Retail Abu Dhabi, the retail platform of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is embracing the festive season with mall activations, events and promotions.

 

The Abu Dhabi Winter Shopping Season is being held for the second year running to support the emirate’s retail landscape during the festive period. An array of themed activities for the entire family to enjoy has been planned until January 31, 2022, DCT Abu Dhabi said in a statement.

 

Shoppers can find bargains, taking advantage of up to 80 per cent discounts in 3,500 retail outlets across 20 malls throughout the emirate. It has also partnered with some popular malls to provide festive entertainment to enrich the shopping experience.

 

At The Galleria Al Maryah Island, families can visit Santa Claus and take photos in his Winter Village from 10am to 10pm until December 24. Little ones can also visit the Letters to Santa station where they can pen personal letters to Father Christmas to be entered into daily prize draws.

 

At a North Pole activity in Yas Mall, young shoppers can ride the Santa Express train to the Elf Toy Factory while listening to performances from the mall’s live band. Children can also demonstrate their artistic flair by creating their own gingerbread house.

 

At Deerfields Mall, a Festive Barasti Zone is open daily from 4pm to 10pm until January 5, featuring a traditional souk selling perfumes, homemade cheeses and labneh, as well as traditional clothes. In addition, a multi-level virtual reality ‘Tippy Tree’ experience offers shoppers the chance to digitally simulate decorating a Christmas Tree, with each level getting harder as the decorations increase in size and they try to avoid toppling over the virtual tree.

 

The Festive Market at Abu Dhabi Mall features holiday decorations, art and craft, hand-made accessories and gifts for the family, while Santa Claus is returning for a kids’ meet-and-greet opportunity in the Winter Village. Open from 11am to 9pm until December 24.

 

At Al Ain Mall, a range of festive programming throughout December includes performances by Nutcrackers and Big Elves, a kid’s Christmas workshop, live shows by the Royal Mariachi Band and more.-TradeArabia News Service