9 family-friendly festive events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to get you in the Christmas spirit

From last-minute shopping to film screenings, here's where to celebrate Christmas week

From ice skating to festive markets, there are plenty of Christmas events in the UAE that will offer fun for all the family. Winter Wonderland DXB / Instagram 

With a week to go until the big day, it’s time to get yourself well and truly into the Christmas spirit.

And, luckily for UAE residents, there are plenty of festive events happening over the next week that will ensure you come away filled with holiday cheer.

Whether you are looking for fun for the whole family, or wanting to settle down in front of a Christmas classic, here are some of the best events happening in the run-up to Christmas …

Dubai’s Winter Wonderland

JBR has been transformed from ultimate beach to ultimate festive destination with the return of Winter Wonderland DXB. The Christmassy village is open until Thursday, January 7, and this year features a digital pavilion, a "glice-skating" rink, tube sliding and regular visits from Santa.

Until Thursday, January 7; Sundays to Thursdays, 12pm to 12am, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am to 12pm; activity prices vary; Winter Wonderland DXB, JBR The Walk, Dubai; @winterwonderlanddxb

Nakheel Mall’s festive rooftop market

The Palm Jumeirah's Nakheel Mall has opened up its rooftop space to make way for a festive pop-up market. The space is home to a number of stalls for last-minute shopping, and will also feature live music and entertainment in the run-up to Christmas. There's also an ice-skating rink, if you are feeling extra festive.

Until Saturday, January 2; Sundays to Thursdays, 2pm to 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 12pm to 10pm; free; Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai; nakheelmall.ae

Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s Amphitheatre cinema

Every night until Saturday, December 26, Souk Madinat will be screening a Christmas classic – and the best part? It's completely free. Expect to see films including The Polar Express, Disney's A Christmas Carol, Elf and Jingle All The Way screening over the next week. Seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis, so get there early for some on-screen nostalgia.

Until Saturday, December 26, 7.30pm; free; Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai; 04 366 8888, jumeirah.com

'Beauty and the Beast' onboard the 'QE2'

Dubai's floating hotel, the QE2, will be hosting a daily showing of Beauty and the Beast at its onboard theatre until Sunday, December 27. The production tells the story of the classic 18th-century fairytale, which sees a handsome young prince transformed into a monstrous beast, with true love the only way the spell can be broken. The performance is suitable for all ages, with under 3s able to attend for free.

Daily (excluding Friday, December 25) until Sunday, December 27, 11am and 3pm; from Dh120; QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai; 060 0500 400, theatrebyqe2.com

Snow cinema at Ski Dubai

Where better to get into the festive spirit than among the snow at Ski Dubai? Get all cosy and settle down for a Christmas classic at its pop-up snow cinema, which will be showing classics including The Grinch, Frozen 2 or Daddy's Home 2. Screenings will take place daily at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm, and you have the option of adding a meet-and-greet with Santa while you're there.

Daily, until February 2021; 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm; from Dh100; Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai; 0800 386, skidxb.com

Christmas at Town Square Dubai by Nshama

Christmas has arrived early at Town Square Dubai Park, where a giant decorated tree takes pride of place. Santa will be stopping by each day for a meet-and-greet with children, while families can show off their skills at a pop-up ice rink.

Daily, until Saturday, January 9; from 4pm; Dh10 for residence pass holders, Dh15 for visitors; Town Square Dubai Park; nshama.ae

Abu Dhabi’s Winter Wonderland

Christmas shopping doesn't get more festive than at Abu Dhabi's The Galleria Al Maryah Island. The mall's Winter Wonderland has returned, with a host of events over the holiday season to make shopping extra special. Back this year are the mall's Christmas-themed sensory rooms, which will offer an immersive festive experience; think giant candy canes, fresh gingerbread aroma and the sound of sleigh bells surrounding you. Children can also post their last-minute letters to Santa at the North Pole post box.

Daily, throughout December, 10am-12am; free; The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi; 02 493 7400, thegalleria.ae

Sleigh season at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi

Join your favourite characters as they get into the festive spirit at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Tom and Jerry will be performing a daily Jingle Bell Rockout alongside all the Looney Tunes for the whole family to sing along to. The attraction is also promising festive cheer and treats around every corner.

Daily, until Saturday, December 2, 12pm-8pm; from Dh295, family offers available; Warner Bros World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; wbworldabudhabi.com

Visit Ferrari World’s gingerbread factory

Until Christmas Eve, families have the chance to visit Ferrari World’s Italian gingerbread factory, where you can get to work decorating your very own gingerbread house using festive treats such as candy canes and frosting. The experience costs Dh200 for a family of four.

Daily, until Thursday, December 24, 12pm-5pm; Dh200 for a family of four (additional to park entry); Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island; ferrariworldabudhabi.com