From brunches adorned with seasonal specialties to intimate gatherings at fine dining restaurants, the UAE offers a diverse array of celebrations
OPA
OPA celebrates with a selection of festive Greek-inspired dishes and live performances from December 24th to 26th. Highlights include Lobster Pie with poached lobster and crispy phyllo, Veal Giouvetsi featuring slow-cooked veal shank and orzo pasta, and Tsureki, a brioche dessert with wild cherry and chocolate.
Call +9714 357 0557.
RARE Brasserie & Bar
RARE presents a festive feast blending traditional Christmas classics with modern touches. Highlights include indulgent starters such as Chicken Liver Pâté and Smoked Salmon, followed by show-stopping mains such as Beef Wellington and Turkey Roulade, complemented by flavour-packed sides including Duck Fat Potato Nuggets and Soy Caramel Brussels Sprouts. For dessert, a tempting trio of Pavlova, Pecan Pie, and Panettone ensures a sweet finale to the celebration.
December 24, from 6-10pm and December 25, from 12pm-4pm. Visit website.
Brooklyn Chop House
Experience a New York-style Christmas at Brooklyn Chop House in Abu Dhabi. Enjoy a festive Asian steakhouse spread with signature dishes such as handcrafted Dumplings, Braised Short Rib Bao Buns, and Seafood Stir Fry, complemented by Christmas-themed drinks. The atmosphere is enhanced by a live band playing R&B classics, making it the ideal spot to celebrate the season with loved ones.
December 24, from 7-10pm. AED580 for soft beverages, AED750 for house beverages, and AED1,200 for sparkling beverages. Call +97150 642 0893 or +971 2 656 0000.
Hyde Dubai
Celebrate Christmas Day at Cleo with a festive sharing-style set menu. Indulge in dishes such as cheesy arancini, tender turkey carvings, rolled lamb, and eggplant tagliatelle, followed by a delightful selection of Christmas desserts. Adding to the festivities, Santa Claus will make a special appearance, spreading joy and holiday cheer.
Address Sky View
Guests can indulge in a gourmet feast while soaking in spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa. Choose between a specially curated set menu packed with festive flavours or an innovative à la carte selection, all complemented by a free-flowing selection of beverages for a truly indulgent experience.
The Restaurant. December 25, from 7-11pm. AED295 per person with soft beverages, AED445 per person with selected house beverages, and AED695 per person with premium beverages. Call +971 4 873 8888.
FIVE Palm Jumeirah
On Christmas Eve, Chef Marco Genovese presents cherished family recipes, including fresh Panettone, Pasta al forno di “Mamma Rosa”, and lo stufato di carne di “Mamma Rosa”, complemented by handcrafted drinks and live entertainment. On Christmas Day, choose between NUMA’s impressive brunch buffet featuring interactive cooking stations, turkey carvings, creative drinks, and a decadent dessert bar, or Cinque’s Italian-inspired brunch with antipasti, fresh pasta, BBQ, festive pastries, and live music by the pool.
Italian Christmas Eve Dinner at Cinque: December 24, from 7pm. AED599 per person for 4-courses and house beverages. NUMA Christmas Day Brunch: December 25, from 12:30-4:30pm. From AED399 for bottomless brunch including house beverages (indoor seating); AED499 (outdoor seating). Cinque Christmas Day Brunch: December 25, from 12:30-4:30pm. From AED599 for bottomless gourmet buffet and house beverages. Call +9714 455 9989.
Tap & Grill
Celebrate the festive season with your furry friends at Tap & Grill’s Furry Christmas Brunch, featuring Spanish and Levantine dishes, shareable mezzeh, and festive treats. Enjoy outdoor fun for the whole family, including a meet-and-greet with Santa, perfect for kids and pups alike!
December 25, from 1-4pm. For bookings, click here.
Bussola
Guests can enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired festive experience with an Italian-style Brunch di Natale on Wednesday, 25 December, from 1pm to 4pm. The celebration begins with a glass of sparkling upon arrival, followed by a festive sharing menu. Highlights include antipasti like burrata and tomato salad, mains such as herb-roasted beef and roasted turkey, as well as classic dishes like seafood cannelloni. The meal concludes with an array of delightful sweet treats.
From AED395 per person. Call +9714 586 7760.
FIVE Jumeirah Village
On Christmas Eve, Trattoria by Cinque serves a warm, family-friendly Italian feast featuring classic antipasti, rich pastas, hearty mains, and indulgent desserts, all made with traditional flair. Christmas Day brings a special brunch with authentic Italian dishes and a dessert selection overflowing with sweet treats. For a lively Christmas Day, head to MiMi’s Pool Club for the Epic Christmas Day Pool Party, where you can enjoy live cooking stations, bottomless drinks, live entertainment, and plenty of fun under the sun.
Christmas Eve: December 24, from 7-10pm. AED399 for 4-course set menu including house beverages. Christmas Day: December 25, from 1-4pm. From AED349 for bottomless brunch including house beverages. MiMi’s Pool Club Epic Christmas Day Pool Party: December 25, from 12-4pm. From AED249 for ladies and AED349 for gents: Bottomless pool brunch including house beverages and live stations. Call +9714 455 9989.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Celebrate Christmas Day in style with a festive brunch at Mezzerie, where a dazzling winter wonderland awaits, complete with live music, Santa surprises, and an extravagant buffet featuring international delights. Alternatively, enjoy a festive Italian five-course dinner at Social, offering traditional holiday flavours in a cosy and elegant setting.
Mezzerie: December 25, 1pm-4pm. AED490 per person including soft beverages, AED690 per person including house beverages and sparkling grapes, AED890 per person including house beverages and bubbly, and AED250 per child (6-11 years old).
Social: December 25, 6:30pm-10:30pm. AED550 per person for the 5-course set menu and AED1,100 per person for the 5-course set menu with grape pairing and a glass of bubbly. Visit website.
JW Marriott Hotel Marina
Celebrate Christmas at JW Kitchen, offering a festive brunch with stunning views of Dubai Marina. Enjoy a luxurious buffet with holiday-inspired dishes, live cooking stations, and live entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere. Located in the heart of the city and connected to Dubai Marina Mall, it’s the perfect spot for a memorable Christmas Day filled with exceptional cuisine and festive cheer.
December 25, from 1-4pm. AED299 per person, inclusive of soft beverages, AED399 per person, inclusive of selected beverages, AED499 per person, inclusive of selected beverages and sparkling. 50% off for kids aged 6-11 years old. Kids under 5 dine for free. Call +9714 436 7777, WhatsApp +971 58 279 7992 or email fb.dxbjm@adnhmc.com. Visit website.
Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah
Christmas Day kicks off with a relaxed late brunch at Sea Breeze, offering a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a festive spread of turkey, all the trimmings, panettone, stollen, and a Pandoro Christmas tree cake, while little ones have their own mini buffet and a special visit from Santa. The indulgence continues with a dinner buffet featuring seafood, cheese, charcuterie, sushi, mezze, wagyu, and lamb, topped off with an ice cream station and chocolate fountain. For those who missed out on Christmas Eve’s exclusive tasting menus, Beach House and Mekong offer another chance to savour their exquisite dishes.
December 25. Brunch: 1pm-4:30pm. Dinner: 6pm-10:30pm. Brunch: From AED425 per person including house beverages. Dinner buffet: From AED335 per person including house beverages. Visit website.
Cielo
Book a spot at this festive buffet overflowing with traditional holiday dishes and winter-inspired flavours, designed for sharing with your loved ones. With an array of classic Christmas favourites and festive delicacies, this is the perfect place to create lasting memories over great food, festive beats, and plenty of cheer.
December 24, from 7pm. AED499 per adult including bottomless festive buffet and house beverages, and AED199 per child (ages 5-12). Call +9714 455 9989 or email flh.dining@fivehotelsandresorts.com.
Tête-à-Tête
Spend Christmas Day at Tête-à-Tête with a relaxed brunch on the rooftop terrace, offering stunning views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon filled with French-inspired flavours, bottomless drinks, and an atmosphere full of festive spirit.
December 25, from 1pm-5pm. AED599 per person including bottomless brunch and house beverages. Call +9714 455 9989 or email flh.dining@fivehotelsandresorts.com.
Catch at St. Regis
Celebrate Christmas with a luxurious oceanside brunch featuring fresh seafood, festive delicacies such as lobster, and expertly carved mains such as prime ribeye and roasted turkey. With live performances enhancing the atmosphere and the option of stunning al-fresco views or cosy indoor seating, this indulgent experience promises holiday cheer in a truly picturesque setting.
December 25, from 1-4pm. AED500 including soft beverages, AED700 including Italian bubbly, concoctions, grapes and hops, AED900 including French bubbly, concoctions, grapes and hops, and Children below 12 can enjoy a 50% discount. Call +9712 694 4553 or email restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com. Visit website.
Conrad Dubai
Celebrate Christmas at Anása with Mediterranean-inspired dishes that capture the festive spirit. Highlights include langoustine tartare, vibrant bulgur salad, and mains such as sea bass fillet or baby lamb roulade. Finish with traditional Greek holiday treats or explore Anása’s sumptuous à la carte offerings.
Until December 25, from 7pm-12pm. AED380 per person including soft beverages. Visit website.
Andaliman
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Join the festive brunch on Christmas Day, where the finest Indonesian dishes meet holiday cheer. This family-friendly affair showcases traditional Indonesian delicacies, from zesty sambals to aromatic curries, ensuring a delightful and flavourful experience for every guest. Gather around the table and make memories that will last a lifetime!
December 25, from 7-10pm. AED449 (sharing menu and unlimited house beverages), AED349 (non-alcoholic package) and AED149 (children). Call +9714 666 1617.
StreetXO
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Kick off the festive season with StreetXO’s unique twist on the popular Winged Tapas Brunch. This lively brunch blends signature festive flavours with an unconventional flair that only StreetXO can deliver. Prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant dishes and infectious energy—perfect for celebrating with friends and family!
December 21, from 1-4pm. AED777 per person including bubbles menu, AED555 per person including hard beverage menu and AED444 per person including non-alcoholic menu. Call +9714 666 1617.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
The Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal takes diners on a unique culinary journey through Britain’s history, with dishes inspired by recipes from the past. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the restaurant offers a four-course feast, showcasing iconic creations such as Meat Fruit (c.1500), Roast Chicken (c.1672) with all the trimmings, and Smoked Walnut Mousse (c.1600).
December 24 and 25, from 12-3pm and 7-10pm. Festive-inspired four-course set menu for AED995 per person (excluding beverages). Visit website.
Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
A world of festive cheer awaits guests at the Picnic Pantry Brunch 2.0 at Zaytoun, Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City. Create your perfect picnic basket brimming with BBQ classics and indulgent festive treats, set against the backdrop of Burj Khalifa. The relaxed yet vibrant ambience is complete with live music and spectacular views. Santa Claus stops by, adding extra magic to the day.
Available at AED495 including non-alcoholic beverages and AED595 including house beverages. Children aged 6-12 dine for AED130, while those under 6 eat free. For more information, visit website.
Sisi’s Eatery
Celebrate the holidays with a menu packed with heartwarming flavours and creative twists, perfect for gatherings. Treat yourself to show-stopping mains like Roasted turkey and duck, available for pick-up, or enjoy seasonal favourites such as Duck leg confit for dine-in. Sweeten your celebrations with irresistible desserts like the Trio tree cake and classic Austrian stollen, along with other handcrafted delights. For a fun holiday activity, join Sisi’s Gingerbread House Workshop, offering a creative way for families and friends to make festive memories together.
Visit website.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
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Celebrate Christmas with a family-friendly brunch at Crescendo, featuring live music, Santa surprises, and a festive spread with soft or sparkling drinks included. Alternatively, enjoy an adults-only beachside gathering at The Beach House, complete with barbecue favourites, gourmet appetisers, and a lively atmosphere by the sea.
December 25, 1-4pm. Crescendo: AED265 per child 6 to 11 years including soft beverages, AED575 per person including soft beverages, AED785 per person including house beverages and sparkling grape, and AED850 per person including bubbly and house beverages. The Beach House: AED625 per person including soft beverages and AED850 per person including bubbly and house beverages. Visit website.
Sontaya
Celebrate with Southeast Asian flavours set against the stunning backdrop of Saadiyat Beach. Tuck into culinary delights, complemented by enchanting live entertainment, creating treasured memories with family and friends.
December 25, from 1pm-4pm. AED325 per person including soft beverages, AED450 per person including house grape and hops, and AED150 per child. Visit website.
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
Enjoy a festive Christmas in a private setting with a Royal Cabana dinner at SAL, Burj Al Arab.
December 24, from 8pm. AED9,000 per cabana for a maximum of 8 people, including AED 6,500 redeemable on food and beverages. Call 800323232 or email restaurants@jumeirah.com.
Levantera
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Levantera’s festive day brunch, where a lavish spread of holiday delights awaits! Indulge in everything from succulent roast turkey to fresh seafood, sizzling grill stations and a mouthwatering selection of festive desserts. Kids can enjoy their own special buffet, a fun-filled play area and holiday activities to keep them entertained, topped off with a surprise visit from Santa himself!
December 25, from 1:30pm-4:30pm. AED449 for soft beverages, AED549 for house beverages, AED799 for champagne, AED249 for kids aged 6 to 11 years old, AED99 for kids 3 to 5 years old and kids under 2 dine for free. Visit website.
Al Habtoor Polo Resort
Celebrate the festive season at Andalucia Terrace with the Christmas-themed Polo Terrace Brunch, offering a lavish spread of festive treats and live entertainment.
Polo Terrace Brunch: December 25, from 1pm-4pm. Starting from AED495 including house beverages, AED595 including sparkling beverages, AED795 including bubbly, AED125 for children 6-12 years, and complimentary for children below 5 years. WhatsApp +971 54 559 6693. Visit Instagram or website.
Zenon Dubai
This holiday season, Zenon Dubai is serving up a mix of Mediterranean-Asian flavours and live entertainment for an extravagant celebration. On Christmas Day, the set menu brings together festive flavours such as Pumpkin Soup with roasted chestnuts and truffle, Madai White Truffle Usuzukuri with ‘Nikiri’ sauce, and a Whole Roasted Chicken with Foie Gras—perfect for sharing. For dessert, there’s White Truffle Ice Cream and Panettone with Vanilla Chantilly Cream.
Christmas Dinner: December 25, from 6pm. Dishes starting from AED75. Call +971 4 837 7222. Visit the website or Instagram.
Cucina
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Cucina with a festive brunch featuring family-style starters and holiday favourites such as roasted turkey with all the trimmings. Enjoy antipasti, focaccia, pizzas, homemade pastas, and artisanal cheeses, along with interactive stations like the Gelateria for sweet treats. The Spritz Bar will offer refreshing beverages while a live jazz Italian trio creates a festive atmosphere, and Santa makes a special appearance. On Christmas Day, indulge in a festive feast with family-style starters, signature roasts, wood-fired pizzas, and freshly made pastas. The celebration continues with live cooking stations, a visit to the Gelateria for festive desserts, and activities for kids, ensuring a memorable holiday for all.
Christmas Eve: December 24, from 7:30pm-10:30pm. AED350 per person including buffet and soft beverages. AED450 per person including buffet with sparkling and house beverages. AED695 per person including buffet with house beverages and bubbly. AED180 for kids 6-12 years old, AED95 for kids 3-5 years old, and 0-2 years dine for free. Christmas Day Brunch: December 25, from 1:30-4:30pm. AED395 per person including buffet and soft beverages. AED495 per person including buffet with sparkling and house beverages. AED695 per person including buffet with house beverages and bubbly. AED180 for kids 6-12 years old, AED95 for kids 3-5 years old, 0-2 years dine for free.
Call +971 4 666 1408 or email reservations@cucinadubai.com.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at the Christmas Brunch brimming with live stations, festive dishes, and themed beverages. Don’t miss Santa’s arrival, live performances, kids’ activities, and carolling.
Palm Kitchen. December 25, from 1pm-4:30pm. AED499 including soft beverages. AED649 including house beverages. AED199 per child aged 6-12 years old. Call +9714 275 4444. Visit website or Instagram.
Flow Kitchen
December 25, from 1-4:30pm. Indoors: AED 420 per person inclusive of soft beverages, AED 575 per person inclusive of house beverages, AED 625 per person inclusive of sparkling beverages, and AED 150 for children ages 3-12 years. Call +971 4 457 3457 or email palm.dining@fairmont.com. Visit website.