December 12, 2016 TnH Global 0

‘Yas Winterland Festival’ celebrates the best of the festive season on Yas Island

Festival being held from 9 December 2016 to 7 January 2017 across several Yas Island attractions
Visitors encouraged to visit yasisland.ae for the latest information, event timings and offers
Coldplay to perform to a sold-out arena for the New Year’s Eve ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ concert, presented by du live!

Yas Island, the UAE’s premier entertainment destination, is set to host the first ever ‘Yas Winterland Festival’ for an entire month of family-friendly events, activities and offers to celebrate the festive season. For the inaugural edition of the festival, many activities will take place like Yas Marina’s ‘Let It Snow’ celebrations, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s ‘Winterfest’, Yas Mall’s Festive Season, du Forum’s ‘Winterland Carnival’, and a spectacular midnight fireworks shows to ring in the New Year. Additionally, Coldplay’s sold-out New Year’s Eve ‘A Head Full Of Dreams’ live show- presented by du Live!, brought to you by FLASH Entertainment and in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and Yas Island, will draw a close the winter festivities on Yas Island.

The island is being completely transformed into a magical winter wonderland as several Yas Island attractions get set to offer winter-themed activities, events and special offers, from December 9th 2016 to January 7th 2017.

“Yas Island is all about exciting experiences. The month-long Yas Winterland Festival captures the best of what Yas Island has to offer in terms of events, entertainment and leisure, with a fun winter theme. Our visitors will be able to create ever-lasting memories as they celebrate the cheery, festive winter season among their loved ones, friends and family,” said Mohamed Abdulla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral.

Commenting on the addition of the Yas Winterland Festival to Abu Dhabi’s vibrant events programme, HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority said: “A partnership approach to events development and delivery is expected to stimulate upward momentum in hotel bookings from domestic tourists and those from our key overseas markets who have the propensity to travel. Abu Dhabi is a leading family leisure destination full of captivating experiences, and the addition of these festive offers and activities across Yas Island provides even more compelling reasons for visitors to enjoy the emirate’s year-round appeal.”

Among the numerous activities being held as part of its first ever ‘Let it Snow’ festival, Yas Marina will be hosting a tree lighting ceremony, while the seven restaurants and lounges will be offering their own spin on the holiday season with weekly and festive promotions. The main area will stage a Yukigassen game – real snow battle for visitors looking for an adrenaline rush, and for those needing last minute gifts for their loved ones, the winter market is a must visit as local retailers exhibit unique wares suitable for people of all ages and tastes.

For the fourth consecutive year, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be transformed into a Winner’s Wonderland for the all-time favourite festival, Winterfest. Families can celebrate the magical festive season in style from 16 December 2016 to 07 January 2017 and enjoy the exciting line-up of activities and shows available at the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park, including Bjorn the Polar Bear, a colourful tree lighting ceremony, a spectacular ice skating show, a gigantic snow slide and much more.

Timings of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi during Winterfest:

16 to 21 December: 10:00 – 20:00
22 December to 3 January: 10:00 – 22:00
4 to 7 January: 10:00 – 20:00

From 16 – 26 December and to the delight of all its visitors, Yas Mall will host a daily line-up of live entertainment from the creators of the hit ‘Jungle Cirque’ for awe-inspiring acrobatic performances. Guests will be invited on a journey through a wonderland of excitement with the Toymaker himself as he discovers the Sugar Plum Fairy, Tap Dancing Penguins, the thrilling Jack-in-the-box acrobats, and finally culminating with a spectacular magical snow storm finale to be held in Town Square.

By far the most exciting part of the festive celebrations will be the Snow Fight Zone, where visitors of all ages are invited to come and take part in the time-honoured Christmas tradition of playing with their friends and families in the snow. The snowball fight zone is open daily from 10am to 10pm.

The fun doesn’t stop here; Yas Mall will also feature incredible performances and international acts for New Year’s Eve with the ‘Evolution of Dance’, showcasing the various dance celebrations of different cultures from around the world, getting everyone in the mood to welcome the New Year. The event will start from 5:00 pm – 1:00 am.

The excitement continues, as Yas Island welcomes visitors to the first ‘Winterland Carnival’ to be held at the du Forum, from 27-31 December 2016. This free-to-attend event is open to all, and will see the du Forum be transformed into a winter dreamland with a snow park featuring an ice slide, snowball fights, snowmen, a magical forest and more.

For New Year’s festivities, there will be a traditional carnival funfair full of games and rides suitable for all ages. Roaming performers will also entertain guests throughout their journey. Kids and adults are invited to experience the festive excitement and win prizes as well as enjoy a winter-themed market that will let guests browse local crafts and winter products featuring the trendiest local artisans’ artwork and jewellery. Finally, the event will also host some of the most popular food trucks and a beverage zone.

Visitors to the island looking to ring in the New Year with a bang can experience spectacular fireworks show at both du Arena and on the South part of Yas Island, near the du Forum at midnight on 31 December.

“Thanks to the collective efforts of our partners, the full line-up of entertainment, activities and offers available across Yas Island, the winter season this year will truly be unforgettable,” added Mr Al Zaabi.

Visitors are encouraged to visit Yas Island’s newly launched website, www.yasisland.ae and share their favourite Yas Winterland Festival moments, say more about their experience, and recommend those experiences on social media with the hashtags #YasIsland and #YasWinterland.