Abu Dhabi’s Yas Winter Fest returns with Snowfall Park, Santa’s Village and carnival fun
Delicious treats, thrilling rides and festive performances for all ages
ABU DHABI – The festive season is fast approaching, and Yas Winter Fest is preparing for what organisers describe as its most magical edition to date.
Transforming Yas Gateway Park on Yas Island from December 12th to 21st, the annual celebration will feature snowy landscapes, lively entertainment, engaging workshops, shopping stalls, themed attractions, and seasonal treats designed to bring families together. Visitors can explore illuminated pathways, enjoy fairground rides, join arts and crafts, savour comforting dishes, take part in daily tree lightings, meet Santa, and discover a full programme of activities tailored for all ages.
Produced by Brag in partnership with Miral, the creator of immersive destinations and experiences across Abu Dhabi, the event will welcome visitors daily from 4pm to 11pm. Tickets begin at Dh25, while children aged three and under may enter free of charge. With ten days of festive cheer on offer, families can plan their visit by securing tickets through www.platinumlist.net.
Winter Feast
Providing visitors with an extensive choice of flavours, the Winter Feast will bring together a line-up of food trucks serving international favourites. Guests can enjoy signature creations from Drip Burgers, classic Italian dishes from Aria Pizzeria, and soulful Vietnamese bites from Vietnamese Foodies. Mamacita Latin Flavours will offer popular Mexican dishes, while Brassa will showcase Latin American grilled meats.
L’Arc Café will serve hot coffee, Meokja and Sakura will present bold Asian-inspired selections, Wingstop will offer its well-known chicken options, and Sausage Saloon will provide hearty hot dogs. Four Cheese and Double Like Burger & Lobster will feature comforting sandwiches and indulgent mains.
For sweet treats and warm beverages, Back to Roots will provide coffee selections, Chayaat will serve traditional teas, and Tealive UAE will offer bubble tea options. Visitors may also stop at Stroopwaffle Café or Churro Cone Café for seasonal desserts suited to the festive atmosphere.
Festive Market
The Festive Market will feature a curated selection of stalls showcasing artisan goods, gifts and seasonal items. Candelly will present festive candles, while Ashia will display beach accessories. Shoppers may browse festive-themed gadgets at La Elegancia and children’s wear at Maison Tini. Lady Mauve will offer statement jewellery, Fennec will highlight its signature fragrances, My Korean Products will provide skincare and beauty selections, and Unwrapped will present premium soaps and body care items.
Food lovers can visit Sense Seven Delicacies for marzipan creations and artisan chocolates, or stop at Marsh’n’Mallow for sweet seasonal offerings. At Marsh’n’Mallow’s workshop, children can take part in hands-on decorating sessions, adding a creative element to the market.
The Winter Workshop
Children will find a dynamic, creative space within The Winter Workshop, designed to encourage artistic expression. Marsh’n’Mallow will host a Marshmallow Decorating station, while Mimar will offer beauty-themed activities, including Hair Glitter, Face Glitter and mini Manicures. Picasso Artists will present Neon Ornament Painting, Fluid Canvas Art and T-shirt Tie-Dye sessions.
Titch’s Attic will bring festival classics such as Spin Art, Candle Decorating, Message in a Bauble and Nutcracker Painting. Children may also enjoy festive Spray Tattoos and traditional Face Painting throughout each day.
Studiyo Lab will provide hands-on craft experiences, including tie-dye shirt making, marble ornament design, and the creation of fidget spinners, drums, photo frames and seasonal decorations.
The National Aquarium will introduce a nature-inspired area featuring the Butterfly Gardens, Abu Dhabi’s first butterfly sanctuary filled with tropical greenery and more than 10,000 free-flying butterflies. Visitors can take part in Butterfly Wind Chime creation, Micro-Planting workshops, the Hands and Feet challenge, and an educational Microscopic Discovery station that explores miniature ecosystems.
Santa’s Village
Santa’s Village will form one of the festival’s central attractions, offering seasonal traditions and family moments. A nightly Festive Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at the garden amphitheatre, drawing families for the countdown as the illuminated tree transforms into a highlights display.
Children can visit Santa’s Letter Writing Corner, where they will be able to write messages on themed templates and place them in a bright red letterbox. A cheerful meet and greet will allow young visitors to share their wishes, take photos, and enjoy an experience reminiscent of classic holiday scenes.
Snowfall Park
Snowfall Park will offer a variety of winter-inspired activities and icy adventures. The Winter Sparkle Ice Rink will provide a glowing, supervised space for young skaters. A giant Snow Globe photo experience will allow families to step inside a dome filled with swirling artificial snow for memorable pictures.
A selection of winter-themed inflatables will provide playful challenges. Children can enjoy the Penguin Snow Park Inflatable, explore the Frozen Palace Inflatable, or navigate the North Pole Challenge Obstacle Course, which will feature slides, climbs and tunnels.
The Snowfight Zone will offer an open area for building snowmen, crafting snow angels and engaging in light-hearted snowball play suitable for families seeking a wintry experience.
Festive Fairground
The Festive Fairground will feature rides and attractions aimed at both young visitors and adults. Santa’s Grand Carousel, with its traditional horses, will offer a classic fairground experience. Tinsel Tea Swirlers will provide spinning fun, while Frostlight Flyers will lift guests into the air for breezy views of the fairground. The Snowy Sailors’ pirate ship will offer a gentle swinging motion inspired by maritime themes.
Winterlife Snowballoons will carry guests in balloon-shaped gondolas, while the Blizzard Cars bumper arena and the Snowworm Express mini coaster will deliver energetic moments. Frosty Skills will present carnival-style challenges with festive prizes available to winners.
Additional interactive stations will include the Elf Launch bungee experience, the Holiday Gift Grab – a gliding activity designed for soft prize collection – and the Winter Wipeout inflatable with rotating foam arms.
Celebration Stage
The Celebration Stage will act as the event’s entertainment hub, presenting live music, performances and festive displays each evening. Choirs, live shows and outdoor movie screenings will form part of the nightly schedule. Roaming performers and live bands will move through the festival grounds to create an immersive seasonal atmosphere.