Ski Dubai's Winter Wonderland runs 1 to 25 December, tickets on sale 9 November

Ski Dubai is bringing back its Winter Wonderland for the festive season, running from 1 to 25 December inside the indoor snow park at Mall of the Emirates. Advance tickets go on sale on 9 November through skidxb.com, which gives families a week to plan before the rush.

The basic package, Meet Santa, costs from Dh140. It includes a meeting with Santa, a hot chocolate, a goodie bag, a printed photo, fleece gloves and the new Festive Passport. A family ticket for four starts at Dh550. Meet Santa and Snow Park, at Dh295, adds the snow park rides and attractions to the festive part.

The new top package is the Snow Daycation at Dh375: a visit to Santa, snow park access and one extra activity, such as meeting the penguins, the zipline or a ski lesson. Breakfast with Santa returns at North 28, the restaurant at Ski Dubai, from 11 to 25 December at 8am, priced at Dh80 for children aged two and under and Dh150 for everyone aged three and over.

Several things are new this year. The Festive Passport sends children to seven stops around Santa Village to collect stamps, and a full passport earns a gift. There are Snow Games with challenges in the village, a Dress the Snowman station and a LEGO photo pop-up where children build a festive LEGO character. Ski Dubai is also adding a festive tunnel, a photo booth, augmented reality filters and a digital Advent calendar with prizes.

Ski Dubai has not published general opening hours for the event or session times beyond the 8am breakfast, so check the times when you book. December is the busiest month at the snow park, and Meet Santa slots usually go first. Book from 9 November on skidxb.com, choose the package that matches what your children will actually do on the snow, and bring warm layers for anyone not using the rental snow clothing.