qasimi Foundation
Gas Building, Level 3, Ras Al Khaimah
December 15
An open event for anyone interested in learning more about Christmas traditions, this feast at Al Qasimi Foundation will also serve as an icebreaker for residents and a place for locals and expatriates to mingle over a traditional holiday meal. Register at events@alqasimifoundation.rak.ae or call 07 233 8060.
aahmed@thenational.ae
