From brunches adorned with seasonal specialties to intimate gatherings at fine dining restaurants, the UAE offers a diverse array of celebrations
Anantara World Islands Resort
Spend Christmas Day at Helios and enjoy the festive atmosphere inside or out. Lauren will be on the decks with live saxophone and vocals, playing Christmas carols and classics. Kids can meet Santa and receive gifts, while everyone enjoys a delicious barbecue feast. It’s a Christmas celebration for the whole family to enjoy.
Helios. 25 December, from 1:30-3:30pm. AED450 per adult, excluding beverages and AED195 per child aged between 6-11 years old. Visit website.
Cucina The Palm
Bussola
On Christmas Day, enjoy a festive sharing menu with Italian antipasti, roast turkey with golden potatoes, truffle risotto, and classic desserts like tiramisu and panettone, paired with a glass of sparkling grape to toast the occasion.
Call +9714 586 7760 or email jgebookings@bussola.ae.
Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort
Celebrate Christmas Day with a fun-filled brunch featuring traditional holiday dishes, seasonal favourites, and indulgent desserts. Enjoy live music throughout the afternoon, and watch as Santa makes a special visit for the little ones.
25 December, from 1pm–4pm. AED350 per person including soft beverages, AED425 including house beverages, AED650 including bubbly and premium beverages. 50% off for children aged 5–11 years old, and complimentary for children aged 1–4 years old. Enjoy 20% off with early bird bookings made before 15 December. Call +971 720 42222 or email rasalkhaimah@anantara.com. Visit website.
Bal Harbour Beach
Celebrate Christmas at Bal Harbour Beach, where the season takes on a sunlit, coastal twist. Expect smoky grills instead of traditional roasts, fresh mojitos from the juice shack, and acoustic tunes drifting through the sea breeze. With beach games, a roaming dessert cart, and Santa swapping his suit for boardshorts, this is Christmas reimagined, casual, easygoing, and full of festive cheer.
25th December 2025, from 1-4pm. AED295 per person inclusive of brunch and soft beverages, AED395 per person inclusive of brunch, house beverages and bubbly, AED149 for kids 6 to 12 years old, and kids five years old and below swim and dine for free. Call +971 4 666 1430 or email dine.palmjumeirah@marriotthotels.com.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Go big this holiday season and gather friends and family for celebrations at Garage. The iconic BIG Brunch will transform into a dazzling winter wonderland with spectacular festive indulgences. Guests are invited to dive into the holiday spirit on Thursday, December 25th, and explore a comforting festive menu featuring expertly Roasted Turkey, moreish Pumpkin-crusted lamb Loin, and a live carving station serving Prime Ribeye Roast with classic Yorkshire Puddings. The lavish spread is completed by an expansive cheese selection with fig jam, walnuts, and cranberries, alongside indulgent holiday desserts, from traditional Yule Log Cake to delicate Snowflake Éclairs. The celebration continues in true W Abu Dhabi style with non-stop entertainment, including themed dancers, a sprinkle of snow, a surprise visit from Santa, and DJ Firas spinning classic holiday hits, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for your Christmas Day celebration.
December 25th, 1-4pm. From AED450 for the soft beverage package, AED590 for the house beverage package and AED740 for the sparkling beverage package. 0-5 years dine complimentary, 6-11 years old at half rate on soft package, 12 and above full rate on soft package. For more information, call +9712 656 0000, WhatsApp +97150 642 0893 or email wabudhabi.dining@whotels.com. Visit website.