The festive period is almost upon us, and Yas Winter Fest is gearing up for its most magical edition yet. Transforming Yas Gateway Park on Yas Island into a frosty paradise from December 12th to 21st, every element of this magnificent winter celebration is crafted to capture the warmth of the season, bringing families together over shared moments of laughter and holiday cheer. Join the festivities as you wander through snowy attractions and enjoy exciting fairground games, crafting sessions, tree lightings, meet and greets with Santa, endless live shows, shopping, hot cocoa and marshmallows, and everything in between.
Check out all of this year’s exciting attractions and activities below:
WINTER FEAST
Keeping guests fuelled throughout this magnificent winter celebration, the Winter Feast offers an array of tempting food trucks serving up international favourites. Savour Drip Burgers‘ signature creations, tuck into hearty Italian fare at Aria Pizzeria, enjoy Vietnamese Foodies‘ soulful bites, or Mamacita Latin Flavours‘ Mexican classics.
Other highlights include Brassa‘s Latin American grilled meats, hot coffee at L’Arc Café, bold Asian bites at Meokja and Sakura, Wingstop‘s succulent chicken, and Sausage Saloon‘s hearty hot dogs. Meanwhile, Four Cheese and Double Like Burger & Lobster serve delicious comfort food and loaded sandwiches.
FESTIVE MARKET
Next, wander through the Festive Market to pick up thoughtful gifts or treat yourself to a little self-indulgence. Browse festive candles at a Candelly stall, stylish beach accessories at Ashia, festive gadgets at La Elegancia, and adorable kids’ wear from Maison Tini. The market also features statement jewellery from Lady Mauve, signature scents crafted by Fennec, My Korean Products‘ range of skincare and beauty essentials, and premium soap and body care from Unwrapped.
If you’re shopping for someone with a sweet tooth, look no further than Sense Seven Delicacies, offering decadent marzipan creations and artisan chocolates, or Marsh’n’Mallow, where festival-goers can savour sweet seasonal favourites, and children can join a fun workshop to decorate their own creations.
THE WINTER WORKSHOP
The Winter Workshop is a haven for all things creative and festive, encouraging kids to unleash their inner artists. Marsh’n’Mallow leads the Marshmallow Decorating station, while Mimar brings a line-up of quick beauty-themed activities, including Hair Glitter, Face Glitter, and mini Manicures. Picasso Artists add vibrant creativity with sessions such as Neon Ornament Painting, Fluid Canvas Art, and T-shirt Tie-Dye. Titch’s Attic completes the experience with festival favourites like Spin Art, Candle Decorating, Message in a Bauble, and Nutcracker Painting. Additionally, kids can enjoy festive Spray Tattoos and classic Face Painting throughout each day.
Elsewhere, experiment with tie-dye shirts, swirl patterns into marble ornaments, or create your own fidget spinners, drums, photo frames, and seasonal decorations at Studiyo Lab.
The National Aquarium adds an immersive nature-inspired space to Winter Fest, led by the enchanting Butterfly Gardens, Abu Dhabi’s first butterfly sanctuary filled with tropical greenery and over 10,000 free-flying butterflies. Guests can also enjoy calming and creative workshops, including Butterfly Wind Chime making and Micro-Planting, along with interactive activities such as the lively Hands and Feet challenge and the educational Microscopic Discovery station.
SANTA’S VILLAGE
Santa’s Village will be at the centre of all the excitement this December, sparking wonder through heartwarming traditions and twinkling spectacles. A nightly Festive Tree Lighting Ceremony ignites the holiday spirit, as families gather around the garden amphitheatre in anticipation. After the countdown, the towering tree comes to life in a dazzling sea of lights, perfectly setting the tone for the enchantment that lies ahead.
Kids can then head to Santa’s Letter Writing Corner, where they can create their own notes on beautifully designed templates before posting them into a bright red letterbox destined for the North Pole. The magic continues with a cheerful meet and greet, giving little ones the chance to share their wishes with Santa, take a keepsake photo, and enjoy a moment that feels straight out of a holiday movie.
SNOWFALL PARK
For those seeking adventure, Snowfall Park presents the ultimate frosty playground packed with endless icy fun. Start your visit with a scenic skate around the Winter Sparkle Ice Rink, a glowing, fully supervised space where little ones can glide across the ice. Step into a one-of-a-kind giant Snow Globe photo experience to capture special moments in an enclosed dome filled with swirling snowflakes.
Little explorers can jump into a world of frosty fun across a collection of winter-themed inflatables, each offering its own playful adventure. Bounce with the penguins in the colourful Penguin Snow Park Inflatable, wander through an enchanting Frozen Palace Inflatable filled with icy themed surprises, or tackle the North Pole Challenge Obstacle Course, packed with climbs, slides, and twisty tunnels.
The excitement reaches new heights at the Snowfight Zone, where families can build snowmen, craft snow angels, and launch into friendly snowball battles that bring the spirit of winter to life.
FESTIVE FAIRGROUND
Step into a whirl of festive fun at the Festive Fairground, where every corner is bursting with thrills and laughter. Children and grown-ups alike can hop onto Santa’s Grand Carousel with its majestic horses, take a spin on the Tinsel Tea Swirlers, or rise into breezy winter skies on the Frostlight Flyers. Meanwhile, the Snowy Sailors’ pirate ship takes guests for a gentle swing inspired by the seven seas.
Little ones can drift into the magic of winter aboard the Winterlife Snowballoons, floating softly above the fairground in charming balloon-shaped gondolas. Alternatively, take on the Blizzard Cars bumper arena or climb into the Snowworm Express, a cheerful mini coaster filled with twists and dips. Between sky-high adventures, stop by Frosty Skills for classic carnival challenges and the chance to walk away with festive prizes.
The festival also features a lively mix of interactive games that bring out everyone’s playful side. Kids can leap and bounce skyward on the Elf Launch bungee experience, glide through the air in the Holiday Gift Grab as they reach for soft prizes below or test their balance on the Winter Wipeout inflatable as rotating foam arms zip past.
CELEBRATION STAGE (MAIN STAGE)
The Celebration Stage is at the heart of Yas Winter Fest, filling each evening with a vibrant mix of music, performances, and festive magic. Joyful choirs, whimsical live shows, and cosy outdoor movie moments all unfold beneath the winter sky. Complete with roaming acts weaving through the crowd and live bands singing merry tunes, this lively hub keeps the season’s spirit shining bright all night long.
Step into a world shaped by sparkle, colour, and seasonal joy as Yas Winter Fest brings the holidays to life in the most magical way. With so many attractions waiting to be explored, this is a festive celebration not to be missed.
Where: Yas Gateway Park, Yas Island
When: December 12th to 21st
Timings: 4pm to 11pm
Ticket Pricing:
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AED 25 for children aged 4-12 years old
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AED 35 for children above 12 years old and adults
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Children 3 and younger enter for free
