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WEEKEND HOTLIST: 11 Ways To Feel The Festive Spirit
Your pass to excitement, adventure, and relaxation awaits. Uncover the latest events, explore the hottest spots, and indulge in the trendiest activities for an unforgettable weekend experience.
Here are a bunch of activities to check out so you can start the fun this weekend
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11. Explore creativity and adventure at the Hatta Winter Festival
The Hatta Winter Festival invites visitors to explore creativity, fitness, and adventure against the stunning backdrop of Hatta’s mountains. Highlights include:
- Creatives Walk (29 Dec): A tour for artists, photographers, and writers to capture Hatta’s beauty, in collaboration with The Creatives Shop.
- Photographers Walk (4 Jan): Guided sessions for photography enthusiasts to document Hatta’s landscapes with fotoUAE.
- Fitness Activities: Open-air spin sessions (4 & 11 Jan) and high-intensity workouts with yoga (21 & 28 Dec) by Padel and Fitness Hub 700.
- Horse Riding: Scenic equestrian experiences at Yaazar Café combining nature and culture.
Part of the larger Hatta Winter initiative, the festival includes cultural nights, a honey festival, and more. Accessible via RTA’s Hatta Express or internal shuttles, this is a must-visit winter destination for all.
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This Nickelodeon Winter Fest Has A HUGE Spongebob Inspired Christmas Tree And More!Where? Hatta Wadi Hub
When? Dec 6 2024 to Jan 5, 2025
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10. The Hatta Culture Festival begins this week and it’s FREE for all
Hatta Cultural Nights is an immersive cultural experience that celebrates the rich Emirati heritage and the unique charm of Hatta at Hatta Heritage Village. This event blends traditional crafts, heritage-filled performances, and community-driven activities to offer visitors an authentic journey into Emirati culture.
- Experience installations and decor inspired by Emirati crafts like Al Talli, Al Sadu, and basket weaving, bringing traditional artistry to life, enjoy captivating Emirati musical performances such as Yola, Harbiyya, and Al-Azi, complemented by the enchanting sounds of Nay and Oud players.
- Indulge in a unique dining experience, explore classic car showcases, and join poetry readings under the stars. For astronomy enthusiasts, stargazing and workshops await, revealing the wonders of the night sky.
- Take a guided tour of Hatta’s historic village to uncover its unique heritage, and enjoy traditional Emirati games like Al Karabi, Teela, and Al Zubout.
- Families will enjoy a dedicated area with activities for kids, including clay fort building, paper burqa crafting, and a vibrant pinwheel garden installation.
Where? Hatta Heritage Village
When? Dec 22, 2024 to Jan 1, 2025
9. The best way to spend New Year and Christmas by the beach
Ring in 2025 with a magical New Year’s Eve at Longbeach Campground, Ras Al Khaimah. Gather all your friends and family to book a glamping tent from AED 1,640 and enjoy activities for all ages—archery, pottery, animal petting and a kids’ tent to keep the little ones entertained! The evening features a beach BBQ dinner, a live DJ, a bonfire for marshmallow roasting and a starlit countdown.
Where? Longbeach Campground, BM Hotels
Price? Staycation packages start at AED 889, including all festive activities, a beach BBQ dinner, unlimited soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages. Event tickets are AED 199 for adults and AED 99 for kids under 12.
Book directly through the website ASAP for exclusive discounts. Don’t miss this festive family escape!
8. Bubble Planet is bringing the viral “kidulting” magic to Abu Dhabi
Following its world premiere in Milan and expansion into Los Angeles, London, and Singapore, the one-and-only Bubble Planet is on its way. Unleash your inner kiddo and escape into a vibrant, whimsical world of bubbles where you can let your imagination soar. This interactive experience invites you to engage your senses as you explore fantastical landscapes and dive into imaginary metaverses packed with unique optical illusions and heaps of photo ops. It’s going to be a blast!
Where? Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island
When? 22nd December ’24 – 20th February ’25
How much? Tickets will be available for purchase at bubble-planet.com with prices starting at AED95 for adults and AED75 for children
7. The elegance of Parisian salons meets bold Slavic flavours at Maison Revka
Following the success of its Paris and Saint-Tropez locations, Maison Revka is now here on Bluewaters. Maison Revka stays true to its roots—radiant, spectacular, and steeped in history. Guests can enjoy a dining experience where the elegance of Parisian salons meets bold Slavic flavours, creating a destination like no other.
Maison Revka’s menu artfully blends the rich traditions of Slavic cuisine with vibrant flavours. Signature dishes include indulgent smoked salmon, an array of exquisite caviars, the classic salmon coulibiac, and elegant pavlovas for dessert. The menu promises a luxurious culinary journey that celebrates both indulgence and the joy of sharing.
Where? Maison Revka, Delano Dubai on Bluewaters
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6. This festive four-course menu is a must-try on Christmas Day
On Christmas Day, guests can enjoy a four-course festive menu inspired by the Far-East, free-flowing drinks, and live music, all while soaking in the beach vibes. If you don’t want to end the celebrations there, extend the day with Koko Bay’s Xmas After-Party where guests can enjoy three drinks for an additional AED 100.
Packages:
Bubbly Package – AED 550
Champagne Package – AED 850
Soft Package – AED 350
Kids Package – AED 250
Xmas After-Party – AED 100 (3 drinks included)
When? Wednesday, Dec 25
Time? Brunch Time: 1 pm to 4 pm | After-Party: 4 pm to 7 pm
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5. Flowwow has got your back for last-minute gifts
Christmas is undeniably one of the busiest times of the year! Between festive gatherings and holiday preparations, finding the perfect gifts can often fall to the last minute. This year, there’s no need to worry: Flowwow has you covered with delightful Christmas gift ideas to make your celebration even brighter! Spread joy to your family, friends, and loved ones with their carefully curated selection and stress-free delivery. These are all products by local stores right here in the city…so this is a win-win situation!
They’ve got it all: from festive wreaths and tiny trees to delicious cupcakes, hamper boxes and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Check out their festive collection here
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4. San Wan Hand-Pulled Noodles is back with a limited time pop up experience
Back by popular demand, San Wan Hand-Pulled Noodles is making its much-anticipated return. This time, the pop-up takes on a bold new flavour with the addition of Underneat—a dynamic collaboration with chefs Rajiv Devnani and Lendl Pereira, whose innovative culinary expertise promises a fresh twist on Chinese classics.
During the pop-up, guests can savour four standout dishes- the crispy Duck & Shrimp Pan-Fried Gyoza, Cucumber Salad with Peanut Dressing, Prawn Toast with Aburi Mayo, and the beloved Hand-Pulled Biang Biang Noodles. Each dish is crafted to showcase the authentic essence of Chinese culinary artistry and is best enjoyed in the vibrant atmosphere of the Nomad Courtyard.
As always, diners can watch chefs hand-pull the noodles on-site, making the experience both interactive and unforgettable.
Where? Nomad Day Bar Courtyard
When? Until December 22 only…RUN!
3. Jingle all the way to Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay for a festive season like no other
The holiday season is here, and if you’re looking to get into the festive spirit in style, Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay is the place to be! We’re talking magical brunches, cozy stays and endless holiday fun! If this isn’t your ultimate destination for all things festive in Dubai, WHAT IS?!
2. Embark on a Mind-Bending Journey of Mind-Reading and Mentalism
Don’t just witness the extraordinary—be a part of it! Connected by Mind2Mind, Dubai’s number one Mentalism show, is an immersive, interactive experience that will leave you questioning reality.
James Harrington and Marina Liani, the mind-bending duo and Golden Buzzer winners from America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent, bring their world-renowned mentalism act to Dubai for a limited time. With performances hailed as “mind-blowing” by Simon Cowell and “spectacular” by Sofia Vergara, this is a show you cannot miss.
Where? Meyana Auditorium at Jumeirah Beach Hotel
When? Every Friday Until Dec 27
Time? Doors open at 8 pm
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1. Watch lovely Christmas Carols at Expo City
The much-loved Carols by Candlelight returns to Expo City Dubai, bringing even more joy to this year’s Winter City festivities. Join the Firdaus Orchestra and a children’s choir as they perform timeless Christmas carols in the magical setting of Al Wasl Plaza, complete with falling snow. Indulge in festive treats from Winter City’s food outlets and feel the true spirit of Christmas. Don’t miss this amazing family experience, running from 20–24 December with two shows daily at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
Where? Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai
When? Dec 20 to 24
Time? 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Most of the shows are sold out already—secure yours now
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