Expat Magazine

Meet Santa At Wafi

By Tasneem Rajkotwala @tasu0704

Yesterday we were at the Wafi Mall, not in our dreams expecting the spectacular Christmas tree or an experience that would keep us admiring for days or months. Wafi has put up a magnificent Christmas tree in the main atrium on the ground floor of the mall with a theme depicting Winter Wonderland. The tree (approx 40 feet)  is lit up with beautiful lights, decorated with red and yellow ornaments which is surrounded by an alluring landscape with special attention to mini characters like that of Robin, Reindeer, Snowman, mushrooms etc. Beside the whole structure is Santa’s Grotto who sits inside waiting to welcome the little ones and their family. Once you purchase the ticket (which is priced at 60 Aed per child), you get to step inside a celestially made Post-Box cavern that has letters flooding in for the Old Man, characterizing a very busy festive situation. The whole set-up is very dramatic and intriguing for the children, especially for the ones who are meeting Santa for the first time. Little A included. He kept asking me about different characters and uses of the materials cluttered in the house till we met Santa Claus in his small condo.

Meet Santa At Wafi Meet Santa At Wafi Meet Santa At Wafi Meet Santa At Wafi Meet Santa At Wafi Meet Santa At Wafi

At the time of leaving the house, I told Little A we’d be meeting Santa Claus, stories of whom he has been listening from me in last few days. He was excited and so were we. As you enter the mall, there are footsteps on the floor leading you to Santa’s Grotto and the very first sight of a huge tree as we descended down the escalator, amazed Little A to no end. While we waited for our turn in the queue (which gets bigger as the evening falls), we spotted  an open art and craft activity assembled to keep children engaged. The friendly staff assist them in writing a letter to Santa, color and decorate the Christmas Tree, stockings etc on a paper with all supplies provided by them. When we entered inside to greet Santa, the very first for Little A to get so close to him, big bearded man was as warm as he can possibly be. He chatted with Little A for a few minutes (without rushing to click a photo and send us out the door), asked what his wishes were for this Christmas and also appreciated us for wonderful work we have been doing as parents for last one year. It was heartwarming to hear someone speak like that and be so polite! Little A was elated to receive a gift from Santa, the one he doesn’t like to leave from his hands since yesterday and get a picture snapped sitting on Santa’s lap.

Meet Santa At Wafi
Meet Santa At Wafi

The ticket includes a framed photo with Santa, a traditional soft toy, one hour pass to Kids Connection (located on 1st Floor), free tea or coffee and other vouchers that can be used at the restaurants. The Grotto is put up until 24th December, so with just a few days left, go and be a part of this exciting celebration. You can get more details about the event here – Santa Grotto At Wafi Mall

Meet Santa At Wafi
Meet Santa At Wafi

And when you meet Santa, don’t forget to share with him your dreams and wish him a Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours, here’s wishing you all a bright year and may you enjoy these festivities for years to come!

PS : I have not been paid to write about this affair or has been sponsored a visit. I bought my own ticket and wanted to share my experience so that everyone else with children can also participate.

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