The Winter City 2025, a key event of the Season of Joy at Expo City Dubai, has recorded the highest visitor count in its first week since its launch in 2022, welcoming nearly 38,000 guests between December 6 and December 13. Additionally, the sales of commercial booths surged by 60% compared to last year. The popularity of Winter City continues to grow, attracting families and visitors from diverse backgrounds daily to the Al Wasl Plaza, where they can enjoy a festive atmosphere and partake in family-friendly activities and endless fun.
The success of this destination in its inaugural week can be attributed to several factors, including an affordable entry ticket priced at only 50 dirhams, which covers access to 11 free attractions and activities. The variety of festive events caters to all age groups, alongside easy access to Expo City Dubai with ample free parking options. This accessibility encourages visitors to spend more time in the area and return for future visits, contributing to a reported increase of 60-70% in sales at Winter City’s market and food and beverage outlets, underscoring the growing commercial and community success of the event.
Amina Abu Al-Houl, the Executive Creative Director of Events and Entertainment at Expo City Dubai, stated: “In its fourth edition, Winter City has established a growing base of visitors who anticipate the event each year, with a consistent increase in repeat visitation rates. We are thrilled by this large turnout, reflecting the success of our strategy to carefully consider visitor feedback, particularly regarding family and festive activities, as well as food and beverage options. Consequently, we have introduced various new activities this year aimed at encouraging repeat visits and extended stays at Al Wasl Plaza during Winter City. Over the next two weeks, we will continue to add more joy and special moments for all our guests.”
Winter City 2025 will remain open for visitors until December 31, transforming Al Wasl Plaza into a realm of joy, laughter, and seasonal delight.
The eagerly awaited musical theater event “Carols by Candlelight” at Expo City Dubai is approaching, scheduled for December 20-24, featuring two daily performances under the immersive Al Wasl Dome. This event will showcase popular holiday songs played by the Firdaus Orchestra, the first all-female orchestra in the region, inviting the audience to join in singing along in a delightful family atmosphere that creates unforgettable memories. Tickets for the “Carols by Candlelight” concert are priced at 150 dirhams, which includes access to Winter City.
Special Celebration
Winter City will conclude its fourth season with New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31, specifically designed for families and children at Al Wasl Plaza. The evening will feature two separate New Year’s celebrations—one aimed at children and another for adults—complete with immersive light displays and colorful confetti showers meant for children, alongside live music performed by DJ Shock and his daughter DJ Michelle on the Al Wasl stage.
The celebrations will kick off at 7:00 PM with a selection of songs for children and teens presented by the talented DJ Michelle. This will be followed by the first New Year’s celebration at 9:00 PM, featuring children on stage for a countdown to the New Year amidst an atmosphere of joy and colorful confetti. The festivities will continue until the main countdown at midnight, marked by fireworks and live music from DJ Shock, allowing visitors to welcome the New Year with wonderful memories of Winter City.