As Christmas Eve arrives, preparations are in full swing, and plans with loved ones finally come to life

If you’re still deciding where to celebrate in the UAE, here are the culinary spots worth booking for the occasion.

IKIGAI

IKIGAI welcomes guests on Christmas Eve for its Sakura & Sparkle Night Brunch, featuring a festive evening of unlimited dining and drinks.

24 December, from 8pm till late. AED250 for soft beverages, AED350 for house beverages, and AED450 for sparkling beverages. Call +9714 815 3020 or email reservation@ikigaidubai.com. For bookings, click here.

The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton

Book a spot for a cosy outdoor screening at The Matinee with sunbed service, hot chocolate, popcorn and festive favourites under the stars. In addition, the hotel’s Sidekicks restaurant hosts a family-friendly Christmas Eve buffet with live cooking stations, a carving station, oyster trolley, sweet cart and WB™ character appearances.

 The Matinee: 24 December. 4:30pm–6:30pm and 7pm–9pm. Sidekicks: 24 December, from 6:30pm–10:30pm. AED250 per person (soft beverages), AED390 (house beverages), and AED120 (beverage upgrade). Call +9712 815 0000 or email dine.thewbabudhabi@hilton.com. Visit website.

Ernst Biergarten

Ernst Biergarten turns into a festive hub for families and friends, filled with live music, hearty holiday meals, and fun for the kids. Christmas Eve brings a lively brunch with a German brass band, festive drinks, and children’s activities like face painting and cookie decorating.

Christmas Eve Brunch: 24 December, from 6:30pm-10:30pm. AED300–500, Kids under 12 AED150. Call dubai@ernstbiergarten.com or +971 50 369 8394.

Above Eleven

Celebrate Christmas Eve at Above Eleven with the ROJO Red Hot Brunch, featuring red-hot concoctions, a live Latin trio, DJ sets, and a fiery festive atmosphere. Guests are invited to dress in red and continue the party on the terrace after midnight.

Above Eleven. Tuesday, 24 December 2025, Dinner Brunch 8pm to 12am and After-party 12am to 2am. AED311 per person with soft beverages, AED411 per person with house beverages, AED611 per person with premium beverages and bubbly. Book here.

Beach Bar & Grill

Celebrate Christmas Eve at BBG with a Mediterranean-inspired set menu crafted for the season. Enjoy freshly grilled seafood and seasonal dishes while soaking in the enchanting beachfront ambience with live entertainment.

BBG, The Palace. Wednesday, 24 December 2025, from 6:30pm to 11pm. AED450 per person for the set menu. À la carte menu available on request. For bookings, click here, email restaurants@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae, or call +971 4 315 2414.

LUNAROSSA

The restaurant is celebrating Christmas Eve with its traditional La Vigilia dinner, featuring a set seafood menu inspired by one of Italy’s most loved holiday traditions. Running from 8pm to midnight, the evening includes a DJ playing Christmas classics to keep the mood festive and keep the celebration going all night.

24 December. AED500 per person. Call +9715 6353 7303.

Carna by Dario Cecchini

Experience the theatre of the table at Carna, the Tuscan steakhouse by Dario Cecchini. The festive menu features charred pumpkin, white truffle Taglioni carbonara, Black Angus tenderloin Rossini, and white truffle panna cotta. Candlelight, live music, and tableside moments create an indulgent and convivial Christmas Eve.

24 December, 6:30pm–11:00pm. À la carte. Visit website.

Ernst Biergarten

Christmas Eve brings a lively brunch with a German brass band, festive drinks, and children’s activities like face painting and cookie decorating.

Christmas Eve Brunch: 24 December, from 6:30pm-10:30pm. AED300–500, Kids under 12 AED150. Christmas Day: 25 December, from 12pm until close. À la carte. Visit website.

The Restaurant 

Celebrate Christmas Eve at The Restaurant, Address Beach Resort, with a buffet showcasing the season’s finest flavours, crafted by the resort’s expert chefs. Set by the sea, the evening offers a welcoming festive atmosphere.

24th December, from 6pm-11pm. AED300 per person, children aged 6-12 get 50% off. For more information or table reservations, call +9714 8798866 or email DineAtBeachResort@addresshotels.com.