10 spots to get into the festive spirit

From a Christmas Market to festive brunches, this list offers everything you need for a December to remember:

Grand Hyatt Dubai

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the open-air Garden.  Enjoy festive classics and indulge in sweet and savoury crepes, hot cocoa, candy floss and more, for an unmissable holiday experience.

Until December 26. Every Thursday to Saturday from 3-10pm. Contact +9715 5606 5059.

Brasserie Boulud, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

Celebrate Christmas Eve at this modern French restaurant, a concept by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud. Enjoy festive tunes while indulging in a six-course set menu including appetisers such as king crab salad with apple and celery root remoulade, followed by a selection of mains including poulet de Brest with chanterelle mushrooms and Albufera sauce. Tuck into the traditional yule log and plenty more for a sweet ending.

December 24 from 7pm at AED395 per person (including soft beverages) and AED555 per person (including a grape pairing). Contact +971 4281 4020.

Shamiana’s, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers

A flavoursome dinner buffet with crackers and party favours awaits guests this Christmas Eve. Sing along to carols while Santa makes his special appearance with fun goodies for little ones.

December 24 from 7-11pm at AED275-850 per person and AED137 per child (4 to 12 years). Contact +971 4574 1111.

Caya, Town Square, Dubai

Delve into a festive feast at this family-friendly Mediterranean-inspired eatery. Relish a specially curated three-course menu comprising pan-seared duck foie gras for appetisers. A Christmas turkey with trimmings or roasted beef served with vegetables and a Yorkshire pudding are on the list of mains. Polish off your meal with a classic Christmas pudding.

December 24 (Christmas Eve) and 25 (lunch) at AED130 per person and AED50 for kids (below 12 years). Contact +971 4564 6689.

Folly by Nick & Scott

A sumptuous five-course Christmas Day menu by award-winning British chefs Nick Alvis and Scott Price awaits diners. Culinary highlights include foie gras and duck leg confit with clementine and brioche, halibut with Café de Paris butter and leeks, and Shropshire blue with caramelised walnuts and oat crackers. For a sweet ending, don’t miss out on Christmas pudding with clotted ice cream.

December 25 from 4-8pm at AED495 (soft beverage package) and AED845 (house and premium beverage package). Contact +971 4430 8535.

Fire Terrace & Nassau, Jumeirah Golf Estates

This family-friendly Christmas Day brunch showcases all the holiday culinary delights. Little ones can play at the bouncy castle, have their faces painted, and meet Santa, while live entertainment builds up the festive vibes for adults as they tuck into a Mediterranean-themed widespread buffet featuring seafood, grills and live stations.

December 25 from 1-4pm at AED290-445 per person and AED135 per child (above 5 years). Contact  jgedining@dubaigolf.com.

Weslodge Saloon, JW Marriott Marquis

Embark on a festive brunch filled with merry tunes and fun at Weslodge. North American-inspired canapes such as pickled onion rings and scorched wagyu tataki and tender turkey with traditional trimmings for mains, are some of the treats on this delish menu. Leave room for a sharing platter of desserts including cookies and mince pies.

December 24 from 7-10pm and December 25 from 1:30-4:30pm at AED295-395 per person. Contact +971 4560 1700.

Claw BBQ

Experience the warmth of American festive food with a three-course seasonal menu. For entrees, opt for a creamy chestnut soup followed by sumptuous mains of roasted turkey with trimmings or roasted salmon in ginger-mustard sauce. End on a sweet note, with a slice of pecan pie topped with caramel ice cream.

December 24 and 25 from 12pm onwards at AED125 per person. Contact +971 4432 2300. 

Hutong Dubai

Try something different this Christmas, with a special Dim Sum brunch. Savour an enticing menu comprising Suan Cai Yu crispy dumpling, roasted Peking duck and Hutong fresh hammour and plenty more. Round up the afternoon with a variety of desserts paired with ice creams and sorbets.

December 25 and 26 from 12:30-4pm at AED298-648 per person. Contact +971 4220 0868.

Kuzbara, Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi

The popular Eat, Play, Laugh brunch is back this Christmas, continuing every Friday thereafter. On the menu are all-time favourites such as dim sum, chargrills, roasted leg of lamb, turkey and decadent desserts including a dark chocolate yule log. Stick around until the very end, as Santa pops in for a visit.

From December 25. 12:30-4pm at AED295 per person (Eat package); AED445 (Play package) and AED555 (Laugh package). Contact +9712 304 7777.