‘Tis the season to do fun things with the family. Looking for ideas? We’ve got you covered.
Catch a Panto
Nothing says Christmas quite like a festive pantomime and you’ve got a choice of two this holiday, oh yes you do! Jack and the Beanstalk is on at InterContinental Dubai Festival City while Beauty and the Beast is taking to the stage at Theatre by QE2. Both are running until December 27 with various shows and performances scheduled. But that’s not all, because if you fancy watching a panto, but don’t fancy getting out of your festive PJs, then you are in luck as Creation Theatre, a London-based organisation, is putting on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz on Zoom.
Jack and the Beanstalk: From Dhs125. Various performances from Wed Dec 16 to Sun Dec 27 (excluding Fri Dec 25). InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, www.dubaipanto.com. Beauty and the Beast: From Dhs120. Various performances Wed Oct 16-Sun Dec 27 (excluding Fri Dec 25). QE2, Port Rashid, Deira, www.theatrebyqe2.com. Wizard of Oz: 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).
Have fun in the kitchen
Is there anything more fun (and messy) than getting the kids in the kitchen to whip up some festive treats? From sweet Christmassy treats to savoury holiday dishes, we’ve got you covered here.
Read a festive fairytale
Want to get the kids away from their screens and devices? Snuggle down with a Christmassy book. There are loads out there to spread a little festive cheer (and keep the kids quiet for a while) from old classics like A Christmas Carol to more recent releases such as The Naughty List by Michael Fry, we’ve got some top suggestions for you right here. Oh, and bankets, pyjamas and lots of chocolate make the perfect reading buddies.
Watch a festive film
Nothing gives you those all-important festive feels like a Christmas film and there are so many choose from. From Christmas classics such as Home Alone and It’s a Wonderful Life, to modern family favourites like Arthur Christmas and The Christmas Chronicles there are so many to choose from. We’ve got you covered with all the must-0watch movies here, here and here. And if it doesn’t really feel like Christmas unless you’re cold, try the snow cinema at Ski Dubai where three daily showings of magical movies includes The Grinch, Frozen 2 and Daddy’s Home 2 as well as some recent releases such as Knives Out and The Call of the Wild.
Visit a UAE theme park
Looking for ways to get the adrenaline pumping this Christmas? A family visit to one of the UAE’s theme parks might just cut it. LEGOLAND Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi are all getting their holiday on with festive transformations that the kids will love. There are loads of fun festive activities for little ones at LEGOLAND Dubai’s Christmas bricktacular including Santa visits and gingerbread house making, while Motiongate Dubai has a special festive offer running that allows you unlimited access until January 9 for Dhs275. In the capital, two of the Yas Island theme parks have embraced the spirit of the season and adopted a festive theme. At Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi the plaza has been decorated with Christmas decorations and characters will pose for pictures with guests in Christmas costumes until January 2, 2021. At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi the Italian street has embraced a winter theme with seasonal decorations, a Christmas tree and by offering photo opportunities with holiday characters including the snow princess and the nutcracker. A gingerbread factory will also be on hand to keep families busy.
For more information visit www.motiongatedubai.com, www.legoland.com, www.wbworldabudhabi.com and www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com.
Still looking for even more family-friendly things to do this Christmas?
Walk in a winter wonderland
Grab the crew and step into Christmas at one of Dubai’s three magical festive wonderlands.
Find out more here.
Order in some festive treats
Got a craving for something sweet? Standard throughout December to be fair. There are cupcakes, cookies and more all available for delivery across Dubai.
Check it out here.
Head to a Christmas market
The Christmas markets are still on in December so if you haven’t managed a visit to any, or even if you have, give these a go.
