Winter City Dubai 2025 is set to open from 6th – 31st December, transforming Expo City Dubai in Al Wasl Plaza into a winter wonderland full of festive cheer. This family-friendly festival features Christmas markets, workshops, live entertainment, and Santa’s Grotto, offering a magical holiday experience for visitors of all ages.
From tree lighting ceremonies and interactive workshops to Carols by Candlelight and international festive foods, Winter City is a celebration of the holiday season in Dubai. In this guide, you’ll know everything about this unmissable event.
- Quick Overview of Winter City Dubai 2025
- Event Schedule & Key Activities
- Ticket Information
- Visitor Experience and Facilities
- How to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Special Events and New Year’s Eve
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Quick Overview of Winter City Dubai 2025
Expo City Dubai Winter City is returning with a festive programme spanning almost a full month. This year, the event details are as follows:
- Dates: 6th – 31st December 2025
- Daily Timings: 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Theme: Magical Christmas celebration for families, couples, and friends
Location
It is located in Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai
Winter City combines interactive entertainment, live performances, festive markets, and culinary delights, all set against Dubai’s spectacular backdrop. From the towering Christmas tree to Santa’s Grotto, the event is designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy a full festive experience.
With so much happening at Expo City, many families prefer to live nearby—explore villas for sale in Expo City Dubai for a closer look at the community
Explore the available villas for sale in Expo City
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Apartment
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1,600,000 AED
Spacious | 1 BR Apartment | Expo Living
Terra Gardens, Expo City, Dubai
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1
753 sqft
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Apartment
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3,700,000 AED
Exclusive | Below OP | Ground Floor Loft
Al Waha Residences, Expo City, Dubai
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3
1,592 sqft
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Villa
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6,500,000 AED
Selling At OP | Corner Huge Plot | 3YRS PHPP 50%
Yasmina Villas, Expo Valley, Expo City, Dubai
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4,500 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
2,425,000 AED
POOL VIEW | NEARBY METRO | CLOSE TO OP
Terra Heights Building 1, Terra Heights, Expo City, Dubai
2
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1,104 sqft
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Townhouse
Listed 5 days ago
6,000,000 AED
Front Row | Wadi Reserve View | COMMUNITY EXPERT
Shamsa Townhouse, Expo Valley, Expo City, Dubai
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2,700 sqft
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Land
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11,678,000 AED
Flexible development | No Commission | Freehold
Expo Valley, Expo City, Dubai
none
7,655 sqft
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Townhouse
Listed 1 week ago
4,400,000 AED
Open for Offer|3BR Wadi View|With 50% 3Yr Post HPP
Shamsa Townhouse, Expo Valley, Expo City, Dubai
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4
2,726 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
3,930,300 AED
Motivated Seller | 10% Below OP| Great Opportunity
Sky Residences, Expo City, Dubai
3
4
2,167 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
1,985,000 AED
Investment Area | Spacious | Post Handover
Mangrove Residences, Expo City, Dubai
1
2
970 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
1,594,000 AED
Cheapest 1BR Unit | 1780 AED Per SF | Steal Deal
Ghadeer, Expo Valley Views, Expo Valley, Expo City, Dubai
1
2
895 sqft
Event Schedule and Key Activities
Winter City Expo Dubai offers a variety of experiences to ensure visitors can create memorable holiday moments:
Event Timings
- Daily Opening Hours: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Doors officially open at 2:00 PM, with performances, workshops, and activities running throughout the day.
Signature Experiences
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: Held nightly, where a guest lights the central Christmas tree, signalling the start of evening festivities.
- Santa’s Grotto: Children can meet Santa, post letters in the magical letterbox, and collect seasonal treats.
- Interactive Workshops: Activities include gingerbread making, Harry Potter-themed crafts, and “Build a Beat” music sessions.
- Live Entertainment: Choir carolling, street performances, and shows for all ages.
- Carols by Candlelight: A signature event, especially popular from 20th – 24th December, offering a traditional and heartwarming experience.
- North Pole Market: Sample international festive foods, including mince pies, hot chocolate, mulled drinks, and seasonal treats.
- Children’s Activities: Crafts, play zones, and games keep young visitors engaged and entertained.
With such a wide range of attractions, Winter City Expo Dubai caters to families, friends, and couples looking for a festive outing or an immersive holiday experience.
Tickets Information
Tickets for Winter City Dubai are available online and at the venue box office. Prices vary depending on the date and type of experience:
| Ticket Type | Price (Online) | Price (Box Office) | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission (Early) | AED 40 | AED 50 | 6th -19th Dec | Inclusive of access to main attractions |
| General Admission (Peak) | AED 80 | AED 90 | 20th -24th Dec | Carols by Candlelight & peak days |
| Family Pack | AED 240 | 20th -24th Dec | 2 adults, 2 children, 1 caregiver, reserved parking, 2 kids’ meals | |
| Under 3 / People of Determination | Free (with one caregiver) | ID required for eligibility | ||
Where to buy tickets: Expo City Dubai’s website or at the venue box office
Ticket Inclusions: Access to all general attractions and entertainment.
Tip: Advance booking is recommended, particularly for peak dates in late December, to ensure entry and reserved spots for popular workshops.
Visitor Experience and Facilities
Winter City Expo Dubai prioritises convenience and accessibility:
- Accessibility: Stroller-friendly pathways, ramps, and ample seating for all visitors.
- Parking: Available onsite; some ticket packages include reserved parking.
- Public Transit: Easily reachable via the Dubai Metro and other transport links.
- Food & Beverage: Cafes and market stalls offer local and international festive treats.
- Rest Areas: Dedicated zones for dining, relaxing, and socialising.
- Pets: Service animals generally allowed; check latest visitor policies.
- Event App: Download the Expo City Event App to view schedules, book workshops, and navigate the venue.
Visitors can enjoy a stress-free, family-friendly festival experience with these facilities.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Arrive early to enjoy quieter times and exclusive access to workshops.
- Prioritise signature experiences but leave room for spontaneous activities.
- Book peak-time tickets and special events in advance.
- Participate in interactive workshops and festival-exclusive culinary experiences.
- Don’t miss evening events like the tree lighting and Carols by Candlelight.
Following these tips ensures a full and memorable visit.
If you’re travelling from abroad or another emirate, staying in furnished 1-bedroom properties for rent in Expo City Dubai can make multiple visits to Winter City more convenient.
Special Events and New Year’s Eve
Winter City Dubai 2025 concludes with a spectacular New Year’s celebration:
- Two New Year Countdowns: Separate celebrations for families and night-time revellers.
- Live Shows and Fireworks: Evening performances culminate in a dazzling fireworks display.
- Family-Friendly: Safe and inclusive activities extend late into the evening.
Key Takeaways
- Dates: 6th – 31st December 2025
- Location: It is located in Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai
- Timings: Daily 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Tickets: AED 40-90; free for under 3s and people of determination with a caregiver
- Highlights: Tree lighting, Santa’s Grotto, workshops, festive markets, live performances, Carols by Candlelight
- Facilities: Family-friendly, stroller accessible, with parking and public transit options
- Tickets Available: Online and at the box office; in-advance booking is recommended
FAQs
It will be held from 6th to 31st December 2025.
Tickets range from AED 40-90, available online or at the venue box office.
It is open daily from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Yes, it is with Santa’s Grotto, workshops, play areas, and family-friendly facilities.
Yes, there are, including family-friendly countdowns, live shows, and fireworks on 31st December.
