14 top things to do in Riyadh this week: December 29 to January 1
We’re welcoming in a new year this week…
Not sure what’s on in Riyadh this week? Whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got you covered with the best New Year’s Eve celebrations, incredible experiences, and so much more, here’s your handy guide to the best things to do in Riyadh this week: December 29 to January 1.
Sunday December 29
Muggles, be gone
If you’re anything like us, you go crazy for Harry Potter. And if you do, you need to get yourself to Riyadh Season’s Harry Potter experience, which is now open at Boulevard Riyadh City. GEA Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh announced that this year, the attraction is the first of its kind in Riyadh. Tickets are now available via webook.com from SAR60. The 25,000-square-metre theme park is one of the biggest attractions in Riyadh Season 2024. So, whether you’re a Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin, the Harry Potter experience at Riyadh Season is the perfect place to hang out at with friends.
Harry Potter experience at Riyadh Season, Boulevard Riyadh City, daily 4pm to midnight. Book your tickets starting at SAR60 here.
Get away from it all at Smar
View this post on Instagram
It’s not just that the weather is cooling down; it’s that all our favourite events are returning that’s got us in such a good mood. We’re welcoming back Smar in Riyadh, a gorgeous winter destination. Returning for a second edition, Smar is a winter camp-inspired zone complete with bonfires, stunning walking areas, and fun for visitors of all ages in a beautiful, open environment. There will also be musical and live performances throughout the week.
Smar in Riyadh, Alammariah, Diriyah, daily 4pm to 2am. Get your SAR40 tickets here.
Get tickets to Boulevard Runway
Riyadh, look up. The much-awaited Boulevard Runway Riyadh Season zone is finally upon us, and tickets are already on sale. The new zone is a collaboration between Riyadh Season and the current national carrier, Saudia Airlines, and is set to provide entertaining experiences for everyone. Ticket prices start at SAR15, and the zone is going to open its doors this week on Tuesday December 17.
Boulevard Runway, Hittin, daily 4pm to midnight. riyadhseason.com
This hidden gem serves great Asian grub
Home to modern Asian dishes, from the likes of duck bao and Burmese fermented tea leaf salad to the mouthwatering Japanese-inspired chicken curry, Kimyona is like a secret speakeasy. Nestled in a street-side gallery, you enter through a hidden door tucked behind one of the art pieces, which leads into a cosy, dimly-lit dining room. Grab a seat with your beau or pals, where you’ll also be able to explore the epic selection of mocktails, such as the matcha and mint infused Osaka Sanmi and Kimyona Breeze crafted with sweet basil, in the cool space.
Kimyona, Mon to Sat, noon to midnight, Kenzo Tange Airline Building, Street Number 40, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. Tel: 054 124 4923. @kimyona.sa
Monday December 30
Check out the Spinneys
View this post on Instagram
If you’re an expat in Riyadh – especially if you’ve moved from Dubai, then you’re probably all too familiar with the grocer chain. A meticulously curated product range has been the hallmark of Spinneys, and now the brand has landed in KAFD. Step inside the warm and inviting space, and you’ll be greeted by a vibrant display of fresh produce. Grocery shopping here definitely doesn’t feel like a chore. Think of it as therapy. The ambience produced in the setup is very neat and organised, and it has a careful balance of illumination and colours.
Spinneys, RRAB7522, 2956 Innovation Street 1, Al Aqiq, opening Mon Dec 30. @spinneysksa
Play board games at Level Up
View this post on Instagram
Want to make friends and do something fun? Sounds like a win win. Head to gaming-centric venue Level Up and enjoy picking from a variety of board games to play and enjoy.
Level Up, Hittin, 7.30pm. SAR35. @lvlupsocialhub
Business lunching at Coya
View this post on Instagram
COYA is a great place for a business lunch in Riyadh. Not only is it a gorgeous spot, but its lunch menu gives you two options and both are worth every riyal. Priced at SAR155 per person for the Batea Peruna and SAR185 for the Batea Peruna Premium, you get a delicious three-course meal with a generous round of appetisers, a choice of mains and of course dessert, too.
Coya Riyadh, 8710 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thu to Fri 1pm to 12.30am. @coyariyadh
Tuesday December 31
Ring in the New Year right
View this post on Instagram
For one night only, II Baretto will be transformed into a unique fusion of the Italian charm we’ve grown to adore and the colour and spirit of Cuba. Inspired by a story of romance and intrigue, Havana Club ’25 tells the tale of an Il Baretto chef’s former flame, who, after moving to Havana, sent a mysterious, brightly stamped letter to the restaurant. Happening this Tuesday, Havana Club ’25 will transport diners 7,500 miles to a night in the heady Cuban capital, with a set menu, live band, and non-alcoholic prosecco.
II Baretto, KAFD 5.08 KAFD, 2822 – 6591, 6pm until late. @ilbarettosa
Dance in the New Year
View this post on Instagram
The countdown is on. Head to Beast House to celebrate this New Year’s Eve with an NYE disco extravaganza featuring an eclectic mix of entertainment and delights. The Disco Diner will be serving up the groovy sounds of DJs like Ahmed Zainal and DJGariSaint. The main stage will be welcoming Ralph Nasr and DJ Rush, and all of the dancing will be accompanied by a curated a la carte menu.
Disco New Year, J12, Al Dariyah Al Jadidah, 9pm. Book your SAR250 tickets here.
So many firework displays, so little time…
View this post on Instagram
Riyadh is ushering in New Year’s Eve with a ton of fireworks this week. The displays will be happening across the city, including at Kingdom Tower, Boulevard Riyadh, and Faisaliah Tower. Timings are TBC, but stay tuned to What’s On Saudi Arabia for the latest.
Wednesday January 1
New year, new you
View this post on Instagram
A proudly woman-owned gym, Phoenix Gym and Rock Climbing is where you go if you want to shape your body and your mind. Providing you with the best fitness programming, the trainers all have fun nicknames, so you can pick your fighter (although, to start with, we’d recommend going with Hala “The Peaceful”). Facilities include a sauna, steam room, kickboxing studio, pilates studio, an indoor cycling studio, and more.
Phoenix Gym and Rock Climbing, Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Rd, Al Mohammadiyyah, Sun to Thu 1pm to 9pm, Fri to Sat noon to 4pm. ksaphoenix.com
Something for the men too
View this post on Instagram
CrossFit consists of a variety of high-intensity functional activities. For your workouts at IntervalPlus, you’ll use dumbbells, kettlebells, and medicine balls. Warm-up and cool-down exercises are included in the roughly 60-minute workout.
Interval Plus Crossfit, Khurais, Sun to Thu 3.30pm to 1am, Fri to Sat 4pm to 11pm. @intervalplus
Meet the new Kayzo
View this post on Instagram
Coming to you from the people behind the upper-class restaurant Japanese restaurant Myazu, Kayzo is a simpler and more casual dining venue. The name means a place where people can gather and chill out after work. And this week, the venue is moving locations to Sulimaniyah. The Kayzo Riyadh menu previously offered an array of hot and cold bites and salads, which made for great appetisers. And of course, no Japanese restaurant experience would be complete without having sushi. We’re not sure what awaits us at the new location but we’re sure it’s going to be great.
Kayzo Riyadh, 2752 Prince Musaid bin Abdulaziz bin Jalawi Street, As Sulimaniyah, daily 1pm to midnight. @kayzosaudi
Go skiing
View this post on Instagram
If you’ve been dreaming of a winter holiday in Courchevel, you’ll be pleased to know that Riyadh Season will bring the famous French Alps ski resort to you – right here in the capital city at Boulevard World. It will come complete with a ski school that offers lessons for all ability levels with a professional instructor. We’re most excited about this new zone so we can look forward to skiing, dining on French cuisine, and enjoying Après-ski, of course.
Boulevard World, Prince Turki al-Awwal Road, Hittin, daily 4pm to 1am. Book your tickets here. @blvdworldsa