Christmas in Dubai
From festive family fun to Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day brunches and Boxing Day roasts, discover unmissable seasonal celebrations.
‘Tis the season to celebrate
Trade snow for sand with a fun-filled Christmas in Dubai. From themed afternoon teas and memorable tree lighting ceremonies to gourmet dining across December 24, 25 and 26, there are festive events to keep you merry and bright all season long.
Festive Afternoon Tea
Family Fun at Bab Al Shams
Bab Al Shams transforms into a festive oasis among the golden dunes. The start of the season is marked with a sparkling tree lighting ceremony on December 6. Weekends through to December 30 invite little ones to get creative with gingerbread house decorating. And last-minute shoppers can discover an array of unique gifts and artisanal treats from December 20 to 27.
Turkey Takeaways
Chef-prepared feasts in the comfort of your home
November 25 – January 8
One&Only Royal Mirage
From AED 900
Let One&Only Royal Mirage take care of the cooking with a chef-prepared turkey takeaway or prime beef ribeye. It’s complemented by five classic sides, with optional sweet upgrades of Christmas pudding, mince pies or a yule log. Orders should be made at least 48 hours in advance.
December 7 – January 6
One&Only One Za’abeel
From AED 1,000
Elevate your at-home celebrations with an exquisite turkey takeaway from One&Only One Za’abeel. Available in two sizes, medium and large, seasonal trimmings include sage stuffing, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce and traditional bread sauce. Orders should be made at least 72 hours in advance.
‘Twas the night before Christmas
Christmas Eve in Dubai
BBG
Backdropped by the Arabian Gulf, enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired set menu crafted with seasonal flavours in mind at One&Only Royal Mirage. Embrace the idyllic beachfront setting and toast to the season with family and friends while listening to live entertainment. The menu is available for AED 450.
Seasonal Sips at Jetty Lounge
Enjoy an interactive festive mixology session guided by expert bartenders at One&Only Royal Mirage’s beloved open-air beach bar. Discover the art of building flavour, pairing taste profiles, and then be rewarded with your very own creations to sip as you watch the sunset with your toes in the sand.
Taking place on December 19 and 26 from 4pm to 5pm, this complimentary class blends creativity, connection and a hint of holiday magic.
Magical moments and festive wonder
Christmas Day in Dubai
Studio Frantzén
All ages are welcome to enjoy a rock ‘n’ roll Christmas Day lunch at Atlantis, The Palm’s newest dining destination on December 25. A chef-curated set menu promises an array of festive flavours, with the spread rounding out with a sweet escape to the candy room. Packages start from AED 275.
La Mar by Gastón Acurio
Festive dining is reimagined with the colours, flavours and rhythm of Peru at this signature restaurant at Atlantis The Royal. A Christmas Day brunch served from 12.30pm to 4pm promises La Mar’s take on holiday dining, paired with free-flowing drinks. Packages start from AED 695.
Culinara
Be spoiled for choice with a dozen cuisines to sample at Culinara’s relaxed Christmas Day brunch. From 12pm to 4pm, wander between the restaurants and delight in an array of festive dishes from around the world, all served up in a lively yet laidback setting with stretching skyline views. Packages start from AED 249.
BBG
Indulge in a leisurely spread of dishes from land and sea at this beachfront Christmas Day brunch at One&Only Royal Mirage. Live cooking stations and seasonal specialities will be paired with upbeat entertainment, children’s activities, and an extra special visit from Santa, arriving in grand style with eight majestic camels. Packages start from AED 590.
Zala
The desert oasis of Bab Al Shams turns up the festive magic for December 25, with a Christmas Day brunch from 1pm to 4pm. A juicy roast turkey with all the trimmings is the star of the culinary show, with live music and beautiful decorations enhancing the festive ambience. Packages start from AED 525.
Boxing Day at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar
Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant at Atlantis The Palm will put on festive feasts for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, rounding out three days of seasonal celebrations with a Boxing Day roast. Expect a roast menu with seasonal sides, live entertainment and family fun for AED 250 per person.