DUBAI, 27 November 2025 – Expo City Dubai is bringing warmth to winter with a fresh mix of family experiences, cultural highlights and community moments – making it the place to be this festive period and beyond.

From the creative energy bursting through the newly opened House of Arts to the merry twinkle of Winter City, nature-led discovery at Terra, to hands-on learning through winter camps and a dynamic dining scene, Expo City Dubai is buzzing across the board. It’s a destination built to connect people through culture, creativity, play and shared experiences – not just this season, but all year round.

Sholto Douglas-Home, Chief Sales, Marketing and Communications Officer, Expo City Dubai, said: “Expo City Dubai has never been more alive. From art and culture to family festivals, education, music and dining, every part of the city is humming with energy. This season reflects exactly who we are: a place where people come together to create, celebrate and experience something new every time they visit. And we’re just getting started.”

Celebrate art, heritage, the great outdoors – and cake – at Expo City this National Day

Explore a bold new space at House of Arts Tues–Fri 1000–1800, Sat–Sun 1600–2200 (Closed Mon) Opportunity District Ongoing ê 65 three-day membership pass (free for people of determination plus one caregiver, university students, children ages 10 and under accompanied by an adult) Following the spellbinding success of Dhai Dubai, Expo City Dubai’s new creative chapter continues with the House of Arts – officially inaugurated by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and now open to the public. Housed in the award-winning, seven-storey former Morocco Pavilion – recently nominated for the Aga Khan Award – the House of Arts reimagines creativity with exhibitions, artist-led workshops and community-led expression.

On 2 December from 1200–1900, House of Arts comes alive with National Day celebrations – from Emirati-inspired tastings in The Third Place, to hands-on children’s workshops in the courtyard and masterclasses in talli and burqa-making for ages 12-plus. Join an art talk in conversation with Amna Abulhoul, Expo City Dubai’s Executive Creative Director, before the all-women Firdaus Orchestra takes the stage at 1630 for a special National Day performance and film screenings by Cinema Akil. The day closes with a live broadcast of the official celebration in the Sadutorium from 1800–1900. Visit the website for more information on upcoming exhibitions.

Be whisked away to the Festival of Cake

28 November–2 December, 1600–2200 Al Wasl Plaza Adults: ê 75, Children ages 5 and under ê 40 Festival of Cake, the sweetest time of the year, arrives with towering creations, live demos, irresistible cake artistry and encounters with world-famous pastry chefs. Don’t miss the grand finale of the original ‘cake picnic’, making its first ever UAE debut as the final stop of the global tour – a community-focused celebration where scores of cakes and cake-lovers come together for one unforgettable feast. The perfect way for you and your family to top off Eid Al Etihad, consider it the icing on your long weekend. Buy tickets here.

Celebrate Eid Al Etihad at the Nature & Wonder Festival (National Day Edition) 1–2 December Terra ê 50, free for ages 3 and under Explore the UAE’s iconic flora – from Ghaf trees to desert blooms – and discover their connection to Emirati culture and the nation’s vision. Bring the National Day spirit alive with immersive nature experiences, hands-on workshops, storytelling, camel rides and henna artistry. Ideal for families, the festival honours the UAE’s environment, heritage and identity in one memorable experience. Visit Terra.

Other highlights at Expo City Dubai this December

Celebrate the season at Winter City and Carols by Candlelight 6–31 December, 1600–2200 Al Wasl Plaza ê 50 Winter arrives with crisp nights, bright lights and plenty to explore at Winter City. Stroll through festive markets, warm up with a seasonal drink, write to Santa, earn your antlers, chase elves, craft candy canes, meet Mr and Mrs Claus and enjoy snowy surprises – Winter City is the festive season brought to life. Don’t miss Carols by Candlelight: a heart-warming celebration under the glow of Al Wasl dome. Buy tickets here.

Winter Camp 8 December–2 January, Monday–Friday, 0900-1400 Terra Early bird bookings start from ê 152 (1 day), ê 676 (1-week package), ê 2,400 (4-week package) A playful winter break for energetic, imaginative kids: think creative workshops, outdoor challenges, nature-inspired art, festive activities and lots of laughter across Expo City’s learning spaces. Book now.

Join a double countdown 31 December 2025–1 January 2026, 2000-0100 Al Wasl Plaza ê 150 This New Year’s Eve, Al Wasl Plaza is hosting the ultimate family party, featuring not one, but two countdowns, and a double special DJ appearance by DJ Shock and his daughter DJ Michelle, a fitting Expo New Year father-daughter DJ duo from Dubai. Kicking off at 2100 with a kids’ countdown and confetti-and-music bash, the main spectacle will take place at midnight. With dazzling shows and unforgettable fireworks, it’s a night that sets the stage for 2026. Buy tickets here.

Check out what’s new on the menu Ongoing, check expocitydubai.com for opening times Sitewide Expo City Dubai’s dining scene is on a roll. Gup & Shup is back with its modern Indian street food, Al Wasl Plaza Café has a fresh signature salad, Grand Beirut has reopened in full colour, and Irish favourite McGettigan’s has just landed in Opportunity District. Plus, Milky Ice is still serving its fan-favourite KitKat and Smarties swirls – because ice cream weather is all year round.

Discover more stories shaping our city

Want to go behind the scenes at Expo City Dubai? Tune into Blueprint, our new podcast featuring exclusive chats with thought leaders, artists and changemakers, and explore City Voice, our just-launched blog packed full of ideas and stories that celebrate community, ignite conversation and inspire progress.

For more information or interview requests, the press office (press.office@expocity.ae) is happy to assist.

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