Winter City at Expo: Dubai’s Festive Wonderland With Snow Zones, Parades and More

Just when Dubai’s winter evenings start to feel pleasantly crisp, Expo City’s Al Wasl Plaza turns into something out of a snow globe. Under the iconic dome, twinkling lights wrap palm trees, faux snow drifts across pathways, and the sound of carols and live music spills out from every corner. Families arrive in matching festive jumpers, little ones clutching hot chocolate, while the towering tree at the heart of the plaza becomes the unofficial meeting point of the season.

Winter City at Expo City Dubai is not just another seasonal activation; it is a fully fledged festive world. With snow zones, roaming parades, themed workshops and live shows stitched into a daily programme, this annual event has quickly become one of the city’s most anticipated winter traditions.

Snow Zones and Play Parks

For many visitors, the snow zones are the headline attraction. Children tumble through soft artificial snow, build snowmen and stage friendly snowball skirmishes, all beneath the glow of Al Wasl’s 360-degree projection dome. The contrast between Dubai’s mild winter weather and the frosty play areas makes the experience feel especially surreal and photogenic.

Around the snow zones, you will usually find dedicated play parks with climbing structures, slides and interactive games designed to keep younger visitors busy for hours. Parents can watch from nearby seating areas, coffee or mulled-style drinks in hand, as the kids expend that seasonal excitement in a safe, supervised space.

Live Parades, Shows and Music

Winter City leans heavily into performance. Throughout the afternoon and evening, parades weave their way around Al Wasl Plaza, often led by costumed characters, stilt walkers and musicians. Think candy-cane drummers, toy soldiers and glittering winter fairies, all stopping regularly for photos with families.

The central stage and surrounding zones host a rolling schedule of live music, choir performances and themed shows. From carols by candlelight to upbeat pop covers and children’s storytelling sessions, the programming is curated to appeal to all ages. As daylight fades, the combination of projections on the dome, stage lighting and live performances gives the whole plaza a distinctly theatrical feel.

Markets, Food and Festive Workshops

No winter celebration is complete without a market, and Winter City delivers. Wooden-style kiosks line the walkways, selling everything from artisan candles and ornaments to personalised gifts and children’s toys. It is an easy place to tick off a few names on your gift list while soaking in the atmosphere.

Food is a major part of the experience, with stalls and cafés offering both international comfort food and seasonal treats. Expect everything from roasted-style bites and loaded fries to gingerbread, cookies and steaming cups of hot chocolate. For visitors who want to make an evening of it, there are plenty of spots to sit, snack and people-watch.

Creative workshops add another layer of immersion. Kids can decorate cookies, design ornaments, write letters in dedicated post corners or take part in craft sessions themed around winter and the holidays. Many of these workshops are timed, so it is worth checking the daily schedule in advance or upon arrival.

Family Highlights and Special Moments

One of Winter City’s strengths is how deliberately it has been designed around families. Wide, stroller-friendly walkways, abundant seating and clearly signposted facilities make navigating the crowds relatively easy, even on busier nights.

Photo opportunities are everywhere. The grand tree, illuminated arches, oversized ornaments and themed backdrops ensure you will leave with a camera roll full of seasonal shots. For younger visitors, character meet-and-greets and dedicated grotto-style experiences are a particular highlight, turning the visit into a storybook-style adventure.

As the event runs through to New Year’s celebrations, visitors who time their trip towards the end of December can often enjoy special countdown programming, extended shows and fireworks displays that light up the Expo skyline.

When, Where and How Much

Winter City at Expo City Dubai runs from 6 to 31 December, transforming Al Wasl Plaza into its festive hub. The event typically opens daily in the afternoon and continues into the evening; for the 2025 season, core timings sit around 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with some official schedules listing activity windows from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm depending on the day’s programme.

Tickets are required for entry to the Winter City experience itself. Standard prices are generally set in the AED 40–90 range per person, with many 2025 listings centring around AED 50 for access to most attractions and entertainment. Children under three and people of determination with a caregiver are often given complimentary access, though visitors should check the latest policy before arriving.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance through Expo City Dubai’s official platforms and authorised ticketing partners, or directly at the venue’s box office. Given the popularity of peak dates, especially weekends and the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, pre-booking is strongly recommended.

Expo City Dubai is located off major routes between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with Al Wasl Plaza at its heart. Visitors can arrive by car using the well-signposted Opportunity and Sustainability parking zones, where thousands of parking spaces are available. For those preferring public transport, Expo City is directly connected to the Dubai Metro, making it easy to arrive without the stress of driving.

For residents and visitors alike, Winter City at Expo is fast becoming a seasonal ritual: one part theme park, one part cultural festival, and entirely about celebrating Dubai’s cooler months in style.