Check Out the Top Ten Must Visit Attractions at Yas Winter Fest This December

Yas Winter Fest returns to Yas Gateway Park from December 12th to 21st, transforming the park into a sparkling winter wonderland. Across ten enchanting days, families can enjoy snow filled activities, dazzling displays, creative workshops, live entertainment, festive markets, and a variety of family friendly winter fun.

Organised by BRAG in partnership with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, this year’s edition promises an even brighter and more magical celebration for guests of all ages. Tickets start at AED 25, with free entry for children under three. Book online at www.platinumlist.net to join the festivities.

Top ten must visit attractions at Yas Winter Fest

1. Daily Festive Tree Lighting

Every evening at 6.30pm, gather in the garden amphitheatre to watch the towering festive tree burst into sparkling lights, marking the start of a magical night at the festival.

2. Winter Mainstage Shows and Live Performances

Enjoy a line up of live music and entertainment featuring DJ Ibrahim, Inga & Wess, Isabella, Elijah, Mawhibaty Choir, Ibby VK, Katy, Kristine, Matt MacGregor, The Dusty Notes, and TOI, spreading holiday cheer every evening.

3. Letters to Santa

Allowing every child to get involved in the season’s heartwarming traditions, the Letters to Santa experience offers kids the chance to send their festive wishes straight to the North Pole. Using beautifully designed festive templates, little ones simply write their message, seal it in an envelope addressed to Santa, and post it in a shiny red letterbox.

4. Santa’s Meet and Greet

The festive cheer carries on with a joyful Santa meet and greet, inviting little ones to step into a moment of pure holiday magic. Here, children can tell Santa exactly what they’re hoping for this year and capture a keepsake photo to treasure long after the season ends.

5. Snow Play and Winter Rides

Snowfall Park offers the Santa’s Grand Carousel

Snowfall Park offers the Winter Sparkle Ice Rink, Penguin Snow Park, Frozen Palace, North Pole Challenge Obstacle Course, Snowfight Zone, Pony World rides, Snow Globe photo opportunities, and festive fairground rides such as Santa’s Grand Carousel, Tinsel Tea Swirlers, Frostlight Flyers, Snowy Sailors, Winterlife Snowballoons, Blizzard Cars, and Snowworm Express.

6. Creative Winter Workshops

The Winter Workshop and creative spaces like Picasso Artists, Titch’s Attic, Studiyo Lab, Marsh’n’Mallow, Mimar, and The National Aquarium’s Butterfly Gardens offer neon ornament painting, tie dye, spin art, candle decorating, photo frames, fidget spinners, and plant based activities.

7. Roaming Performers and Festive Buskers

Mesmerising roaming performers and festive buskers dotted around the festival

The entertainment extends well beyond the main stage with a variety of mesmerising roaming performers and festive buskers dotted around the festival. Families can expect surprise shows from a dancing life-sized Gingerbread Man, Bouncing Stilt Elves, and jolly Festive Dwarves snapping photos with visitors. Adding to the festive flair are surprise encounters with the vibrant Red Hat Christmas elves, the cheerful Snow Duo, a towering golden reindeer in a bright red scarf, and a charming oversized polar bear in an adorable bow tie.

8. Food Village and Holiday Treats

Savour international cuisine at the Winter Fest 2025

Savour international cuisine at Drip Burgers, Aria Pizzeria, Vietnamese Foodies, Mamacita Latin Flavours, Maestro Pizza, Brassa, L’Arc Café, Meokja, Sakura Sushi, Wingstop, Sausage Saloon, Four Cheese, Double Like Burger & Lobster. Enjoy drinks from Back to Roots, Chayaat, and Tealive UAE, and sweet treats from Streef, ChocoFreat, Let’s Popcorn, Desert Chill, Snowie Time, Pop Culture, Churro Cone Café, and Marsh’n’Mallow.

9. Family Market and Festive Retail

Shopping at the Family Market at Winter Fest 2025

Shop for gifts at Candelly, Ashia, Socks Up, La Elegancia, FAAMS, The Rise Up, Lady Mauve, Lulu Beads and More, Trendy Charms, Fennec, My Korean Products, Saanté, Unwrapped, Craft Middle East, Little Thinker, Maison Tini, Atlas & Maya, Sense Seven Delicacies, Choco Mail, EZ Candy, and more.

10. Holiday Classic Movies Under the Stars

Screenings of family favourites under the stars

End each evening with screenings of family favourites such as Elf, Frozen, Happy Feet, Home Alone, Ice Age, Jack Frost, Santa Claus 2, The Polar Express, Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, and Lyle Lyle Crocodile under the stars.