< Previous20 Christmas Special 2020 Time Out UAE Kids Christm …and here’s what can be done. Add some sparkle with this festive line-up of family activities So this is 20-26_CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS_11389782.indd 2029/11/2020 15:44:30Time Out UAE Kids Christmas Special 2020 21 tmas… 20-26_CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS_11389782.indd 2129/11/2020 15:45:01Holiday happenings 22 Christmas Special 2020 Time Out UAE Kids WHEN YOU’VE GOT little ones around, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year – and there is plenty going on across the UAE to make this one a real cracker! From rockin’ around the Christmas tree and shouting ‘he’s behind you’ to running off the holiday’s over-indulgences (mince pies are standard breakfast in December after all), here are some magical ways you can step into Christmas with the whole gang. FESTIVE PERFORMANCES A Christmas Cracker Gareth Gates and Natasha Hamilton are performing together at Dubai Opera on Thursday December 10. Kicking off at 8pm means the Christmas Cracker show is more for families with older kids and will give mums and dads a chance to share their musical memories with their tweens and teens (we can see their faces now). Fans of the renowned British singers can expect a nostalgic night featuring noughties classics and more. The festive extravaganza will feature much-loved Christmas tunes including all the traditional favourites – think White Christmas, Let It Snow, Last Christmas and the sort – plus a load of Christmas carols. You can expect a good old singalong, too. Tickets prices start from Dhs225 per person with a house beverage included. O From Dhs225 (house beverage included). Thu Dec 10, 8pm onwards. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai (04 440 8888). Beauty and the Beast Children’s classic Beauty and the Beast is on at Theatre by QE2 with various performances between Wednesday December 16 and Sunday December 27, excluding Christmas Day. Expect colourful costumes, plenty of singing, lots of love, a happy ending (of course) and festive fun for the whole gang. Tickets start from Dhs120 and are being sold in bubbles of two, three of four people. The QE2 will be selling all the usual snacking options including popcorn, ice cream, chocolate bars for the kiddos, plus grape and hop beverages for mums and dads. O From Dhs120. Various performances Wed Oct 16-Sun Dec 27 (excluding Fri Dec 25). QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai, www.theatrebyqe2.com. Jack and the Beanstalk Panto is heading to Dubai just in time for Christmas... oh yes it is.. and it’s the perfect way to get the whole gang into the spirit of the holidays. Families can catch a sterling performance of Jack and the Beanstalk at InterContinental Beauty and The Beast “The festive extravaganza will feature much-loved Christmas tunes” 20-26_CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS_11389782.indd 2229/11/2020 15:45:29Holiday happenings Time Out UAE Kids Christmas Special 2020 23 Dubai Festival City this festive season. There are various performances scheduled between Wednesday December 16 and Sunday December 27, excluding Christmas Day as even fairy tale characters need a festive break! All COVID-19 safety measures will be in place including temperature checks, masks and socially-distanced seating. O From Dhs125. Various performances from Wed Dec 16 to Sun Dec 27 (excluding Fri Dec 25). InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, www.dubaipanto.com. Merry Muddle Every Christmas without fail our very own columnist stars in a fun Christmas performance, and this year is no exception. Magic Phil is in a state of festive confusion and he needs your help! Taking place at Theatre by QE2, Merry Muddle is full of silliness (as to be expected), magic tricks and plenty of fun. There are various performances on Friday December 11 and Saturday December 12 and tickets start from Dhs100. O Dhs100. 10.30am and 2pm Fri Dec 11 and Sat Dec CHRISTMAS LIGHTS KEEP SHINING ON Dubai Garden Glow Dubai Garden Glow is open for the winter season with the theme “back to nature”, and it’s the perfect place to get the all-important Christmas feels – just ask Chris Martin, he says it’s all about the Christmas lights! There are loads of different zones to check out at the Zabeel Park attraction, including the famous Glow Park, which is made from environmentally-friendly handmade lights. There’s also the Dinosaur Park with over 120 models of prehistoric creatures from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, which move and roar. Dubai Garden Glow is also home to Magic Park with more than 25 fun exhibits and 3D artwork, optical illusions and more. Finally, there’s the Art Park, which showcases creativity. O Dhs65 (adults), Dhs45 (additional for Magic Park), free (kids under three). Open daily 5pm-11pm. Zabeel Park (055 918 8126). Dubai Garden Glow Jack and the Beanstalk 20-26_CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS_11389782.indd 2329/11/2020 15:45:38Holiday happenings 24 Christmas Special 2020 Time Out UAE Kids 12. Theatre by QE2, QE2, Port Rashid, www.theatrebyqe2.com. Santa Baby jazz concert Dubai Opera is putting on a family-friendly Christmas show this year with help from NSO Big Band. There will be two performances of festive jazz concert ‘Santa Baby’ on Friday December at 2pm (ideal for younger family members) and 8pm. Tickets start at Dhs109 and are inclusive of a house beverage for added seasonal cheer. Families will be able to sing along to festive favourites – accompanied by NSO Big Band and complete with a jazzy twist – including O’ Tannenbaum, Everybody’s Waitin’ For The Man With The Bag, Christmas Time Is Here, Silver Bells and All I Want For Christmas Is You. O From Dhs190 (including one house beverage). Fri Dec 11 2pm and 8pm. Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai (04 440 8888). The Christmas Show The Christmas Show at Fairmont The Palm promises plenty of festive fun for the whole family. There are various performances to choose from between December 17 and December 28, and tickets cost from Dhs33.68. As well as Christmas sing-a-long favourites such as Santa Baby, All I Want for Christmas is You and I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas, there will be funny Christmas-themed sketches to get the whole gang into the holiday spirit. Tickets cost from Dhs We also have it on good authority that there will be a snow flurry on the day, which the little ones will love given it’s not something we see much of here (unless you pop to Ski Dubai, of course). O From Dhs120. Dec 17-Dec 28. Fairmont The Palm, Dubai, www.dubaiplatinumlist.net. The Snowman It’s not really Christmas until you watch this classic film adaption of the book by Raymond Briggs about a little boy whose beloved snowman comes to life and takes him on an adventure. They meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s friends, but will they escape evil Jack Frost and get back home for Christmas morning? Art For All is screening The Snowman, for the first time ever in the UAE, at The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates. The showing takes place on Friday December 11 at 11am and tickets start from Dhs45. Suitable for the whole family, even the tiniest tots age two and over will embrace the magic, and the songs! We’re walking in the air… O From Dhs45. 11am Fri Dec 11. The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, info@artforall.ae (050 880 5074). The Wonderful Wizard of Oz If watching a top shop from the comfort of your sofa, and potentially in your PJs – we aren’t judging – sounds like a winner, then this virtual performance of children’s classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, might be right up your street. Dial in on Zoom to watch Dorothy and her little dog Toto, along with her friends Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion, follow the yellow brick road to find the magical wizard. There are various show times to choose from between Decemebr 19 and January 3. To try and recreate the feeling of being in a theatre auditorium, there will be an interactive element to the play and the audience will be able to see each other at various points in the show. Tickets for one device to access the link to the show cost around Dhs145 and the show producers advice you tune in on a large screen like a TV rather than on a table or smartphone to see the play, which is performed in real time, in its full glory. Get ready for a sing-a-long. Somewhere over the rainbow. O Dhs145. 6pm and 11pm Dec 19-Jan 3, except December 24 when performances are 6pm and 8pm. SPRINT INTO CHRISTMAS Santa Run Taking place on Saturday December 11, start times for the family-friendly Santa Run kick off at 7.30am, while entry is from Dhs105. The race is over 5km, though there are shorter routes of 1km and 2.5km for kids if you’re running as a family. Whichever track you choose you’ll get your time at the end, and it’s all for fun. You’ll even get a medal and refreshments thrown in. Plus, you’ll want to dust off your best outfit as there’s a Best Dressed Santa prize too. Runners also get access to Santa’s Grotto in Dubai Festival City, as well as free festive goodies to really get you in the festive spirit. O From Dhs105. Sat Dec 11. Dubai Festival City (04 457 8620). The Snowman 20-26_CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS_11389782.indd 2426/11/2020 15:31:33Holiday happenings Time Out UAE Kids Christmas Special 2020 25 FESTIVE FUN Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Here comes Santa Claus… but not on reindeer- pulled sled as you might imagine! Nope, at this swanky hotel in the capital, Father Christmas plans to arrive in a very unique way… across the water. Gather around the huge Christmas tree on the pool deck and watch the twinkling lights get turned on while you nibble on festive treats and listen to live musicians sing all you holiday favourites. The jolly big man in red will then sail into view across the mangroves ready to say ho ho ho to the little ones. O 6pm-8pm Dec 10. The Pool Deck, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, Abu Dhabi (02 656 1000). Bab Al Shams, Dubai The desert festive market is on at Bab Al Shams from 6pm to 10pm every day between December 12 and December 20 where mums and dads can pick up some last-minute gifts. And with a huge Christmas tree complete with Santa Claus carriage, mulled grape, hot chocolate, festive sing-a-long mince pies and more, there’s plenty to get the whole gang jingle belling into the spirit of the holidays. It’s Dhs50 for kids, which is redeemable against food and drinks, while adults get in for free. O Dhs50 (kids), free (adults). Dec 12-Dec20. Al Forsan Garden, Bab Al Shams, BAS.Alforsan@meydanhotels. com (04 809 6202). Boardwalk, Dubai If the kids are hoping to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas – and they can’t stay awake on Christmas Eve night when he’s delivering their pressies, you can celebrate Christmas Day on the deck at the Boardwalk surrounded by Dubai Creek and stunning views where Santa will make a special visit. There’s a buffet lunch with roast turkey and Mediterranean dishes, plus there’s a fully supervised children’s area filled with activities. O Dhs335 (soft drinks), Dhs495 (house beverages), Dhs595 (sparkling), Dhs155 (kids aged six to 12), free (kids under six). Fri Dec 25. Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Deira (04 205 4647). Crowne Plaza, Dubai Festival City This picnic brunch is getting a festive makeover for Christmas, and it’s a top choice for families in Dubai. The outdoor Christmas picnic brunch includes loads of festive treats that you can fill your picnic basket with, plus an outdoor barbecue. Lie back on the lawns and enjoy the December sunshine, while Santa will make an appearance, too. O Dhs275 (soft drinks), Dhs375 (house beverages), Dhs75 (kids aged six-12), free (kids under five). Fri Dec 25, 12.30pm-4pm. Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City (04 701 1111). Jones the Grocer, Emirates Golf Club Jones the Grocer at Emirates Golf Club is turning its popular cheese and grape night into a festive affair. On December 3 you can enjoy two hours of free-flowing grape, mulled grape, cheese boards and festive nibbles. Plus, to seal the Christmas deal, there’s a tree lighting ceremony and live choir performance with all of your favorite Christmas classics. O Dhs199. 7.30pm-10.30pm. Jones the Grocer, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai (04 417 9999). “Gather around the huge Christmas tree on the pool deck” Jones the Grocer, Emirates Golf Club JW Marriott Marquis Dubai 20-26_CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS_11389782.indd 2526/11/2020 15:31:43Holiday happenings 26 Christmas Special 2020 Time Out UAE Kids FILL YOUR STOCKING Harry Potter Christmas Wands at the ready – Marks & Spencer in the UAE has teamed up with Warner Bros. to launch an entire brand-new collection dedicated to Harry Potter, Hogwarts and all things wizardry.The clothing collection for mini-Potterheads and teens is made up of 24 pieces including sleepwear, daywear and accessories, all of which have been inspired by the wonderful wizarding world.In addition to the new clothing range, Marks & Spencer has also launched a collection of Harry Potter-inspired food goodies which are perfect for the upcoming festive season and will make for cracking stocking fillers. We’re talking chocolate frogs, a chocolate golden snitch, a chocolate wand, complete with Professor Dumbledore’s favourite – sherbet lemon, and a chocolate sorting hat. O Prices vary. Various locations across the UAE including Ibn Battuta Mall and Yas Mall. “Mums and dads can spoil themselves with a glass of bubbles for added festivity” Ritz Carlton JBR JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Visit La Farine Café and Bakery between December 4 and December 31 and enter through the eatery’s delicious-smelling, candylicious gingerbread entrance frame. The magical creation will impress tiny tots and little kids and mums and dads will feel really Christmassy thanks to the sweet and spicy aroma of the gingerbread. Once through, tuck into some tasty festive treats and delicacies. Yum. O Dec 4-Dec 31. JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai (04 414 0000). Ranches Restaurant, Dubai Got creative kiddos? There are cool prizes up for grabs at Arabian Ranches Golf Club for the best gingerbread house. So, provided they can put as many sweets and treats on the creation, rather than in their mouths, they might strike it lucky. For Dhs125, little ones will be given a gingerbread house to decorate as well as a tasty meal and a soft drink to wash it down with. The activity will take place on various days in December at Ranches Restaurant. O Dhs125. 3pm-6pm, Sun Dec 6, Fri Dec 13 and Fri Dec 20. Ranches Restaurant, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, (04 360 7935). Ritz Carlton JBR We love an afternoon tea, particularly when there’s a festive spin on it. The Lobby lounge at Ritz Carlton JBR is serving up a festive feast on the terrace throughout December including cranberry scones complete with creamy Devonshire clotted cream, strawberry jam and lemon curd, as well as a selection of sandwiches and an assortment of sweet treats. Mums and dads can spoil themselves with a glass of bubbles for added festivity. O Dhs195 (tea and coffee), Dhs285 (glass of sparkling), Dhs96 (kids six-11). 12.30pm-5pm Dec 5-Dec 31. Ritz Carlton JBR, Dubai (04 318 6150). The Abu Dhabi EDITION Throughout December the Abu Dhabi EDITION is serving up an afternoon of festive cheer. Grab an al fresco pew at Alba Terrace and enjoy the cool weather while indulging in a tasty spread. The afternoon tea includes golden peaked charcoal, meringue croissants, chocolate pecan choux and prosciutto with grilled peach, which can all be washed down with a selection of Avancha teas and free flowing bubbles – to really get you in the spirit of Christmas. O Dhs120 (tea and soft drinks), Dhs168 (two-hours of bubbles). 1pm-6pm daily throughout December. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Abu Dhabi (02 208 0000). Hilton Dubai Creek On Tuesday December 10 from 7pm, you can watch the hotel’s Christmas tree light up in its full glory. As well as a chance to have a festive sing-a-long to all your favourite carols, jolly old Saint Nick himself will be putting in an appearance to say ‘ho ho ho’ to the kids. And once the frivolities are over, families can head to the family-friendly seafood buffet at Glasshouse Brasserie to fill their tummies. O Free entry. 7pm Tue Dec 10. From Dhs179 (brunch). Baniyas Rd, Dubai, (04 212 7550). 20-26_CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS_11389782.indd 2626/11/2020 15:31:54Promotional feature Address Beach Resort is opening this month What you can look forward to at this family-friendly hotel W e can’t get enough of daycations and staycations with the kids, so when we heard that the Address Beach Resort was coming to JBR, we’ve been counting down to the days until it opened, and that day is finally here. With four swimming pools, it’s bound to be a popular destination with the entire family, whether you’ve got tiny tots or teens. There is a dedicated family pool that is ideal for little swimmers and even a fun splash pad where the kiddos can play and keep cool. The pristine, sandy beach is a top spot for families, and the hotel even offers bio- degradable and eco-friendly toys for the kids to play with – so no lugging pool toys around. Or, if you want some much-needed you-time (don’t we all), you can drop them off in the awesome kid’s club and head to the 77th floor where you’ll discover the rooftop infinity pool with breath-taking views over the Arabian Gulf, or book yourself in for a spa treatment. The QIX Club is open daily from 9am to 9pm for kids four to 12. The colourful space, which is supervised by trained childcare gurus, offers little ones a whole host of exciting activities to keep them entertained and even runs summer camps during the hottest holidays of the year. The hotel is also home to a number of restaurants so when the kids get peck’ish you’ll be covered. There are even two new concepts to try. The first, Li’ Brasil, combines the homely feel of Lebanese cuisine with the exotic twist of Brazilian food. There are indoor and al fresco seating options so you can tuck into Lebanese-style sharing plates while admiring the spectacular city views. And for fans of seafood, you can head to The Beach Grill, where you’ll get to tuck into the tasty catch of the day and enjoy and soft- serve ice creams on the sand for dessert. The Address brand already has a number of popular hotels dotted about Dubai, including Address Sky View and Address Dubai Marina, but the new hotel, which is opening this month (December 2020), is the first beach resort from the brand, and will have serviced apartments, residential apartments, as well as regular hotel rooms. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to grab the gang and check yourselves in for a fun family escape. O Opening Dec 2020. JBR, www.addresshotels.com (04 879 8888). ADVERTORIAL_11454664.indd 11030/11/2020 18:02:0928 Christmas Special 2020 Time Out UAE Kids Christmas… Perfect presents that the kiddos will be delighted to discover under the tree All they want for 28-33_GIFT GUIDE_11430649.indd 2826/11/2020 15:33:00Time Out UAE Kids Christmas Special 2020 29 T hey’ve made their lists, they’ve checked them twice (or more like 50 times if we’re counting) and they’ve posted them off to the North Pole. And now our chocolate advent calendars are telling us that the countdown to the big day is officially on. So, with Santa Claus coming to town imminently, we’ve had an insider tip off from Mr Elf and have rounded up some of the terrific toys and gorgeous gifts that the kiddos are hoping to rip open on Christmas morning. This helpful little list might even help you to give the big man in red a run for his money, just as long as they’ve been nice and not naughty this year, of course. 28-33_GIFT GUIDE_11430649.indd 2926/11/2020 15:33:10Next >