Riyadh is currently the epicenter of entertainment, blending world-class sporting fixtures, deep cultural exhibitions, and thrilling seasonal attractions that solidify its status as the region’s ultimate destination. Though the winter chill has arrived, the capital’s event calendar remains red-hot, offering a packed schedule for visitors and residents. As we move past the midpoint of the month, the best is yet to come, showcasing why the Saudi capital is rapidly ascending on the global tourism map. For those looking for fantastic things to do in Riyadh in December, this guide highlights the most exciting upcoming experiences and invites you to discover Saudi Arabia through its vibrant cultural season.
The Global Stage: Elite Sport and Entertainment
The remainder of December promises high-octane action, bringing prestigious global events to the heart of the Kingdom.
Italian Football Supremacy: EA Sports Supercup
On December 18, football fans will witness a colossal clash as Italian powerhouses Napoli and AC Milan go head-to-head in the semi-final of the EA Sports Supercup at Alawwal Park Stadium. This prestigious tournament, returning to Saudi Arabia for the sixth time, offers a spectacular display of elite European football, showcasing speed, precision, and the fierce competition for major honours. It is a fantastic opportunity for local football enthusiasts to see global superstars compete for glory right in the capital.
Boxing Grand Finale: The WBC Grand Prix and Night of the Samurai
The end of the month is set for two major boxing spectacles:
- WBC Boxing Grand Prix – Finals (December 20): The final showdown of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix will take place at the Global Theatre in Boulevard City as part of Riyadh Season 2025. This is where a new champion will rise in what is set to be an epic and iconic boxing match.
- Night of the Samurai (December 27): This high-stakes, end-of-year boxing spectacular is headlined by the pound-for-pound great, Naoya Inoue, featuring a stacked card predominantly showcasing Japan’s elite boxing talent. It promises a thrilling conclusion to the year’s sporting calendar.
Culture and Community: Festivals and Seasonal Charms
The latter half of December continues to celebrate community, art, and the richness of global and local heritage.
Sudan Cultural Celebration
From December 14 to December 20, Al Suwaidi Park is celebrating Sudanese culture. This vibrant, family-friendly zone offers free access to traditional dances, live music performances, and authentic cuisine from Sudan, providing a unique cultural immersion for all visitors.
Common Ground Festival: Saudi-China Cultural Exchange
Running from December 24, 2025, to January 6, 2026, the Ministry of Culture presents the Common Ground Festival. This event is designed to bridge the cultures of Saudi Arabia and China, offering exceptional moments that transcend boundaries through shared experiences of art, music, traditional cuisine, and live performances. This cross-cultural exchange highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global collaboration through the arts.
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival
Starting on December 25 and running into the new year, the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival is recognised globally as the world’s largest gathering dedicated to celebrating the rich falconry heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. The premier event features two prestigious competitions—the high-speed Milwah Race and the aesthetic Mazayen Beauty Contest—where local and international falconers compete fiercely for significant prizes.
Culinary Excellence and Festive Indulgence
Riyadh’s gastronomic scene is at its peak this December, providing luxury and accessible dining options for every taste.
MICHELIN Recognition and Bib Gourmand Finds
Riyadh has been officially recognized as a gastronomic hub, leading the inaugural MICHELIN Guide recommendations with 21 officially recognised restaurants. For exceptional value without compromising on quality, four establishments—Fi Glbak, KAYZO, Mirzam, and Tameesa—earned the coveted MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinction. Exploring this list offers a deep dive into the city’s diverse and high-quality culinary landscape.
Festive High Tea and Home Feasting
For those seeking seasonal indulgence, the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah is offering a special winter edition of its much-loved High Tea experience daily from 3 pm to 6 pm until December 31, priced from SAR225 per person. For comfortable home gatherings, the Fairmont Riyadh offers an exclusive golden roasted turkey with all the traditional trimmings, serving 6–8 guests for SAR 1,200, available until January 15, 2026.
Last Call: Unique Seasonal Attractions
Several attractions offer a final chance to experience unique Riyadh Season zones before they close.
- Wicked The Musical: The iconic live Broadway production of Wicked The Musical continues its run at the King Fahad Cultural Center until January 3, 2026.
- Beast Land Finale: The popular Beast Land zone is set to close its gates for good on December 27. Developed in collaboration with MrBeast, this zone features high-stakes challenges and thrilling rides like the Viking Coaster, giving visitors a final few days to compete for prizes.
- Charlie Chonka Experience: This whimsical, immersive attraction at The Groves remains a highly sought-after reservation, transforming the area into a colourful, sensory chocolate factory spectacle.
Welcoming the New Year
The climax of the month is the White Out @ Beast House party, set to be Riyadh Season’s exclusive New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31. This high-energy event in the Beast Land zone encourages guests to dress in white, amplifying the spectacular lighting and visual effects and providing an unforgettable final night of entertainment before the zone closes.
The latter half of December in Riyadh is an exhilarating blend of international sport, deep cultural exchange, and festive luxury, affirming the capital’s role as a major global entertainment hub. The variety ensures that every resident and visitor can find a unique way to celebrate the conclusion of the year.
