From ultimate spots to celebrate special occasions to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in December
JW Marriott Hotel Marina
This festive season, JW Marriott Hotel Marina presents a range of exceptional celebrations to make your holidays truly special. Celebrate Christmas Day with a luxurious brunch at JW Kitchen, offering stunning views of Dubai Marina, a festive buffet, live cooking stations, and entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere. On Christmas Eve, indulge in an enchanting dinner feast featuring a lavish buffet of international and holiday-inspired dishes, set to Christmas melodies for the perfect festive ambience. For those looking to enjoy a delicious meal at home, the hotel’s Turkey Hamper options are available until 10th January, providing a hassle-free, gourmet feast for family gatherings.
Christmas Brunch: 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. Christmas Eve: December 24, from 7-11pm. AED249 per person including soft beverages, AED349 per person, inclusive of selected beverages. 50% off for kids aged 6-11 years old. Kids under 5 dine for free. Turkey takeaway: AED695 for 6-7 kg Turkey Hamper, AED995 for 9-10 kg Turkey Hamper, and AED595 for Beef Rib Eye. Call +971 4 436 7777, WhatsApp +971 58 279 7992 or email fb.dxbjm@adnhmc.com. Visit website.
Kempinski The Boulevard
Celebrate the festive season at Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai with a variety of special events and seasonal menus. On Christmas Day, indulge in a festive brunch at La Brasserie Sur Le Boulevard, offering stunning Burj Khalifa views, a buffet of French Mediterranean and international dishes, live cooking stations, and gourmet delights like oysters, seafood, Foie Gras Terrine, and Christmas Roasted Turkey, all complemented by a harpist. For those celebrating at home, the hotel offers an exclusive takeaway menu featuring sage butter roasted turkey, rosemary-marinated leg of lamb, and a luxurious Christmas Yule Log for a festive feast.
Christmas Brunch: December 25, from 1-4pm. AED395 for soft beverages, AED495 for house beverages, and AED695 for bubbly (sparkling grape). Festive takeaway: Delicious Sage Butter Roasted Turkey (G, D) for AED599: Whole Turkey (10-12 kg, serves 8-10) with traditional roast turkey stuffing, seasonal vegetables, and more. Rosemary Marinated Roasted Leg of Lamb with Mint Jus (G, D) for AED499: Roasted Lamb Leg (3-4 kg, serves 5) with vegetable tagine and dill oriental rice. Luxury Christmas Yule Log (1 kg) for AED250: A delicious chocolate yule log to sweeten your festive lunch. Christmas Cakes & Pies: Butter Stollen (750g) for AED200 and Panettone Classic (1 kg) for AED200. WhatsApp/call +97152 656 5462 or email fb.dxb10@adnhmc.com. Visit website.
Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
Celebrate the festive season at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi with a range of exciting events for all ages. Enjoy a sumptuous Christmas Eve dinner at Vero Italiano and a spectacular New Year’s Eve Gala with live entertainment and fireworks views. Children can have festive fun at the Rixy Kids Club, while adults unwind with DJ sessions at Isla Beach Bar or festive drinks at Anti:Dote Bar. Start 2025 with a festive New Year’s Day brunch featuring international dishes and live music. Reserve your place now!
Email reservation.marina@rixos.com or call +9712 498 0000.
Almayass By The Sea
Almayass by the Sea at J1 offers a delightful fusion of Armenian heritage and Lebanese flavours, perfect for a memorable seaside dining experience. Helmed by Chef Mardiros Barsoum, the restaurant serves fresh, flavour-packed dishes like Stuffed Eggplant with Yogurt, Mante, and exclusive seafood options such as Shrimp Almayass and Grilled Octopus, made with the finest local catches. With its inviting seafront setting, fresh fish display, and authentic ingredients sourced from Lebanon and Armenia, this is coastal dining at its finest.
Call +9714 214 5999.
One&Only Royal Mirage
Elevate your Christmas celebrations with a luxurious feast delivered to your doorstep. At the centre of the spread are a tender, slow-roasted turkey and rich, succulent prime beef ribs, accompanied by gourmet sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, spiced roasted vegetables, and herb-studded artisanal stuffing. Each dish combines traditional flavours with a touch of finesse, perfect for sharing around the table.
Until January 9. AED850 for turkey (9-11kg) inclusive of side dishes. AED950 for beef prime ribs (6.5 kg) inclusive of side dishes. AED200 for a yule log. AED175 for a Christmas pudding. AED150 for a stollen. AED150 for mince pies (5 pieces). Orders to be placed 48 hours in advance. Order online. Call +9714 315 2412 or email restaurants@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae. Visit website.
Ajman Hotel
Ring in 2025 with a luxurious stay at Ajman Hotel’s brand-new villas, combining comfort and exclusivity for a memorable New Year celebration. The package includes a minimum three-night stay, a festive gala dinner, and personalised villa perks such as butler service and luxury airport transfers. Guests can choose from a range of stunning villas, from the One-Bedroom Garden View (AED4,200 per night) to the Three-Bedroom Ocean View with Private Pool (AED10,000 per night), complete with thoughtful touches such as sparkling grape hampers, daily refreshments, and a complimentary 60-minute Swedish massage. Book now and start the year in style!
Visit website.
The Lighthouse
Celebrate the festive season at The Lighthouse with unforgettable brunches and celebrations at Dubai Hills Business Park. Enjoy a Christmas Day brunch on December 25th from 12pm to 4pm with sharing starters, mains, sides, and desserts. Continue the fun on Boxing Day, December 26th, with a laid-back brunch from 12pm to 4pm, offered in a relaxed atmosphere. Ring in 2025 with a vibrant New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live DJs, festive props, and an exciting night ahead. Book your festive experience now!
Christmas Day and Boxing Day: From AED250 per person. New Year’s Eve: AED250 minimum spend per person (early seating), AED550 minimum spend per person (prime seating), AED750 minimum spend per person (front row), AED250 minimum spend per person (children under 12). Call +9714 557 6731. Visit website.
Cucina The Palm
Cucina The Palm presents its first-ever Italian Christmas Market from December 6th to 8th, hosted under the patronage of the Italian Industry and Commerce Office in the UAE. This festive event offers over 40 curated stands showcasing Italian artisanal foods, and holiday decorations, alongside Cucina’s holiday favourites such as Lasagna Bolognese, Arancini, and Fritto Misto. Guests can enjoy a selection of drinks, including mulled grape, signature spritzes, and hot chocolate, and explore an exclusive grape garden. Entertainment includes live performances and the chance to discover curated festive gifts such as Panettone, Torrone, and bespoke hampers filled with Italian products and gourmet treats.
Visit website.
KATA
Situated within Dubai Mall, KATA invites you to enjoy a value-packed set lunch menu available Monday to Friday. This includes miso soup, a starter, a main course, and water. Led by Chef Marwan Sardouk, the menu features standout dishes like Mushroom Truffle Rice Pot, Scottish Salmon Tataki, and Chicken Katsu Curry. For an extra AED35, treat yourself to the Sweet Crown, a delightful trio of desserts served with coffee. If you’re dining solo, KATA offers a welcoming atmosphere and a chef’s counter experience, where you can savour your meal while watching the culinary team in action.
Available Monday-Friday, from 11am-3pm. AED88 for three-courses. Call +9714 273 3800. Visit website.
CÉ LA VI at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Heading for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix? Get ready to celebrate in style at Luna Lounge with CÉ LA VI’s ultimate after-party. Enjoy an electrifying vibe, state-of-the-art sound, and stunning views of the illuminated W Hotel Abu Dhabi. Groove to deep house and Afro-house beats by the globally acclaimed DJ Eran Hersh, known for his high-energy sets and collaborations with industry legends. Treat yourself to a modern Asian à la carte menu, handcrafted drinks, and a 3-hour beverage package with hops, grape, and soft drinks.
December 8 from 8:30pm-2am. AED350 entry, including 3 hours of grapes and hops. Call +971 52 935 7368 or email F1ad@celavi.com.
Café 302
Celebrate the holidays in style with a sumptuous Christmas Dinner buffet at Café 302, where festive décor and a delicious spread create the perfect atmosphere for unforgettable moments with loved ones. As the year comes to a close, ring in the New Year with an extravagant buffet, surrounded by joyful decorations and accompanied by soft beverages, making it a celebration to remember!
Christmas Dinner: From 7-10pm. AED129 per person, AED209 per couple, and AED65 net per child. New Year Dinner: From 7-10:30pm. AED149 per person and AED259 per couple. 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, followed by the Glamour Unmasked New Year’s Eve Masquerade, where you can enjoy a glamorous evening with an international buffet, live cooking stations, and live entertainment to ring in the New Year in style.
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.
New Year’s Eve: December 31, from 9pm onwards. Starting from AED695 including house beverages, AED795 including sparkling beverages, AED925 including bubbly, AED199 for children 6-12 years, and complimentary for children below 5 years. WhatsApp +971 54 559 6693. Visit Instagram or website.
Laguna Beach Taverna & Lounge
Laguna Beach Taverna & Lounge invites you to experience its weekend Tribal Vibes Brunch, set against the stunning backdrop of the Palm Jumeirah skyline. This family-friendly feast showcases a bold seasonal menu inspired by Hellenic cuisine, blending classic Mediterranean flavours with creative modern twists – think sizzling Greek Grill Mix Platters, zesty Patzarosalata, and indulgent Chocolate Namelaka. As adults unwind to the soulful tunes of an acoustic guitarist, children can enjoy playful moments in the sand and a special menu crafted just for them.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm. Sunday, from 12:30 to 3:30pm. AED210 per person including food. AED360 per person including food and a two-hour beverage package. Kids à la carte menu available. Call +97152 925 0736.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Ladies, Fridays at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is an event you won’t want to miss! Enjoy an evening of delectable food and beverages, set against the backdrop of Yas Island’s most stylish venue. For just AED85, indulge in a specially curated drink selection and enjoy free-flowing beverages all night long. It’s the perfect way for the ladies to unwind and kick off the weekend in style!
W Lounge. Friday, from 6-11pm. Unlimited beverages when purchasing a specially curated drink. Japanese inspired Menu starting from AED40. Call +971 2 656 0000, or email wabudhabi.dining@whotels.com.
Barakat
To mark the UAE’s 53rd Union Day, order Barakat’s exclusive “Fresh-Made in the UAE” collection and experience the flavours of local heritage with a modern twist. Highlights include the Ghaf Smoothie, Date & Chami Salad by young Emirati chefs Abdulrahman and Maitha, and festive treats such as Kunafa Pistachio Ice Cream Bites.
Visit website.
Nomad Day Bar
Every Sunday, Nomad Day Bar transforms its courtyard into a buzzing breakfast hotspot with Sunny Side Up, offering a delightful à la carte menu. The diverse spread includes hearty favourites such as the All-in Breakfast, featuring sunny-side-up eggs, sausages, and hash browns, or the indulgent Bacon & Egg Pancakes for a savoury treat. Families will enjoy the fun kids’ menu, with playful dishes like “I Don’t Know” (crispy waffles with fried chicken), “I Want to Go Home” (rigatoni in tomato sauce), and “I’m Not Hungry” (fluffy pancakes with hazelnut spread and berries) that cater to even the pickiest eaters. The atmosphere is lively with a live vinyl DJ creating the perfect vibe, and with a pet-friendly policy, you can bring your furry friends along for the fun, making it an ideal place for a relaxed, enjoyable weekend with loved ones.
11am-3pm. Visit website or Instagram.
Smoki Moto
The terrace at Smoki Moto is back, kicking off the alfresco season with stunning views, a new bar, and a must-try Korean Fried Chicken in soy garlic flavour. Guests can indulge in sizzling BBQs, refreshing beer on tap, and an exciting à la carte menu perfect for casual hangouts or family gatherings. To make Fridays even more fun, Smoki Moto launches FOMO Fridays, where you can sip sunset drinks, enjoy Korean bites, sip smoking sojus, and groove to live DJ beats from 6:30 pm to midnight, all while soaking in breathtaking views of West Palm Beach. Don’t miss out on this unbeatable Friday night experience!
AED120 for three drinks and a bar bite. Call +971 4 666 1430 (31). Visit website.
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.
Tandoor Tina
Tandoor Tina has introduced Curry Nights, inviting diners to explore an array of unlimited curries, rice, and naan, along with a complimentary glass of grape. Designed to offer a balanced blend of beloved classics and fresh tastes each week, the event showcases Tandoor Tina’s approach to both tradition and variety. Weekly staples, including Butter Chicken and Vegan Vegetable Curry, ensure familiar favourites, while the rotation of two other curries each week adds a dynamic twist for returning diners. The rotating dishes might include Kaafir Lime Shrimp, Seabass Curry, Paneer Jalfrezi, Lamb Korma, or Beef Rogan Josh, providing a blend of seafood, meat, and vegetarian choices to suit a range of tastes.
25hours Hotel One Central. Every Thursday, from 6pm-11pm. AED 140 per person, including unlimited curries, rice, naan, filtered water, and a glass of grape. Visit website.
Strawfire
The new venue introduces Warayaki, a traditional Japanese cooking method, to the UAE capital, combining the ancient technique with a modern dining experience. Warayaki, which originates from Japan’s Kochi Prefecture, involves cooking food over straw-fired flames, imparting a unique smokiness and depth of flavour to each dish. At Strawfire, Chef Shonhan will showcase a selection of dishes that highlight fresh, high-quality ingredients, all prepared over an open flame. Strawfire will offer a varied menu, with options including à la carte dishes, a signature tasting menu, and a Chef’s Omakase experience. To accompany the food, the restaurant will feature live entertainment, with a DJ playing Jazzy House and NU Disco on weekdays and a live jazz band on Fridays and Saturdays.
Visit website. Call +971 2 690 7999 or email moauh-restaurants@mohg.com.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
An exhilarating culinary experience awaits diners at Garage Restaurant. Perfectly timed to coincide with each Formula 1 race session, these brunches offer unbeatable views of the track, creating an ideal setting for celebrations. Diners can indulge in a diverse array of dishes from five distinct culinary hubs, featuring everything from succulent cuts of meat and vibrant Peruvian flavours to rich Middle Eastern aromas and bold Asian creations. The Sunday race day brunch highlights standout offerings like Poached Maine lobster with dashi hollandaise and a decadent Caviar station served with blinis. With live entertainment, DJs spinning electrifying beats, and eleven beverage taps offering a diverse selection of drinks, this brunch delivers an exhilarating blend of high-octane excitement and world-class cuisine—perfect for racing enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Packages from AED700. Available Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8, at varied times. Visit website or call +9712 656 0000.
Porterhouse Bar & Grill
Porterhouse Bar & Grill at Sofitel Dubai The Palm has unveiled a fresh look for the season, combining a stylish redesign with a refined menu. The revamped menu continues to embrace Porterhouse’s philosophy of balancing tradition with innovation. The selection of top-quality cuts includes Australian Westholme Wagyu Striploin MB 5 (260g), USDA Prime Omaha Tenderloin (300g), and Purebred Striploin MB 9+ (200g). For those looking to explore beyond steak, the Unexpected Classics section offers Veal Milanese, Chicken Fricassee, and Grilled Canadian Lobster, all prepared with a focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients.
Call +9714 455 6677. Visit Instagram.
Tête-à-Tête
Be prepared to dine like you’re on the French Riviera at Tête-à-Tête, where an elegant dinner can effortlessly transition into an unforgettable party. The menu at Tête-à-Tête showcases classic French dishes, reimagined with a modern flair. For starters, guests can enjoy Escargots or a rich Foie Gras before diving into main courses like Grilled Lamb Chops served with aubergine caviar, goat cheese, and mint, or a succulent Roasted Duck paired with endive, clementine, and pistachio. The Lobster Thermidor and Dover Sole Grenobloise are highlights on the menu, along with the Poisson du Jour, perfect for sharing. The Char-grilled Australian Wagyu Rib Eye and Black Angus Beef Fillet, both dry-aged and cooked over charcoal, offer a unique depth of flavour.
Call +9714 455 9989 or email flh.dining@fivehotelsandresorts.com. Visit website.
W Dubai – The Palm
Kick off your weekend at SoBe’s Old School Sunset Sessions! Starting at 5pm, enjoy a selection of delicious bites and refreshing drinks before moving to the dance floor at 9pm, where you can enjoy live performances from Koogee, Joe Lang, Nana B, and resident DJs.