You know the drill. Once the weather in the UAE finally chills out, usually around November, the whole city transforms. Suddenly, you have a Winter District at Expo City, a Christmas Market at Madinat Jumeirah, and every outdoor venue from City Walk to DIFC is doing the festive pop-up thing. It’s what we call ‘winter season’ here—that perfect few months of outdoor life.
Well, Saudi Arabia is watching, and they’re definitely taking notes.
Jeddah, the Red Sea darling, is rolling out the big guns for the end of the year with the launch of Winter Wonderland Jeddah. And trust us, this isn’t some small market with a Santa photo op. This is a full-blown theme park experience, complete with rides, shows, and actual ice, right on the coast.
If you like this, also read: Winter Wonderland landing in Expo City, Dubai
From Riyadh’s Success to Jeddah’s Coastline Vibe
If you’ve been following the massive shift in entertainment across the Kingdom, you’ll know Riyadh Season has been hitting grand slams for years. Their Winter Wonderland is legendary, drawing millions with its sheer scale. Jeddah’s version is picking up that same winning formula, but it’s giving it a cool, coastal twist that’s uniquely its own.
Think of it like this: Riyadh is the big, buzzing, central capital city; a bit like comparing it to a huge event at Dubai Parks and Resorts or Global Village. Jeddah, however, is leaning into its chill, waterfront energy. Located at the ROSHN Waterfront in Al-Nawras Square, this is all about fairy lights, ocean views, and that lovely, crisp December air you get by the Red Sea. If you love that festive, coastal atmosphere, you should check out The Ultimate Guide to Dubai’s Festive Christmas Markets for a full list of spots like Madinat Jumeirah. It feels more akin to a sophisticated, yet high-energy, pop-up down by JBR or the Dubai Marina. It’s a bit more social, a bit more relaxed, and a whole lot scenic.
The event kicks off on Friday, December 19, and it’s a clear signal that the Jeddah Season isn’t just a summer affair anymore. It’s a year-round commitment to giving locals and visitors proper, world-class entertainment. This is the new Middle East entertainment calendar, and it’s running 365 days a year.
What’s the Big Deal? Jeddah’s First Ice Park
Let’s talk about the key attraction that’s really got people talking: the dedicated ice park.
It might not snow in Jeddah, but for the first time, you can get that proper, winter-style experience by the sea. They’re creating a whole section dedicated to ice and snow-themed activities. For a region where the closest you get to real winter is a trip to Ski Dubai or a particularly cold snap in January, an open-air ice park on the waterfront is a genuine novelty.
The whole venue is split into four subzones, promising something for absolutely everyone. They’re bringing in over 40 rides and interactive games. We’re talking gentle carousels for the little ones and high-speed roller coasters and drop towers for the adrenaline junkies—the kind of scream-your-lungs-out fun you line up for in any major international theme park. Carnival games are spread everywhere, promising big wins and bright lights, making the entire place feel like a giant, non-stop street party.
Throw in live performances scheduled throughout the day and well into the evening, and you have a destination that doesn’t just entertain—it puts on a show. The central hub, known as the Jeddah Calendar zone, is the main meeting point, linking all the fun areas together and keeping the energy high.
The Taste of a Festive Season: Foodie Hotspots
No festive village, whether it’s in Europe, Dubai, or Jeddah, is complete without great food. And we all know the Gulf region does pop-up food villages better than almost anywhere else.
Winter Wonderland Jeddah is loading up on comfort food and festive snacks. Expect long rows of food stalls and pop-up food trucks, offering everything you need to fuel up for a long night of rides and games. Think warm, spiced drinks, hearty street food, and plenty of quick, easy bites.
This setup is straight out of the regional playbook we see working so well in places like City Walk or the Culinary Village at Global Village—casual, open-air dining that makes the food part of the overall experience. It’s not about fine dining; it’s about hot beverages and good street eats while you watch the lights twinkle over the Red Sea. A perfect spot to grab a Karak or a coffee and just soak in the atmosphere.
The Competition is Heating Up (In a Good Way)
For us living in the UAE, the growth of high-quality, year-round entertainment in Saudi Arabia is genuinely exciting. When Dubai does a Winter District at Expo City, it raises the bar. When Jeddah steps up with its own massive, coastal Winter Wonderland, it pushes the entire regional tourism and entertainment industry forward.
It means more options for a weekend getaway during the festive period. While we might have our amazing indoor ski slopes at Mall of the Emirates and our massive outdoor Christmas markets, Jeddah is delivering a stunning new alternative that mixes the thrill of an amusement park with a unique waterfront setting.
It shows that Saudi cities are developing their own distinct experiences rather than just copying a format. Riyadh is known for its incredible scale; Jeddah is becoming known for its beautiful coastal lifestyle events. This competition is great for everyone who loves to travel and find new, high-quality things to do across the Gulf.
So, if your usual spot at DIFC or your annual visit to the Madinat Jumeirah market is on the agenda, maybe consider a quick flight across the water to Jeddah this year. You’ll be able to tell everyone you were there for the first-ever ice park by the Red Sea. It’s a massive win for families, friends, and anyone looking for a fresh, action-packed holiday break. Get ready to bundle up—at least a little—because the coast is about to get cool.
Details for Your Trip
- Where: ROSHN Waterfront, Al-Nawras Square, Jeddah
- When: From Friday, December 19 (Check the Jeddah Calendar for exact closing date)
- What: 40+ Rides, Ice Park, Carnival Games, Live Shows, Food Stalls
- Entry: Ticket details and opening hours are usually announced just before the launch date on the official Jeddah Calendar website.
Read More: Christmas Gift Ideas in Dubai That Feel Special (and Totally Local)
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