In December Dubai is filled with family fun and festive activities, and one of the highlights of the Winters in Dubai is meeting Santa Claus. The best part? You can find him in places with short lines, magical decorations and cosy cafes or snack options nearby. This year, Santa Claus will be taking his rounds throughout Dubai, joined by his jolly elves, spreading the festive spirit in malls, theme parks and Christmas markets. If you’re in 2025 checking where the best place to meet Santa in Dubai is, make sure you visit this guide, as we have got you covered.
Meet Santa Claus in Dubai This Christmas
From Santa’s grottos in Dubai malls to festive events to appearances in theme parks, we’ve collated all the must-visit places to make this Christmas magical for your little ones.
1. Meet and Greet Santa at Ski Dubai
Bring a slice of the North Pole to the desert this Christmas time as Ski Dubai brings back its full Santa experience at Mall of the Emirates. From Monday, December 1st, to Thursday, December 25th, Santa will make a festive arrival by sleigh, sliding down the snowy slopes to find himself in his grotto, ready to hear all the wish lists of the little ones. Various packages are available, from Dhs 160 per head for a meet-and-greet at Ski Dubai Winter Wonderland.
2. Boo Boo Land
If kids ran Christmas, it would probably look a lot like Boo Boo Land did at their Winter of Wonder celebration. This festive extravaganza amps the holiday magic up to the max with Santa taking centre stage, making it a perfect place to meet Santa Claus in Dubai. Children can meet Santa for pictures, get gifts, and join together for the tree-lighting ceremony to sing songs and play all kinds of games that promise huge smiles (and early bedtime for parents!). Every single detail is thought out with smaller children in mind, making this a stress-free treat for parents while creating the magical memory for the little children.
3. The Grotto at New Covent Garden Theatre
This Christmas, Santa’s Grotto is returning to Dubai, this UK born holiday wonder is putting up at the New Covent Garden Theatre in the Mall of the Emirates. Families can wander throughout the magic of Candy Cane Land and the Enchanted Forest before catching a glimpse of the Merry Mailroom. Multiple time slots are offered to see Santa, and for those children who favour a lower-sensory experience, the Whispering Winter Sessions is offered as an option. Tickets are priced at Dhs165 for children and Dhs120 for adults and are available from December 6 till 25.
4. Winter City at Expo City
Step into Winter City at Expo City, where Dubai magically transforms into an ice ending straight from the North Pole. Kids can get to meet with the big, jolly man in person and drop off their letters to Santa in the indoor snowfall for good measure. This magical experience is running daily throughout the month of December, from 4PM to 10PM and the best part is that children under three get in for free! Tickets AED 50 for General Admission See it all at Expo City, Dubai.
5. Christmas Market at Bruno’s Biergarten
For people who want to get a combination of festive spirit and good food, the Christmas Market at Bruno’s Biergarten is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas in Dubai. With twinkling lights, live music and seasonal goodies, the market puts Bavarian flair on family fun. Kids can meet Santa and get creative at gingerbread workshops, while adults sit down to drink mulled drinks, eat roasted chestnuts and eat sharing platters. Cosy, cheerful and full of Christmas spirit, the market is on from December 6 until January 7 from 4 PM onwards, with free admission (food and workshops are extra) at Bruno’s Biergarten.
6. Christmas Eve at Deck Se7en
Deck Se7en makes Christmas Eve a sparkling outdoor family event. Guests can eat a festival buffet while little ones are entertained with games, surprises and a visit from Santa. With twinkling fairy lights, live music and a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere, it’s an evening which sums up the magic of the season without being overwhelming. The event is held on December 24, between 7 PM and 10:30 PM, and tickets are available for Dh 149.
7. Christmas at The Green Planet
Want your wish made this Christmas? Head over to The Green Planet and drop your wishes into Santa’s Letterbox, and one lucky child’s wish will be granted on New Year’s Eve! The biodome has been turned into a holiday-themed wonderland, with lots of fun around. Kids can get hands-on with cookie-making sessions at JNGL Restaurant before heading to meet Santa’s cosy grotto for a heartwarming meet-and-greet. It’s a miraculous experience that brings together Christmas spirit, delicious foods, and memorable moments for the entire family.
8. The Magic We Share Parade at Riverland
Experience the sparkle, the music, and Santa himself; the Magic We Share Parade is a total must-see event! Dive into the holiday spirit with a half dozen awesome shows leading up to a special meet-and-greet with Santa Families can enjoy the stilt clown of the Balloon Factory, join in the Candy Factory Dance – Along with the gang at the gingerbread factory – or witness some magical dance performances such as Snow in the Desert and The Nutcrackers for a dash of festive theatre. Don’t forget to stop by the Wishing Trees to leave a note for Santa before he makes a grand entrance during the parade complete with music, dancers, and endless holiday charm.
The festivities take place every day until January 11th 2025 with the parade beginning at 9 PM. Located at Dubai Parks and Resorts, tickets are AED 15 to be redeemed as a food voucher.
9. Christmas Fun at Centara Mirage Beach Resort
Celebrate the holiday season at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, perfect for the whole family! Enjoy daily activities like games, aqua fitness, and movie nights under the stars until the end of December. From December 24–26, join a special Christmas celebration featuring a visit from Santa, along with festive crafts, face painting, and dazzling fire shows on the beach.
10. Christmas Brunch with Santa at Ancora
Want to make your Christmas really quite magical? Head to Ancora for a Mediterranean-inspired festive brunch filled with delicious flavours for the whole family. The highlight of the day for the little ones is a special visit by Santa, who sprinkles a bit of holiday magic in the feast. Kids can also get a mini Christmas cinema of classic holiday films or get crafty with some festive face painting. The brunch is held on December 25th 2025 from 1PM till 4PM at Ancora, InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay.
Tickets start at AED 250 for adults and AED 125 for children, with kids under six having complimentary entry.
11. The Winter District
The Winter District is back and bigger than ever, promising a festive wonderland for the whole family! Kids can have fun at an inflatable play area, while parents walk around a decorated market with top brands and a giant Christmas tree. Of course, no visit is complete without a stop at Santa’s grotto, where little ones can see if they’re on the nice list. Families can also join in games, workshops and even a festive escape room to test their holiday wits. Best of all, there is no admission charge, and this makes it the perfect place for a magical day out with the kids!
The Winter District runs from December 13-28, 2025, from 2 PM till 12 AM (extended to 1 AM on weekends) at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, and there will be free entry for all.
12. Santa by the Sea at Kite Beach
Christmas becomes a whole new thing when Santa arrives via the sea! Kite Beach beats up the festive spirit with a distinctly Dubai flavour, with Santa greeting families from his grotto before taking beachside strolls with his elves. Kids can enjoy outdoor movies, creative workshops, and even a sandy Christmas tree, while there’s plenty of open space to which the little ones have access. Relaxed, cheerful and fresh-air approved, it’s the perfect way to meet Santa Claus in Dubai.
The event is scheduled to take place on December 13, 19, 20, 24 and 25 between 5 PM and 9 PM at Kite Beach, Dubai. Entry to the event is free for everyone.
Also Read: Dubai New Year Eve Fireworks 2025 – When and Where to Watch
