Christmas in Abu Dhabi: Where to celebrate the jolly season!
After the long weekend of National Day celebrations, Abu Dhabi residents are gearing up for the big Christmas party! If you’re looking for the best ways to celebrate this Christmas in Abu Dhabi 2024, these are the best events in the capital that you don’t want to miss out on.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING IN ABU DHABI
The best way to get into the Christmas spirit is to attend the Christmas tree lighting in Abu Dhabi 2024. Here’s a roundup of all the places where you can witness the magic.
YAS LINKS ABU DHABI
A spectacular tree-lighting event will happen at Yas Links, one of the top golf courses in Abu Dhabi. Visit The Lawn at Yas Links on the 15th of December for the enchanting lighting of the Christmas Tree.
From 07:00 pm to 10:00 pm, enjoy the delicious backyard barbecue, with a live festive melodies and Christmas carollers. The little ones can enjoy a bunch of activities and of course, a special appearance from Santa Claus will top it all off.
Packages:
- Soft: AED 169
- House: AED 299
- Children (5 to 12 years old): AED 120 (Free for under 5)
On Christmas day, from noon to 04:00 pm, you can enjoy a festive buffet featuring live stations and enjoy free-flowing beverages. Kids activities include a special meet-and-greet with Santa, balloon twisting, goodie bags, face painting and a bouncy castle.
Packages:
- Soft: AED 320
- Sparkling Champagne to be purchased separately: AED 420
Member’s discount is applicable on both days. Prior booking is required.
- Location: Yas Links, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-404-3077
YAS ACRES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
The Tree Lighting Ceremony at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club is truly one of a kind. You can indulge in a festive roast, listen to jolly songs and have a surprise visit from Father Christmas. Plenty of activities will keep your little ones occupied, too!
It is scheduled for the 14th of December, 06:00 pm onwards.
Packages:
- Members: AED 89
- Guests: AED 99
- Children (5 to 12 years old): AED 75 (Under 5 go free)
You can also attend the Christmas Day brunch from 12:30 pm to 04:00 pm. A lavish buffet with free-flowing beverages and a meet and greet with Santa, a jolly good day. For the kids, there would be slime making, face painting, a bouncy castle, arts and crafts and much more.
Packages:
- Soft: AED 320
- House: AED 420
- Children (5 to 12 years old): AED 150 (Under 5 go free)
Advance booking is required.
- Location: Yas Acres Golf & Country Club
- Contact: +971-50-757-4808
YAS WINTER FEST
Get ready to embrace the joyous spirit of the holiday season at the Yas Winter Fest. From the 13th to 22nd December, you can enjoy a host of activities including a snow park, carnival rides, festive market, outdoor winter cinema, non-stop stage shows, Santa sightings, daily tree lighting and much more.
- Single day tickets: Children (Age 3 to 12) AED 20 | Adults: AED 25
- Season tickets: Children: AED 85 | Adults: AED 110
- Location: Yas Gateway Park North
- Contact: Official website
CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN ABU DHABI 2024
The whole family comes together at Christmas to enjoy festive meals, exchange gifts and sing carols. The little ones are excited about meeting Santa and receiving their favourite candies and presents. Here are some family-friendly Christmas events in Abu Dhabi that you can’t miss!
ELF THE MUSICAL
Bring your friends and family for a sparkling evening at Etihad Arena, Yas Bay one of the best Christmas events in Abu Dhabi 2024!
Elf The Musical Arena Spectacular will have the family humming and signing together. Join in as Jordan Conway playing Buddy the Elf, narrates the musical journey of Buddy from the North Pole to New York City.
- Tickets: From AED 75 to AED 775
- Date: 14th and 15th December
- Location: Etihad Arena
- Contact: 600-511-115
WARNER BROS. WORLD
Your holiday parties will be a whole lot of fun this year! Visit Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi for the “Winter Spectacular” event and get up close with your favourite Looney Tunes characters. With performances of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Flintstones, Scooby-Doo and Shaggy, The Joker and Harley Quinn, Batman and Black Canary, this will be a memorable event.
- Tickets: From AED 252
- Date: From 7th December to 5th January
- Location: Yas Island
- Contact: 600-511-115
FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI
Do we hear jingle bells? That must be from the “Winterfest” at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. From the Advent Calendar giveaway with Bella and Jack to Jingle with Gio, loads of entertainment is stored up for the family.
There are countless activities for the little ones, including the snow playground, gingerbread factory and the festive trees and treats.
- Tickets: From AED 252
- Date: From 7th December to 5th January
- Location: Yas Island
- Contact: 600-511-115
GRAND HYATT ABU DHABI
A number of festive events are scheduled at the Grand Hyatt. On the big day, you can enjoy live music, kids activities, a popcorn station and Santa himself at Verso. An Italian menu and a kids buffet make the day perfect.
- Tickets: Soft – AED 279 | Hard – AED 379
- Date & timings: 25th December, from 06:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Location: Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-510-1234
SNOW PARK ABU DHABI
There’s a new snow park on the block!! Enter the magical wonderland of Snow Park Abu Dhabi, where breathtaking rides, snowflake garden and much more await you. There are tons of activities for kids and adults alike.
- Tickets: From AED 165
- Dates: 1st to 25th December
- Location: Reem Mall
- Contact: 800-707-070
FESTIVE DINING
Indulge in a festive Christmas dinner at these top eateries in the capital city.
SANTA’S SANTORINI PARTY: CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH FEAST
Enjoy this year’s Christmas with festive cuisine, poolside fun and a cheerful live DJ sitting by the tranquil ocean.
- Cost: AED 1,200 (non-alcoholic beverages) | AED 1,500 (Alcoholic beverages)
- Dates: 25th December
- Location: Apollo bar and Oia Oasis, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat
- Contact: +971-4-567-8666
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL AT CONRAD ABU DHABI
A Christmas Eve special menu awaits you at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Indulge in a three-course menu at Ray’s Grill for AED 350 per person from 06:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
Or enjoy the fabulous Christmas brunch at Nahaam starting at AED 525 from 01:00 pm to 04:30 pm.
- Date: 25th December
- Location: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
- Contact: +971-2-811-5555
BRUNCH AT THE EMIRATES PALACE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Get in a festive spirit with the Emirates Palace Brunch on Christmas Eve. Enjoy copious amounts of culinary delights, beverages and live entertainment!
- Cost: From AED 550 for non-alcoholic beverages
- Date: 25th December
- Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi, West Corniche Road
- Contact: +971-2-690-7999
OTHER BRUNCHES
- Belgian Café at Bainouna Street from AED 385
- La Cocinna at Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat from AED 299
- Mate at Saadiyat Island from AED 425
- Graphos Social Kitchen at Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island from AED 225
- Rosewood Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island from AED 390
- Sidekicks at Yas Island from AED 180
- Sim Sim at Saadiyat Island from AED 515
- Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi at Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street
- Butcher & Still at Al Maryah Island
- Café Milano at Al Maryah Island
- Zuma Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island
FAQS ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN ABU DHABI 2024
WHERE CAN I BOOK CHRISTMAS STAYCATIONS IN ABU DHABI?
All major hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi offer festive staycation options. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi Edition and Sofitel Abu Dhabi are some of the best hotels for Christmas staycations in Abu Dhabi.
WHAT CAN I DO IN DUBAI FOR CHRISTMAS?
If you’re looking for things to do on Christmas in the neighbouring emirate, shopping at Christmas markets and dining are some of the popular Christmas events in Dubai. Families searching for a Christmas tree will love knowing there are many places to buy Christmas trees in Dubai.
This summarises our list of things to do for Christmas in Abu Dhabi. We have listed the best events, including the top spots for Christmas tree lighting, family-friendly activities and a list of winter festivals and markets in the capital city.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas!!