Christmas is around the corner: this means turkey-a-plenty, presents, and for the young’uns (or young at heart), Santa visits!

There are a number of Santa’s Grottos around the city this month, meaning you can roll up to tell the big man in person what you want for Christmas.

So to make sure you get that Ferrari you’ve always wanted, perhaps you should head to…

1. FAIRMONT THE PALM

Free

santa dubai

We adore the idea of a storytelling Santa Claus, so we’ll be making a beeline for this Santa’s Hut and its thrice weekly reading sessions this month. Extra credit to the organisers for getting into the true spirit of the season too – a half hour session will cost you nothing more than a festive smile.

Fairmont the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, December 1 to 31 Thurs, Fri and Sat, free. Tel: (04) 4573388. fairmont.com. 

2. WAFI

Dhs60

santa dubai

Renowned for offering one of Dubai’s most authentic Santa experiences, Wafi’s grotto draws huge crowds every year. If you can face the wait, kids will receive a framed photo of their experience and a gift from the man himself, as well as free entry to the mall’s Kids Connection play facility.

Wafi Pyramids, Oud Metha, Dubai. December 8 7pm to 10pm, December 9 9.30am to 10.30pm, December 10 to 15 10am to 10pm, December 16 tp 24 9.30am to 10.30pm, Dhs60. Tel: (04) 3244555. wafi.com. 

More…
*From a free Christmas market to a Great Gatsby NYE party*
*Catboy’s guide to Christmas in Dubai*
*28 Christmas dining deals in Dubai*

3. SKI DUBAI

Dhs100

santa dubai

Don your snowsuit and head into the icy cold of Ski Dubai for a truly magical grotto experience. From the log fire in Santa’s cabin to hot chocolates at the on-slope café, this is as close to Lapland as you can get in the desert. Want to make a day of it? Upgrade options include snow park entry and visits to the Ski Dubai penguins.

Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha 1, Dubai. December 16 to 24 noon to 10pm, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 4094000. theplaymania.com. 

4. KIDS HQ

Dhs100

santa dubai

Join Santa in his toy factory for a fun afternoon of party games, gingerbread decorating, tree ornament crafting and time with the big man himself. There’ll be hot chocolate with marshmallows and a free photo booth too.

Umm Suqeim Road, Al Barsha 2, Dubai. December 15 3pm to 6pm, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 3794233. kidshq.ae. 

– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.