Winter City & Disney+ Once Upon a Holiday 2026 in Dubai

Winter City and Disney+ Once Upon a Holiday turns Al Wasl Plaza at Expo City Dubai into a festive winter village between 11 and 31 December 2026, open every day between 4pm and 10pm. This year Winter City in Dubai joins forces with Disney+ for its fifth edition, built around the theme “Once upon a holiday” and a set of story worlds inspired by Disney, Pixar, Marvel and other much-loved films.

Winter City Dubai meets Disney+

Winter City is part of Al Wasl Season at Expo City Dubai, and the Disney+ partnership gives the 2026 edition a clear storytelling thread. Themed zones draw on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story, Marvel Studios’ superheroes, 20th Century Studios’ Home Alone and the Disney Princesses. The organisers describe a place where toys come to life, superheroes swing into action, princesses get their moment and a sparkling snowy kingdom waits to be explored.

The Home Alone corner is one of the more playful ideas: a holiday home packed with mischief and surprises that families can step inside. Each zone comes with interactive activities for children, so this is a place to join in rather than simply walk past.

Traditions under the Al Wasl Dome

Alongside the Disney+ worlds, the Winter City favourites are back. Snow falls under the Al Wasl Dome, children can write their letters to Santa, and the Christmas tree lighting marks the start of the evening. Large-scale projections play across the dome itself, one of the features that sets Expo City’s winter event apart from a standard festive market.

There is a winter market with festive stalls, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery for something sweet, and seasonal treats around the plaza. When the sun goes down, an outdoor movie marathon screens holiday films, a relaxed way to end the visit. Some workshops are offered on site at an extra charge, so check what is included when you book.

Meeting Santa and Mrs Claus

Expo City’s announcement promises complimentary meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs Claus. The ticket listing also mentions a Santa meet-and-greet add-on for Express Gate Pass holders in set daily time slots. Since the two descriptions differ, check the booking page for how Santa visits work on your chosen date, especially if meeting him is the main reason for your trip.

A growing December tradition

Winter City first appeared as part of Expo City Dubai’s 50 days of winter festivities in 2022, a programme that combined a Christmas market with a fan zone for that year’s FIFA World Cup. It has returned each year since with a new theme; the 2025 edition, built around the Candy Cane Comet, ran between 6 and 31 December. The 2026 edition, with Disney+ on board, is the most story-led version so far, and it fits neatly alongside the rest of Al Wasl Season.

Al Wasl Plaza: getting there and getting around

Al Wasl Plaza is the domed heart of Expo City Dubai on Al Wasl Avenue. By car, set your destination to Jubilee E Parking and walk about 10 minutes to the plaza; paid buggy shuttles run within Expo City when available. By Metro, take the Red Line to EXPO station and walk to the plaza. Taxis and ride-hailing cars drop at Jubilee Parking, around a 10-minute walk away.

Expo City Dubai is described as fully accessible, with restrooms and baby-changing facilities on site and prayer facilities within walking distance. People of Determination are admitted with one caregiver free of charge, subject to verification.

Tickets, ages and house rules

Children aged three and under do not need a ticket, and all children must be supervised by an adult aged 21 or over. Tickets are valid only for the date you choose, and same-day re-entry is possible as long as your wristband stays on. Clothing should be modest, and entry can be refused if it is not.

Leave outside food and drink, cooler bags, chairs, professional cameras, laptops, tablets, selfie sticks, tripods, bags larger than 30 x 30 x 15 cm, bikes, scooters, skateboards, drones, umbrellas over 30 cm, glow sticks and noise-makers at home. Pets are not permitted, although assistance animals are welcome. The rules on strollers differ between the FAQ and the terms, so confirm with the organiser before bringing one.

Evenings close to Christmas tend to be the busiest, so an earlier date in the run gives you more space to explore the story worlds. If you want to see the tree lit and the dome projections, plan to be inside the plaza as the light fades, then stay on for the film marathon.

For more festive plans, see our kids’ events in Dubai, browse things to do in December, explore more things to do in Dubai, or check out Shang-Chi at Cinema Under the Stars in JLT for another family-friendly evening outdoors.