Dubai Safari Park launches first Festive Village with live shows, food and family fun
A winter-themed family experience in Al Wadi
DUBAI – The Dubai Safari Park has introduced its first-ever Festive Village, transforming the Al Wadi area into a seasonal attraction designed for families visiting during the holiday period.
Running through January 11, the experience adds a festive layer to the park’s wildlife offering, combining winter-themed entertainment, food and activities within an outdoor setting.
The Festive Village is accessible as part of the regular park visit, allowing guests to explore a dedicated zone filled with seasonal décor, live performances and interactive experiences.
Open daily from 3pm to 10pm, the evening-focused timings make it suitable for families looking to enjoy cooler weather while extending their visit beyond the daytime safari trails.
Family activities
The Festive Village places children at the centre of its programming, with a range of hands-on activities available throughout the season. Young visitors can take part in gingerbread and festive cookie-making sessions, enjoy Christmas-themed face painting, and attend storytelling experiences curated for family audiences.
Roaming entertainers move through the village during operating hours, adding a lively atmosphere across the Al Wadi area. Magic shows are scheduled as part of the daily programme, offering short performances designed to engage younger audiences while keeping the pace relaxed for parents.
Live entertainment
A dedicated stage within the village hosts festive performances throughout the season. Christmas carols and family-friendly shows form the core of the entertainment schedule, with additional programming planned for weekends and peak visiting days.
From December 21 to 25, Santa Claus and his elves make special appearances, giving families the opportunity for meet-and-greets and festive photographs. These appearances are limited to the Christmas period, making early visits particularly appealing for those keen on traditional holiday moments.
Food offerings
Food plays a central role in the Festive Village experience, with a designated zone serving winter-inspired comfort items. Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, with options to toast them on-site, alongside burgers, churros and a selection of festive snacks designed for easy grazing.
The food offering complements the evening setting, allowing families to dine casually while moving between shows, activities and entertainment zones without leaving the village area.
Tickets and timings
Access to the Festive Village is included with the standard Dubai Safari Park entry ticket, priced at Dh50. For those interested only in the evening festivities, a Festive Village-only ticket is available after 6pm for Dh25.
Tickets can be purchased online via Platinumlist or directly at the park’s ticketing counters. Festive decorations are in place from the park entrance through to the main building lobby, creating a seasonal atmosphere from arrival through to departure.