We arrive at 10:22am. We visited Santa yesterday but I’m fussy and not satisfied with the Santa “experience” or the photo. Yes, we’re in Dubai. Yes, I’m grateful that we can visit Santa here. As I said, I’m being fussy. The boys rush in. We’ve come to WAFI mall, a special trip as the decorations and Christmas tree have been recommended. The boys are excited and perhaps I am too. I’m encouraged by the decorations and the huge tree (spotted with enthusiasm at 10:23am, the importance of which will be revealed….). This is the reaction to the Santa experience that I had hoped for. No nativity scenes but it’s at least equal to any mall sized Christmas tree in Australia and equally as beautiful.
In fact, I’ve been very pleasantly surprised at the beautiful decorations here. It started with the likes of Maria Home and Home Centre who put their Christmas trees and shop decorations up at the beginning of November. The mall was sporting UAE flags as decorations at this time in anticipation of UAE National Day so no general decorations. I had thought this might be it – that it would be left to the individual merchants. I was wrong. The mood was most definitely set and Christmas themed decorations have popped up everywhere since, including all the malls.
Shops have a Christmas tree up in the corner, the malls have lights and trees, Jumeriah Beach Hotel has a beautiful Christmas bauble and reindeer on the grass and a giant gingerbread house in the foyer cafe.
We join the line. The website says that the Santa Grotto is open during mall opening hours (10am – 10pm Saturday through Wednesday, to midnight Thursday & Friday). After a few minutes, we realise the line is not moving very quickly. We hear rumours that Santa has been open for business since 8:30am). It’s now after 11am and we’ve been waiting about half an hour. I feel we’re committed so we decide to wait it out. Another half hour or so should be alright, the boys are still in good spirits.
Half an hour later and we’re still waiting in line for tickets. It’s not that I’ve never waited in line to see Santa before. It’s just that after the ticket counter there’s a door. Then there’s another line. We have no idea how much longer it’s going to take. I’m starting to get impatient, it’s suggested that Santa needs more help, perhaps in the form of a duplicate or two. He is, after all, hidden in a room. There is free gingerbread decorating ‘while you wait’. We inquire about this but you need a ticket to enter. Where do we get the tickets? Oh yes, that’s the line that we’re in. The lady in front of us laughs at my frustrations – she has been here for 17 years. I have heard you get used to these quirks.
We’re perhaps three or four families from the ticket counter now. The boys are hungry. I bought snacks with me but they’re all gone and it’s lunchtime. I leave my husband and the boys waiting while I go off to find something for them.
When I get back, we’ve just gotten our tickets and are waiting at the door. A few more minutes and we’re let into Santa’s Grotto. It’s a room, with decorations. And the continued line. At least they can have some food. We wait it out some more. The boys have been playing with another little boy in line in front of us. His father is entertaining them on his phone. What else? My husband hands over his phone and really, they’ve been very good. And patient.
After a two hour wait, the excitement has somewhat subsided, however, here he is, Santa in all his fireside glory. At least Santa has his story straight. He knows that these brothers sometimes fight and don’t share their toys. He suggests they can perhaps, keep their rooms tidier or at least clean up their toys when they’re asked. There are some slightly sheepish looks. Then they get to tell Santa what’s on their wish list for Christmas and a reindeer gift each – with instructions to leave carrots on Christmas Eve for the real reindeer. Conversation completed, photos are taken, with the boys, then with mum & dad too. And we’re done.
The photos are nice and a print is included in the cost of the visit (per child). We now have a chance to actually walk around the tree and look at the details of the exhibit. Reindeer sing carols and the cookie decorating is still going. My husband and I spot a cafe overlooking this activity and he orders us some lunch while I deposit the boys at the decorating for a few minutes at least.
We have a walk around the mall after lunch and there’s a whole souk area to visit. My oldest gets a haircut but it’s now 2:22pm and I think we’re all done for the day. I had other plans for the afternoon but it’s deemed too late now and we head home. At least I’ve seen WAFI mall. And now we’ve definitely had the Santa experience!
Would I Return?
Yes. I’d return to WAFI mall, especially for the Khan Murjan souk which would be a good place for souvenirs and lunch with visitors. The Christmas tree and decorations are worth a visit but do check mall timings and waiting times for Santa during the festive season (especially with very small children).
