The magical figures of Aladdin and his faithful Genie will take a magic carpet ride into the Dubai Christmas Fest next month, guaranteeing festive fun for family and friends in the heart of the city.

The two characters from Middle Eastern folklore’s ‘The Arabian Nights,’ immortalised by Walt Disney’s animated musical fantasy film, star on the Pantomime stage when the three-day event returns to send audiences on an all-singing and all-dancing adventure to rescue Santa from the evil hands of wizard Abanazer, said a statement.

The fest, which will run from December 11 to 13 at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, will also feature snowball fights, an outdoor ice rink, a fun fair, gingerbread house decorating, a giant Christmas tree and Santa Claus and his elves in a brand new Santa’s Grotto sponsored by M & M’s.

The new features this year include Penguin Bowling, a Rodeo Reindeer, a giant magical bouncy castle and a Christmas Craft Theatre, where children and adults can show off their art skills by decorating festive t-shirts and personalising Christmas tree decorations.

Children will be able to create their own personal letter to Santa with their Christmas gift wishes courtesy of Dr Nicolas & ASP, then have the chance to meet him, and even have a professional photograph taken.

 After the visit, Santa’s elves will be on hand to give each child a gift as a special treat before Christmas day.

Chris Fountain, managing director of Turret Media, the organisers, said: “I am especially looking forward to the pantomime with Dubai favourites Aladdin and Genie, who I know are real characters to work with.

“We will be enjoying mince pies and daily Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, all to the backdrop of Christmas carols by a selection of local school choirs.  Last year it snowed on the hour, every hour, and this year we have checked the forecast and can guarantee even more snow. Last year we welcomed more than 25,000 visitors to the Dubai Christmas Fest and this year, we have a lot of new festive features planned to bring smiles to everyone in the family.”

To celebrate this year’s festive season, Crate and Barrel is back at the show with plenty of holiday inspiration and gifting ideas.  

The visitors will find home décor, festive dinnerware, vibrant silverware, glittering ornaments, handmade critters, stocking stuffers and a whole lot of holiday essentials, said the statement.

The magical charm of The Tree Lot experience, designed to help welcome joyful spirit into the home, is sure to be a big draw at this year’s event, it added. - TradeArabia News Service