After a break of two years because of restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, Winter Wonderland Riyadh made a comeback in Riyadh Season 2021 to the delight of locals and tourists. Winter Wonderland has become one of the most popular events in Saudi Arabia and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe every year. The zone opened on 27 October 2021 and closed on 31 March 2022. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Imagine More.’ This year, the theme park was upgraded to increase the area space by 40 percent. This helped in introducing new rides. The highlight was the introduction of the ‘Sky Loop,’ the world’s longest mobile roller coaster.
What is Winter Wonderland Riyadh?
Winter Wonderland Riyadh is one of the most awaited entertainment events and is one of Riyadh Season’s zones. A specially constructed theme park hosts the event every year. The festivities spans over five months and is part of the Vision 2030 program of the Kingdom, launched in 2016. The event offers one in a lifetime experience with various spell bounding adventure rides with carnival like themes in Saudi Arabia. The aim is to provide recreational activities that can enhance the quality of life for residents and tourists in Riyadh. The primary objective is the diversification of the economy through promoting Saudi Arabia tourism.
Winter Wonderland Riyadh Location
Winter Wonderland Riyadh events are hosted at the specially created theme park in Riyadh. The area offers 376,025 square meters of sprawling space, which allow the organizers to introduce interesting games and exciting rides.
Winter Wonderland Riyadh Ticket Price
The price of winter wonderland Riyadh tickets: SAR 35
Winder Wonderland Riyadh Timings
The timings for winter wonderland Riyadh: 4 p.m to 1 a.m on weekdays and 4 p.m to 2 a.m on weekends
Activities at Winter Wonderland
After the 2019 theme ‘Imagine’, the organizers of the Winter Wonderland have come up with the idea of ‘Imagine More’. It is a sign that visitors can expect bigger and more entertaining events and programs this season. The events happened across 14 entertainment zones in different locations across Riyadh. These include various entertainment activities, restaurants and cafes, and stores that capture the diversity of the customs and traditions of Saudi Arabia. Top six areas of Winter Wonderland are Dreamland Carnival, Magic Box, Horror Adventures, Winter Festival, Wonder Road, and Snow Forest. These areas are specially designed with rides, events, shows and activities offered at Winter Wonderland.
1. Fun-filled amusement rides
One of the chief attractions of the Winter Wonderland Riyadh event was the rides. This year, with access to 40 percent more space, the organizers introduced new exciting rides to benefit the children and other participants. There were a whopping 52 rides on offer this season, each one crazier and scarier than before. It is challenging for nearly all visitors to decide which ride to hitch on and which one to let go due to the number of rides at Winter Wonderland. Therefore, here are 5 top rides that one should never miss out when in Winter Wonderland.
a) The Stomach Churner, Cyber Space
If an individual loves the feeling of a rush of adrenaline, they must not miss this ride. The Stomach Churner – CyberSpace is an elevated form of pendulum designed for humans. It starts as a gentle lullaby but gains momentum to become a giant swing rocking vigorously and trying every trick to increase adrenaline pump.
b) The Spinner, Frisbee
The Spinner Frisbee would fit the description if looks can be deceptive. From the outside, it appears like any other ride – fun, exciting, simple, and easy but is highly adventurous with seats on a giant frisbee. If one takes the ride when the sun is setting, the effect will be multiplied many times as the cool evening air brushes the face and leaves one feeling dazzled and special at the same time. A few minutes into the ride will leave an individual zapped and wondering.
c) The Slow Mo, Mini Miami
This ride is definitely for those who prefer calmer ways of entertainment. It has fun elements and a sane level of excitement. There is none of the rushing excitement associated with the zipping and energy-sapping rides for which the event is famous. One has to get strapped to the line of seats that go around in clockwise movement but vertically. If an individual has already tried the stomach churner or the spinner, this one is kid’s play.
d) The Lunch Returner, Top Buzz
The Lunch Returner comes close to bringing up what an individual had put in for lunch earlier. Visitors can imagine sitting on the propeller of a ceiling fan. It starts pretty calmly, but the giant propeller starts swinging wildly and unpredictably once it picks up the top speed.
2. Marvel Experience
The Marvel Experience is a unique idea featuring the enormously famous Marvel super heroes. The event is a sophisticated one involving alternative reality and VR. Audiences can interact with their favorite Marvel characters such as Spiderman, Ironman, and Black Panther. There are exciting storylines like they must defend the Earth against evil invaders by fighting alongside their superheroes.
3. Penguin Show and Skating
One of the biggest attractions of the Winter Wonderland Riyadh event is the Penguin Show and Skating. One can enjoy the incredible sight of penguins in the desert. The event happened in a huge ice-skating arena explicitly created for the festival. Tourists can also indulge in skating after or before the show to enjoy snow in the midst of desert city.
4. Haunted Carnival
At the Haunted Carnival at Winter Wonderland, it can get very close to being the scariest day of one’s life but in a fun way. The fun expands when one visits the haunted house with family and friends. One gets the chance to play seven chilling games, each scarier than the other. Tourists can enter the frightening tent if they love being among spooky characters.
5. The Gaming Arena
Gaming enthusiasts can have the time of their lives at the Winter Wonderland at the Gaming Arena, created exclusively for gamers. The games in Winter Wonderland Riyadh assures endless hours of excitement as gamers immerse themselves, trying to outdo others in their favorite video games. There are numerous gaming options of all types and levels for gamers to try their luck.
Winter Wonderland is one of the popular zone in the Riyadh Season, Saudi Arabia. For many reasons, this year’s event was more exciting than the previous one. The second edition was 40 percent bigger, translating into more space, rides, fun, and excitement. The zone was a runaway success by every yardstick.
Suggested Read: Riyadh Season 2022: The Annual Festival To Celebrate Pop Culture
Winter Wonderland FAQs
What were the key areas of the Winter Wonderland?
There were six areas of Winter Wonderland. They are Dreamland Carnival, Magic Box, Horror Adventures, Winter Festival, Wonder Road, and Snow Forest.
How much area was allotted for the Winter Wonderland event this year?
Around 40 percent more space was created this year. The total expanded area made available for the event was 376,025 square kilometers.
What are the features of the zone?
The zone is the place where kids and grown-ups enjoy a variety of games and activities. This includes the world’s first mobile Skyloop, skating rink, dancing fountain, and over a hundred different and exciting games.
What was the Winter Wonderland ticket price in 2021?
Most of the events were free of charge. A few events needed tickets. Details were provided on the event website.
