The weather might have cooled down, but Riyadh's events calendar is heating up.

December in Riyadh sees a dynamic calendar of events transform the capital into the region's ultimate destination for entertainment, culture, and sport; visitors, locals and residents won't be short of something do to this month!

From the frosty charm of Snow Village at U walk and the sonic intensity of MDLBeast Soundstorm, to world-class sporting events like Jump Saudi and Riyadh Season's Night of the Samurai, and electrifying Italian football in the EA Sports Supercup, the month is packed with experiences.

Whether you're looking for family friendly activities, hoping to indulge in MICHELIN-recognised dining destination, excited to witness the Night of the Samurai boxing, or exploring the shared history of the Gulf States, this comprehensive guide ensures you don't miss a moment of the city's exhilarating festive season.

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Riyadh Expo 2030

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December 1: Visit Snow Village

Start the official winter season with a visit to Snow Village at U Walk Riyadh. This family-friendly experience offers a complete winter-themed adventure, providing a charming escape into a frosty environment. Visitors can enjoy classic winter fun including festive carnival games and the opportunity to skate under the stars.

Buy your tickets here

December 2: Saudi Feast Food Festival

A tasty foodie event at King Saud University from November 27 to December 6, the Saudi Feast Food Festival is a massive gastronomic journey that brings together local chefs and over 300 international dishes across themed zones, offering a deep dive into Saudi heritage and modern food innovation.

Buy your tickets here

December 3: Explore ancient exhibits of the Gulf States

The 8th Joint Archaeological Exhibition of The Arab Gulf States, titled "Civilisational Unity and Cultural Diversity," brings together archaeological artifacts from across the GCC to showcase the shared history and rich cultural heritage that binds the Gulf nations. Taking place in the Saudi National Museum, this free exhibition takes place from December 2 - 30, 2025.

This is a free exhibit

December 4: Cairokee, Hamza Namira, Marwan Pablo - Live!

The Abu Bakr Salem Stage in Riyadh will host an unforgettable night of diverse Egyptian music as contemporary artist Hamza Namira, indie rock band Cairokee, and urban hip-hop artist Marwan Pablo unite for an electrifying, high-energy live performance.

Abu Bakr Salem Stage, Riyadh
Buy tickets here

December 5: XP Music Futures

Taking place from December 4 - 6, XP Music Futures returns to the capital city for its fifth edition. Music lovers and those interested in learning more about the industry can attend immersive and transformative workshops, enjoy lively discussions with policy makers and industry leaders, helping to shape the future of the region's music economy.

Buy your tickets here

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All photos supplied

All photos supplied

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December 6: Final day of Noor Riyadh

Make the most of the final day of the 2025 edition of the Noor Riyadh Light Festival, visit your final installations or explore showcases you might have missed, before its too late!

@noorriyadhfestival

December 7: Book a ski lesson at Courcheval, Riyadh Season

Embrace the winter season with a ski lesson at the newly opened Courcheval zone. Expert instructors are ready to elevate your technique on the slopes, ensuring a seamless and fun skiing experience for all skill levels with comfortable, tailored clothing provided.

Book your lesson here

December 8: Pluma Circus by Cirque du Liban

From December 4 - 13, Pluma Circus by Cirque du Liban returns to Nahkeel Mall. Pluma Circus transcends the ordinary with a gravity-defying spectacle, weaving together breathtaking aerial artistry and innovative stagecraft to create an unforgettable, imaginative world.

Buy tickets here

December 9: Tom Ford Afternoon Tea at St. Regis Riyadh

St. Regis Riyadh presents a signature collaboration transforming iconic Tom Ford fragrances into an exquisite afternoon tea experience, exclusively available in The Drawing Room starting November 30. This elegant pairing blends scent-inspired teas with couture dessert creations to merge taste and glamour, offering guests a new world of style and expressive beauty.

@stregisriyadh

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Al Suwaidi Park Riyadh Season 12

December 10: Don't miss the last night of Fringe

As part of Riyadh Music Week, Fringe takes place from December 7 to 11. Fringe is all about turning Riyadh into a huge, buzzing stage for the city's coolest local music and creative talent, shining a big spotlight on artists who are just getting started. It's an awesome way to explore different neighbourhoods, check out new venues, and discover unique sounds, making the whole city feel like one giant, experimental music party.

@riyadhmusicweek

December 11: MDLBeast Soundstorm 2025

Soundstorm 2025 is the largest and loudest music festival in the Middle East, transforming the Banban desert near Riyadh across three days from December 11 - 13, 2025. This annual music festival turns the desert into a massive, multi-stage electronic dance music (EDM) and international performance extravaganza featuring global headliners over three December days.

Book your tickets here

December 12: Watch the showjumping at Jump Saudi

Jump Saudi is a world-class equestrian spectacular returning to Riyadh across two weeks this December. This event is set to showcase the highest level of showjumping in the region. Hosted by the Saudi Equestrian Federation, this prestigious event attracts elite international riders and horses to compete for significant prizes and ranking points.

Buy your tickets here

December 13: Enjoy the Riyadh Motor Show

Catch the final day of the Riyadh Motor Show. As a key attraction of Riyadh Season, the Riyadh Motor Show is a five-day automotive extravaganza at the Kingdom Arena showcasing the latest international models, supercars, classic vehicles, and cutting-edge technologies, complete with interactive zones and high-performance demonstrations for car enthusiasts.

Buy your tickets here

December 14: Don't miss Wicked the Musical

Riyadh will host the iconic live Broadway production of Wicked The Musical for one month, December 3, 2025 to January 3, 2026. at the King Fahad Cultural Center. Wicked is a spectacular musical that reimagines the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, offering a parallel narrative that reveals the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. Time to start practising your lyrics for "Defying Gravity"!

Buy your tickets here

December 15: Celebrate Sudan at Al Suwaidi Park

From December 14 to December 20, Al Suwaidi Park will celebrate Sudan and the Sudanese culture. Al Suwaidi Park is celebrated as a vibrant, family-friendly zone that shifts its focus annually to highlight international culture and heritage through a unique, free-access experience. Visitors will experience performances of traditional dances, live music, and authentic cuisine from Sudan.

Book your ticket here

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Al Suwaidi Park Riyadh Season 9

December 16: Bring the kids to Riyadh Zoo

The newly reopened Riyadh Zoo is a great choice for a relaxed afternoon out, especially now that the weather is cooler! This is the best time to check out all the amazing animals, from playful monkeys to impressive big cats. It’s a super chill and family-friendly spot with plenty of space to wander and maybe even grab a picnic, making it an easy, fun way to enjoy the great outdoors right in the city.

Buy your tickets here

December 17: Book a Festive Afternoon Tea

The team at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah have curated a special winter edition of the much-loved High Tea experience, with a selection of festive inspired cakes and bites. This special edition afternoon tea experience takes place daily from 3pm - 6pm until December 31, and prices start from SAR225 per person.

Learn more here

December 18: Napoli and AC Milan go head-to-head in the EA Sports Supercup

The EA Sports Supercup is bringing the electrifying atmosphere of top-tier Italian football to Riyadh's Alawwal Park Stadium with a high-stakes semi-final clash between powerhouses Napoli and AC Milan on December 18. This prestigious tournament, which unites the Serie A champions and Coppa Italia finalists, showcases elite football defined by speed, precision, and unforgettable goal-scoring moments. Returning to Saudi Arabia for the sixth time, the event offers football lovers the chance to witness major European talent competing for glory right in the Kingdom's capital.

Book your ticket here

December 19: Welcome the winter solstice

Mark the winter solstice with Raw Escapes as the team curates transformative, desert-based journey that has been designed to awaken the senses by blending mindful movement, art, and immersive sound, designed to help disconnect and reconnect with nature. The Solstice Frequencies event will include specialised sessions like a Sunset Hike with Tai Chi, profound breath work guided by experts, and an atmospheric Community Drum Circle under the stars. Their offering culminates in unique events like the Solstice Frequencies, delivering exceptional experiences of self-discovery and musical flow.

Book your experience here

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Charlie Chonka

December 20: WBC Boxing Grand Prix - Finals

"A new champion will rise, and it will happen in Riyadh." The final showdown of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix will take place at the Global Theatre in Boulevard City as part of Riyadh Season 2025. This will be an epic and iconic boxing match, but there will only be one Grand Prix champion.

Streaming live via DAZN

December 21: Indulge in a Michelin-recommended, Bib Gourmand meal

Riyadh is a gastronomic hub, notably leading the inaugural MICHELIN Guide recommendations with 21 officially recognised restaurants. This extensive selection showcases a remarkable range of culinary offerings, featuring globally celebrated names and innovative local concepts, while four Riyadh establishments — Fi Glbak, KAYZO, Mirzam, and Tameesa — earned the coveted MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinction for exceptional value.

Check out the full list here

December 22: Visit Charlie Chonka experience at The Groves

Don't miss out on one of the most sought-after experiences in the Riyadh Season calendar this year. The Charlie Chonka experience at The Groves is a whimsical, immersive attraction inspired by the famous literary chocolate factory, transforming the area into a colourful, sensory spectacle.

Reserve your table here

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December 23: Make the most of Beast Land before it closes

Beast Land is set to close its gates for good on December 27. Developed in collaboration with global YouTube phenomenon MrBeast, this has become one of Riyadh Season 2025's most attended zones. Bringing his signature high-stakes challenges into a real-world theme park experience, Beast Land is split between thrilling rides, such as the Viking Coaster and a 50-meter Bungee Jump, and the Beast Arena, a dedicated competitive hub where visitors can participate in timed challenges like Tower Siege and Battle Bridge to win daily prizes and compete for a grand finale prize pool.

@riyadhseason

December 24: Common Ground Festival

Returning for its third edition, the Ministry of Culture presents the Common Ground Festival. This event brings together the cultures of Saudi Arabia and China in Riyadh, offering visitors exceptional moments that transcend boundaries through shared experiences of art, music, traditional cuisine, and live performances. Running from December 24, 2025 to January 6, 2026.

Buy your ticket here

December 25: Attend the first day of the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival

Taking place from December 25 to January 6, the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival is recognised globally as the world's largest gathering dedicated to celebrating the rich falconry heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. This premier event features two prestigious competitions — the high-speed Milwah Race and the aesthetic Mazayen Beauty Contest — where local and international falconers compete fiercely for the coveted King Abdulaziz Cups and the King's Sword.

Learn more about the event here

December 26: Royal Cups Weekend (Horse Racing)

Experience a unique, sophisticated evening out at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse this season, where you can enjoy 12 thrilling horse races alongside extravagant fashions, stylish lounges, and dining, with tickets starting from just SAR15. The opening night takes place on December 26, which will be followed by a second evening of horse racing on December 27.

Buy your tickets here

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Night of the Samurai Riyadh Season

December 27: Night of the Samurai

The "Night of the Samurai" is a high-stakes, end-of-year boxing spectacular for Riyadh Season, headlined by pound-for-pound great Naoya Inoue and featuring a stacked card of international fighters, predominantly showcasing Japan's elite boxing talent.

Book your tickets here

December 28: Spend an evening at Layali Diriyah

Taking place from November 13, 2025 to March 23, 2026, Layali Al-Diriyah illuminates the historic Al-Murayih district with a refined ambiance, blending global flavours from world-class restaurants with mesmerising live performances. This seasonal event offers guests a sensory journey that celebrates Diriyah's heritage, elegance, and timeless beauty, reflecting the essence of Saudi hospitality.

Book your tickets here

December 29: Visit the attaché Winter Bazaar

Visitors can wander between artisanal stalls, where they can find unique gifts and handcrafted goods, while enjoying the backdrop of winter lights and music drifting through the air. The bazaar specialises in offering seasonal treats, alongside playful moments and festive surprises specifically curated for friends and families alike. The attaché Winter Bazaar takes place between December 12 - January 3.

Buy your tickets here

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Best things to do in Hittin

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December 30: Enjoy festive feasting at home

Make the festive season feel effortlessly special with the Fairmont Riyadh's exclusive offering: a golden roasted turkey prepared complete with all the traditional trimmings. Crafted perfectly for intimate gatherings filled with warmth, sharing, and celebration, this indulgent meal serves 6–8 guests for SAR 1,200 and is conveniently available from November 20 until January 15, 2026.

For bookings and more information, call or WhatsApp +966 11 826 2629.
@fairmontriyadh

December 31: White Out @ Beast House

The White Out @ Beast House party is set to be Riyadh Season's exclusive New Year's Eve celebration, offering a dynamic and high-energy way to ring in the new year within the immersive world of the Beast Land zone. This "whiteout" themed event encourages guests to dress in white to amplify the spectacular lighting and visual effects, transforming the venue into a massive, dazzling end-of-year celebration. Guests can expect a night filled with live music, top DJs, and a thrilling atmosphere that captures the adventurous spirit of the Beast Land challenges, providing an unforgettable final night of entertainment before the zone closes its gates for good.

Buy your tickets here