It’s a special Christmas edition…

‘Twas the week before Christmas… and it was all What’s On could think about. So if you’re looking for things to do in Dubai this week with a festive twist, you’re in the right place.

Here’s 8 great things to do in Dubai, from winter wonderlands to Christmas sing-alongs.

Monday December 19

Head to a winter wonderland for a festive film and meeting with the big man

Ski Dubai really brings the magic of Christmas to its snowy slopes, and this December they’ve been going all-out with the family-friendly activities. Among the Christmas packages on offer until December 25, you can enjoy a meet and greet with Santa, then snuggle up for a movie night. Head to the fairy light lit grotto for a photo and a special gift at 6pm, then wrap up for a special screening of Home Alone at 7pm, complete with popcorn and a warm mug of hot chocolate.

Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, 6pm, Dhs200. Tel: (0)6 005 9905, skidxb.com

Enjoy the coolest show on court

Okay, so this one’s not strictly festive, but the World Tennis League lands at the Coca-Cola Arena this week, and will see 18 of the world’s top tennis stars battle it out to become the first winner of the World Tennis League. Running from December 19 to 24, each session will feature a men’s and women’s singles match, as well as a mixed doubles showdown, followed by an unmissable performance from globally renowned artists. 18 players in four teams will compete round-robin style for a place in the final on December 24. Monday’s matches are followed by a performance from Tiesto.

Coca Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai. Monday, December 19 to Saturday, December 24, from Dhs199. worldtennisleague.com / @worldtennisleague

Tuesday December 20

Laugh out loud at Elf The Musical

Based on the beloved holiday film, Elf The Musical is coming to Dubai this December. All the way from London’s West End, the musical is based on the beloved film which follows Buddy the Elf as he goes on an adventure to discover his birth father and true identity. The 80-minute long, must-see musical by Olivier Award-winning producer Paul Taylor-Mills is suitable for all ages and the perfect festive family experience.

Elf The Musical, The Theatre at Mall of Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. December 17 to 24, from Dhs100. feverup.com

Enjoy some festive fun at Winterfest

Dubai Media City Amphitheatre may have said goodbye to the fan zone with the end of the World Cup, but you can still enjoy the Christmas market, which is running until December 24. Inside, there’s a festive market, Santa’s grotto, rides, bars and much more. Entry to Winterfest starts from just Dhs50 and is fully redeemable on food and drink.

Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Al Sufouh 2, Dubai, 12pm to 12am, until Dec 24, Dhs50 entry, mcgettigans.com/fanzone

Wednesday December 21

Make a gingerbread house at a fun-filled workshop

Kickstart the Christmas cheer with a Gingerbread house workshop. In the newly opened Sisi’s Eatery at Dubai Hills Mall, you and the little ones can spend the afternoon getting your creative juices flowing, decorating with icing, assorted candy and decorations. Join the festivities in one of four slots, 10am, 2pm, 3.30pm and 5pm for Dhs150 per person.

Sisi’s Eatery, Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai, slots between 10am, 2pm, 3.30pm, 5pm, Dec 21, Dhs150. Tel: (0)4 343 4701, sisieatery.com

Sing along to the sounds of Christmas

The Dubai Opera Big Band are back this Christmas, this time with your most loved festive tunes on December 21 and 22. The crew will be belting out Santa Baby, Jingle Bell Rocks, All I Want For Christmas Is You and much more. Don’t forget your Santa hats and your pure festive spirit.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dec 21 and 22, ticket prices start from Dhs350. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

Thursday December 22

Meet your mates for a festive drink

Explore a Bavarian winter with Ernst’s winter market, running from December 19 to 28. Guests can sample an array of delights, like Glühwein (the German take of mulled wine), festive waffles and traditional German sweets. Covered in twinkling fairy lights, the terrace will be offering a truly Christmassy feel, perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

Ernst Biergarten, 25hours Hotel, Dubai One Central, Trade Center St, Tel: (0)4 210 2511, ernstbiergarten.com

Head to a Christmas concert by candlelight

We may not have fireplaces here in Dubai, but this show certainly comes close. In December, Candlelight concerts is hosting a Christmas-themed night at Alliance Française in Dubai where you will listen to festive melodies from a pianist. Expect to hear classic Christmas music plus tunes from Harry Potter (Hedwig’s Theme), from Glasgow theme (Love Actually), and much more. There are three shows per day: 5pm, 7pm and 9pm. Prices start from Dhs120.

Candlelight: Christmas on Piano, Alliance Française, Oud Metha, Dubai, Tel: (0)4 335 8712. feverup.com