Yas Winter Fest has kicked off in Yas Gateway Park – running from Friday 12th of December, to Sunday 21st of December 2025. We sent Dhruma, a Dubai-based resident and her family over to review the experience. Tickets costs just 35aed for Teens & Adults (13+), and 25 aed for Kids 4-12 Years Old. Wondering what’s included ticket price, and what’s extra – to see if it’s worth driving down to the capital?

Keep reading Dhruma’s review, on All you need to know about Yas Winter Fest!

---

A Relaxed Christmas Treat for Families

Yas Winter Fest is one of those rare festive events that truly works for both kids and parents. It feels joyful without being overwhelming, magical without being hectic, and very well planned for families. What was meant to be a short visit turned into a full evening, and we never once felt rushed.

Here’s 11 things to look out for when you head over :

Daily Tree Lighting Ceremony

Time : Daily at 6:30 PM
Cost : Included in Entry Ticket Fee

A lovely way to start the evening. Santa invites a child from the crowd to help light the tree, which instantly makes it special. The emcee keeps the energy high and the mood festive, with lots of laughs and audience interaction. Simple, warm, and genuinely joyful.

Winter Main Stage Shows and Live Performances

Cost : Included in Entry Ticket Fee

This was one of the most enjoyable parts of the night. DJ Ibrahim played familiar classics that both kids and adults loved. The live duo band brought great energy, and Inga’s voice was catchy and upbeat. The emcee involved the kids in singing and dancing, and more than a few parents joined in too.

Gingerbread Man Mascots

Cost : Included in Entry Ticket Fee

The gingerbread mascots were a big hit. They move around the festival, dance with the kids, and stop for photos along the way. These surprise moments made the whole space feel alive and exciting for little ones.

Letters to Santa

Cost : Included in Entry Ticket Fee

Kids can write and post their own letters to Santa, sent all the way to the North Pole. It is a calm, sweet experience that children take very seriously. A lovely festive tradition, included in the ticket.

Santa’s Meet and Greet

Cost : Included in Entry Ticket Fee

Meeting Santa is part of the entry fee and is done very well. Santa takes his time, listens to the kids, and never feels rushed. The elf adds extra fun, making family photos relaxed and enjoyable.

Snow Play and Winter Rides

Cost : Varies from 1 to 2 Tokens per activity [ Each token is 25 AED ]
Duration : 15 to 30 minutes

There is plenty of snowy fun, including Snowfall Park, Sparkle Ice Rink, Penguin Snow Park, Frozen Palace inflatable, a snow fight zone, and the North Pole obstacle course. The obstacle course was a clear favourite and a great way for kids to burn off energy. Queues were reasonable and spaces felt open and well managed.

Festive Playground

Cost : Varies from 1-2 Tokens per activity [ Each token is 25 AED ]

This area is packed with fun rides. Highlights include Santa’s Grand Carousel, Snowy Sailors swings, Blizzard Cars bumper rides, and the Snow Worm Express roller coaster, which kids absolutely loved. The Holiday Gift Grab was a standout. Every child walks away with a present, no frustration and no disappointed faces.

See Activity Tokens Menu

Winter Workshops and Creative Activities

Cost : Varies from 35 AED to 65 AED per activity

A fantastic space for hands on fun. Activities include decorating gingerbread houses and cookies, painting and fluid art, candle and bauble decorating, marshmallow creations, and wind chime making. It is a great chance to create keepsakes or handmade gifts.

Food Village

Cost : Varies, around 35 – 45 AED per item

The food options are excellent and generous in portion size. Fresh churros from Churros Cone Café were the highlight and hard to resist. Other options include pizza, burgers, Vietnamese banh mi, wings, and festive hot chocolate. Plenty of coffee and dessert choices are available too.

Outdoor Cinema

Timing : Daily at 6:30 PM
Cost : Included in Entry Ticket Fee

Festive movies, like Home Alone for example, are screened and included in the ticket. Bean bags are set up throughout, making it easy to relax with food and drinks. It is a fun way to slow down after a busy evening.

Festive Retail

Cost : Varies

A nice mix of homegrown and small businesses selling festive gifts and unique finds. Great for last minute Christmas shopping while the kids stay entertained.

---

Practical Tips for Families

• Many key experiences are included in the entry fee, including Santa, tree lighting, shows, mascots, letters to Santa, and the cinema
• The festival never felt overcrowded, even in the evening
• Seating is available throughout, so parents can genuinely relax
• Bathrooms are centrally located and very clean
• Parking is free, close to the entrance, clearly signposted, and well managed by security, making arrival and exit easy
• You can explore in 2 to 3 hours, or stay 4 to 5 hours if you watch a full movie and try multiple activities

Final Thoughts

Yas Winterfest delivers a festive experience that feels thoughtful and well balanced. Kids stay active and happy, parents get to relax, and nothing feels chaotic or rushed. With great organisation, good value, and plenty to do, it is an easy Christmas outing to recommend for families in the UAE.

• Yas Winterfest @ Yas Gateway Park
• Dates : 12th to 21st December 2025
• Opening Hours : 4pm to 11pm
• Ticket Pricing
  • 35 AED for Teens & Adults 13+
  • 25 AED for Kids 4-12
• Get Yas Winterfest Tickets here

Disclosure : Dhruma and family were guests of Yas Winterfest to review the experience on behalf of the Dubai Family Leisure Guide team.