The presents are unwrapped, the food is demolished, and somehow the kids are still bouncing off the walls. Welcome to the week between Christmas and New Year — that strange liminal space where no one knows what day it is, but everyone's still off school and work (well some of us). Here's how to enjoy the final stretch of 2025.

If you're feeling the post-Christmas slump, you're not alone. Most of December's big activations are winding down, but plenty is still running. Winter City at Expo keeps going through Dec 31 with workshops and that massive tree lighting every evening at 4pm (AED 50). Winter District at Emirates Towers wraps on Dec 28, so catch the ice rink and Santa's Grotto while you can (free entry). The Madinat Christmas Market is still serving mulled grape and carousel rides through month-end, and Global Village keeps its 90+ country pavilions open with shows and rides nightly.

For proper recovery mode, the beaches are your friend. Kite Beach, JBR, and La Mer are all free, relatively quiet during the day, and perfect for wearing out kids who've been cooped up eating chocolate for 48 hours straight. Theme parks — Motiongate, Legoland, IMG Worlds, Wild Wadi — are all operational if you need something more structured. And if you're still avoiding crowds, Hatta Wadi Hub offers mountain air, cultural performances, and significantly fewer people (free festival entry, activities priced separately).

Here's the thing about NYE with children: midnight is a cruel, unnatural hour for families. The good news? Dubai gets this. Expo City does an early countdown at 9pm with confetti, kids' music, and projections across Al Wasl Dome, then runs the full midnight show for anyone still standing (AED 50). Global Village goes one better with multiple countdowns throughout the evening across different "time zones," so younger kids can celebrate at 8pm and actually make it to bedtime (AED 25).

For families who want the full dinner experience, loads of hotels are running kid-friendly packages with early seating. UBK at Mövenpick JLT does live music and outdoor vibes from 8pm with kids under 6 free. McGettigan's at Hilton Palm keeps the Irish pub energy family-friendly with a sharing menu and live band (kids 6-11 AED 249). The New Year Family Carnival at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi is going big — 21 zones, carnival games, kids' play areas, beach access, and clear views of Palm, Burj Al Arab, and JBR fireworks.

If you'd rather skip the organized chaos entirely, fireworks viewing is free at dozens of spots. Al Seef along the Creek is low-key with heritage vibes. Burj Park near Downtown runs a ticketed family experience with Bollywood entertainment (AED 998 adults, AED 578 kids 5-12, under 5s free with badge). Beaches like Kite Beach and JBR offer open sand and distant skyline views without the Downtown crush.

One last thing: nearly 48 fireworks displays will light up 40+ locations at midnight. Traffic will be a nightmare, and roads close early. If you're heading anywhere, leave by 3pm, use the Metro, or just walk.

Happy 2026.

Parves