Dubai: This holiday season, Expo City Dubai’s much-loved Winter City is set for its most magical edition yet as it joins forces with Disney+ for an unforgettable festive collaboration.
Under the theme ‘Once upon a holiday…’, the event will bring beloved stories and characters to life beyond the screen in a richly themed experience for families and visitors from across the UAE and beyond.
Now in its fifth edition, Winter City promises exceptional, one-of-a-kind experiences and activations created in collaboration with Disney+. Families can experience a lifetime of great stories from Disney+, brought to life through dedicated themed zones inspired by some of the world’s most beloved stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios and beyond, including festive favourites such as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story, 20th Century Studios’ Home Alone and more.
Running from 11 to 31 December as part of Al Wasl Season, the leading winter event will also bring back popular attractions that families know and love. These include snow falling beneath Al Wasl Dome, children sending their letters to Santa, complimentary meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs Claus, spectacular state-of-the-art projections across the iconic Al Wasl Dome, and more festive surprises designed to make every visit memorable. The event reinforces its position as one of the top winter destinations in the UAE and the wider region.
Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director – Events and Experiences at Expo City Dubai, said: “Winter City has always been our happy place. It’s where families come together, and, for a few hours, everyone becomes a child again. This year, we’re adding a whole new chapter. With Disney+, families can journey from the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen to Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story, 20th Century Studios’ Home Alone and Marvel Studios, while still enjoying everything they love about Winter City.
“We wanted to create a place where the magic of the holidays and the stories we love can exist side by side, and where families leave with a story that belongs entirely to them.
“What excites me most is that every family will experience Winter City differently. They might arrive for a favourite story and find something entirely new along the way. That’s the spirit behind ‘Once upon a holiday…’. We don’t just want our visitors to watch the story; we want them to be part of it.”
Tamim Fares, Director, Disney+ Middle East, said: “Disney+ has always been a place where families and loved ones come together, sharing stories that resonate across generations. This holiday season, we’re thrilled to bring that feeling beyond the screen and into the heart of Winter City, creating a holiday destination where audiences can step into the worlds and stories they love. From immersive Disney+ experiences and activations to magical moments under the iconic Al Wasl Dome, this collaboration is about celebrating the joy of coming together and bringing the beloved stories of Disney+ to life in a whole new way.”
‘Once upon a holiday…’ gives this year’s Winter City a spirited twist on the timeless phrase that introduces so many great stories, immediately sparking children’s imaginations as familiar worlds and new adventures come together.
There is much more in store. From festive music and specially curated F&B to special touches throughout Winter City, more surprises will be revealed as opening day draws closer.