The “Dubai winter” is finally in full swing. For most of us, that means swapping the AC for outdoor seating and looking for any excuse to catch the sunset. This year, there’s a new spot on the map that’s doing things a bit differently. Dubai Safari Park Festive Village has officially launched, and it’s arguably one of the most wholesome ways to celebrate the season without the usual “Dubai price tag.”
Running daily from December 21, 2025, to January 11, 2026, the park has turned its lush Al Wadi area into a glittering winter market. It’s a clever move. Usually, the park is all about the “Big Five” and safari treks, but for the next few weeks, the lions are sharing the spotlight with Santa Claus.
Winter Vibes Without the Wallet Stress
Let’s talk about the most impressive part first: the cost. We all know that festive events in this city can quickly turn into a “spending spree.” However, the Dubai Safari Park Festive Village is surprisingly accessible.
If you are already spending the day at the park (which is great for seeing the new moon bear cubs, by the way), the village access is completely free with your regular ticket. But the real “pro move” for residents is the Evening Pass. After 6:00 PM, you can enter just the Festive Village for only AED 25. It’s the perfect budget-friendly plan for a midweek outing or a casual weekend evening with the kids.
The Al Wadi Transformation
The Al Wadi zone is usually the spot where you grab a quick sandwich between the African and Asian villages. Now, it has been completely reimagined. Imagine oversized holiday ornaments, a massive central Christmas tree, and fairy lights draped across the greenery.
It feels less like a corporate event and more like a cozy community fair. The park has kept the layout open and easy to navigate, so you aren’t constantly bumping into strollers while trying to find a seat.
What’s Happening for the Kids?
If you have little ones, they “understood the assignment.” The activities are hands-on and actually engaging, rather than just being a backdrop for photos.
- Santa’s Grotto: Until December 25, Santa and his elves are stationed at the park for meet-and-greets. It’s a great chance to get that classic holiday photo without the massive mall queues.
- Creative Workshops: There are stations for gingerbread cookie decorating, festive face painting, and even magic shows that keep the energy high.
- Outdoor Cinema: One of the cutest additions is the “mini cinema” in the Al Wadi area. They’ve set up beanbags where kids can watch “Tales from the Winter Festive Village”—short animated stories that give the grown-ups a much-needed 20-minute breather.
Also check out: Where to Take Kids This Christmas Across the UAE – Social Kandura
The “Winter Comfort” Menu
No winter market is complete without the food, and the kiosks here are leaning heavily into the “comfort” category. You won’t find over-complicated fusion dishes here; instead, it’s all about the classics:
- Hot chocolate with a mountain of marshmallows.
- Warm churros and fresh waffles.
- Juicy burgers and festive finger foods.
It’s simple, it’s tasty, and it actually fits the “chilly” evening air (or as chilly as it gets in the UAE).
A Local Perspective: Why It’s Worth the Trip
Living in Dubai, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do. From Bollywood-inspired shows to high-end food and lifestyle pop-ups, the options are endless. But the Dubai Safari Park Festive Village offers something a bit more grounded.
It’s located out in Al Warqa, which makes it a fantastic option for families living in Mirdif, Silicon Oasis, or even those driving in from Sharjah. It’s a “local” spot that feels like a getaway. Plus, the combination of wildlife education and festive fun makes it more than just a place to buy ornaments.
Quick Facts for Your Visit
- When: December 21, 2025 – January 11, 2026.
- Timing: The village is active from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Cost: Included in regular park tickets (from AED 50) or AED 25 for the Evening Pass (entry after 6:00 PM).
- Top Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Even though the village is concentrated in Al Wadi, you’ll still want to wander a bit. Also, bring a light jacket—it gets surprisingly breezy in the open areas of the park once the sun goes down.
If you’re looking for a break from the usual mall-based festivities, this is it. The Dubai Safari Park Festive Village strikes a nice balance between being “festive enough” and “safari enough.” It’s an easy add-on to a day of animal spotting or a standalone evening for some hot cocoa under the stars.
Read More: Dubai Safari Park Reopens on 14 October for Season 7
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