‘Tis the season to be jolly. With shopping malls and hotels hosting amazing winter wonderlands, Christmas markets and seasonal culinary delights the festive spirit has come alive in full glory in the UAE capital. Here’s a look at the various celebratory activies across the city.

Winter wonderland

Yas Mall will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland, complete with magical performances and live entertainment to bring fun and laughter to visitors.

From December 16 to 26 the mall will be decorated with bright coloured lights and shimmering palm trees. A slew of live entertainment including acrobatic performances from Sugar Plum Fairy, Tap Dancing Penguins, the thrilling Jack-in-the-box acrobats and magical snow storm will be held at the mall’s Town Square.

The Snow Fight Zone will allow visitors of all ages to take part in the time-honoured Christmas tradition of playing in the snow

BOUNCE After Dark snowfest

Close out the year BOUNCE style, with Snow on the Tramps and music in the air.

BOUNCE Abu Dhabi is taking Christmas to a new level and throwing an epic festive party with pumping beats from DJs, who will be hitting up the decks all night with a mix of trap, RnB and hip hop tracks. Expect to see a truck load of indoor snow and a surprise visit from the main man in red. After Dark, SnowFest will be taking place on December 15 in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi from 8pm for just Dh80 per hour, per person!

Santa’s Grotto

If you want to give your kids an unforgettable Christmas, Al Maryah Island should do the trick. Kids can make seasonal arts and crafts, enjoy face painting and write letters to Father Christmas at Galleria mall’s Santa’s Grotto which opened on December 8.

A marching band will be walking through the mall, and there are daily performances of classics such as Jack Frost and The Nutcracker, and live shows such as Alice in Wonderland and The Snowman.

From December 15, Al Maryah Island Promenade will come alive with the Winter Wonderland replete with festive cottages, skating rink and a snow park with characters from Disney’s Frozen will be roaming about.

Christmas markets

And if you have missed out on some big Christmas markets during the first two weeks of December, don’t worry. Head to Deerfields Mall that is hosting a winter market till the end of the month. More than 30 exhibitors will be selling everything from toys, handicrafts and festive goodies for you to pick those perfect Christmas gifts.

Abu Dhabi Mall too is hosting a Winter Village until December 17, with loads of fun activities and prizes for children. There will also be a four-day pop-up market showcasing with handmade crafts and creative accessories for the season.

Brunches

Five star hotels in the city are also busy cooking up a sumptuous feast for the occasion.

Villa Toscana at St Regis Abu Dhabi will be holding a traditional Italian brunch served in a family setting. For Dh350-Dh450, guests can savour Tuscan cuisine in a homely ambience.

The brunch at Flavours in Sheraton Abu Dhabi will feature seafood delights such as oysters, lobster and mussels while meat lovers can enjoy a vast selection of grills (Dh285 to Dh555).

Emirates Palace has pulled out all the stops to make your Christmas dinner one to remember. The buffet at Le Vendome (Dh450-Dh700) will leave the adults full and jolly, and the desserts and visit from Santa Claus and his elves will have your children buzzing about in merriment

source : gulfnews