Despite its desert location in the predominantly Muslim Middle East, Santa spotting is actually a relatively easy activity in Dubai each December (though he may come in many different colours, shapes, and sizes in our amazing multicultural city! Seeing Santa is a popular pastime amongst all faiths).
Santas in Dubai work extremely hard and have a hectic schedule, often operating until midnight in the weeks leading up to Christmas. However, we strongly suggest that if you want to experience this, pre-book your slot to avoid disappointment.
Below, based on over a decade of experience visiting Santa in Dubai, we’re outlining the best ‘real Santa’ experiences for your little ones who can’t wait to share their wishlist, and parents who want the classic Santa photo.
NB, some events run through until early January, covering Orthodox Christmas as well, so if you missed that perfect family photo in the mad end-of-school-year rush pre-Christmas, Dubai can be the ideal location to catch up on things a little later—and if your kids want to return to thank Santa for their gifts!!
Ski Dubai Santa at Winter Wonderland
This is arguably the most magical way to get into the festive spirit in Dubai. The sub-zero temperatures at Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates perfectly set the scene for multiple immersive experiences you can enjoy while dressed in your cold-weather gear.
With a Festive Pass, you can enjoy all Snow Park rides, a photo op at Santa’s Grotto and Village, a fun little chairlift ride, and our famous hot cup of cocoa!
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Please bear in mind this is not a suitable experience for under 2’s.
Breakfast with Santa is another popular option here. Rather than a personalised session, Santa will work his way around the room, speaking to all families at this seated event. This can be less intimidating (and much warmer) for your littlest ones.
Visit Santa from 1 to 25 December 2026
Early bird tickets are yet to go on sale (last year they were released on 11 November 2024), but get snapped up immediately when they do for the most popular dates immediately before Christmas. Get on their mailing list now to be the first to know when tickets go on sale.
Additionally, Breakfast with Santa will take place at 8:00 am daily (last year from 10 to 25 December and costs AED 160 per person, infants AED 80).
If you miss out on an exclusive Santa spot, you can also watch for the Festive Fun Run, another way to get that snowy festive feel and meet Santa. Dates TBC
Learn more at skidxb and follow their socials @skidxb
Wafi Mall Santa 2026
The WAFI City Santa is infamous in Dubai! Commencing after National Day, Wafi’s Whimsical Wonderland is excellent for those who’d prefer to gauge their kids’ moods before heading out for the day, as no advance online booking is required (we note that they have brought in online registration, but as we understand it, on-the-day walk-in bookings are still very much accepted)
Often claimed to be the most ‘genuine’ Santa in Dubai without overdoing the gimmicky extras. We recommend you arrive early to secure your spot, then plan a few activities in the mall instead of queuing. With your Santa sign-up, they always give away many promotional discounts in the mall, like kids eat free vouchers, to have you hang around just a little longer.
Wafi Santa will be available from 6 to 24 December 2025.
We await time slots, but in 2024, Santa was available: 2:00 PM to 9:30 PM on opening night, then daily from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM (Santa breaks from 1:00 AM to 1:30 AM and 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM). It’s a great choice for early risers!
A visit to Santa’s Grotto is expected to cost AED 70 (if you go via the Wafi app; in person, we understand they now charge AED 85), which includes a photo opportunity and a small stuffed toy gift. You can pay the fee only once to share a gift/photo amongst your family, or pay the fee for each child to get their own.
Learn more at wafi.com, call 04 324 4555, or follow social announcements at @waficitydubai
The Grotto
This year, The Grotto is relocating from the Dubai Mall to The Mall of the Emirates for the 2025 season.
Each Grotto booking includes a walk-through Candyland and The Enchanted Forest, before visiting Santa’s Merry Mailroom. Then it’s into the grotto for a full 10 minutes with Santa, so you can expect a fully immersive experience.
Rules are tight, so make sure that you’ve read all of the terms and conditions before you buy your tickets. Whispering Winter Sessions are also on offer for children with Special Educational Needs and Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Children’s tickets are priced at AED 165 each (with a gift), and adults’ tickets are AED 120 (Under 12 months old and carers are free, but no gift). You need at least 1 adult & 1 child, and the maximum group size is 5.
Unfortunately, reviews so far this year have not been fabulous, with the focus very much on the photo, which you are charged extra for, rather than the enitre atmosphere.
Santa times in 2025: 6 December to 25 December 2025, daily 10.00 am to 7.00pm.
Snowbury Square at Times Square
This has always been a brilliant ‘Mall Santa’ experience for little ones, as a visit here isn’t overly complicated. They have a wonderful traditional Santa in his Gingerbread house and reasonable opening hours.
Additional activities at ‘Snowbury Square’ typically include cookie-making workshops, ornament-making, and storytelling sessions. This year, the schedule includes Story time with the Elves (7, 14 & 21 December), Story time with the Snow Queen and friends (4.00 pm-4.30 pm on the 7 and 8, and 12 to 24 December), as well as dance performances and a music recital.
Santa Dates 2025: 7 to 24 December, 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
TBC if a mall purchase is needed for free entry this year.
Learn more at timesquarecenter.ae and on social @timessquaredxb
Winter City at Expo City
The magical Winter City at Expo City has been one of the most popular Christmas destinations in recent years. It celebrates all things winter, from cookie baking and gingerbread houses to Christmas Carol nights under the Al Wasl dome.
While the Carols by Candlelight nights are the absolute highlight here (20 to 24 December,6:20 pm and 7:50 pm), Santa and Mrs. Claus are also the stars most families come to see.
Santa Dates 2025: 6 to 31 December 2025 (4:00 pm to 10:00 pm)
General Admission tickets are now on sale for AED 50 – another significant price increase from last year...
Carols by Candlelight is AED 150 per person, and this includes entry to Winter City.
New in 2025, they are offering ‘Al Wasl season passes‘ for the entire winter 2025/26 season, which include two tickets to the concert and unlimited Winter City visits.
Learn more at expocity.com and follow them on social @expocitydubai.
CandyTown at Jewel by the Creek
A new addition for 2025, this community event at the sparkling new luxury waterfront venue Jewel of the Creek is shaping up to be a family hit this winter.
There will be carollers, artisan stalls, arts and crafts, stilt walkers and drummers, and most importantly, a Santa’s Grotto.
Santa Dates 2025: Running from 5 to 28 December (Thursdays and Sundays from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 5:00 pm to Midnight; Closed Monday-Wednesday)
Entry is free but there will be paid activities.
Learn more @jewelofthecreekdxb
Winter Wonderland at Al Barari Playground
A relatively new addition, Winter Wonderland at Al Barari Playground offers kids a magical winter set up outdoors in their famously beautiful adventure park. In addition to the park’s standard features, kids can enjoy an ice rink, train ride, and plan a visit to Santa’s Grotto.
Other paid activities are also available, including snowball fights and gingerbread house making.
Santa Dates 2025: 16 -26 December 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Tickets are AED 85 per child; children 5 and below enter for free.
Learn more and book your interest tickets here – follow their Instagram @albarariplayground to see when Santas 2025 tickets go on sale!)
Winter District
Back for a third season, this massive winter event will return to its original home at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, after relocating to Dubai Media City Amphitheatre for 2024.
Not yet fully launched for the season (as of early October, they’re still at the vendor outreach stage), we expect this event to feature a wide range of food and beverage outlets, artisan market stalls, festive activities, carolers, a kids’ corner, and a Santa’s Grotto.
Santa Dates 2025: 13 to 28 December 2025 (12 pm to 12 am daily).
Tickets are expected to go on sale via Platinumlist. They start at AED 25 or AED 100 for a family of 5, and season passes are AED 175 –TBC 2025
Learn more at winterdistrict.com or follow on social @winter.district
Santa Meet & Greet at DP World ILT20
A slightly more unexpected venue, but we’re hearing good things from the organizers that this year’s community event will incorporate a Santa Meet and Greet from 2 to 4 December 2025 – stay tuned, we are seeking out more information if this is included in your cricket entry ticket or separately ticketed at The SIXES Lounge.
Held at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
Brunch Santas in Dubai
As you might know, family brunch in Dubai is a bit of an institution! Many events are claiming to offer Santa experiences this year, so please bear with us as we compile a more accurate list for 2025.
Jump over here to check out our complete festive guide to visiting Dubai at Christmas, plus our guide to the best festive brunchs (2025 list out soon – though many are already fully booked by the end of September!)
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