Winter Wonderland returns: Ski Dubai opens, Snow Abu Dhabi slashes ticket prices

Sensory-friendly sessions bring inclusive festive magic to UAE snow venues

Winter Wonderland
Caption: Winter Wonderland opens at Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi with real snow experiences, Santa visits, sensory-friendly sessions and festive packages offering up to 20% savings.
Source: Supplied


DUBAI – The festive season in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is ready to sparkle with real snow, Santa sightings and exclusive packages, as Ski Dubai opens its much-loved Winter Wonderland to the public on 1st December, while Snow Abu Dhabi launches advance ticket sales on the same day.

The annual winter celebration welcomes visitors to experience a true White Christmas surrounded by snow-covered forests, colourful workshops, glittering lights and festive activities suitable for all ages. With immersive attractions such as Magic Planet’s Toy Workshop and Colouring Station, The Magic of Games by Superheated Neurons, and the chance to send wish lists straight to the North Pole, the holiday spirit is set to flourish across both cities.

This year brings a special highlight, marking the first time that Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi introduce sensory-friendly sessions as part of their festive calendar. These sessions have been thoughtfully designed for people of determination, featuring reduced or no background music across both warm and cold zones, full wheelchair access, as well as interactions with staff, elves and Santa trained in basic sign language.

At Ski Dubai, sensory-friendly Meet Santa sessions will take place on 15th December at 06:00PM and 07:00PM, with Breakfast with Santa scheduled at 08:00AM on the same day. Snow Abu Dhabi will host sensory-friendly Meet Santa sessions daily from 15-19th December at 06:00PM.

Exclusive offers

The festive countdown also marks the final days of Ski Dubai’s Early Bird Discount, which ends on 30th November. Guests can save 20% when booking online at skidxb.com and visit anytime from 1st to 12th December. Meanwhile, Snow Abu Dhabi offers a 20% Early Bird saving for bookings made by 7th December for visits between 12th and 20th December.

Snow Abu Dhabi packages

Snow Abu Dhabi, the Capital’s only real-snow destination, offers its Meet Santa pass at an Early Bird rate of Dh130, rising to a standard rate from Dh165. The pass includes a magical snowy experience surrounded by festive décor, greeting cheerful elves and capturing enchanting moments with Santa himself.

Families can opt for the Family Meets Santa package, starting from Dh499 for four persons, designed for shared festive experiences.

The Meet Santa and Snow Premium pass, starting from Dh399, offers access to the snow park alongside a complimentary meal at The Lodge.

Breakfast with Santa at Snow Abu Dhabi is available from 12th to 25th December at 09:00AM, priced at Dh80 for children aged two and below and Dh160 for those aged two and above.

Ski Dubai packages

At Ski Dubai, the Meet Santa pass is priced at an Early Bird rate of Dh140 and standard rates from Dh160, with visits available from 01 to 12th December.

The Family Meets Santa pass starts from Dh600 for four persons, ideal for families seeking shared festive experiences in the snowy setting.

For those looking to extend the fun, the Meet Santa and Snow Park pass is priced at Dh305 and includes unlimited snow park rides and access to Winter Wonderland.

The Meet Santa and Snow Fun pass, at Dh345, elevates the experience with extras such as a Chairlift ride and Mountain Thriller. Breakfast with Santa at Ski Dubai runs from 12th to 25th December at North 28, priced at Dh80 for children aged two and below and Dh160 for children aged two and above.

Sensory-friendly festivities

Both destinations have taken steps to expand inclusivity, ensuring magical moments are accessible to guests of determination. The dedicated sensory sessions at both sites include reduced sensory stimulation, supportive interactions and enhanced accessibility options. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to inclusive holiday celebrations in the UAE.

Festive fun in real snow

Winter Wonderland remains the only festive experience in the UAE where visitors can enjoy real snow. Guests can wander through glittering immersive worlds, play festive games, decorate holiday cards, share stories with Santa, and enjoy the beauty of winter without leaving the desert. With both destinations offering exciting packages, enchanting entertainment and real snow, the celebrations promise to draw visitors from across the UAE and beyond.