Enjoy the festive season with a lavish feast of Christmas brunches, dinners, afternoon tea, and much more.
As the Christmas countdown begins, the holiday season calls for preparations in full swing for everything you’ve planned out with your loved ones. If you’re looking for places to celebrate Christmas in the UAE, we’ve rounded up must-visit culinary destinations to dine for the festivities.
Sirali
Tantalize your tastebuds with an exclusive four-hour Christmas Day Brunch with Turkish delicacies throughout its menu and live carving stations as well as live entertainment by a Qanun player. Babaganoug salad, Mini lahmacun, Fried kebbe, Pacanga balls, Turkey roulade, Beef roast, Künefe, and Hot chocolate cake with Turkish ice cream, are the menu highlights here.
December 25. From 1 pm until 4 pm. AED299 per person including soft beverages. AED395 per person including house beverages. AED485 per person including bubbly. Call +9714 456 1760. Visit Instagram.
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Located on the 71st and 72nd floor at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, the destination offers idyllic views of the city’s skyline, making it the perfect spot to celebrate the joyous occasion. From live DJ entertainment and crafted beverages to flavourful canapés and more, kick off the celebrations at Vault.
From 6pm until 12am.AED1,500 per person including house beverages (Burj Khalifa view). AED1,000 per person, including house beverages (Sea view). AED500 per person, including house beverages (Non-window table or Bar counter). Call +9714 414 3000.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre
Spend your Christmas Eve with a delightful festive ‘Best of Broadway’ inspired brunch which includes sharing-style starters, and perfectly-cooked turkey served with all the trimmings and desserts and concoctions.
From 1-5pm. AED195 per child (Children 6-12years). AED395 per person including soft beverages. AED595 per person including house beverages, and AED795 per person including bubbly. Visit the website.
InterContinental Dubai Festival City
For Christmas Eve, treat yourself to a carefully curated four-course menu designed by Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire at Pierre’s TT or visit Zaytoun’s Festive Mashawi Feast at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City featuring a sumptuous spread under the stars. Diners can also look forward to a relaxed Picnic Pantry Brunch on Christmas Day at Zayotun, starring delectable treats including a one-of-a-kind walk-in pantry, BBQ stations, live music, kid’s activities and pool access.
The upbeat Belgian Café at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City will serve up iconic dishes and beverages with a festive twist. Meanwhile, a cosy winter setting beckons at Sirocco, coupled with an extensive buffet offering international delicacies. If you’re looking for a lavish Christmas Day Brunch, a festive extravaganza of eight live cooking stations awaits you at Anise.
Call +9714 701 1127/28. Visit the website
Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Get in the true holiday spirit with a Christmas Eve Dinner at Nonya for a night filled with live entertainment, a specially curated holiday menu by the Pan-Asian restaurant’s star chef, and more celebrations en route for the whole family.
From 7pm-9:30pm and 9:30pm-12am. AED249 per person including a glass of bubbly. Visit website.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Gather your near and dear ones for a spectacular experience at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Savour lip-smacking delicacies from around the world, sway to live entertainment, and watch Father Christmas sail his way around the resort on a traditional Thai longtail boat. Make your way down to Crescendo for a decadent Christmas Brunch featuring an extensive festive spread starring international savoury and sweet dishes. If you’re looking for a satiating meal instead, head to Bushman’s for the Christmas Day lunch. Relish prawns on the barbie, cold hops and the best flavours from Down Under while the Anantara choir entertain.
Call +9714 567 8999 or email resdubaipalm@anantara.com. Visit website.
Armani Hotel Dubai
Embark on a rich Indian culinary trip with the fine dining restaurant Armani/Amal’s tantalizing offerings, catering to every palette, on its five-course festive set menu curated by Chef Rohit, live performances, and festive celebrations. If you’re looking to treat yourself to Japanese cuisine, then Armani/Hashi has a stellar six-course festive menu with a unique blend of traditional dishes.
December 15 until December 30. Armani/Amal Christmas dinner from 6:30pm. AED549 per person. Armani/Hashi dinner from 6:30pm. AED799 per person.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Celebrate the festivities at Mina Brasserie’s biggest lunches of the year with a hearty feast prepared and served with a grape pairing. Welcome the Christmas season with musical performances to sway you throughout and end on a sweet note with its lip-smacking desserts.
December 24 and 25. 1-4pm. AED325 per adult excluding beverages. AED150 per child under 12 years of age including soft beverages. Call +971 4 506 0000. Visit Instagram.
Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain
Experience an impressive Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet at Flavours featuring fresh seafood, turkey carving stations, meat trimmings, and a live grill station to amp up the heat during winter. Finally, indulge in festive treats such as yule log and plum cake.
From 8pm-12am. AED139 including soft beverages. AED239 including house beverages. Call +97156 685 3832.
Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
Celebrate Christmas with family and friends at The Market and Boons Brasserie and Bar. Diners will be treated to a lavish buffet complete with live cooking stations offering international and classic festive dishes such as roasted turkey and beef rib, stung, roasted vegetables and gravy. The spread will also include an impressive selection of the freshest seafood, international favourites, and a dessert selection. Christmas carols will be sung and Santa will pay little ones a visit.
1-3:30pm at The Market. From AED195 per person with unlimited soft beverages and AED95 per child ( between 6-11 years). From 1-4pm at Boons Brasserie and Bar. From AED295 per person with unlimited soft beverages. AED145 (6-11 years). Contact +9717 246 0134.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai
The five-star luxury beach hotel is the ultimate destination to celebrate festive the exotic way. The events on the roster include Afternoon Tea, Christmas Eve Dinner at Palm Kitchen, Panorama Brunch at Raia Restaurant & Lounge, Christmas Eve the Gastropub Style, Christmas Day Brunch at Palm Kitchen, Christmas Quiz Night at Roaring Rabbit, and much more. In particular, the Christmas Day brunch is served with all the traditional trimmings along with a variety of dishes and cuisines that are loved throughout the year. There will also be a multitude of live stations, offering a variety of international cuisines, from Indian to Japanese to Arabian.
Call +9714 275 4444. Visit website.
Hotel Cartagena
Usher in December 24th and 25th with a spectacular afternoon and evening brunch. Merrymakers can indulge in exquisite sharing platters of fresh Guacamole and chips, the iconic True & cheese empanada, tender Roasted turkey roulade and a side of crisp Ensalata mixta. Delight in Panettone, profiteroles, gingerbread cookies, and mint chocolate mousse – all served in a fabulous dessert cage! Festive mixed blends will be served in honour of the special occasion.
From AED295 for unlimited soft beverages to AED445 for unlimited house beverages, including sparkling grape and spritz. Afternoon brunch on December 24th and 25th at 1-4pm and Evening brunch on December 24th from 7-10pm. Contact +97150 119 7743.
LPM Restaurant & Bar Abu Dhabi
Savour exquisite dishes from the special menu by the newly-appointed Global Executive Chef, Chef Adriano, which has stayed true since its creation. Signature mains feature a set menu of Chicken and foie gras ballotine, Langoustine ravioli with true, and Roasted turbot with artichokes. To end the celebration, classic desserts present the Mont Blanc, Chocolate and mandarin log, and a thin crust Apple tart with vanilla ice cream.
December 24th from 6-11pm. AED595 per person. Contact +9712 692 9600.
Le Guépard
This 20th-century-inspired French brasserie and private dining restaurant in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai is ideal for a private gathering, offering a personalized dining experience for each guest. Diners will be transported to a 1930s European home, with décor being a nod to the likes of design masters Madeleine Castaing and Henri Samuel. The menu curated by head chef Yanis Yahoui will feature classical French dishes with a modern and creative twist. The brasserie at the entrance leads inside to three ‘secret’ rooms: an elegant lounge dedicated to socialising and canapés, Le Guépardeau (a cosy garden-like room that fits up to 12 guests) and La Guéparde, a bronze, larger dining room for up to 65 guests.
Price upon request. December 24th, 25th and 26th. Contact +97156 687 8486.
The WB™ Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton
Gather friends and family at the vibrant diner, Sidekicks, for a delectable Christmas Eve dinner buffet showcasing a spread of starters and mains from around the globe. Stop by live cooking stations dishing up carved festive favourites, pasta, pizzas, and delightful grills. A dedicated station will serve dishes for little ones, including spaghetti meatballs, mini burgers and sweet potato fries, along with doughnuts, cotton candy, and popcorn. The dessert station will offer decadent festive treats.
December 24 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. AED199 per person including soft beverages, AED299 per person including house beverages, AED359 per person including premium beverages, and AED99 for children (6 to 12 years old). Email dine.thewbabudhabi@hilton.com. Visit website.