Winter Wonderland 2025

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A Magical Winter Escape Awaits: The Galleria Al Maryah Island Unveils Its Most Enchanting Winter Wonderland Yet

The Galleria Al Maryah Island reintroduces Winter Wonderland with a renewed sense of spectacle, proving once again that the capital knows how to celebrate the season in style. From the glow of a 12-metre tree to the arrival of Elva, the UAE’s first AI elf influencer, the destination offers a fresh, imaginative take on timeless festive traditions.

Running until 26 December at the ground floor’s North Atrium, daily from 10:00 AM–10:00 PM, Winter Wonderland returns as a cultural moment rather than simply a seasonal attraction. Its expanded programme, immersive décor and blend of nostalgia with modern touches are expected to draw approximately 17,000 visitors.

A Contemporary Spin on a Classic Start to the Season

This year’s Winter Wonderland is entirely reimagined, with all-new installations designed specifically for The Galleria, setting the stage for an immersive festive experience. Every detail, from ramp access to the spacious fair layout, has been considered to ensure all guests can explore the wonderland with ease.

The festivities opened on 6 December, when the towering tree was illuminated in a ceremony led by Santa himself and accompanied by a performance from the Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi.

This year, a gently rising six-metre hot-air balloon and a new countdown-to-Christmas installation add a sense of theatre to the space, part tradition, part modern-day spectacle.

Old Traditions, New Ideas

At the heart of Winter Wonderland sits Santa’s Winter Fair, its dedicated family zone with an expanded layout for 2025. Here, children can wander through creative activity stations and festive fair games, including:

• Cloud Catching
• Letters to Santa
• Snowball Toss
• Antler Toss
• Arts & Crafts
• Spin & Win
• Photo ops with the Great Pine Tree

And Santa returns for his sixth year to greet families in Santa’s Grotto (6–24 December), offering a guided visit, Polaroid photograph and festive treats.

Meet Elva: The Elf for the Digital Generation

Winter Wonderland’s most talked-about newcomer is Elva, The Galleria’s exclusively created AI elf influencer. Playful, imaginative and designed with today’s digitally native families in mind, Elva brings a modern spark to the event, blending the charm with the interactivity of contemporary storytelling.

Festive Shopping with Darna Rewards

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Darna Rewards by Aldar arrives at The Galleria for the first time. Until 14 December, luxury shoppers will earn 15% back at select boutiques, making gifting all the more rewarding during the peak of the season.

Event Details

Location: North Atrium (Level G)
Dates: 6–26 December
Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Event link: Sign-up here to meet Santa
Stay connected: @TheGalleriaUAE | #AtTheGalleria | www.thegalleria.ae