Let’s make this a December to remember in a year we all want to forget! It’s the most magical time of the year, and we’ve got you covered, from visiting Santa at Souk Madinat Jumeirah through to Beauty and the Beast on board the QE2. And who could forget The Nutcracker, a festive treat for the whole family that has a special place in the hearts of ballet fans the world over. So get into the festive spirit and make these holiday celebrations truly unforgettable!
Escape to the North Pole this festive season at La Mer
For some festive family time, round up the family and head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Santa will be making an appearance at the Grotto, which will be manned by Santa’s elves between 4pm and 7pm each day. The Souk’s central courtyard is also being transformed into Santa’s workshop, with daily activities such as painting, string art, DIY snow globe jars and decoupage, from noon to 10pm daily.
La Mer Central, Jumeirah 1, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Christmas Day
www.lamerdubai.ae/en/whats-on/festive-season
Snow Cinema by VOX Cinemas the world’s first cinema in an indoor ski resort
Guests can experience the magic of movies on the snow-laden slopes of the ‘World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort’. Unique and innovative experience at Ski Dubai launches just in time for the holiday season. Snow Cinema by VOX Cinemas, which is proudly supported by Dettol, allows guests to experience the magic of movies on the snow-laden slopes of Ski Dubai. Surrounded by snow-covered scenery in an enchanting Winter Wonderland, guests can snuggle up and relax on lounge-style seating while watching family-friendly movies and festive favourites such as The Grinch, Frozen 2 and Daddy’s Home 2. There will also be a nightly screening of popular recent releases including The Witches, Knives Out and The Call of the Wild. It’s snow time!
Snow Cinema by Vox, Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates.
To make a booking visit skidxb.com or voxcinemas.com
Visit Santa at Souk Madinat Jumeirah
With Santa back in town, bring the little ones along for a magical meeting with Santa at festive forest maze, watch your favourite festive flicks under the stars. And spend a minimum of AED200 to stand a chance to win gift cards valued at a total of AED100,000 there’s plenty of reason to cheers and join the festive fun at La Mer this year!
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, daily noon to 10pm
(Santa’s Grotto open 4pm to 7pm).
@soukmadinatjumeirah
Legoland Dubai is re-open
Have you been missing your thrill and spills at the brick-tacular, Dubai Parks & Resorts theme park? After months of being closed, LEGOLAND Dubai is finally re-opening its doors to thrill-seekers and adrenaline-junkies. Little ones will be able to take a selfie with the UAE Hand Salute LEGO Model, made from an impressive 108,231 bricks before heading off to Miniland to check out a teeny tiny cityscape featuring Dubai’s iconic skyline and key landmarks from around the Middle East – all make out of over 20million LEGO bricks!
Dubai Parks & Resorts, Dubai
www.legoland.ae
Tel: +971 4 820 3123
Catch a William Shakespeare play at The Junction
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (one of the playwright’s most beloved and widely performed plays) is being performed at The Junction in Alserkal Avenue by H72 Productions. The musical adaptation uses popular music and dance to bridge the gap for modern audiences. The drama will unfold on stage during the weekends from December 11 to 19.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, Dhs100 per ticket. Tel: (0)4 338 8525.
@junctiondubai
The Nutcracker at The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates
Okay, so this isn’t a live performance, but it is a special screening of The Nutcracker recorded live at The Royal Opera House in 2016. The Royal Ballet’s glorious production of The Nutcracker, created by Peter Wright in 1984 is an all-time ballet favourite. Without giving much away, the story follows Clara who is given an enchanted Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. As midnight strikes, she creeps downstairs to find a magical adventure awaiting her and her Nutcracker. Prices for tickets start from Dhs75.
The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dec 23, prices start from Dhs75. Tel:(0)4 299 2282.
@malloftheemirates
Jack and The Beanstalk at The InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Not even the pandemic can cancel the annual h2 family panto that’s been going on now for 14 years. This year, h2 Productions is presenting Jack and The Beanstalk. You know the story! Being chased for the rent by the evil henchman, Dame Trott sends Jack to market to sell the family’s one prized possession – Daisy the Cow and he comes home with nothing but a handful of beans (magical, of course!). The beans sprout to a beanstalk which leads to an enchanted land of excitement and adventure. In order to save the family home and become rich, Jack must capture the goose that lays the golden egg and rescue his friends from a very hungry giant. Tickets start from Dhs125 and sold in bubbles of 2, 3 or 4 people.
Jack and The Beanstalk, The InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, ticket prices start from Dhs125.
@dubaipanto
Beauty and the Beast on board the QE2
A tale perfect for the whole family. It follows young bookworm, Belle whose father is taken prisoner by a monstrous beast, who was once a handsome prince but cursed by a mysterious enchantress as punishment for his selfish actions. To lift the punishment, the prince must learn to love someone and earn their love in return. With help from the Beast’s servants (also cursed to be household items), Beauty comes to appreciate and love the Beast. Plot twist. The beast isn’t the only one vying for Belle’s attention as an arrogant admirer will do anything to marry Belle – even if it means killing the beast. Ticket prices start from just Dhs120 per person and are sold in bubbles of two, three or four people.
QE2, Port Mina Rashid, Dubai, from December 16 to 27 (excluding Christmas), ticket prices start from Dhs120. Tel:(600) 500400. theatrebyqe2.com
Cirque de Glace
If the creation of the world was shaped by fire and ice, then so it will be with Cirque de Glace, an Ice Show beyond imagination.
Cirque de Glace brings to life the story of the creation of our planet, man’s evolution and a journey to the limits of technology as a stunning ice spectacular. Combining the world of Cirque with beautiful ice dance, jaw-dropping lifts and high-speed throws, we create a truly breathtaking experience.
Evolution is an action-packed performance filled with music, colour, stunning costumes and incredible acrobatics that will truly delight and amaze audiences of all ages. With our incredible Contortionist, Aerial Silks, German wheel, Russian Bar and much more, Cirque de Glace guarantees you will be on the edge of your seat.
Dubai Opera www.dubaiopera.com/events/cirque-de-glace/ or Phone 04 440 8888 boxoffice
@dubaiopera