DUBAI CHRISTMAS FEST PROMISES SANTA, SNOW AND SUNSHINE

Host of activities for children including writing and posting Letters to Santa

The end of the year is traditionally a time for family and friends to come together, and at Dubai Christmas Fest, this year everyone is invited to enjoy a snow-filled, frosty festive long weekend in the sunshine.

Returning for its third year as the UAE’s number one festive celebration, bigger and better than ever before, the Dubai Christmas Fest runs from 11-13 December at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, offering a wonderful day out and magical experience for all ages.

Living far away from family can be especially difficult for expatriates in the UAE at this time of year, but the mission at Dubai Christmas Fest is to make families feel as close to home as possible. Everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy a white winter wonderland at the event – from the ice rink and snow fight zone to enjoying snowfall on the hour every hour, there is no reason not to enter into the Christmas spirit.

Writing gift wish lists to Santa Claus and hoping they’re not on the ‘naughty’ list is a child’s rite of passage. Children visiting the show will have the chance to buy the coolest stationery from Tinc to make sure their letter stands out from the crowd. Visitors can choose colourful, creative stationery and find out more about the weird and wonderful world of Tonkins, Kronks, Huggas, Mallos and Floots – five tribes with unique personalities that make writing fun.

And when the letter is finished and just right, they can take visit the dedicated Letters to Santa area of Dubai Christmas Fest which features a special direct-delivery post box to Lapland so everyone’s letters will be processed by the elves and read by Santa Claus himself.

Even better, children can enjoy a special visit with Santa Claus in his magical Grotto, which comes with decoration and festive fun from everyone’s favourite chocolate M&M’s.

Professional photographers from Barton Portraits will be in the Grotto to capture the moment every child meets Santa and the photos will be available to purchase on their website.

Parents too can get in the festive spirit by browsing for gems at the Christmas market and finding unique, hand-crafted gifts and festive home-ware. The Crate and Barrel Festive Shop, one of the most in demand American brands for gifting and accessorising, is sure to be one of the most popular stands in the market, alongside other big name brands such as C. Wonder, taking part in the show for the first time to offer beautiful gift and accessorizes, and Lush hand-made luxury cosmetics.

There is a host of exclusive offers available only at the Dubai Christmas Fest this year, such as the unique online furniture store, The Urban Yogi offering 15 percent off to all ADCB and Emirates NBD credit card customers for purchases over AED500. Fit Dubai will also give away discounted and free sessions to encourage visitors to start the New Year off healthily.

While the children will undoubtedly get carried away into a magical land full of fun fairs, rodeo reindeers and penguin bowling, adults are invited to enjoy classic Christmas fare such as mince pies while listening to festive songs and carols. Delicious dishes will be on offer from some of Dubai’s favourite restaurants and they can join local celebrities in the Christmas workshops.

Tickets are selling fast for both the Dubai Christmas Fest and Aladdin and Genie’s Christmas Adventure Pantomime. Child tickets start at AED25, while a Gold Adult pass (AED100) will provide fast track entry, two drinks vouchers, a mince pie and a Santa’s hat as well as access to all festive features.

Dubai Christmas Fest Timing
Thursday 11 December, 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday 12 December and Saturday 13 December, 3:00pm to 10:00pm
Aladdin and Genie’s Christmas Adventure
Thursday 11 December, 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Friday 12 December and Saturday 13 December, 2:00pm – 2:45pm and 5.05pm – 5.50pm
Santa’s Grotto
Open from 4:00pm to 10:00pm daily

Visit www.dubaichristmasfestival.com for more information