XMAS @ EXPO – Festive Scenic Production & Immersive Activations, Dubai (2021)

Seasonal activations at major public destinations require scenic environments that are immediately recognisable, highly immersive and capable of engaging visitors across a wide range of ages. For XMAS @ EXPO in December 2021, Evolution Scenic helped transform Expo 2020 Dubai into a large-scale festive destination through themed scenic fabrication, interactive family experiences and illuminated installations.

The scope included a 20-metre Christmas tree, custom marketplace chalets, giant nutcracker figures, a festive transformation of the Opti-Robot, Santa’s House, an Elf Workshop, activity zones and atmospheric lighting. Because installation took place while Expo 2020 was open to the public, Evolution Scenic’s scenic team also worked in custom elf uniforms, turning the build process itself into part of the visitor experience.

The Challenge

XMAS @ EXPO required a major festive transformation to be delivered within an operational Expo environment.

The scenic package needed to create a strong Christmas identity across multiple installations while supporting both visual spectacle and interactive family activity. Large-scale decorative elements, themed architecture, workshop spaces and activity zones all had to contribute to one consistent festive environment.

A further challenge was that installation took place during the live operating period of Expo 2020. The scenic team therefore needed to work within a public-facing environment where visitors could see the build progressing.

Rather than allowing the installation process to feel separate from the activation, the team adopted custom Santa’s elf uniforms, helping integrate the on-site build into the wider festive experience.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic delivered a coordinated package of themed scenic fabrication and immersive installations across the festive environment.

A major focal point was the 20-metre Christmas tree, establishing a strong visual landmark within the activation.

A festive boulevard and marketplace were created using custom-built chalets designed to house seasonal treats and merchandise. These structures helped establish the character of a traditional Christmas market while providing practical spaces for vendors and visitors.

Large decorative scenic features included giant nutcracker figures positioned at the entrance, creating a clear arrival moment. The existing Opti-Robot was also transformed for the season through the addition of reindeer antlers, bringing a familiar Expo feature into the Christmas theme.

Santa’s House and the Elf Workshop were developed as immersive environments with animated workshop scenes and themed characters, creating a more narrative-driven visitor experience.

Additional activity areas supported family participation through features including a climbing wall, festive crafts and seasonal storytelling sessions.

Warm lighting was integrated across the installations to strengthen the atmosphere and visually connect the different scenic environments after dark.

During installation, Evolution Scenic’s scenic team worked in custom elf uniforms. Visitors regularly stopped to photograph and film the team at work, turning the build process into an unexpected element of the activation and generating strong social media engagement.

Delivery Highlights

• Festive scenic production for XMAS @ EXPO.

• Installation at Expo 2020 Dubai.

• 20m-high Christmas tree.

• Custom-built festive marketplace chalets.

• Christmas boulevard environment.

• Giant nutcracker entrance figures.

• Festive transformation of the Opti-Robot.

• Custom reindeer antlers.

• Immersive Santa’s House.

• Themed Elf Workshop.

• Animated workshop scenes.

• Interactive family activity areas.

• Climbing wall.

• Festive craft activities.

• Seasonal storytelling areas.

• Integrated warm scenic lighting.

• Installation undertaken while Expo 2020 remained operational.

• Custom elf uniforms for the Evolution Scenic installation team.

• Strong visitor and social media engagement during the build.

Outcome

XMAS @ EXPO transformed the wider Expo environment into a recognisable festive destination combining large-scale scenic landmarks, themed architecture and interactive family experiences.

The Christmas tree, marketplace, nutcrackers, Santa’s House and Elf Workshop created the primary visual and narrative elements, while activity zones and lighting extended the experience beyond static decoration.

The live installation process also became part of the activation itself. With the scenic team dressed as elves while working in front of visitors, the build attracted significant attention, with guests stopping to take photographs and videos that were widely shared on social media.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to deliver immersive seasonal environments within live public venues, where fabrication, installation, visitor interaction and operational constraints all need to be considered as part of the overall experience.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Themed scenic fabrication, festive structures, marketplace chalets, large-scale scenic features, Santa’s House, Elf Workshop, family activity environments, lighting integration, live-site installation and delivery.