Abu Dhabi’s Best Christmas Events, Brunches & Festive Nights

Good day, Abu Dhabi!

December in the capital doesn’t arrive quietly. Once National Day celebrations wind down, the city moves seamlessly into Christmas mode - hotels light up, winter festivals open their gates, Santa sightings begin across malls, and festive dining calendars start filling fast.

This isn’t a one-day celebration. Abu Dhabi’s Christmas season stretches across theme parks, waterfronts, cultural districts, malls, and resorts, offering everything from large-scale winter festivals to elegant, sit-down celebrations.

This Christmas Special is designed to help you plan properly - not just what’s on, but what’s actually worth doing.

Few places in Abu Dhabi do Christmas with the same sense of occasion as Emirates Palace. Once National Day celebrations wrap up, the Palace transitions fully into festive mode, with towering Christmas trees, classic décor, and a packed programme of Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas Day lunches.

Multiple restaurants across the property offer different dining styles - from elegant set menus to expansive festive spreads - all designed for long, unhurried celebrations. This is the option for those who want Christmas to feel like an event rather than just a meal.

📍 Location: Emirates Palace
⏰ Time: 18:30 - 22:30
🗓️ Date: Wed, 24 Dec - Thu, 25 Dec
💰 Cost: Varies by restaurant and package
👉 Christmas Eve Dinner
👉 Christmas Day Brunch

Ferrari World’s Winterfest is one of the city’s longest-running festive favourites. The park transforms with Christmas décor, live performances, ice-skating shows, and seasonal entertainment - all included with general admission.

It’s an ideal choice if you want to mix Christmas atmosphere with rides, indoor comfort, and high-energy entertainment.

📍 Location: Yas Island
🗓️ Date: Sat, 6 Dec - Sun, 11 Jan
💰 Cost: Included with general admission
👉 See Winterfest details

For families with younger children, Warner Bros. World’s Winter Spectacular is one of the most stress-free Christmas options in the city. Being fully indoors, it offers festive shows, themed décor, and character meet-and-greets without worrying about weather or long walks.

It’s festive, controlled, and easy to manage - especially for half-day plans.

📍 Location: Yas Island
💰 Cost: AED 221+
👉 Winter Spectacular info

If you want an actual winter setting, Snow Abu Dhabi delivers exactly that. The indoor snow park hosts festive programming throughout December, including Santa meet-and-greets, snow play zones, sledding, and seasonal shows.

It’s one of the most popular festive stops for families, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.

📍 Location: Reem Mall
🗓️ Date: Sat, 6 Dec - Sun, 11 Jan
💰 Cost: AED 215+
👉 Book Snow Abu Dhabi

The Galleria transforms into a winter wonderland throughout December, with festive installations, Santa’s Grotto, family workshops, games, and daily entertainment spread across the mall.

It’s an easy option if you want a festive atmosphere combined with dining and shopping in one place.

📍 Location: The Promenade, Al Maryah Island
🗓️ Date: Sat, 6 Dec - Fri, 26 Dec
⏰ Time: 16:00 - 22:00
💰 Cost: Free entry (paid activities inside)
👉 Find out more

Abu Dhabi Mall’s Winter Village brings a more traditional festive feel, with Christmas stalls, roaming entertainment, and Santa appearances scheduled throughout the season.

It’s especially popular with families looking for a lighter, less overwhelming festive outing.

📍 Location: Abu Dhabi Mall
⏰ Time: 10:00 - 00:00
🗓️ Date: Wed, 10 Dec - Sun, 4 Jan
💰 Cost: Free entry
👉 Details

Saadiyat Beach Club’s festive programme blends Christmas celebrations with a relaxed beachfront setting. From tree-lighting moments to Christmas Day brunch, this is where festive meets laid-back.

It’s one of the best options if you want Christmas without crowds or formality.

📍 Location: Saadiyat Island
🗓️ Ongoing till Thu, 25 Dec
💰 Cost: Varies by event
👉 Festive programme

Reem Mall’s festive zone is designed for families who want Christmas atmosphere without committing to a full festival. Fa La La Land brings together Santa letter-writing stations, craft corners, festive play zones, and light décor that feels cheerful without being overwhelming.

It works well as a shorter visit - especially if you’re pairing it with lunch, shopping, or a movie.

📍 Location: Reem Mall
🗓️ Date: Ongoing till Sun, 28 Dec
⏰ Time: 10:00 to 22:00
💰 Cost: Free entry (paid activities inside)
👉 Event details

Yas Bay’s winter programme focuses on atmosphere rather than rides. Expect festive décor along the boardwalk, pop-up stalls, roaming performers, craft activities for kids, and select Santa appearances throughout December.

It’s best experienced in the evening, paired with dinner at one of Yas Bay’s waterfront restaurants. Join them for a Christmas Brunch, priced at AED 349+ on Thu, 25 Dec.

📍 Location: Yas Bay Waterfront
💰 Cost: Free entry
👉 What’s on

While not a Christmas festival in the traditional sense, the Sheikh Zayed Festival runs through December and adds depth to the season with heritage performances, food stalls, fireworks, and large open-air family zones.

It’s a reminder that December in Abu Dhabi blends global celebrations with local culture - and it’s worth a visit if you want something beyond malls and brunches.

📍 Location: Al Wathba
💰 Cost: From AED 10+
👉 Festival details

For those seeking a slower festive pace, a visit to the Zayed National Museum during the holiday period offers a reflective counterbalance to the busier events across the city.

It’s especially suitable for families with older children or visitors who want to explore UAE history during a quieter time of year.

📍 Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
💰 Cost: Standard museum entry
👉 Plan your visit

Al Ain Winterland delivers a traditional winter fair atmosphere, with snow-themed attractions, festive rides, games, and family entertainment.

If you’re looking for a Christmas day trip outside the city that still feels fully festive, this is one of the strongest options.

📍 Location: Al Ain
💰 Cost: Ticketed entry
👉 Event info

Al Ain Adventure combines seasonal programming with outdoor activities, making it a good choice for families who prefer something more active than markets and malls.

📍 Location: Al Ain
🗓️ Date: Thu, 25 Dec - Fri, 26 Dec
💰 Cost: AED 65+
👉 Details

One of the season’s biggest concert bookings, this event brings together two iconic regional artists for a headline night at Etihad Arena.

If you’re planning one major evening out during Christmas week, this is the standout music option.

📍 Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
🗓️ Date: Sat, 27 Dec
💰 Cost: AED 150+
👉 Book tickets

One of the city’s most popular festive party nights, Easy Tiger hosts Christmas-themed events aimed squarely at adults looking to celebrate late into the evening. Join their “Naughty or Nice” party on Christmas Eve (Wed, Dec 24) & their “Santa Baby” party on Christmas Day (Thu, Dec 25)

📍 Location: Al Ain Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi
💰 Cost: AED 99+
👉 Check it out

A reliable favourite for casual festive nights out, featuring live music, themed drinks, and a lively crowd.

📍 Location: Yas Island
💰 Cost: AED 399+
👉 See more

Traditional Christmas menus, festive décor, and themed parties make Porter’s a solid option for a familiar holiday atmosphere.

📍 Location: Corniche
💰 Cost: À la carte
👉 Learn more

If your Christmas week is filling up fast, these are the most reliable picks:

• Yas Winter Fest for the full festive atmosphere
• Emirates Palace for a classic Christmas celebration
• Snow Abu Dhabi for a true winter experience
• Yas Bay Waterfront for relaxed festive evenings
• Sheikh Zayed Festival for culture and scale

A festive winter village with snow zones, markets, rides, and family-friendly entertainment across Expo City - a full Christmas atmosphere in one place.
👉 Check it out

A Christmas night experience combining live performances with a festive dinner in a theatrical setting, ideal for a seated Christmas plan.
👉 See more

A classic Christmas concert featuring live carols in a candlelit setting - relaxed, nostalgic, and perfect for the evening.
👉 See more

A lively, social Christmas Day brunch with festive food, drinks, and live entertainment across multiple Dubai locations.
👉 Check it out

Seasonal dining, Christmas brunches, and holiday décor by the beach for a polished, resort-style Christmas celebration.
👉 See more

This week’s weather in Abu Dhabi is very much Christmas-friendly, with mild winter temperatures and plenty of outdoor-friendly conditions. Daytime highs are expected to reach around 24–26°C, while evenings cool to 15–18°C, making it perfect for waterfront walks, outdoor dining, parks, and festive markets without the summer heat.

Skies will generally be mostly sunny or partly cloudy with very little precipitation expected, though brief light showers can occur given the seasonal weather patterns - so a light layer and an occasional umbrella can help if plans take you outside after sunset.

THAT’S A WRAP!

Abu Dhabi may not be known for snow, but this festive season, the city brings its own brand of holiday magic - from expansive winter festivals and family-centric experiences to elegant dinners, cultural concerts, and Christmas-day celebrations that feel relaxed rather than rushed. 

Whether you’re ticking off Yas Winter Fest with the kids, enjoying a beachfront Christmas brunch, or strolling waterfront markets as the sun sets over the Corniche, there’s space for both celebration and calm. The mild weather only sweetens the experience, making every outdoor event, market walk, and panoramic dinner feel comfortable and joyful.

Happy holidays, and here’s to a beautiful Christmas week in the capital. See you on Wednesday for everything you can do on the weekend and more!

– Matthias