Christmas in Dubai: 10 winter wonderlands where you can meet Santa in 2025

A very familiar visitor can be seen all over Dubai this festive season. If you want a jolly Christmas, there is no better way to celebrate than to take the whole family to meet Santa!

Attractions, malls and restaurants in the city are making the season merry by inviting the beloved Christmas figure to bring joy to children's lives. Santa Claus will be available to meet families all over Dubai, helping create core memories for the little ones.

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From cosy grottos to winter wonderlands in theme parks, here are some places around town where your children — and you! — can meet and greet old Mr.Claus.

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1. The Grotto

Santa's Grotto, a beloved Christmas staple in Dubai, is now at the New Covent Garden Theatre in Mall of the Emirates. Children can meet Santa and get a gift from him (included in the ticket price), as well as frolic through several themed rooms and take on Christmas challenges before the meeting. Families can take photos and videos during the meet and greet, or they can purchase a professional photo after.

2. Ski Dubai

The popular snowy destination at Mall of the Emirates has a Santa of its own! There are various options to choose from, with different costs for each. You can do a meet and greet with the whole family, get a free hot chocolate, gifts from Santa, and more.

3. Expo City Dubai

Al Wasl Plaza at Expo City Dubai will feature a meet and great with Santa Claus, running until December 31. This is part of Winter City, an entire experience created for families to enjoy the season.

4. Wafi's Whimsical Wonderland

The Santa Experience at Wafi City Mall promises a magical experience for the whole family! Included in the ticket are a meet and greet with Santa, free hot chocolate and other drinks, a framed photo and more.

5. The Winter District

This free and festive winter market is back — this time at Emirates Towers near the Museum of the Future. Apart from the live entertainment, fun workshops and games, there will also be a Santa's Grotto for the little ones.

6. Riverland

Santa Claus is spreading cheer across Dubai Parks and Resorts, which themselves have turned into winter wonderlands for the season.

At Riverland Dubai, families can catch Christmas-themed shows such as the Nutcracker and Snow in the Desert. The Magic We Share Parade will feature dancers, acrobats, glowing costumes and a grand appearance by Santa himself.

7. Motiongate

This Hollywood-inspired park has a jaw-dropping 14-metre Christmas tree right at the entrance, serving as a backdrop for a meet and greet with Santa. You can also catch a parade here — The Village of Wonders — featuring characters from beloved movies such as Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon.

8. The Green Planet

Inside the JNGL Restaurant at The Green Planet, children can find Santa's cosy grotto in which they can not only meet Santa, but also take part in cookie-making sessions. Santa's Letterbox will be open for submissions, where children can write their wishes and drop their letters in. One lucky wish will be selected and granted on Wednesday, December 31.

 9. Wild Wadi Waterpark

This isn't your regular old Santa. This festive season, visitors at Wild Wadi Waterpark can catch a cool, surfing Santa, from Monday, December 15, to Monday, January 5. Bring your family to see him show off his skills on the water!

You may also catch him in other areas of the park, as he is set to make special appearances throughout the season.

10. Real Madrid World

Speaking of non-traditional Clauses, Real Madrid World is hosting a special Santa Freestyle — who, instead of the usual red outfit, is all decked out in team blues. Families can meet him and take pictures, and also enjoy the other Christmas celebrations at the destination. These include freestyle football performances, acrobatic feats and more.

Supreeta Balasubramanian

supreeta@khaleejtimes.com