Expo City Dubai will keep its holiday-season Winter City running on Sunday 21 December 2025 and Monday 22 December 2025, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Al Wasl Plaza. For enquiries, call Expo City Dubai on 800 3976 2489 or email connect@expocitydubai.ae. The address to share with drivers is Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai, Expo Road (E77), Dubai South, Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Recommended booking ahead.
Dates and opening hours on 21 and 22 December
On Sunday 21 December 2025, Winter City is scheduled for 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, which suits after-school and after-dinner arrivals. On Monday 22 December 2025, the hours remain 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, so you can plan a similar evening rhythm. Because it sits under and around the Al Wasl Plaza dome, you get that signature Expo City atmosphere while still moving easily between zones. Plan your arrival around 5:00 PM if you want calmer entry lines.
Why Winter City exists and what it’s aiming for
Winter City is Expo City Dubai’s seasonal village that turns Al Wasl Plaza into a festive meeting point for families, friends, and visitors who want a relaxed holiday outing. Over the years, Expo City has used this period to blend entertainment, creative activities, and community programming in one walkable area. Meanwhile, the dome setting helps the event feel contained and easy to navigate, which matters when you’re with children or visiting as a couple. Even if you only stay an hour, it still feels like a complete “evening plan” rather than a quick stop. Family-friendly pacing is part of the design.
What you can do once you’re inside
Expect a mix of live entertainment moments and hands-on activities, so you can alternate between watching and participating without feeling rushed. You’ll typically see creative workshops and seasonal installations that work well for photos, plus roaming entertainment that keeps children engaged while adults recharge. Also, the plaza layout makes it easy to regroup, since you can pick a clear meeting point and return to it between activities. If you’re visiting solo, you can treat it like a calm walk with short pop-in experiences rather than a full schedule. Keep a simple meeting point if you arrive as a group.
Ticketing choices and what “entry” usually means
General admission is approximately AED 50 per person for Winter City, and organisers often advise booking ahead during peak holiday nights. However, on dates when special shows run at Al Wasl Plaza, some ticket types may include same-day Winter City access as part of that purchase, which can help if you want an “all-in-one” evening. Because ticket terms can change by date, it’s smart to confirm what your ticket includes before you arrive, especially for families managing multiple entries. For the most reliable purchasing route, use EXPO CITY DUBAI’s official ticketing flow or PLATINUMLIST. Check ticket inclusions before you travel.
Pairing Winter City with Carols nights on these dates
If you want a more structured “show plus stroll” plan, the Carols by Candlelight series typically runs during this same holiday window, and it’s designed as a seated concert experience under the Al Wasl dome. That option suits families who want a clear start and finish time, and it also works well for couples who prefer a performance-led evening. You can arrive early for Winter City first, then move into the concert slot, and finally return to the village atmosphere afterward while the plaza still feels lively. Ticket prices for the concert are typically higher than general village entry, around AED 150, and availability can tighten near the weekend. Book early if you want a concert time-slot.
Getting there smoothly from Dubai and nearby Emirates
From central Dubai, driving is usually easiest via Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) with a turn onto Expo Road (E77), and signage guides you toward Expo City entry routes. From Abu Dhabi, the simplest run is along E11 toward Dubai, then connect toward Dubai South and Expo Road (E77), and you’ll want to time your return after 10:00 PM to avoid the biggest exit surge. From Sharjah, many drivers prefer E311 for a steadier approach, then follow signs toward Expo Road (E77) and Expo City Dubai. If you don’t want to drive, the Dubai Metro Red Line serves the Expo City station, and it’s often the most stress-free choice on busy nights. Use the Metro if you want to avoid parking queues.
Parking and on-site movement expectations
Expo City uses dedicated parking zones and clear pedestrian routes, so you can park and walk in without complicated navigation. Still, holiday crowds can create short bottlenecks near peak entry points, especially between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM when families and after-work visitors overlap. If you’re arriving with small children, consider a stroller-friendly route and keep a light layer accessible, since evenings can cool down quickly once you stop moving. Also, if you plan to hop between attractions beyond Al Wasl Plaza, build in extra walking time so you’re not rushing. Parking capacity is limited during prime evening hours.
Best time windows for different visitor styles
For families with younger kids, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM often feels calmer, and you can finish before bedtime while still catching the lights. For teens, couples, and friend groups, 7:00 PM onward usually delivers the most “holiday energy,” since the plaza feels fuller and the entertainment rhythm picks up. Meanwhile, photographers often prefer the first hour after sunset, because the lighting balances the dome glow and the surrounding displays. If you’re coming from Abu Dhabi or Sharjah on a weeknight, leaving right after 10:00 PM can save time, but waiting 15 to 20 minutes can sometimes make exits smoother. Arrive early if you want the easiest family experience.
WARNINGS AND TIPS CLOSING PARAGRAPH
For Sunday 21 December 2025, Dubai’s forecast points to cloud cover easing into a brighter evening, with daytime around 23°C and night temperatures near 17°C, so bring a light jacket for the later hours. For Monday 22 December 2025, expect hazy sun and similar comfort, around 24°C by day and near 16°C at night, although it can feel cooler if the breeze picks up. Because there were patchy showers reported around Saturday 20 December 2025, some outdoor surfaces may still feel slightly damp early Sunday, so wear shoes with decent grip. Traffic typically builds from 6:00 PM onward, so consider the Dubai Metro to Expo City station, and if you drive, aim to park before peak times and follow on-site signage to designated parking zones. Ticket prices can change and any amounts mentioned are approximately; for the most reliable purchase options, use PLATINUMLIST or EXPO CITY DUBAI official ticketing. Make your reservation before you travel. And as the editor at www.few.ae often reminds readers, a smooth Expo City night starts with timing your arrival, not just picking the activity.
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