The year-end festive season is just around the corner and although this may come as a surprise, the Middle East offers some of the best places in the world to get into the festive spirit. 

Although it’s not an official holiday across most of the Middle East, every year, some of the major cities will transform into Winter Wonderlands complete with snow, baubles, giant trees and even Santa’s toy factory. It’s safe to say the extravagant decorations and celebrations are quite spectacular and something not to be missed!

If you’re planning a trip to the region this month, you can definitely join in the many events and celebrations. Here are just 10 recommendations:

Book a ticket to Elf The Musical Arena Spectacular in Abu Dhabi 

 Son of a nutcrack! One of the funniest movies is making its debut in Abu Dhabi as a stage musical. 

Much like the movie, actor Jordan Conway will star as Buddy the Elf who is forced to adapt to life outside the North Pole after being forced out into New York City. Fortunately, the innocent and gullible elf finds his path and discovers his true identity while spreading the holiday cheer. 

The musical will have a two-night run on 14 and 15 December at Yas Island, and can be booked via the attraction’s website, here.

Visit Santa’s Toy Factor in Dubai 

If there’s one place on the planet where magic comes to life… it’s Santa’s Toy Factory! 

TOYS “R” US in Dubai has negotiated with the big guy to bring a bit of his workshop to Al Wasl Plaza from 6 to 31 December this year. 

Kids (and of course, adults) will be able to join Santa’s beloved Mrs Claus as she sorts through the naughty and nice list, decorates cookies, and creates festive crafts. 

Santa’s Toy Factory will open from 6-31 December 2024 from 2.00pm-10.00pm. Prices start from AED40. Book in your visit, here. 

Beyond the factory, Al Wasl Plaza is getting really hands on this year, with a Santa’s Letterbox for all the wish lists, a North Pole Market, gingerbread decorating and more. 

Go on rides and enjoy entertainment in Doha

Over 100 rides and activities along with live performances and roaming entertainment – it’s every (young and old) kid’s holiday dream come true! 

Qatar’s Lusail Winter Wonderland will return for a third year, transforming Al Maha Island into a hub of family fun and tasty cuisine. 

Spanning across 100,000 square meters, the world-class attraction appeals to people of all tastes and ages from all around the globe. Learn more about the festive fun, here.

Explore a Christmas village in Amman  

The Grant Hyatt in Amman, Jordan celebrated the opening of its ‘Christmas Village’ last week, transforming the resort into a winter wonderland. 

In its second year, the Christmas Village features a magnificent Christmas tree, twinkling lights (almost everywhere), games, market stalls and live music. Instead of Santa, local religious leaders helped open this year’s village with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Check out the opening ceremony, here. 

Enjoy a festive afternoon tea in Bahrain

Address Beach Resort in Bahrain doesn’t hold back when it comes to celebrating the festive season, the hotel has an entire brochure dedicated to the holiday period. 

Festivities begin on 5 December from 5.00pm, with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, during which Christmas carols will be sung, sweet treats – such as chocolate and cookies – will be served and Santa will make a special appearance for photo opps. 

Throughout the month of December from 3.00pm-6.00pm, the resort will also host a Festive Afternoon Tea complete with gingerbread cookies, mince pie, Christmas pudding and premium beverages. The tea is held in The Lounge from BHD28 per person. 

If that wasn’t enough merry cheer, Address Beach Resort will also put on a Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet as well as a Christmas Day Brunch. Find out more and book in, here.

Be part of a Winter Festival in Dubai 

Ski Dubai is bringing back its annual Winter Wonderland Festival and it’s a must-visit if you’re in the UAE. 

The icy arena brings out the sparkling lights, holiday decorations and exciting activities, to offer visitors a magical winter escape in the Middle East. 

 Highlights of the festival include the giant Christmas tree and holiday-inspired ice sculptures along with roaming elves and even… a visit from Santa Claus. 

The Winter Wonderland opened on 1 November and will run through to 12 January next year. Check out more, here.

Experience an Enchanted Festive Season in Muscat 

Oman’s Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is putting on a family fun event this year to celebrate the magical festive season. 

The lights on the resort’s Christmas tree are on and worth checking out with 15,000 lights and 2,000 candy canes on display. 

The property will also host an enchanting festive brunch at Al Tanoor featuring holiday-inspired dishes, as well as a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner serving specially crafted dishes. Book yourself in, here.

Afternoon Tea with Mr Claus in Doha 

While Santa should be preparing for the big night, he’s stepping out for a couple of days to meet tourists in Qatar at The Oat House’s Afternoon Tea.

The festive afternoon includes a tea stand for two adults and a mini buffet for young ones featuring cookies, tasty bites, orange juice and hot chocolate. Kids can also take part in gingerbread or cookie decorating workshops before Mr Claus makes his surprise appearance. 

The Afternoon Tea with Mr Claus runs on 20 and 21 December from 3.00pm-6.00pm. Learn more about it, here. 

Family brunch with Santa and the Elves in Amman 

Santa’s bringing the whole gang along to a special Family Brunch at Willow Restaurant and Bar in Amman, Jordan. 

Held on 13 December from 10.00am-12.00pm, the morning of festive fun will include letter writing to Santa, Christmas-themed games, story time and of course, a visit from the big man himself and his cheerful elves. 

Each child will also have the chance to get creative with arts and crafts, and leave with a special gift. Book the family in, here.  

Attend a Christmas Mass at Abu Dhabi’s Abrahamic Family House 

For a religious approach to the holiday season, check out one of the five Catholic churches in the UAE, including the St Francis Church at Abu Dhabi’s Abrahamic Family House. 

The church is one of three places of worship at the attraction, which was listed in Time Magazine this year, as one of the world’s greatest places to visit.

St Francis will host a Christmas mass on 25 December at midday, see here for the full mass schedule. 

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s St Joseph Cathedral will begin Christmas celebrations a little earlier on 7 December, with a two-day Christmas festival featuring a market, dancing, and of course, prayer.  

Also read: Middle East stopover programs: turn your next layover into a mini holiday