Yas Winter Fest returns to Yas Gateway Park this December

Abu Dhabi Review
25 minutes ago
2 min read

If you’re already counting down to the holidays, here’s something to make the wait even sweeter. Yas Winter Fest is back in Abu Dhabi, bringing ten days of festive fun to Yas Gateway Park from 12 to 21 December. Think twinkling lights, cosy holiday vibes, live entertainment, and enough treats and activities to keep every age happily fuelled with festive cheer. It’s one of those events that really kicks off the season in the capital, and it’s perfect for families, couples, and anyone who just loves a bit of winter magic.

Here’s everything waiting for you at Yas Winter Fest 2025.

Santa’s Village

Start your visit at Santa’s Village, where the holiday spirit hits instantly. Each evening opens with the Festive Tree Lighting Ceremony, turning the amphitheatre into a glowing sea of lights and colour. You’ll hear carols through the garden while the tree comes to life.

Kids can write Letters to Santa at the dedicated station, get them stamped and posted, and then head off to meet the man himself for a photo and a chat about their wishlist.

Snowfall Park

Yes, it “snows” in Abu Dhabi — at least at Yas Winter Fest. Snowfall Park is full of winter activities, from a kid-friendly ice rink to a giant snow globe made for those family photos.

Little ones can bounce between inflatables including the Penguin Snow Park, Frozen Palace, and North Pole Challenge. Or, if they want to embrace full winter mode, the Snowfight Zone lets them build snowmen, make snow angels, and have a soft-snow snowball fight without freezing fingers.

Festive Fairground

The Festive Fairground is where the energy picks up. Think carousel rides, swirling tea cups, mini coasters, Santa-themed attractions, bumper cars, and balloon rides that give little adventurers a gentle lift above the park.

There are also plenty of funfair-style games: Gift Grab, Elf Launch, and Winter Wipeout. Get your self set for some friendly competition.

The Winter Workshop

If you’re into hands-on fun, The Winter Workshop is your zone. You can make candles, design snow globes, create wooden toys, or craft festive macramé ornaments. There are T-shirt decorating stations, marble baubles to design, and even marshmallow making for those with a sweet tooth.

Kids can also go on a Candy Cane Hunt or build their own snowman, complete with winter accessories.

Celebration Stage

Every night, the Celebration Stage brings the festival together with live music, festive choirs, family shows, and cosy movie screenings. Grab a hot drink, settle into a seat, and take in the atmosphere.

Winter Feast

Foodies, you’re sorted. The Winter Feast zone is home to food trucks and pop-ups serving crowd-pleasers like Burgers, pizza, noodles, churros, stroopwafels and hot chocolate from all over the world.

Festive Market

End your visit with a wander through the Festive Market, where homegrown brands and small businesses set up stalls full of seasonal gifts, crafts, ornaments, and sweet treats..