JEDDAH: Jeddah Season 2025 launched “Jeddah Winter Wonderland” this week, offering the largest winter-themed entertainment experience yet staged in the coastal city.

Running until February, the attraction on King Abdulaziz Road near the Corniche, transformed the area into a festive winter destination inspired by global winter parks, snow-themed settings, immersive lighting and vibrant visual effects.

The grand entrance features a winter fairytale, where the gate rises like a storybook castle, tall stone towers wrapped in glowing blue lights, snowy rooftops, and an arch crowned with the Winter Wonderland sign. Beyond it, a glowing ice-blue tree welcomes visitors to a world where winter magic comes alive under an open sky.

Inside, the experience unfolds with penguins, fake snow, snowmen, a giant moving mammoth, giant polar bears, animated statues, reindeers, and sparkling ice-diamond structures.

The space is divided into four main themed zones — Toy Town, North Pole, Wild Winter and Frost Fair. Each zone features a selection of amusement rides, skill-based games and family-friendly activities.

Winter Wonderland brings thrilling rides, scary horror experiences, kids-only zones, arcade games, roller coasters, and anime-inspired areas. Food stalls line the paths, leading to a giant open-air theater that hosts daily shows and programs. As you walk, live performers in winter-themed costumes dance, wave, interact with guests, and blow bubbles, especially delighting younger visitors.

The space suits children, teenagers, adults, and elders alike, blending family-friendly vibes with adrenalin-filled attractions and immersive entertainment.

Kinda Shehata and Khalda Al-Anqari, both 13 years old and from Jeddah Knowledge School, told Arab News about their experience.

“When I first entered Winter Wonderland, I was honestly shocked by how beautiful it was. I loved the lights, and it’s even better at night. The rides are a perfect mix of scary and fun, and I definitely recommend it,” Kinda said. “We still haven’t had the chance to try everything, but by the end of the night, I’m sure I’ll be recommending this place even more.

“I love how all the rides are so fun, and I’m really excited to try all of them. I also love the variety of food, and the way the staff interact with us, it makes the experience even more enjoyable.”

Khalda said: “The place is unexpectedly amazing and beautiful. It’s a very huge place, mashallah. I don’t think I could finish all the rides and try all the delicious food in just one day.

“I thought my favorite ride would be the green roller coaster with the loops, but unfortunately it was closed. We tried many other rides, but they were smaller and not very extreme. I would recommend adding more scary rides and roller coasters.

“I really like the overall vibe, it feels like something you’d see in London or similar places. It’s very nice, but adding more rides would make it even better.”

Mira Magno, an expat from the Philippines who has lived in Saudi Arabia for 10 years, said: “The weather is nice, and all the rides are good. Everything is enjoyable. I came here with my friends and my three-year-old daughter. It’s a lovely experience for families.”

Suraj from India came to Winter Wonderland with his family. Having lived in Saudi Arabia for more than 26 years, he reflected on how entertainment experiences such as Winter Wonderland have become an annual tradition for his family.

“Winter Wonderland is very good. We also visited City Walk last year, and we make sure to attend these events every year. My children really enjoy the rides and have a lot of fun.”

Fathima and her brother Samvid, 13 and 12 years old respectively, experienced the park with wide-eyed excitement, describing it as extraordinary and full of energy. Surrounded by rides and attractions, she spoke with genuine enthusiasm, especially about her favorite ride.

“This park is very exclusive and extraordinary, and I love it. There are so many rides and attractions. I think everyone should visit. My favorite ride was Apollo 13.”

Her brother added: “Winter Wonderland was not just fun, but a memorable adventure.”

The attraction includes 32 amusement rides, 10 skill games, and nine interactive experiences. Visitors can also explore more than 60 restaurants and retail outlets offering a wide range of international cuisine and shopping options, alongside live music performances and winter-themed decor.

Among the standout zones is North Pole, which draws inspiration from the Arctic. The area features snow-covered landscapes, illuminated ice elements and light shows inspired by the Aurora Borealis. Key attractions in the North Pole zone include the Jeddah ice rink, where visitors can enjoy ice skating to music under colorful festive lighting, blending physical activity with entertainment.

Another highlight is The Snow Dome, an immersive structure offering a 360-degree visual experience. Inside, visitors are surrounded by Aurora Borealis-inspired light displays and interactive color projections, creating a dreamlike environment ideal for families and groups.

Jeddah Winter Wonderland is open to visitors from 4 p.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on weekends. Entrance for adults is SR30 ($7.99) on weekdays and SR40 on weekends. Entry for children 6 and under is free.