The year is ending in a big way with some very exciting things to do in Riyadh in December, especially with openings like Bujairi Terrace and Turaif happening this month, and Riyadh Season and Diriyah Season keeping the entertainment going with new events and activities.
Add in mega music festivals (hello, MDLBEAST Soundstorm), new restaurants and coffee shops being just a few of the top picks, we know you’re excited to dive right in. Here are the top things to do in Riyadh in December.
Thursday December 1
Move at MDLBEAST Soundstorm
Things to do in Riyadh in December start with MDLBEAST Soundstorm. It’s the capital’s loudest weekend with over 200 artists storming the stage and headliners like DJ Khaled, Bruno Mars and Post Malone over the three-day festival.
From SAR149 (general admission). Thu Dec 1-Sat Dec 3, Banban, mdlbeast.com.
Friday December 2
Enjoy the last days of Cirque Du Soleil’s OVO
See the Cirque Du Soleil OVO show about a colourful colony of insects before it ends its thrilling run. Tickets are available now from SAR50. Don’t bug out.
Until Sat Dec 3.Tue-Sat, Tue-Wed 8pm, Thu-Sat 4pm. Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Airport Road. ticketingboxoffice.com.
Sunday December 4
Visit Bujairi Terrace
Bujairi Terrace officially opens on Sunday December 4. Diriyah Gate‘s new dining destination has over 20 restaurants to dig in at, as well views of UNESCO World Heritage Site Turaif. Whether you’re after breakfast, coffee and cake (always), or Spanish flavours, this foodie destination promises to satisfy the craving.
Opening Sun Dec 4. Diriyah, diriyah.sa.
Thursday December 8
Sing along at the Wael Jassar concert
Lebanese singer Wael Jassar is going to be taking the Diriyah Season stage on Thursday December 8. Get ready to bop along to songs like “Awedek,” “Million Ahebek” and “Ghareba El Naas”. This is one of the things to do in Riyadh in December that promises to hit all the right notes.
From SAR100. Diriyah Stadium, diriyahseason.sa.
Friday December 9
Take in the splendour of Turaif
There are some incredible new things to do in Riyadh in December, including exploring Turaif. The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Diriyah has reopened from December 4. Stroll through years of history and gaze at Najdi-style mudbrick palaces, mosques, former defensive towers and curated galleries.
Opens Sun Dec 4. Free until 4pm (Sun-Wed), From SAR100. Open Sun-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu 10am-1am, Fri-Sat 7am-1am. Turaif, Diriyah, tickets.diriyah.sa.
Saturday December 10
Catch the game at the Digital City Fan zone
Take in the quarter-finals at the Digital City fan zone. You can refuel between games with the various food and beverage options. Tickets are available from SAR70. Who will it be making it to the semis? Find out as you cheer on with the crowds at the Riyadh fan zone.
SAR70. Mon Nov 21-Mon Dec 26. Digital City, riyadh.platinumlist.net.
Sunday December 11
Get in on the spirit at Yauatcha World Cup Set Menu
Foodie things to do in Riyadh in December are seemingly amazing. Meshing together foodie and footie fun, the Yauatcha World Cup Set Menu is set to be a good way to get in on the action. Head over to The Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards winner for Best Asian Restaurant for SAR480.
SAR480. Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya, yauatcha.com (011 836 7999).
Tuesday December 13
Watch the game Coca-Cola FIFA fan festival zone
Don’t miss a moment of the semi -finals. Riyadh’s fully equipped with good fan zones for you to frequent for things to do in Riyadh in December. The massive free Coca-Cola FIFA fan festival zone is located at Prince Faisal bin Fahad Olympic Complex (Green Halls) and is one of the largest fan areas outside of Qatar.
Free. Sun Nov 20-Sun Dec 18. Various times. Prince Faisal bin Fahad Olympic Complex (Green Halls), Al Diwan St, Ar Rafiah. trophyksa-ar.coca-colaarabia.com.
Wednesday December 14
Enjoy Hawl Al Hatab at Diriyah Season
Diriyah Season keeps delivering with sporty and culture events. If you’re in the market for cultural things to do in Riyadh in December, this one could be for you. The event is inspired by firewood, a live music zone, Saudi coffee and a marketplace selling local products.
Thu Dec 8- Sat Dec 17. Diriyah, @mocculinary.
Thursday December 15
Have dinner at Toplum
Dining at a brand-new restaurant? Count us in for things to do in Riyadh in December. Toplum has just opened in The Esplanade, and is dishing up Mediterranean flavours. There’s indoor and outdoor seating so you can either enjoy the weather, or take in the views from the open kitchen and coffee bar inside.
Open daily, 9am-midnight. The Esplanade. @toplum.me.
Friday December 16
Visit the free THE LINE exhibition in Riyadh
Discover more about Saudi’s city of the future at this free exhibition at Diriyah Biennale Foundation for Contemporary Art at JAX District. Book a tickets from Sunday to Wednesday from 9am to 11pm, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to midnight, and Friday from 3pm to midnight. The future is here.
Free. Until Sat Apr 29, 2023. neom.com.
Saturday December 17
Sip coffee at the Gourmet Café
Camping is huge in the capital when it comes to things to do in Riyadh in December. If you’re after a camping-like experience without leaving the comfort of the city, you could check out the Gourmet Café. The spot has small tents for camping in the middle of the city, there are many cafés and restaurants, a corner for winter dishes, and a corner to shop for furry coats for a full day of camping.
From SAR30. Open daily, Sun-Wed 4pm-2am, Thu- Sat 4 pm-3am. @gourmetcafe0.
Sunday December 18
Explore Boulevard World
Boulevard World is one of the most sought-after zones this Riyadh Season, making it one of the popular things to do in Riyadh in December. You can explore cultures from nine different countries without ever leaving the city and check out the world’s largest artificial lake and theme park rides.
SAR100 (weekdays), SAR150 (weekends). Mon Nov 21- Sun Jan 22, 2023. Open daily, 3pm-11pm. Boulevard World, Hittin, ticketmx.riyadhseason.sa.
Tuesday December 20
Enjoy outdoor dining at Hellenika
Greek food and great views? You can now check out Hellenika at the Water Tower. Who really needs a trip to the Greek islands when you can enjoy coastal Mediterranean flavours and the sights of the Saudi capital? This is one of the things to do in Riyadh in December for foodies.
Open daily, 6pm-2am. riyadhseason.sa/zones/sky-riyadh.
Thursday December 22
Chill out at Winter Wonderland
This is one of the cooler things to do in Riyadh in December? Enjoy adventurous theme park (there are more than 80) rides, huge ice rinks and restaurants at Winter Wonderland this year for SAR55 on both weekdays and weekends.
SAR55. Open Sun-Wed 4pm-1am, Thu-Sat 4pm-2am. Hittin, ticketmx.com.
Friday December 23
Go quad biking in the desert
With the weather cooling down, there are so many exciting things to do in Riyadh in December, quad biking included. Feel the breeze, marvel at the desert landscape and have a great story to tell after, too. Check out various tours for the one that most appeals to you and your group of adventurers.
From SAR499. mysauditours.com.
Tuesday December 27
Enjoy al fresco eats at ROKA
It’s terrace time. So, why not book a night dinner outside on ROKA’s terrace as part of your must-do things to do in Riyadh in December? Grab those chopsticks and head to Riyadh’s Sulimaniyah district at Time Out Riyadh‘s restaurant of the year.
Open Sat-Wed 1pm-midnight, Thu-Fri 1pm-12.30am. As Sulimaniyah, @rokariyadhofficial.
Friday December 29
Explore The Groves
The Groves is always a popular Riyadh Season zone, and this season we have The Groves Chapter II. The Riyadh Season zone has plenty to explore, no matter what you’re after whether it’s arts and culture, sporting events, shopping or somewhere to dine.
From SAR50. Khuzamah Park, Diplomatic Quarter, thegroves-sa.com.
Saturday December 30
Attend Noor Riyadh’s From Spark to Spirit exhibition
You could end 2022 on an arty note by checking out the free From Spark to Spirit exhibition by Noor Riyadh at JAX District in Diriyah. Explore artworks by over 30 artists from Saudi. Look into the light and be dazzled.
Free. Until Sat Feb 4. JAX, Diriyah, noor-riyadh-raj.platinumlist.net.
After more? Here’s a full guide to the Riyadh Season 2022 zones.
