Updated December 2024
Saudi is famous for many things: its authentic heritage, modern innovations, and so much more. But there’s another side to Saudi that shines brighter when winter rolls around, bringing a whole new vibe of events and spectacles.
From epic concerts and high-energy sports to luxurious cruises and side-splitting comedy shows, Saudi goes all out like nowhere else. Only a short plane ride away, a trip to Saudi this winter guarantees a wealth of unforgettable moments with the people you love.
Riyadh Season
Riyadh Season is one of Saudi’s most significant events, a six-month celebration of the capital city’s vibrant culture. This year’s edition will run until March 2025 and is jam-packed with exciting shows and cultural highlights.
Here’s a quick look at the top attractions you can’t miss if you’re in Riyadh during the season.
Boulevard World (13 October – ongoing)
This prime attraction of Riyadh Season is a theme park divided into zones representing various countries, each celebrating its unique culture and showcasing iconic landmarks like Egypt’s Great Pyramids of Giza and France’s Eiffel Tower.
Vendors and restaurants from each nation set up stalls in their zones. For instance, the Indian zone greets you with the aroma of butter chicken, the sight of Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, and other Indian specialties. As you explore further, you can enjoy a ride on a Venetian gondola or indulge in Enchiladas prepared by Mexican chefs, and much more.
Top recommended attractions include swimming with dolphins, a vampire hotel, escape rooms, meta games, and more.
Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk (21 December)
This fight was the highlight of the last Riyadh Season, initially expected to be a one-time spectacle, but it’s making a comeback!
True heavyweight boxing fans understand the massive significance of this match, but for those who don’t, here’s the gist: Last season, it was like putting all the heavyweight champions – each with no losses in their career – into the same ring. On the line were the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring titles – all in one match. In the end, Usyk won by split decision.
But the rivalry isn’t over. The fighters are gearing up for a rematch, reigniting the excitement and passion for the sport. Boxing fans of all stripes will want to put this event down on their calendars; this isn’t just your regular boxing match – it’s history in the making.
Wonder Garden (7 November – 5 January 2025)
Worlds once seen only in Disney and Pixar come to life here, captivating little ones throughout Riyadh Season. The second edition of Wonder Garden surpassed expectations when the gates opened to reveal three distinct realms filled with flamingos, butterflies, and magnificent trees, delighting fans even more.
The Wonder Garden boasts three unique realms, each home to flamingos, vibrant butterflies, and stunning trees. Visitors can explore them all via a roller coaster and other thrilling rides in this world’s first magical garden-themed amusement park.
The Groves (20 November – ongoing)
The Groves has been a hit for the past two seasons and is now a permanent fixture. Explore places like Hawanim Groves City—where you can savor Oriental cuisine and enjoy live classical theater—or Little Krazy, with its delicious eateries, magic shows, and DJ beats.
Each zone requires separate reservations, or you can opt for general access to visit the cafes in Groves Village, tour the charming European cottages, and stroll across a beautiful bridge spanning the serene Groves Lake.
VIA Riyadh (1 November – ongoing)
If you crave nothing short of luxury, look no further – VIA Riyadh offers it all, from dining and shopping to entertainment and a five-star hotel.
They’ve curated top dining spots from around the world while retaining their charm, including Scott’s, the iconic London seafood restaurant; Spago, the Michelin-starred Beverly Hills gem; and Raoul’s, the legendary New York French eatery.
For shopping, explore luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Ashi Studio, Elie Saab, and L’atelier Nawbar, plus exclusive art exhibitions like Richard Orlinski’s. Car enthusiasts will love Seven, showcasing some of the world’s most coveted cars. The cinema offers a VIP experience with suede loveseats and state-of-the-art tech.
Mansard hotel is the ideal base to stay and explore the city, especially during the Riyadh Season. Once you’re there, you won’t want to leave.
Riyadh Zoo (30 October – 14 December)
The Riyadh Zoo returns for its third season with even more interactive options. The animal enclosures are thoughtfully designed to offer close-up views while prioritizing safety. The park features six unique zones, each dedicated to different animals, with highlights like feeding kangaroos. Be sure to visit the Enchanted Forest zone, home to bears, giraffes, and deer, and the rare and endangered Red Panda.
Events in Riyadh beyond Riyadh Season
Riyadh Season may steal the spotlight, but the city keeps the vibe alive all year long with exciting events, even outside the official season. The energy never drops, so there’s always something fun around the corner in the capital.
Riyadh Racing Season (17 October – 15 March 2025)
With over 62 races running from afternoon to night, expect the area to positively vibrate with the sound of hooves pounding the ground and spectators cheering for their favorites. King Abdulaziz Racecourse transforms into a lively gala, with visitors enjoying the lawns, lounges, and crowded restaurants.
Chinese Contemporary Art Exhibition (27 September – 18 January 2025)
Saudi is hosting the first-ever Chinese Art exhibition in the country, featuring masterpieces from 31 artists across generations, under the theme “The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow.”
The exhibition sparks discussions on the nuanced perspectives of captivating artworks, exploring themes like nostalgia and memory in the face of modernism and the significance of writing in society and culture. The event will be held at the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art in Jax.
Fontana Circus (18 October – 18 January 2025)
Circuses are a testament to how far human physicality can be pushed to perform impressive stunts that seem impossible until witnessed live. Fontana Circus brings this marvel to Riyadh, topped with a musical fountain ambiance.
The show blends heart-stopping stunts by top circus artists with soothing music and water. It’s a rare combination that delivers the best of both worlds. This event is held daily at Nakheel Mall’s circus tent.
ImpaQ – Impact Makers Forum (18 December – 19 December)
This special event, hosted by the Ministry of Media, brings together hundreds of global influencers, digital content creators, and media industry experts for Saudi’s largest gathering of its kind. It offers opportunities for collaboration across fields and features interactive workshops led by masters of content creation techniques.
For media and content creation professionals, this event is a valuable opportunity to enhance careers, sharpen skills, and expand networks and industry insights.
Jeddah
From Riyadh, you have plenty of short flights available heading to Jeddah throughout the day, or you can take a 10-hour road trip to reach the city – either way, Jeddah is worth the trip. With its lively vibe, unique events, and breathtaking sights, you won’t want to miss the city’s coastal charm.
TeamLab Borderless (10 June – ongoing)
Step into an art show where exhibits flow effortlessly through and across rooms, liberated from the traditional boundaries of frames. Here, you don’t merely observe – you become an integral part of the art, fully immersed in a hallucinatory and truly magical journey.
A special kids’ section, Future Park, lets children transform their imagination into reality on an infinite canvas, creating a world of their own. Beyond this, explore an array of diverse experiences that transcend conventional limits on lifestyle, vision, and perception, ranging from art to interactive activities.
This permanent installation awaits you at Culture Square in Jeddah’s Historic District.
Next Gen ATP Finals (18 December – 22 December)
Hosted at King Abdullah Sports City, the Next Gen ATP Finals is a five-day tennis tournament featuring the top eight players under 21. With innovative rules and a fresh take on the game, it’s a must-see event for enthusiasts eager to witness firsthand the sport’s future stars at play.
Sail with Aroya Cruises (16 December – 29 May 2025)
Aroya Cruises offers luxurious voyages along the stunning Saudi coast. With a massive ship capable of carrying nearly 5,000 passengers, enjoy breathtaking views of the Red Sea, pristine islands, and sunsets like no other. The journey includes a stop on a private, untouched island, providing a peaceful escape from city life. With cruises lasting at least three nights, it’s the perfect way to experience Saudi from the sea.
Balad Beast (30 January – 31 January)
Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic district, transforms for the weekend into a cutting-edge contemporary spectacle, where heritage sites morph into a massive DJ and hip-hop stage. With lasers pulsing to the rhythm and UNESCO-listed alleys glowing with vibrant LEDs, the streets become immersive avenues where sound and light collide, inviting you to lose yourself to the beats.
This electrifying two-day marathon showcases over 70 multi-genre artists, including Bebe Rexha, Cairokee, and DJ Snake, as they unleash their chart-topping hits. It’s a vivid fusion of old-world charm and modern energy, a truly one-of-a-kind journey that delivers an emotional, unforgettable thrill.
Diriyah Season (20 December – 4 February 2025)
Just a few miles from Riyadh lies the quaint town of Diriyah, once home to the royals of the Saudi Dynasty centuries ago. Here, the ancient sands murmur forgotten tales, and every structure echoes stories swept away by time. Steeped in history and marked by its enduring eminence, this place holds profound significance even in the modern era, with Diriyah Season standing as a tribute of its timeless grandeur.
Through concerts, theatrical performances, art installations, exhibitions, and outdoor activities, Diriyah revives its old glory, inviting you to connect with the heart and soul of Saudi. Surrounded by excellent hotels and authentic Arabian cuisine, nowhere else can you immerse yourself in the essence of the rich Arab lifestyle quite like during Diriyah Season.
