The Yas Winter Festival Abu Dhabi is returning in 2025 with ten days of festive entertainment, winter-themed attractions, and family-friendly activities on Yas Island. Visitors can enjoy rides, snow-inspired zones, live performances, seasonal markets, and delicious festive food, all within a vibrant and immersive winter atmosphere.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about Yas Winter Festival Abu Dhabi 2025. From official dates and ticket details to top attractions, activities, and planning tips.
- Overview of Yas Winter Fest 2025
- Official 2025 dates and daily timings
- Location and how to get there
- Ticket prices
- Top attractions and activities
- Winter market, food and beverages
- Tips for your visit
- Other winter events on Yas Island
- On-site services and practical info
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Overview of Yas Winter Fest 2025
Yas Winter Festival Abu Dhabi 2025 delivers a unique winter experience that combines amusement rides, festive décor, snow-inspired zones, live performances, and interactive markets.
What is Yas Winter Fest
Yas Winter Fest 2025 transforms Yas Gateway Park North into a winter wonderland, offering snow-themed play areas, carnival rides, festive markets, and live entertainment.
The event recreates the atmosphere of traditional winter celebrations, adapted to the mild December climate of Abu Dhabi, providing an immersive experience for all visitors.
Event concept and vibe
The festival’s concept centres on festive fun and family-friendly entertainment. Brightly decorated zones, seasonal music, and interactive attractions create a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
Visitors can expect a balance of excitement and festive charm, making the event enjoyable for children, teenagers, and adults.
Key highlights versus other Abu Dhabi winter events
Unlike other winter events in Abu Dhabi, the Yas Winter Festival combines rides, snow zones, live performances, and festive markets all in one location.
While other events may focus primarily on decorations or light displays, Yas Winter Fest provides interactive experiences that engage visitors and create memorable family moments.
Official 2025 dates and daily timings
The 2025 edition of Yas Winter Festival runs for ten days, offering visitors multiple opportunities to enjoy the event.
Festival dates for 2025
Yas Winter Festival Abu Dhabi 2025 will take place from December 12 to 21, coinciding with school holidays. This ten-day schedule ensures that both residents and tourists can attend on weekdays or weekends according to convenience.
Daily opening hours
The festival opens daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Evening timings are ideal for enjoying cooler temperatures, illuminated decorations, and live performances, creating a festive atmosphere as night falls.
Best days and times to visit
- Weekdays typically offer a quieter experience, with shorter queues for rides and activities, making them ideal for families.
- Weekends are livelier, featuring additional performances and a more vibrant atmosphere. Arriving early in the evening allows visitors to enjoy the full range of attractions before peak crowd times.
Location and how to get there
The Yas Winter Festival is held in a central location on Yas Island, making it easily accessible from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the airport.
Exact venue on Yas Island
The festival is hosted at Yas Gateway Park North, a spacious outdoor area with clear signage, dedicated entrances, and ample room for rides, snow zones, and markets. Its location is convenient for visitors staying on Yas Island or nearby hotels.
Access from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the airport
- Abu Dhabi city centre: approximately 30 minutes via E10 or Yas Island Drive.
- Dubai: around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic.
- Abu Dhabi airport: roughly 25–30 minutes.
- Transport options: car, taxi, or ride-hailing apps.
Ticket prices
Yas Winter Festival offers a range of ticket options for adults, children, and toddlers, with entry providing access to festival zones, rides, Santa’s Village, snow-inspired areas, and live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online through Platinumlist.
- Children under three: free entry
- 4 – 12 years: 25 AED
- 13+ years: 35 AED
Top attractions and activities
Yas Winter Festival Abu Dhabi 2025 offers a mix of rides, snow zones, festive markets, and live performances.
1. Explore the festive fairground and rides
The festival’s fairground features family-friendly rides such as Santa’s Grand Carousel, Tinsel Tea Swirlers, bumper cars, and pirate ships. Game stalls like Winter Wipeout and Holiday Gift Grab provide additional entertainment. Age and height restrictions apply for safety.
2. Visit Santa’s village
Santa’s Village allows children to write letters to Santa, participate in interactive activities, and take photos with him. Themed play areas and festive character appearances ensure younger visitors remain engaged throughout their visit.
3. Experience snowfall park and winter-themed zones
Snowfall Park includes the Winter Sparkle Ice Rink, a Giant Snow Globe photo spot, inflatable obstacle courses, and the Snowfight Zone. Artificial snow allows visitors to enjoy snowmen, snow angels, and playful snowball activities despite the UAE’s mild winter climate.
4. Watch live entertainment and shows
You can enjoy stage shows, live music, carol singing, and tree-lighting ceremonies. Outdoor movies, roaming performers, and festive parades add to the lively atmosphere of the festival.
Winter market, food and beverages
The festival’s winter market features a diverse selection of artisanal gifts, handcrafted décor, and festive trinkets. Visitors can purchase souvenirs, last-minute gifts, and seasonal items from local and international vendors.
Food trucks and festive eats
Food trucks offer a variety of seasonal dishes, including wood-fired favourites, sweet treats like churros and hot chocolate, as well as kid-friendly and vegetarian options. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted, making it convenient for families to enjoy meals while exploring the festival.
Tips for your visit
A little planning can make your Yas Winter Festival visit easier and more enjoyable. Here are the key tips for you.
- Plan your visit: Arrive early to enjoy rides and attractions before it gets crowded.
- Timing: Weekday evenings are quieter; weekends are busier but livelier.
- Use digital tickets: Book online in advance to skip queues and secure your preferred date.
- Check the schedule: Look up showtimes and live performances to make the most of your day.
- Stay comfortable: Wear light layers and comfortable shoes for walking and skating.
- Bring essentials: Water, snacks, sunscreen, and a small bag for personal items.
- Keep kids safe: Agree on a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.
Other winter events on Yas Island
Other seasonal events include Winterfest at Ferrari World, Winter Spectacular at Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld celebrations. These events create a broader Yas Island winter programme for visitors seeking multiple experiences.
On-site services and practical info
Yas Winter Festival provides facilities, amenities, and safety measures to ensure a comfortable visit.
Facilities and amenities
Visitors can access restrooms, seating areas, prayer rooms, ATMs, and guest services. Lost-and-found services are available to maintain a safe and convenient environment.
Photography, drones and social media
Photography is encouraged, with many Instagram-worthy spots, including the snow globe, rides, and Santa’s Village. Visitors should follow official guidelines for drones and video recording.
Rules, security and safety
Security screenings, bag checks, and first-aid stations are in place. Staff are available to assist visitors, and festival operations adapt to weather conditions as needed.
Key takeaways
Yas Winter Festival Abu Dhabi 2025 runs for ten days, from 12 to 21 December, and is open daily from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Yas Gateway Park North. The festival features rides, Santa’s Village, snow-themed zones with an ice rink and snow play area, live entertainment, outdoor movies, and a festive market suitable for all ages.
Booking through official platforms is recommended to avoid sold-out dates and queues. Yas Winter Festival Abu Dhabi combines seasonal fun, family-friendly attractions, and immersive winter-themed entertainment, making it a must-visit event for residents, tourists, and visitors.
FAQs
12–21 December 2025 at Yas Gateway Park North on Yas Island.
Tickets start at AED 25 for children and AED 35 for adults, with free entry for children under three years old.
The festival caters to all ages, with rides, snow zones, Santa experiences, and live shows for toddlers, children, teens, and adults.
