When you’ve got little ones around, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year – and there is plenty going on across Abu Dhabi to make this one a real cracker.
From tree lighting ceremonies to festive afternoon teas, here are some magical ways you can step into Christmas with the whole gang. We can’t wait!
Christmas tree lighting
The countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway – woohoo – and we are filling our diaries with festive fun. A Christmas tree lighting complete with mulled drinks, singing and festive nibbles is a great way to throw yourself into the spirit of the holidays. Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s tree lighting ceremony is taking place on December 3 from 6pm. There’s food, drinks and plenty of merriment to be had.
Dhs185, Dhs99 (kids five-12). 6pm-10pm. Dec 3. events.adgc@aldargolf.com (056 536 2230).
Festive afternoon tea
Throughout December The Abu Dhabi EDITION is serving up an afternoon of festive cheer. Grab an al fresco seat at Alba Terrace and enjoy the cool weather while indulging in a tasty spread. The afternoon tea includes golden peaked charcoal, meringue croissants, chocolate pecan choux and prosciutto with grilled peach, which can all be washed down with a selection of Avancha teas and free flowing bubbles – to really get you in the spirit of Christmas.
Dhs120 (tea and soft drinks), Dhs168 (two hour bubbly package). Daily 1pm-6pm. Until December 31. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
Tree lighting and Santa sighting
Here comes Santa Claus… But not on reindeer-pulled sled as you might imagine. No, at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel in the capital, Father Christmas plans to arrive across the water. Gather around the huge Christmas tree on the pool deck and watch the twinkling lights turn on while you nibble on festive treats and listen to singers performing holiday favourites. The jolly big man in red will then sail into view across the mangroves ready to say ho ho ho to the little ones.
Free. 6pm-8pm Dec 10. The Pool Deck, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel (02 656 1000).
Virtual performance
If watching a top show from the comfort of your sofa in your PJs (we aren’t judging) sounds like a winner, then this virtual performance of children’s classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, might be right up your street.
Dial in on Zoom to watch Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion, follow the yellow brick road to find the magical wizard.
There are various show times to choose from between December 19 and January 3.
To try and recreate the feeling of being in a theatre auditorium, there will be an interactive element to the play and the audience will be able to see each other at various points in the show.
Tickets for one device to access the link to the show cost around Dhs145 and the show producers advise you tune in on a large screen rather than on a tablet or smartphone.
Get ready for a jolly good sing-a, -long, Somewhere over the rainbow.
Dhs145. 6pm and 11pm Dec 19-Jan 3, except December 24 when performances are 6pm and 8pm. www.creationtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/wizard-of-oz (+44 1865 766266).
