RIYADH: Boulevard Riyadh City and Winter Wonderland welcomed a significant number of visitors on Saturday with much fanfare and fireworks, signifying the launch of the third Riyadh Season.

Boulevard Riyadh City, one of the 15 entertainment zones, is the heart of the season with its diverse events and sub-zones, such as the Dancing Fountain and Square, whose design was inspired by Times Square in New York City, with 30-meter-tall screens, and a large number of international and local shops and restaurants.

Improvements to Boulevard Riyadh City this season include the Alley, which holds 12 fine-dining restaurants and cafes overlooking the zone’s fountain, increasing the total addition to the zone by 30 percent.

Open daily from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Boulevard Riyadh City’s activities include weekly music events, 25 Arabic and international plays, and seven Saudi plays — most notably “The Philosopher” by Youssef Al-Thunayan and “The Flaming Arrow” by Majid Abdullah.

The sub-zones of Boulevard Riyadh City include the Garden that has a variety of restaurants, and sections for live music and sports. In addition, there are attractions for art lovers, and the Trocadero section that has more than 500 e-games.

This year, the Winter Wonderland zone returns with a new look and 80 games and rides. This zone is the largest mobile amusement park in the world and contains a skating rink.

Winter Wonderland also has numerous sub-zones including the Snow Forest and Trees of White, and Magical Ambiance and Frozen Sculptures with an outdoor skating rink and various ice sculptures.

Winter Wonderland hosts famous and family friendly rides including Double Loop, Apollo 13, Endeavor, Ferris Wheel and Energizer.

There are also many accompanying events, such as Dead Wood for those who want to have some spooky experiences, and Blippi, Lol Experiments and Science Factory for children to enjoy.

The zone opens daily from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and to 2 a.m. on weekends.