Things to do in Abu Dhabi over the 2025 festive period: Festivals, music, family events and more
- Abu Dhabi Review
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- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Looking for things to do in the nation’s capital this month? Abu Dhabi is packed with must-see events this festive season - from the family-focused Yas Winter Fest, a celebration of all things merry and bright, to the latest edition of the ever-popular Mother Of The Nation festival on the Corniche. Want more? You can watch monster trucks perform jaw-dropping stunts at Monster Jam, celebrate UAE culture at the Liwa Festival, or catch a live performance from UK music legend Rod Stewart. Wherever you are in the capital, there’s something happening worth getting out for.
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Yas Winter Fest 2025 - Gateway Park North, Yas Island
Head to Gateway Park North for the ultimate Christmas experience. The park turns into a cosy winter village, complete with a festive market, live stage shows, outdoor cinema, kids’ activities, and of course, the chance to meet the big man himself - Santa. Kids can enjoy carnival rides, crafts, games, roaming performers, and seasonal food stalls serving everything from hot chocolate to street eats. With nightly entertainment and family-friendly vibes, it’s one of Yas Island’s most charming ways to soak up the holiday spirit outdoors.
When: 12-21 December 2025
Price: From AED 25
MOTN Festival - Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra
MOTN (Mother of the Nation Festival) returns with three editions across the emirate, bringing a mix of entertainment, family experiences, food concepts, shopping, and live performances. Each location offers its own programme, from activities and attractions aimed at younger visitors to evening concerts, roving entertainment, and lifestyle pop-ups. Expect a curated line-up of local and international food vendors, brand activations, and seasonal experiences.
When: Al Ain and Al Dhafra: 24 November-2 December 2025, Abu Dhabi Corniche: 10 December 2025-4 January 2026
Price: From AED 25
More info: https://www.motn.ae
Candlelight Christmas Classics - Saadiyat Island
Songs to get you in the festive mood will quite literally light up Saadiyat Island this month. A candle-lit evening awaits at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, where a live string ensemble will reimagine It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!. The performance blends classical arrangements with the energy of christmas , all set against a warm, glowing backdrop.
When: 12 December 2025 - 5.30pm
Price: AED 200
Winter Spectacular at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi - Yas Island
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi transforms into a festive wonderland for Winter Spectacular, with seasonal décor, holiday-themed performances, and character appearances across its six immersive lands. Expect special entertainment on the Warner Bros. Plaza stage, themed activities, photo opportunities, and plenty of chances to meet fan-favourite WB icons - alongside the park’s full line-up of rides and attractions, all in climate-controlled comfort.
When: 6 December 2025-11 January 2026
Price: From AED 345 (general admission; event included with park entry)
Extreme MudFest 2025, Moreeb Dune - Liwa
A desert showdown built for off-road fanatics, Extreme MudFest transforms the slopes of Moreeb Dune into a mud-soaked battleground of climbs, drifts, jumps, and head-to-head challenges. Expect purpose-built tracks, spectator zones close to the action, roaring engines, and drivers pushing their machines through sand, sludge, and obstacles. With live entertainment, food stalls, and a festival atmosphere, it’s a weekend where motorsport meets pure desert adrenaline.
When: 19-20 December 2025
Price: From AED 75
Liwa International Festival 2025–2026, Tal Moreeb - Liwa
Held at the base of the legendary Tal Moreeb dune, the Liwa International Festival brings motorsport, culture, and outdoor experiences together in one of the UAE’s most dramatic desert settings. The programme spans high-powered competitions such as hill climbs, drag and drift events, plus heritage attractions, falconry, camel activities, markets, live music, family areas, and immersive desert hospitality. At the heart of it sits Liwa Village, serving as the festival’s social base with dining, entertainment, and activities suitable for all ages.
When: 12 December 2025 – 3 January 2026
Price: Entry and activity pricing vary (book via official site)
More info: liwainternationalfestival.ae
Monster Jam - Liwa Festival
The global monster-truck phenomenon is heading to the desert, bringing high-powered jumps, wheelies, donuts and freestyle action to the base of Abu Dhabi’s iconic Moreeb Dune. Expect head-to-head racing, stunt competitions and plenty of sand-kicking chaos as world-class drivers push their machines to the limit. Fans can also join the popular Pit Party, where you’ll get close to the trucks, meet the drivers and take photos before the engines fire up. Loud, fast and unapologetically adrenaline-fuelled, this is Monster Jam in its wildest setting yet.
When: 26-27 December 2025
Price: From AED 15
More info: visitabudhabi.ae/en/events/monster-jam
Rod Stewart Live, Yas Island - Abu Dhabi
Scottish legend Sir Rod Stewart brings his unmistakable raspy vocals and five decades of hits to Etihad Arena for a one-night-only show. Expect a career-spanning set packed with classics like Maggie May, Sailing, and Forever Young, backed by a full live band and arena-scale production. With more than 250 million records sold and a reputation as one of rock’s great showmen, this is a rare chance to see a true music icon light up Yas Island.
When: 17 December 2025, 8pm
Price: From AED 195
More info: visitabudhabi.ae/en/events/rod-stewart-live
