Photo for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

This holiday season in Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities for family and friends to enjoy the most beautiful time - and fantastic weather - of the year, with seasonal festivities all over Dubai. Whether it's a winter market, a themed event at the Dubai Opera, or a fabulously festive village, there is something for everyone to enjoy this Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), with opportunities galore to create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Bluewaters is bringing all things festive to Santa's Secret Island, starting with a dazzling tree amidst all the entertainment. Families can take their little ones to be photographed with Santa and his elves in Santa's grotto and get creative with arts and crafts with the elves. Get into the winter spirit while ice skating or taking a snapshot in Santa's snow globe. Mingle with live singers, acrobatic shows, and parades across the island. Santa's Secret Island is open daily from 4pm to 9pm until December 28. Ibn Battuta is transporting everyone who walks through its doors to the northern hemisphere to enjoy one of the world's natural wonders, the Northern Lights. Using projection mapping, the polar portal to the Aurora Borealis Chamber is located in India Court. Meet and greets with Santa takes place in his Grotto location in China Court, which also features a host of stage shows for kids to enjoy. Adding on to the festivities, every court in the mall will feature seasonal decorations providing the perfect backdrop for everyone's Instagram feed, from December 15 to January 1, from 2pm to 10pm. Mercato brings the world to you this DSF with a culturally enriching experience at one of Dubai's most iconic malls. The streets of Mercato will be transformed, having taken inspiration from different countries and cultures around the world, such as Italy, Africa, Russia, Belarus, and Mongolia. Shoppers will also witness dazzling live stage shows inspired by everything this world offers. Shoppers, Mercato is also offering fabulous discounts ranging from 25 to 75 percent off while also getting a chance to win a weekly cash prize worth Dh20,000. Just spend a minimum of Dh200 at any store at Mercato or Town Centre Jumeirah. Without Madinat Jumeirah's Festive Market, the festive season in Dubai would not be complete. Head to the iconic market to get into the holiday spirit with a festive outdoor extravaganza. Running until December 30, the market features an impressive tree, seasonal food stalls, immersive family-friendly activities, a live band playing everyone's favorite seasonal tunes, and much more to enjoy. Bid farewell to 2022 with various choices to enjoy New Year's Eve. Australian diva Kylie Minogue will perform a string of hits at Atlantis, The Palm on December 31. Listen to the Grammy-award-winning superstar while sampling the finest dining and watching the spectacular fireworks show. Little ones can also enjoy their time on a bouncy castle, game stalls, an enormous slide, and more at the famous Asateer tent. The black tie affair encourages everyone to dress to impress and welcome 2023 in style. For more information on ticket purchases, visit dubai.platinumlist.net. Ring in 2023 with a fabulous Disco till-Dawn-themed celebration at the Dubai Opera. The internationally acclaimed dancing duo, Jasmine and Aaron of Britain's, Got Talent, will shake up the stage with a phenomenal performance, followed by energetic sets by DJ Bliss and DJ Keza. The iconic venue will also serve an indulgent three-course set menu and free-flowing refreshments. Before the clock strikes 12, guests will be ushered outside to the promenade to witness Dubai's Burj Khalifa fireworks. Latin heartthrob Enrique Iglesias will be playing to the crowds this NYE at Dubai's trendiest Greek hotspot, Nammos. The multi-award-winning artist will be joined by the well-known Cuban reggaeton duo Gente De Zona, who has collaborated with Marc Anthony. The dress code is glam-chic, and a set menu featuring exquisite Mediterranean dishes will be served while enjoying hits like Bailando. Visit nammos.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Shop, win, and be entertained as Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) returns from December 15, 2022, to January 29, 2023, with incredible deals, innovative events, world-class entertainment, and life-changing prizes. As the longest-running event of its kind, DSF has grown over the last 28 years into a signature celebration for citizens, residents, and visitors alike. Featuring the ultimate retail therapy from a wide range of homegrown and global brands, live concerts, outdoor markets, pop-up dining, and more, this year's DSF experience is worth seeing. BKM/ Expat Media
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