Are you considering Abu Dhabi for Christmas this winter? Abu Dhabi is a magical place to visit at Christmas time, and make no mistake, even though you are in a Muslim country, the festive season is very widely celebrated in the UAE capital.
Abu Dhabi is the perfect destination if you’re seeking some sunshine for your Christmas celebrations. It seamlessly blends beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and a good dose of Santa celebrations. Here’s what you can expect.
- Abu Dhabi Weather at Christmas
- Family Christmas Events in Abu Dhabi 2026
- Christmas Markets in Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Christmas Events For The Grown-Ups
- Festive Tree Lighting Ceremonies
- Christmas Afternoon Tea
- Gingerbread House Workshops in Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Christmas Brunch
- Places to Get A Photo With Santa in Abu Dhabi
- Religious Services in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Weather at Christmas
December in Abu Dhabi brings with it mild weather,largely blue skies and sunny days, perfect for outdoor adventures.
Abu Dhabiโs average daytime maximum temperature in December is a pleasant 24.7ยฐC (76.5ยฐF), with highs as much as 31.6ยฐC (88.9ยฐF) and average lows overnight down to 20.1ยฐC (68.2ยฐF).
In December, you should expect sea temperatures from 27.4ยฐC (79.3ยฐF); dropping to 22.5ยฐC (74.4ยฐF) by month-end. Local’s will tell you it’s really cold by Christmas for swimming in the Gulf, but rest assured, resorts and hotels will keep their pools temperature-controlled year-round for a comfortable visit!
Family Christmas Events in Abu Dhabi 2026
Please note this Christmas guide is yet to be fully updated for 2026: Event-related information listed below may still pertain to 2025 but will give you a good guide as to what happens in the capital over the festive season
So now that you’ve booked to come to Abu Dhabi at Christmas time, what sort of events can you expect to get you in the Festive spirit? We’ve compiled a selection of the best festive season events in Abu Dhabi for December 2025.
Winter Wonderland at Snow Abu Dhabi (2025)
A long-standing classic family festive event in Dubai can now be found at the new branch of Ski Dubai, Snow Abu Dhabi at Reem Central Mall.
Here, you’ll find a Santa Grotto with a Santa meet-and-greet, including a Christmas goodie bag and hot chocolate. You can also enjoy fun adventures in the snow park, including Snow Movies, snowman building, and Breakfast with Santa.
(NB Due to the cold conditions, entry to Santas Grotto starts from 2 years of age)
Timing & Pricing
- Tickets go on sale from 1 December for dates 12-25 December 2025
- Packages start from AED 165 for a standard meet and greet (early bird AED 130 for booking 4-13 December) through to AED 499 for a Family Pass up to a group of 4.
- Breakfast with Santa from 14-25 December 2025, ideal with younger kids ; AED 80 per child.
Learn more and pre-register at snowabudhabi.com
Breakfast With Santa & Brunch with the Grinch (2025)
Special Christmas celebrations are always held at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi. These two family-focused events will occur every weekend in December.
Join in with storytelling, Christmas Carol singalongs, and a chance to meet Santa Claus himself at this wonderful morning event to get your younger kids especially involved in the spirit of Christmas. This year, they have also added a Saturday Grinch-themed brunch for families.
Timing & Pricing
- Breakfast with Santa is held on selected dates throughout December (1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th December from 7:00 am to 10:30 am)
- Children 2-3 years AED 75-100, children 4-16 years AED 100-125, adults AED 125-150 – purchase tickets on VirginTickets
- Brunch with the Grinch is held every Saturday in December (6th, 13th, 20th) 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
- Under 2, free; Children 2-3 AED 75-100; 4-16 years AED 125-150, Adult Soft AED 175-250 – purchase tickets on Virgin Ticket
NB differential pricing here is based on seating with better views of the action up close, vs seating on the loft/mezzanine floor.
Yas Winter Fest (2025)
This fantastic festive event will take place over 10 days at a new, at Yas Gateway Park. It will include many festive sing-alongs, winter-themed activities, gingerbread-making sessions, a snow park for the kids, and some cooking classes for the adults! It will be topped off with a special appearance by Santa and a nightly fireworks display.
Timing & Pricing
- 12 to 21 December 2025 – Open daily from 4:00 pm to 11:00 PM
- Entry Fee: AED 25
Abu Dhabi Mall Winter Village (2025)
Abu Dhabi Mall will be transformed into a magical winter village from 12th December until 5th January, with lots of festive offers, roaming entertainment, and the chance to meet Santa!
- From the 12th to the 24th December, customers can visit the winter market – the perfect place to pick up handcrafted gifts and decorations, 11.00 am until 10.00 pm.
- Children can visit Santa for free with a mall purchase of 50 AED + (excluding Co-Op & the Festive Market) between the 12th and 25th December. Daily, 11.00 am until 3.00 pm and 4.00 pm until 8.00 pm.
- Exclusive retail offers for children at Fun City (35% discount on single entry to the play zone), Apple Tree Garden Games (50% off on the first hour of play), RFLCT (50% discount on arts and crafts workshops), Xtreme Zone (50% discount on a 1 hour trampoline session, or 1 hour of play), Studiyo Lab (50% discount on up to 3 hours of Tinker Shed workshops), Tavola (25% off one gingerbread house kit).
- From the 26th to the 29th, there will be live entertainment including roaming toy soldiers (11.00am, 2.00pm & 6.30pm), Angels of Light Ballet (12.00pm, 3.00pm & 6.00pm), The Nutcracker Parade 1.00pm (not Friday), 4.00pm and 7.30pm. There will also be a saxophone duo playing live at 5.00 pm and 8.15 pm.
Al Maryah Winter Wonderland (2025)
Whilst activities may be inside the Mall rather than along the waterfront, the Galleria is still promising a magical escape into a winter wonderland this festive season.
From the 6 to the 26 December families can enjoy the whimsical festive wonderland installations throughout the mall, which include cloud catching, letters to Santa, arts and crafts and lots of festive games. There will, of course, also be the chance to meet Santa!
Galleria Santas Grotto
Up until the 24th December, little ones can meet Santa in one of the best meet and greets in the city. Theyโll also receive a Polaroid photo, special Santa badge and candy! For more details on how to book a spot, click here.
- Santa 6 to 24 December, North Atrium, Ground Floor, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (TBC 2025)
- The tree lighting ceremony at Galleria will take place on 6 December from 7:00 PM
- You can turn up without a booking and queue, but it’s always best to pre-book: 10-minute time slots are available at thegalleria.ae from 3 December 2025.
Waterfront Winter at Yas Bay (2024 – TBC 2025)
Come and enjoy the festive boardwalk at Yas Bay this winter, with market stalls, a children’s Craft Corner, a weekend Festive Cirque Parade, and a chance to meet Santa and his Elves (14th and 24th only). If you miss Santa, there’s also a Santa mail box on the Pier Promenadeโget kids involved in a candy cane hunt on their way!
Timing and Pricing
- 9 December to 9 January 2025
- The market operates Monday – Thursday, 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Friday to Sunday, Midday to Midnight
- Tree lighting ceremony 7:00 PM on 14 December 2024
- Free entry – find further information and events schedule here
Masdar City Winter Festival (2025)
This fun family event occurs a few days before Christmas at Central Park, Masdar City. A 12-meter-tall tree takes center stage while kids participate in festive activities, including gingerbread house-making and a Christmas bookmark workshop. The big man is expected to appear and look out for the roaming street act, Choco Loco Carnival.
Timing and pricing
- 22 to 24 December, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Entry is free, paid activities
Ferrari World Winter Fest (2025)
This year’s Winterfest will include an ice skating show, live acrobatics, a treasure hunt, live entertainment, and a giant Christmas tree. There will also be arts and crafts and the chance to build your own gingerbread house (this must be booked in advance and involves an extra fee).
Timing and pricing
- 6 December 2025 to 11 January 2026
- Included as part of your General Admission entry to Ferrari World
Winter Spectacular at WB World (2025)
You can also celebrate Christmas with Batman and Bugs Bunny at Warner Bros. Worldโs Winter Spectacular!
Beautiful decorations, magical Christmas shows, and many other festive treats exist. Expected additional shows, including Merry Mayhem, Daffy’s Dance Party, Jingle Bell Rock, and Naughty or Nice with the Joker and Harley Quinn.
Timing and pricing
- 6 December 2025 to 11 January 2026
- Included as part of your General Admission entry to Warner Brothers World
SeaWonder Celebration (2025)
Guests can enjoy enchanting performances, festive meet-and-greets, and delicious treats as they tour SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
Some of the highlights include an immersive live show featuring whimsical ocean friends, a variety of arts and craft activities and the chance to see nesting penguins. Kids can also meet with Mr. Wonder in his underwater grotto.
Timing & Pricing
- 7 December to 11 January 2026
- Included as part of your General admission to SeaWorld
Fa La La Land Reem Mall
In addition to the Santa meet and greet experience at Ski Abu Dhabi, on the Ground Floor Atrium of Reem Mall, you can enter Fa La La land.
Here, you can write letters to Santa, enjoy a play zone with arts and crafts, donate toys to Make a Wish, enjoy complimentary gift wrapping (1 per person).
Timing & Pricing
- 6 to 24 December 2025,
- Free entry – learn more here
Winter Festival at Al Qana
Waterside venue Al Qana (Between the Bridges area) is holding a Winter Festival at Piazza 7. Expect festive decorations, roaming entertainers and fun kids workshops (Friday and Saturdays).
Timing & Pricing
- 12 to 31 December 2025, daily 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Free entry, paid activities
Christmas Markets in Abu Dhabi
WEADS Jingle Bells Market (2024)
This family event at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi is the perfect way to kick off the festive season with 60+ local artisans selling their crafts in one venue. Carrollers will add to the atmosphere, along with a live band and Santa’s visit. There will also be a grape tasting, a Gin Bar, and fun family activities.
Timing & Pricing
- TBC – may not run in 2025
- Free entry
Mirbad Express at Erth (2025)
Traditionally they have held Ramadan markets, we’re now seeing a festive winter event emerge which involves local vendors, an ice skating rink, roving performers, workshops and snow effects.
Timing & Pricing
- 5 to 14 December, 4:00 PM to Midnight daily
- 85 AED per person (under 12’s free)
Christmas Market Under The Dome (2024 – TBC 2025)
Enter Emirates Palace’s winter wonderland for a luxury Abu Dhabi Christmas market featuring artisan crafts and gourmet food, including traditional treats such as sugar cookies, gingerbread, and mulled wine. You’ll also find festive entertainment, such as Santa’s Grotto.
Timing & Pricing
- 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on 5-8 & 24-26 December 2024
- Free entry – more information, email moauh-restaurants@mohg.com or call 02 690 7999
Seasons Market by Grand Millennium (2024 – TBC 2025)
Taking place outside Grand Millennium Al Wadha Abu Dhabi, this weekly market in the lead-up to Christmas is the perfect spot for picking up some handy craft gifts. Food and beverages can be purchased from Laylai and 90 Centigrade cafe.
- 1 November to Christmas, every Friday and Saturday, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Entry Free
Royal M Hotel by Gewan (2024 – TBC 2025)
Foodies on the lookout for festive treats, try this unique Christmas Street Food Market.
Timing & Pricing
- 13 December, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- AED 100 pp
- WhatsApp 050 1064056 or email admin.rmad@royalmhotels.com for more information
Abu Dhabi Christmas Events For The Grown-Ups
Easy Tiger (2024 – TBC 2025)
We have two fun events on the cards for the party venue, Easy Tiger at the Ali Pali!
- Bad Santa Christmas Party – after brunch party on 7 December: AED 199 for unlimited beverages
- Dylan & Dillon’s Friday Night Christmas Cracker – a fun twist on their regular Friday Night Takeaway, enjoy Christmas party games and festive surprises, including a visit from Santa! Wear your festive best for prizes.
Christmas Karaoke With Charlie at the Club
Warm up those vocal cord for a fun evening of sing along; members and non members welcome (AED 50/AED 85) with welcome drinks – book tickets here
Christmas Jumper Party at McCafferty’s (2024 – TBC 2025)
Always reliable party venue McCafferty’s, found under the Hilton on Yas Island, will be cranking up the festive beats for a fabulous party on 6 December. Come in your favourite festive sweater and mingle with the post-Grand Prix crowd!
Timing & Pricing
- Friday, 6 December from 6:00 PM
- You can fill your stomach and add a pre-brunch from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM for AED 169
- Learn more here
Christmas Jumper Party at Porter’s English Pub (2024 – TBC 2025)
It’s still worth packing those daggy woollen sweaters for Abu Dhabi so you can attend a Christmas Jumper Party! Enjoy a free drink and an ร la carte menu with live music from Metro Band and a DJ. Prizes are on offer for the best-dressed.
Timing & Pricing
- 14 December 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM (Under 21’s only after 9:00 pm)
- No entry fee (a la carte menu available)
- Grand Millennium Al Wadha
Festive Tree Lighting Ceremonies
There are too many to list, but there are simply loads of opportunities to get involved in festive tree-lighting ceremonies at hotels across the city. Christmas carolers and Santa appearances usually accompany these elaborate displays.
They usually start as soon as the Eid Al Etihad Holiday Celebrations (December 1-2) are finished – though we’ll wait to see how the late Grand Prix 5-7 December this year impacts these timings.
Some of the prominent tree-lighting ceremonies in Abu Dhabi we’re aware of this year include:
- Emirates Palace – 5 December 2025 6:00 PM
- Fairmont Bab Al Bahr – 8 December 2025 from 6:00 PM
- Hilton Yas Island – 12 December 2025 6:00 PM
- Rixos Marina – 4 December 2025 5:00 PM
- St. Regis on the Corniche – 5 December 2025 6.00 PM
- Yas Links Golf Club – 12 December 2025 6:00 PM ( – paid event with buffet and free-flowing beverages)
- Galleria – 6 December 2025 from 7:00 pm
- Vogo (Abu Dhabi Golf Resort) – TBC December from 5:00 PM – paid event with canapes
- WB Hotel – 5 December 2025 from 6:30 PM
- Dusit Thani – 5 December 2025 from 6:00 PM
- Yas Winter Fest – 6:30 PM nightly from 12 to 21 December
- Yas Plaza Hotels – 12 December 2025 7:00 PM – with gluhwein and other treats!
Christmas Afternoon Tea
Another lovely festive thing to do in Abu Dhabi is to indulge in afternoon tea. Most hotels offer afternoon tea throughout the year, but in December, they transform into fun and festive arrays of mince pies, yule logs, and seasonal sandwiches.
Whilst there are many teas on offer, you won’t be disappointed by the following venues:
- St. Regis on the Corniche – call +971 2 694 4444
- St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort – call +971 2 498 8888
- The Rosewood, Al Maryah Island – call +971 2 813 5550
- Alba at The Ritz-Carlton – call +971 2 818 8888
- The Emirates Palace – call +971 2 690 9000
- Conrad at Etihad Towers – call +971 2 811 5555
- Lobby Lounge Marriott Al Forsan (1 Dec to 7 Jan) 02 201 4000 ~ AED 120 or 2 people AED 230
- Andaz Lounge Festive Tea Experience 2 December to 5 January from 3 pm to 6 pm daily, AED 300 for 2 – call 050 765 6435
- Le Cafe at Sofitel Festive Le Goรปter Afternoon Tea – 4 pm to 6 pm daily throughout December, AED195 for 2 – call 02 813 7777
Gingerbread House Workshops in Abu Dhabi
Many hotels offer childrenโs activities like gingerbread decorating alongside their afternoon teas. Some even have fully-fledged gingerbread house-making workshops. Not all have been confirmed for 2024, but we know that they will be taking place at the following hotels:
- St Regis Saadiyat – 6 December 2025, 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm
- Giornotte at The Ritz-Carlton – Workshops available daily – call 02 818 8888 for more details. AED 200.
- Sim Sim at Saadiyat Rotana – 14 & 21 December 2025, 2.00 pm until 4.00 pm AED 225 per child
- Al Wathba Desert Resort – 6 December 2025, 3.00 pm until 5.00 pm, AED 150 per child
Itโs always wise to phone the major hotels to see whether they have added any last-minute workshops, as they are not always widely advertised.
Jones the Grocer is always worth checking out, too. They offer not only Gingerbread workshops suitable for kids (AED 149) but also on occasion adult Masterclasses including festive Cheese and Charcuterie Wreaths (AED 249).
Abu Dhabi Christmas Brunch
Are you after a traditional family meal packed full of festive dishes? Then you’re in luck, as Abu Dhabi restaurants put on a spectacular feast.
The most popular Christmas Day Brunches in Abu Dhabi book up fast, so if you’re reading this in December, you may be a little late to the party. Conversely, the venues are terrible at advertising promptly, so capturing some converted Christmas Brunch seats is a fine art of timing and persistence!
Brunch in Abu Dhabi for Christmas usually features a live-cooking Turkey carvery. Many will also include an appearance by Santa and accompanying carol singers.
We share over here a guide to our favourite Abu Dhabi Christmas Brunches and dining deals for the major celebrations over the festive season.
You may also want to check out our list of Christmas Eve brunches. Given that Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday (still a work day in the United Arab Emirates, not a public holiday), Christmas Eve this year could be a great option for many looking to taste the festive season.
Orthodox Christmas in Abu Dhabi
Although retailers and the hospitality sector focus primarily on Catholic Christmas on 25 December, many of the venues in our brunch listing will also organise specific festive celebrations on 7 January – contact individual venues for more information.
We also have a guide to the best New Year’s Eve events in Abu Dhabi you’ll want to book now!
Places to Get A Photo With Santa in Abu Dhabi
We’ve mentioned several places to meet Santa in this article, but to help summarise and distinguish between free and paid opportunities, we’ll conclude with an Abu Dhabi Santa listing! (correct at time of publishing!)
- Breakfast with Santa – various December dates as stated above at Le Royal Meridien – by reservation only, paid event
- Yas Winter Fest – included with event entry, queue on the day
- Snow Abu Dhabi – Reem Mall – reservations essential, paid from AED 160
- Santa’s Grotto at Galleria, Al Maryah Island. There’s a Santa letterbox here, too – reservations are recommended; you can sometimes get walk-in slots
- Cafe Columbia at Beach Rotana will offer Santa photo sessions daily from 3 pm to 9 pm (15 to 24 December) – we believe this is free!
Unconfirmed regulars include Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas Mall, and World Trade Centre. We expect they will announce something at the last minute.
There are also many tree lightings during December and brunches where Santa will appear on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We’ve seen him arrive on a camel at the Ritz Carlton, in a sports car at W Hotel, and by golf buggy at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort – it will undoubtedly be a unique and memorable experience for your family.
Religious Services in Abu Dhabi
- St Josephโs Mass Timings
- St Paulโs, Masaffah Mass Timings
- St Andrewโs Mass Timings
- Grace Church General Information
Happy Christmas planning for your festive celebrations in the Middle East!
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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