Ding Dong Merrily on High! Christmas is fast approaching and there is no better place to spend the festive season than in Dubai itself.
From bbqs on the beach in your santa hat to some seriously fun brunches, spending Christmas here in the emirates is more than just a welcome respite to cold weather. Make the most of what’s on offer with our Christmas dining guide.
Christmas Day at Hoi An Shangri-la, Dubai
If traditional Christmas dinner isn’t for you, then head to the Shangri-la this holiday season and feast on the unique flavours of Vietnam through a seven-course set menu at Hoi An. Devour rich, authentic dishes such as five-spice turkey with orange and sage, sausage andthyme stuffing and steamed diver scallops with thai basil, glass noodles and chilli sambal sauce. Finish off the meal with raspberry and cinnamon parfait with crispy meringue and pistachio.
Available 24 – 25 December 2016 7pm – 12am
AED 395 per person, food only, AED 595 per person, including wine pairing and one glass of Champagne
For reservations call: 00971 (0)4 405 2703; f&breservations.sldb@shangri-la.com
http://www.shangri-la.com/dubai
A Meaty Christmas Feast At Gaucho
Every meat-lovers favourite place, the DIFC restaurant and bar is offering a Christmas Day for the carnivores. Celebrate with family and friends and choose from one of three packages: Asado (soft drinks), Signature (house beverages) and Virtuoso (sparkling).
December 25th 12.00pm – 3.30pm
Asado – 320 Dhs, Signature – 395 Dhs, Virtuoso – 495 Dhs
Contact: 04 422 7898, http://www.gauchorestaurants.com
Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Double Christmas Brunch
Besh Turkish Kitchen is serving up a festive menu with a Turkish twist.
As Christmas Eve rolls in, the hotel will be offering a double Christmas Brunch on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th December. Celebrate with Santa and his helpers in Besh Turkish Kitchen with a festive brunch featuring entertainment and a dedicated children’s corner with a bundle of activities and presents. The wide array of live cooking stations and cuisines will satisfy all tastes along with a free flow of beverages and after party in Vantage with views over the city making it a great place to watch reindeer over the Dubai skyline.
Saturday December 24 to Sunday, December 25th 1:00-4:00pm
AED 299 soft drinks package, AED 329 House beverages, AED 429 sparkling package AED 99 kids
dining.sheratonmoe@sheraton.com or call +971 4 377 2353
Festive Family Brunch at Palermo, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
Beautifully charming, Palermo at the Dubai Polo Club is offering a festive family brunch complete with a traditional spread, live cooking stations and all the trimmings. The Children will be treated to some Christmas magic as they enjoy pony rides, a bouncy castle and plenty of other festive entertainment.
Sunday December 25th 1pm-4pm
Price: Adult (aged 12 years and above) AED 375 per person, including soft beverages
AED 475 per person, including house beverages; Children (aged 6-11 years):
AED 110 per person; Children (aged 5 years and below) Dine with compliments;
Call +97143627880
Christmas Day Brunch at Conrad Dubai
If you’re a sucker for tradition, head down to the Conrad Hotel, Dubai this Christmas for a festive brunch complete with roast turkey, cranberry sauce, mince pies and ginger bread! Santa will even make an appearance to gift the children the adults can enjoy signature cocktails and Christmas-y drinks.
Sunday December 25th 1pm-4pm
AED 495 house beverages, AED 395 non-alcoholic, Children 6-12years dine for half the price and children below the age of 6 dine complimentary.
Call +971 4 444 7111 to book
An Eloquent Elephant Christmas
The Taj Dubai’s famed gastropub, Eloquent Elephant is offering special menus for the entire festive season including both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The restaurant will be transformed into a fantastical grotto with live music and lots of mulled wine. Christmas Day sees a long and leisurely traditional a la carte brunch take place, a real home from home.
Sunday December 25th 2pm-6pm (Happy Hour starts from 12pm)
AED 399 with soft drinks, AED 499 house beverages and AED 500 with bubbly.
Reservations: eloquentelephant.dubai@tajhotels.com | +971 4 438 3100
Christmas Eve at JAAN at the Penthouse
Located at the Sofitel Dubai Downtown, JAAN at the Penthouse has been making a few culinary waves of late. With its unique interior, delectable dishes and amazing view, this newly launched progressive Indian restaurant is offer an exciting Christmas Eve menu, a twist on traditional Christmas fare. With several menu and package options available, you’re sure for an unconventional yet memorable night before Christmas.
December 24th
For reservations and menu pricing call +971 50 601 223 or email info@jaandubai.com
Christmas Day on the Creek at Sufra
The Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights is offering a month of festive fun and with a brunch on Christmas Day itself in their notable all-day-dining restaurant Sufra, you’re in for a treat. With joyous treats and international specialties alike, it’s fun for all the family in a laid-back, informal setting.
December 25th 12:30pm-4:00pm
AED 250 soft drinks, AED 350 house beverages, children 6-12 years 50% off and children under 6 dine free.
For reservations and more information, please call +971 4 317 2221.
A Very Italian Christmas at BiCE Ristorante
Recently revamped BiCE Ristorante is set to host its annual Christmas brunch on December 25th complete with live cooking stations, resident pianist and a specially crafted Christmas menu. With dishes including Homemade ricotta & spinach tortelli with creamy truffle sauce (yum) and Italian Classic Eggplant Lasagne it’s sure to be a true Christmas feast.
Sunday December 25th 12:30-4pm
AED 295 soft drinks, AED 395 house beverages and AED 430 for celebratory bubbles
For reservations, call +971 4 318 2520
A Meaty Christmas at Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Indulge in the warm, homely ambiance of Ruth’s Chris Steak House in The Address Hotel Dubai Marina along with their special festive menus. Their Christmas menu is available on the 23rd,24th and 25th December and features an extravagant four-course feast of seasonal dishes. From Lobster Mac & Cheese to the Chef’s Turkey with all the Trimmings, you won’t leave hungry this Christmas.
December 23,24,25th
AED 395per person
For Reservations: Marina@ruthschris.ae or call +971 (0) 4 454 9538
An Anatolian Family Festive Feast at Rüya
Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a twist at the new and uber stylish Rüya Dubai in Grosvenor House Hotel. Offering a festive themed brunch where there will be delicious themed dishes, merry beverages and lots of gifts for the little ones keeping the Turkish family tradition at the helm.
December 24 and 25th 11am-4pm
AED 225 per person
For reservations call: 043999123 or reservations@ruyadubai.com
The Christmas Brunch at Dusit Thani, Dubai
Roast n’ toast to an unforgettable Christmas holiday with your family, friends and loved ones at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai. With a grand turkey carving, authetimc speciality dishes and overflowing drinks it will be sure to be a Christmas Day brunch to remember.
December 25th
AED 295 with soft drinks, AED 395 with house beverages, AED 495 with sparkling, AED 595 with Champagne
For inquiries and reservations call +971 4317 4515.

Christmas Night at Tribeca
Feast on a four course set menu at the JA Ocean View’s favourite eatery. Indulge in unlimited drinks ensuring you make the most of the Christmas festivites and then after dinner hit the dancefloor to those all important winter tunes!
December 25th 7pm-12am
Four course set menu. Dhs299 including Soft drinks, Dhs 349 including house drinks , Dhs399 including Bubbly
Contact: 04 814 5923 / 050 345 6067 – reservations@tribeca.ae / www.tribeca.ae
Festive Family Feasts and a Santa Visit at Le Classique
On Christmas day celebrate in style with an indulgent festive gourmet menu at Emirates Golf Club’s esteemed restaurant, Le Classique. The five course menu will include an array of Chef Remi’s signature treats and some extra special seasonal delights. Relax with family and friends on the beautiful terrace overlooking Dubai’s renowned skyline. Santa Claus will even make an appearance and younger guests can enjoy the festivities with some face painting and a bouncy castle.
Sunday December 25th 12-3pm
AED 395 per person with soft beverages and AED 95 per child. Alcohol can be ordered separately.
Christmas Day in the Sunshine at Zero Gravity Dubai
For those that prefer their festive fun unconventional with a healthy dose of Vitamin D, then Zero Gravity is the perfect place to spend Christmas Day with friends or family. Dubai’ favourite beach club and entertainment venue is offering a special December 25th beach and pool pass complete with festive buffet full of delicious treats.
December 25th all day
AED299 for adults and AED99 for kids all day.
Standard pool and beach passes will not apply on this day.
Call +971 4 399 0009
Christmas Day Brunch at Delphine, The H Hotel
Spend December 25th in true festive style with friends and family at the beautiful Delphine restaurant at The H Hotel. Promising a Christmas brunch with lot of cheer, expect traditional dishes including a selection of roasts, all the trimmings and delicious deserts. Santa is even expected to make an appearance.
Enjoy special drinks offers in the bar after the feast from 4-7pm. For groups of 10 or more at brunch, the first hour of drinks is on Delphine!
December 25th 12:30-4pm
AED 320 soft drinks package
AED 445 per person house beverages package (including sparkling)
AED 625 including champagne and cocktails
AED 200 children below the age of 12 and children below the age of 5 are free
Call for reservations +971 4 501 8623 delphine.dxb@h-hotel.com
Christmas Day at Ting Irie
We love Ting Irie and it’s innovative take on Caribbean cuisine and although it may not be your first stop when looking for a traditional Christmas Day brunch, this fantastic new restaurant in the heart of Downtown Dubai offers up some of the most flavoursome, hearty food in Dubai. Indulge in a true Christmas Jamaican experience with an elaborate menu complete with the finest delicacies from the Caribbean along with all the festive fun and decorations you could ever dream off.
Sunday December 25th
AED 295 per person
Under 7s eat for free