15 amazing things to do in Riyadh this week: December 24 to 27
Read on for our picks on things to do and see…
As we approach the end of the year, our city’s vibrant streets become even more lively with a wide array of celebrations, activities, and festive events. From dining at restaurants to immersive extravaganza, you’ll certainly find activities to do for the week.
Here are 15 amazing things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday December 24
Bang out your workday at this coffee shop
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Cacti is the kind of stylish all-day coffee spot that you can definitely get on board with. Although there are some tables on the ground floor, the first floor is better for working. There are plenty of plugs and less bustle than downstairs. Their iced matcha is another excellent reason to hang about for an extra hour or two if you’ve spent the day working here.
Cacti Café, AthThumamah Road, Qurtubah, Riyadh 11564, daily 7am to 3am. Tel: 050 999 9866. @cacti_sa
Add a jolly Spanish cheer to your festivities
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Celebrate the festive season with Spanish style at Azure, located within Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya. Here, indulge in a five-course set dinner menu inspired by the authentic Spanish dishes cherished by Chef Ramon’s mother and grandmother.
Azure Festive Dinner, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, Dec 24, 6.30pm to 11.30pm. SAR 275 per person (set menu includes mocktails). Tel: 053 341 1234. @hyattregencyriyadholaya
Celebrate the season with your friends and family
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Gear up for a jolly good time at Le Meridien Riyadh this yuletide. On Sunday December 24 and Monday December 25, treat yourself to the Royal Turkey Buffet, boasting whole-roasted turkey and other grilled specialities, as well as international faves.
Royal Turkey Buffet at Milwan, Le Meridien Riyadh, Dec 24 6.30pm to 10.30pm & Dec 25 12.30pm to 3.30pm. SAR299 per person. Tel: 059 837 0780. @lemeridienriyadh
Have a merry dining feast
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It’s our favourite time of the year to devour grand feasts of roast meat, rich sides, and sweet treats. Herald in the season of merrymaking with a delectable festive buffet at The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh. With the likes of fresh seafood on ice, seasonal must-haves and local favourites, get ready to feast your heart out at Al Orjouan.
Festive Dinner Buffet at Al Orjouan, The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Dec 24 & 25, 6.30pm to midnight. SAR315 per adult. Tel: 011 802 8333. @theritzcarltonruh
Monday December 25
Brunch to your heart’s content
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Feast on 56th Avenue Diner’s holiday season special carvings featuring mouth-watering American classics, including roast beef, cranberry sauce, everyone’s favourite stuffing, and a sleigh full of sides. Save room for the sweet finale with the delightful pecan pies. So, if you’re here this yuletide, gather friends and family and make those reservations to spend this holiday season bonding with the finest festive flavours around town.
Festive Lunch at 56th Avenue Diner, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, Dec 25 12.30pm to 3.30pm. SAR256 per person (including beverages). Tel: 053 341 1234. @hyattregencyriyadholaya
Enjoy some family-friendly fun at Magic Planet
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Magic Planet is an emporium of family-friendly fun, complete with retro arcade games, soft play for little ones and even a trampoline park where guests of all ages can bounce around. There’s even a selection of rides, including the Chrystal Mine Train, bumper cars and a drop ‘n twist. Find it at Riyadh Front and Riyadh Park. You’ll need to purchase a Magic Planet Card to use all the rides and games.
Magic Planet Riyadh Park, First Level, intersection of Northern Ring Road and Al-Khair Road, Al Aqiq, 10am to midnight Sat to Thurs, 10am to 1am Fri; and Magic Planet Riyadh Front, Riyadh, daily 9am to 5am. Tel: 9200 06883. @magicplanetsa
Score a strike at Go Bowling
With bowling, laser tag, arcade games, a full menu and more, you’ll want to plan an entire day here. This family-friendly spot is home to a six-lane bowling alley and is priced at Sar60 per person per game. We reckon your kids will love this place so much that you may end up planning your next birthday soiree here.
Go Bowling, Makan Mall, Prince Muhammad Ibn Saad Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 11564, Sun to Wed 3pm to 11pm, Thurs 3pm to 1am, Fri 4pm to 1am & Sat 4pm to 11pm. Sar60 per person per game of bowling. Tel: 053 355 0212.
Tuesday December 26
Enjoy a festive business lunch at LPM
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Merging French tradition with LPM’s signature exquisite French-Mediterranean fare, the menu features LPM classics with a festive twist. Highlights include Marinated Salmon Carpaccio with Caviar, Foie Gras Terrine with Toasted Brioche, Duck Confit with Orange and Hispi Cabbage, Homemade Rigatoni Pasta with Black Truffle and a decadent Chocolate and Passion Fruit Flan. The festive business lunch menu is ideal for power lunches and midday breaks with friends or loved ones and will be available on weekdays only throughout the month from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
LPM Riyadh Business Lunch, Weekdays only, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, King Fahd Road, Street No. 38, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya (behind Al Faisaliah Hotel). @lpmriyadh
Check out Noor Riyadh’s art exhibition
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Noor Riyadh’s art exhibition titled “Refracted Identities, Shared Futures”, is held at the Riyadh Art space in JAX District until March 2, 2024. This year, the show celebrates light as a flux, where artists, as cartographers of light, comprehend the dynamic nature of human and cultural identity amidst the shifting sands of time.
Noor Riyadh Exhibition, until Mar 2, 2024, Sat to Thurs 11am to 1am & Fri 4pm to 1am, JAX District. @noorriyadhfestival
Relive your childhood classics at Disney: The Castle
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As part of Riyadh Season 2023, the iconic Disney: The Castle at Boulevard Riyadh City is a live musical experience that brings you closer than ever to the iconic music of Disney’s beloved animated worlds. At this magical family festival, celebrate music from Disney’s most popular animated films through captivating performances in immersive musical worlds and exhilarating mini-concerts in front of the towering Disney Castle. Entry to Boulevard Riyadh City is free but tickets are required for the Disney: The Castle experience.
Disney: The Castle, weekdays 5pm to 12.30am & weekends 5pm to 1.30am, Boulevard Riyadh City. The ticket price starts from SAR125 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Catch the Riyadh Season Tennis Cup
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The cup, which takes place on Tuesday December 26 and Wednesday December 27, will see the top-two ranked players in men’s tennis – Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz – go head to head, as well as two of the biggest names in the women’s game, Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur.
Riyadh Season Tennis Cup, Dec 26 & 27, 6pm, Kingdom Arena. The ticket starts from SAR100 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Wednesday December 27
Check out the free Hijrah exhibition
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The exhibition is currently on at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia until December 30. This is its second stop, the first one being the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, better known as Ithra. You’ll be seeing everything from the diverse and rich sections of history, including antiquities and documentaries, in a narrative sequence of the events of migration from the pre-Islamic stage, up to the eight days of the journey with its conditions and facts, all the way to Medina.
Migration: In the Footsteps of the Messenger, until Dec 30, National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Mon to Sat 9am to 7pm, Thu 9am to 10pm, Fri 2pm to 10pm. Book your free tickets here. @saudimuseum
Have a wander at Wonder Garden
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This new Riyadh Season zone features more than 70 rides and experiences, two arcade halls, 15 stores, 26 restaurants and more than 60 roaming acts and shows. You can chill out by the Flamingo Lake and admire over 50 gorgeous flamingos, check out the Bloom subzone, where flowers inspire art installations; and ride on a giant wheel. You can even be one with nature at the stunning Butterfly Garden.
Wonder Garden, Al Malqa, weekdays 4pm to 1am, weekends 4pm to 1am. The ticket starts from SAR30 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Get trippy at House of Hype
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Housed within the popular Boulevard City zone, this entertainment park will have immersive experiences and places to explore, where you can play games, discover surprises, shop exclusive products, and win prizes, including 46 creator experiences, 29 immersive attractions, and 32 gaming experiences. Inspired by video games, fashion, music, and social media trends, House of Hype is a mind-bending whirl of experiences you will never forget.
House of Hype, Boulevard City, daily 4pm to 12.30am. Tickets start from SAR89 and can be purchased here. @houseofhype____
Explore Boulevard World
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Experience a world of civilisations and cultures, exploring Boulevard World’s numerous adventures in each unique area. The second edition of this zone is 40 per cent more spectacular than last year’s event, which now features over 1,180 shops and 120 restaurants. Boulevard World Riyadh famously includes the largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Lagoon, and it boasts the largest spherical theatre in which an exciting world of games and adrenaline-packed activities can be enjoyed.
Boulevard World, Hittin, daily 4pm to midnight. Book your tickets here. @riyadhseason
Images: Instagram