Yas Winter Fest: The ADR Guide to Abu Dhabi’s cosiest festive celebration

The festive season is creeping up again, and Yas Winter Fest is getting ready to take over Yas Gateway Park from 12 to 21 December. If you’ve been before, you’ll know it’s one of those events that genuinely feels like the holiday season in Abu Dhabi - lights everywhere, kids running around with festive treats, and enough food stalls to derail any winter diet.

This year, the park turns into a wintery playground from late afternoon into the evening, with tickets starting at AED 25 and little ones under three getting in for free.

It’s an easy family outing: plenty to do, space to wander, and lots of little moments that make it feel festive without trying too hard.

Here’s a look at what’s happening across the different zones.

Winter Feast

If your festive spirit relies heavily on food - you’re in good company. The Winter Feast brings back a big mix of food trucks and comfort eats: burgers from Drip Burgers, slices from Aria Pizzeria, Vietnamese Foodies bites, tacos, grilled meats, wings, Asian street food, and the kind of hot dogs you only ever allow yourself at festivals.

For something sweet, there’s bubble tea, waffles, churros and cosy hot drinks dotted around the area. Expect a lot of people walking past holding something warm and sugary.

Festive Market

The market is the place to wander if you’re still hunting for gifts - or just want to pick up a scented candle that smells like “winter” even though it’s 26 degrees outside. You’ll find accessories, skincare, kids’ clothes, gadgets, handmade soaps and jewellery, plus chocolate and marzipan stalls for those who consider sweets a love language.

Kids can also get hands-on with marshmallow-decorating workshops, which usually ends with them covered in sprinkles but very happy.

The Winter Workshop

This one’s for the creative bunch. Children can try everything from neon ornament painting and tie-dye to canvas art, mini manicures and festive glitter. There’s also candle decorating, spin art and bauble-making - basically the type of crafts you’ll end up keeping “for the memories”.

The National Aquarium is adding a nature-inspired corner this year, including the Butterfly Gardens - a calm little patch filled with thousands of butterflies - plus micro-planting and a few interactive activities for curious kids.

Santa’s Village

Every day ends with a tree-lighting moment - a crowd gathers, the lights go down, everyone counts, the tree glows, and parents pull out their phones. Afterwards, kids can write letters to Santa and drop them into a bright red postbox before saying hello to the man himself. It’s simple but sweet, and usually the highlight for the little ones.

Snowfall Park

Snow is obviously not a natural part of life here, so Snowfall Park is where the novelty kicks in. There’s an ice rink, a giant snow globe for photos, winter inflatables, obstacle courses and a snowfight zone where kids can make snowmen and attempt slightly wobbly snowball throws. It’s chaotic in the best way.

Festive Fairground

Think classic funfair energy with a winter twist: carousels, spinning teacups, little balloon-shaped gondolas, bumper cars, mini coasters and carnival-style games. There’s also a few bouncier, sillier activities - like the bungee jump and rotating inflatable challenges - which kids seem to gravitate towards instantly.

Celebration Stage

Live shows, choirs, roaming performers and outdoor movie moments keep things busy in the evenings. It’s the kind of background entertainment that makes the whole area feel lively without needing to sit still unless you want to.

Where: Yas Gateway Park, Yas Island

When: 12–21 December

Timings: 4pm–11pm

Tickets: AED 25 (ages 4–12), AED 35 (12+ and adults), free for under 3s

More info at yaswinterfest.com.

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