Christmas in Dubai: Where to celebrate across the city this year

With so many festive dining deals on offer across the city, it’s hard to know which one to go for. If you’re spending Christmas in Dubai this year, here’s our round-up of our favourite offers that will ensure a fun-filled, festive day for the whole family.

Eighty-One (81), JA Lake View Hotel and La Fontana, JA Palm Tree Court
Stocked with happiness and all the trimmings, JA The Resort’s extravagant Christmas Eve dinner buffets are not to be missed. Guests can enjoy all the festive favourites at both 81 in JA Lake View Hotel and in La Fontana in JA Palm Tree Court, with live carvery stations of mouth-watering gammon and roasted turkey. Adults will enjoy live music from East Meets West band, while Santa’s little helpers can head to the kid’s corner.
December 24, 7:30pm- 11pm, Dhs250 for the soft beverage package. Premium package also available. Contact 04-8145555

SUQ, Four Seasons Hotel Jumeirah Beach
SUQ’s celebratory festive BBQ on the beach takes barefoot dining to a whole new level. On the shores of the Arabian Gulf, tuck into freshly grilled meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes. This unique Christmas eve dinner is an intimate way to bring in the holiday. An evening by the bonfire, listening to live music and the waves – a great way to celebrate with family and friends.
December 24, Dhs320 per person (excluding beverages). Children under 5 dine for free, while kids between 6-11 are charged Dhs160 per person. Contact 04-2707803

Mina’s Kitchen
Spend Christmas Eve at one of Dubai’s most exquisite buffets, within the brand-new interiors of Mina’s Kitchen. Offering live cooking stations in a bright and airy setting, picturesque dishes, and stunning views over the Arabian Gulf.
24 December 2019, from 6pm until 11pm. Packages start at Dhs395 per person, inclusive of soft drinks. Kids aged 6-11 years priced at Dhs145. Contact 04 511 7373.

Tasca, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
Portuguese Michelin-starred José Avillez pulls all the stops with a traditional Portuguese feast. Decorated to resemble a Christmas market, the bustling restaurant will offer a sharing-style menu featuring codfish, roast turkey, decadent desserts and other seasonal dishes. Signature drinks and melodious Portuguese music will add to the celebratory mood.
December 24 and 25. Visit mandarinoriental.com/dubai for more information

Cabana, Address Dubai Mall
Expect views of Burj Khalifa and festive tunes by a live DJ at this laid-back Mediterranean restaurant. A wide spread of festive delicacies and themed beverages are available for guests at this dinner, with an option to dine at a private cabana or the outdoor terrace.
December 24th Dhs225 for the soft beverage package. Contact 04-8883444

Laguna, Millennium Atria Business Bay
Treat your family to a special menu, where you and your loved ones can indulge in a wide selection of festive delicacies to celebrate the occasion.
December 24th, Dhs155 for the soft beverage package. Contact 04-5862222

Seasons, Pullman Jumeirah Lake Towers
A wonderland of festivities you can enjoy with your friends and loved ones at this sumptuous Christmas buffet. Expect turkey with all the trimmings and tender meat cuts, roasts, a delectable festive log, mince pies, party puddings complemented by an exquisite list of beverages. Special kid’s activities and live entertainment is available in addition to Santa surprise visit.
Available on the 24th and 25th of December. The Season’s buffet priced at AED169 with soft drinks and AED269 with house beverages. Christmas Day between 1.00pm and 4.00pm; Christmas Eve between 7.30pm and 10.30pm. Contact 04-5671159.

A La Turca, Rixos The Palm
Gather round the holiday table and enjoy a lavish dinner with family at A La Turca Restaurant. With live cooking stations including the exceedingly popular Turkish Grill, guests are in for a celebratory meal that’s extra merry. Come join the festive feasting on Christmas Eve and savour cuisines from the Far East, Latina America, Western Europe and the Middle East. Make sure to visit the live churro station for lip-smacking deep-fried goodness. Christmas Day offers guests a generous buffet spread, three carving stations and a staggering nine live cooking stations for a truly indulgent celebration. Santa has his table already reserved!
Christmas Eve Dinner at Dhs230 per person for food only and Christmas Day Lunch from Dhs315 per person.Children aged 6-12 years enjoy 50% discount. Contact 04-4575454

Marea NYC
Michelin-starred chef Michael White has curated a special three-course festive menu for the occassion. Begin with Tortellini en Brodo (an Italian meat-filled ravioli with a warm chicken broth), followed by oven roasted turkey and lamb with trimmings. End the meal with the classic Italian sweetbread, panettone, a selection of Christmas cookies and creamy eggnog.
December 25, packages start from Dhs350 with soft beverages. Contact 04-583 6366

The Rose & Crown, The Atrium
Head to this eatery for a traditional festive buffet. A host of activities have also been planned for little ones along with a surprise visit from Santa. Children can try wreath-making, Christmas tree decoration, muffin and pie decorating, amongst other activities. A special kid’s menu is also available upon request. Don’t miss the special tea station after you’re done, where you can relax and enjoy exotic teas and biscuits.
December 25, from Dhs195 for the soft drink package. Contact 04- 4370000

MINA Brasserie, Four Seasons Hotel DIFC
Gather your loved ones for a festive brunch on this stunning terrace. Beautifully decorated for the occasion, you and your family and friends can get into the spirit with Santa hats, a DJ playing festive tunes, and a special menu for the occasion.
December 25, from Dhs350 per person (excluding beverages). Contact 04-5060100

The Restaurant, Address Boulevard
At this special edition of the Garden Brunch, you can feast on an extensive selection of festive delights including roasted turkey and beef wellington, across interactive live cooking and carving stations. Views of the Burj Khalifa and verdant landscaping make this a great venue for a family gathering. Those with little ones can expect a special treat and visit from Santa. Kids even have their own dedicated corner for games and activities, so that the adults can enjoy while they play.
December 25, Dhs295-495. Contact 04-8883444

The Queen Elizabeth 2
Celebrate Christmas brunch aboard the QE2 for a one-of-a-kind experience. The Deck the Halls Christmas Brunch takes place indoor and out, on the decks of the vessel. Gather family members and head there for the widespread buffet selection and live cooking stations. Santa and his helpers will stop by to greet children, while adults sing along to tunes from the live band.
December 25, packages start from Dhs265 for the soft beverage package. Dhs150 for kids between 4-12.  Contact 04-5268811

RARE, Meliã Desert Palm Dubai
For a family-friendly gathering, head to this desert resort nestled away from the hustle and bustle. The hotel’s signature restaurant, RARE will be serving up a traditional Christmas feast from on the Portico Terrace overlooking the pristine polo fields. Diners can relish delicacies from the live cooking stations while sipping Christmas beverages, and singing along to tunes from the live band. Little ones can enjoy festive activities and meet Santa Claus.
December 25, packages start from Dhs315 (soft beverage package). Contact 056 681 6175

The Stage, Paramount Hotel
Expect festive props, culinary elves at play and a great selection of gastronomic offerings to suit all palates. This contemporary Christmas Day brunch offers seven conceptualized stations of various cuisines including traditional roasts, American, Asian, Middle Eastern and Italian dishes.
December 25, packages start from Dhs250 (for soft beverages). Contact 04-2466777

Carine, Emirates Golf Club
Be spoilt for choice with favourite à la carte offerings during the most wonderful time of the year, or enjoy a scrumptious three-course set menu for groups of six and more, as carine makes Christmas Day lunch an indulgent affair. Guests can also pre-order seasonal specials ahead of arrival. The evening festivities will be relaxed in tone, with à la carte options that can be enjoyed inside the restaurant’s modern chic setting or out on the terrace, where cooler temperatures, festive cocktails, and exceptional views make for the perfect holiday season backdrop.
December 25. Contact 04-4179885 for details.