Winter Entertainment on Yas Island: Where to Go and What to Do

Stranger Things: The Experience on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

November 14, 2025 - February 15, 2026.

Can't wait to find out what happens to Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas and Max? Go on an upside-down adventure and make your own theories about how the series will end on Stranger Thing: The Experience in Abu Dhabi.

In this Stranger Things pop-up in the UAE, you can explore the Hawkins Lab and see your favorite characters. You can discover your hidden powers and experience an exciting, special effects-filled recreation of the Upside Down on Yas Island's Netflix Stranger Things Experience. Step into the decade and enjoy themed foods and unique party vibes. Splurge on 1980s-inspired merchandise and take plenty of photos to capture every moment of your adventure in Hawkins. Add this to your list of Abu Dhabi places to visit from December through to March.

Live Music and Comedy All Winter Long at Etihad Arena: 2025/2026

Etihad Arena is turning up the volume on a season of live music and comedy, packed with rock legends, Bollywood stars and rip-roaring comics. Here are the highlights.

Rod Stewart

December 17, 2025

Rod Stewart is set to crank up the amps for a hard-hitting night of rock classics, raw energy, and unmistakable attitude.

Arjit Singh

December 19, 2025

It's Bollywood legend Arjit Singh's turn to light up the stage on December 19. He'll be filling the arena with soulful ballads and cinematic moments for a night to remember.

Hussein Al Jassmi and Kadim Al Sahir

December 27, 2025

In this tribute to the beauty of Arabic music, Hussein Al Jassmi and Kadim Al Sahir will entertain you with their usual emotionally charged, powerful performances.

OPM Rock Legends

January 10, 2026

Ely Buendia of Eraserheads, Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar, and Arnel Pineda of Journey unite on the Etihad stage for a celebration of the greatest anthems of Filipino rock history.

Live Nation Presents: Cem Yılmaz

January 17, 2026

For the first time ever, acclaimed Turkish comedy legend Cem Yılmaz is bringing his hilarious stand-up show to the UAE.

Linkin Park

January 20, 2026

Brace yourself for a full-throttle night. Linkin Park returns to the UAE for the first time in over 15 years with this much-anticipated stop on the From Zero World Tour.

Muse

February 4, 2026

Muse fuse rock, drama, and sheer spectacle in their electrifying live shows. Don't miss this ultimate live music experience.

2025-2026 Winter Activities in Abu Dhabi for the Whole Family

From thrills to cozy moments, Yas Island winter events have something for every family member to love, making the island one of the best places to visit in December and January.

Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out at Etihad Arena

January 30, 2026 - February 1, 2026

For three days only, Peppa Pig and her family and friends will take over Etihad Arena. Six live shows offer you and your family the chance to meet this much-loved character in an interactive theater experience full of song, dance and heaps of fun.

Abu Dhabi Winter Festival Events at Yas Island Theme Parks: 2025/2026

Daily, December 6, 2025 - January 11, 2026

Enjoy a day out at various Yas Island theme parks this winter with special winter-themed events. Here are some of the highlights:

• Action-packed Winterfest at Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi features ice skating and snowy play areas, plus live performances and daily giveaways.
• Winter Spectacular at Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi includes a live show, Bah Humduck, headlined by Daffy Duck.
• The magic of winter at Seaworld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is well and truly alive, with penguin nesting season and the SeaWonder festival happening now.

2024-2025 Winter Events

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit

December 5 - 8, 2024

The F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024 is one of the most anticipated events of the year, featuring the fastest drivers in the world battling it out at super speeds on the track. It's a high-octane, must-see winter event in Yas Island.

Yasalam After-Race Concerts include Teddy Swims and Peggy Gou, Maroon 5, Afterlife, Eminem, and Muse.

Elf The Musical at Etihad Arena

December 14 - 15, 2024

Enjoy a festive production of the popular holiday movie with the entire family. Whether you're a fan of Buddy The Elf or just discovering this heartwarming, hilarious story, "Elf The Musical" in Abu Dhabi is sure to fill you with joy and Christmas spirit.

World Tennis League at Etihad Arena

December 19 - 22, 2024

You've been waiting for it, and now it's here: Season 3 of the World Tennis League. Watch 16 of the world's top tennis players across 4 teams battle it out on the court. For exclusive access to the post-match concerts and Club Lounge, we recommend booking the Hospitality Package.

Alternatively, you can get separate tickets for the following concerts:

• Bryan Adams on December 19, 2024
• Anastacia on December 20, 2024
• Akon and Sean Paul on December 21, 2024

Special Winter-Themed Events at Yas Island Theme Parks: 2024/2025

December 7, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Brighten up your winter with these family-friendly festivals.

• Winterfest at Ferrari World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi features an iceskating live show, cozy storytimes and crafting, and tree lighting ceremonies.
• Winter Spectacular at Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi includes Merry Mayhem, a brand new show headlined by Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.
• SeaWonder at Seaworld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, features a 40-minute immersive winter experience and new character Mr. Wonder.

Live Music and Comedy: Winter 2024/2025

There's a packed schedule of brilliant events ahead.

Jimmy Carr at Etihad Arena

January 11, 2025

Start the year with a laugh by booking a ticket to see funnyman Jimmy Carr. The award-winning comedian, writer, and presenter is known for his dark humor, dry wit, heckler comebacks, and one-line jokes. The Yas Island show is part of Jimmy Carr's "Laughs Funny" tour.

Jung Jaeil + 21st Century Orchestra at Etihad Arena

January 16, 2025

Watch the 21st Century Orchestra as they perform some of the most powerful scores of Jung Jaeil. The notable composer will conduct the orchestra as it performs some of his musical scores from "Squid Game," "Parasite," and "Okja."

Movies in Concert at Etihad Arena

The Etihad Arena will feature several of the biggest Hollywood movies set to a live orchestra in January.

• Star Wars: The Force Awakens: January 16, 2025
• Jurassic Park: January 17, 2025
• Frozen: January 17, 2025
• Top Gun: Maverick: January 18, 2025
• The Lion King: January 18, 2025

2023/2024 Winter Events

If you're planning on being in Abu Dhabi this winter, you're in for a treat or ten. This season promises an exciting lineup of electrifying concerts, sporting events, and fun family activities that will make your holiday unforgettable.

From November to March, the festive season on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, will be in full swing. What winter events in Abu Dhabi do you have to look forward to? Read on to find out.

Yas Island Concerts: Winter 2023/2024

The festive season events on Yas Island will feature mesmerizing musical performances by some of the world's top artists, including:

Brian Tyler Live in Concert

On 4 November, at Etihad Park, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and acclaimed film music composer Brian Tyler will take the stage for a captivating evening of cinematic sounds. With Vasily Petrenko and Timothy Chooi joining them, every violin whisper and cello crescendo is sure to come alive.

Hyperound K-Fest Abu Dhabi 2023

Another one in the series of festivals in Abu Dhabi 2023 to mark on your calendar is Hyperound K-Fest. A musical extravaganza that takes place at the Etihad Arena on 11 November will feature many K-pop sensations and bands with powerful vocals and mind-blowing dance performances.

Yasalam After-Race Concerts

As part of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit hosts four nights of supercharged performances by international headliners. This year's Yas Island concert lineup includes:

1. Chart-breaking songstress Ava Max and electronic music master Tiesto on Thursday, 23 November.
2. 1990s pop and country music icon Shania Twain on Saturday, 25 November.
3. Rock and roll hall of famer Foo Fighters on Sunday, 26 November.

Arijit Singh Live in Concert

On 18 November, Arijit Singh, the soulful voice behind some of the most memorable Bollywood hits, performs a medley of his latest and greatest numbers at the Etihad Arena.

World Tennis League Concerts

The World Tennis League (WTL) is coming to Abu Dhabi this year. While you're rooting for your favorite players, you'll also experience fantastic evening performances from chart-topping artists in Etihad Arena, including:

1. Award-winning rapper 50 Cent on Thursday, 21 December.
2. Global Music sensations Akon and Ne-Yo on Friday, 22 December.
3. The Reggae Legends on Saturday, 23 December.

Sporting Events: Winter 2023/2024

Winter events on Yas Island won't be complete without some adrenaline-pumping sports action. Here's what we have in store for you:

Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The upcoming Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in its 15th year, is set to be the most spectacular and thrilling edition yet. Scheduled for 23-26 November, this event guarantees another grand finale you won't want to miss.

World Tennis League: The Greatest Show on Court

Between 21 and 24 December 2023, season two of the World Tennis League will be lighting up the Etihad Arena. It's a showdown of the best players in the world, as four teams go head to head in a round-robin format and compete for the title. Tennis lovers, make sure you're there.

Family Fun and Entertainment: Winter 2023/2024

Families and their little ones will also have a blast taking part in the festive season events on Yas Island. Below are some of the activities that await:

Scooby-Doo and The Lost City of Gold

On 2 and 3 March 2024, Scooby-Doo and his friends will be on an adventure once more to solve a brand-new mystery. Watch this story come to life with theatrical magic, music, interactive videos, video mapping technology, and aerial arts.

Hamilton

This year's winter events on Yas Island will also feature (drum rolls, please) Hamilton. For the first time in the Middle East, the award-winning Broadway hit will be performed at Etihad Arena from 17 January until 4 February 2024. With a dash of hip-hop, jazz, and R&B added to what already is a spectacular show, it should be an experience you won't soon forget.

Culinary and Cooking Experiences

Last but not least in this string of festive winter events in Abu Dhabi is the MELT Open Fire Food Festival by Steve Harvey, an exciting event showcasing the artistry of culinary masters. Join Steve Harvey on 24 and 25 February 2024 and indulge in a sizzling celebration filled with pitmaster demos, barbecue competitions, and family-friendly activities at Yas Island's Abu Dhabi Hill.

Spend Winter on Yas Island

Your winter will be thrilling, magical, and unforgettable when you spend it on Yas Island with your loved ones.

Make plans and book your tickets to these spectacular winter activities in Abu Dhabi. Explore more Yas Island offers today.