From ultimate spots to celebrate special occasions to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in December

Toad in the Hole

Want to keep the Christmas celebrations rolling? Boxing Day at Toad in the Hole is the perfect spot. The brunch includes one hour of Topgolf gameplay, sharing starters, welcome drinks, and party games to keep the afternoon lively, making it ideal for families, friends, or big groups who want a social outing without hosting at home. Packages start at AED199 for juniors and AED299 for the soft beverage option, with house beverages at AED429 or a premium upgrade at AED499.

26 December from 1pm to 4pm. Visit website.

Bocasu

Bocasu has opened in Al Quoz, offering a Japanese concept led by Chef Yu Hasegawa. The menu features the signature Jawarma, seafood hand rolls and premium cuts such as A5 wagyu shabu and Japanese filet mignon. Desserts include Shiro Kaffe Tiramisu, Hojicha Roll Cake, Yuzu Flower and handmade Mitsu Mi chocolates with Hatta honey. The space reflects the same care, with natural stone, wood and a rare bonsai collection, including a 250-year-old tree, creating a striking backdrop.

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AURA Skypool

This December, the holidays take flight with Miracle on 34th Street screened 210 meters above the city. Snuggle under cosy blankets, enjoy popcorn, and watch the skyline sparkle like a private festive wonderland. With limited seating and a magical, star-lit setting, this is perhaps the most exquisite rooftop view a Christmas classic has ever had. Don your festive jumper or pre-order the exclusive AURA Monogram Christmas jumper for a gorgeous keepsake.

11 December, from 8:30pm. From AED750 per person. Visit website. 

Peacock Alley DIFC

Enjoy the Festive Afternoon Tea at Peacock Alley in collaboration with Galeries Lafayette, featuring themed pastries, sweet and savoury treats, and finely brewed teas. Live music fills the space with festive carols, and every tea comes with a charming goodie bag from Galeries Lafayette featuring seasonal surprises to take home.

Daily from 4 December 2025 – 7 January 2026. 2pm-6pm. AED225 per person. AED325 per person includes a glass of bubbly. Call +9714 515 9999 or email PeacockAlley.difc@waldorfastoria.com. Visit website.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is set to host Anantara Restaurant Week from 8 to 14 December, inviting guests to explore a curated three-course dining experience across four of its signature venues. At Bushman’s Restaurant & Bar, chefs lean into bold, rustic cooking, serving premium cuts and dishes that highlight the depth of outback flavours. It’s the kind of meal that feels generous and satisfying, perfect for those who enjoy hearty plates done well. The Beach House offers a different pace. Mediterranean cooking takes centre stage here, with plates that draw from coastal traditions and a setting that naturally lends itself to slow, relaxed dining. Over at Mekong, the menu moves through Thailand, Vietnam, and China, bringing together aromatic broths, layered spices, and colourful dishes that capture the heart of Southeast Asian cooking. For something casual, Revo Café keeps things light and fresh. Expect wholesome plates, good coffee, and a laid-back atmosphere for an easy lunch or an unhurried afternoon. It’s a week made for diners who enjoy variety, good cooking, and a reason to try something new.

AED195 per person. Call +971 4 567 8888 or email dubaipalm@anantara.com. Visit website.

The Lana

The Gallery at The Lana will continue to serve its festive afternoon tea, crafted with Manolo Blahnik, throughout December. Guests can enjoy a selection of seasonal sandwiches, from Turkey and Cranberry relish with slow-roasted organic turkey and aged cheddar, to Alaskan King Crab with avocado, iceberg lettuce, and a touch of lemon zest. The experience is rounded off with desserts and scones, including an aromatic orange tart with almond-orange cream and a Festive Éclair with speculoos and spiced crémeux topped with blackcurrant confit. Traditional spiced scones are served with Devon clotted cream and Angelo Musa’s signature jams, offering a seasonal treat.

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The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton

This New Year’s Eve, discover a black-and-white themed NYE celebration at The Director’s Club with a signature beverage on arrival, live jazz duo, free-flowing drinks and a midnight toast.

31 December, from 7:30pm–12:30am. AED450 per person (soft beverages), AED675 per person (premium beverages), and AED850 per person (bubbly). Call +9712 815 0000 or email dine.thewbabudhabi@hilton.com. Visit website.

Above Eleven

Above Eleven, the rooftop Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei restaurant on Dubai’s West Palm, brings back its spirited weekend experience Ritmo Arriba. Guests can enjoy three signature dishes and free-flow beverages accompanied by the dynamic sounds of a three-piece Latino band, with fresh ceviches, bao buns, tartares and grilled anticuchos. Those seeking a fuller meal can explore the à la carte menu featuring mains, desserts and the interactive Hand Roll Trolley with sushi crafted tableside.

Friday and Saturday, from 8pm-11pm. Ritmo 211 at AED211 for three drinks and three dishes and Ritmo Libre at AED311 for two hours of free-flow drinks and three dishes. Call +9714 666 1420.

Nomad Day Bar

Nomad Day Bar launches Ugly Fest, a ten-day pop-up running until 7 December. At the centre is Ugly Noodles, the Hong Kong–inspired concept from the Ugly Bros, serving springy noodles, dumplings, and street-style flavours. The line-up spans Ugly Noodles classics, messy-good Ugly Burgers, Doner Meister’s kebabs, and a sweet finish from Canvas Gelato. The fest also brings in partners from across Dubai’s creative scene, plus UGLY Talks with voices such as Hattem Mattar and Tamara Khoury. On 6 December, Vinyl Souk x No Borders takes over for one night only, turning the space into a music-and-makers hub with DJs, live sets, and a global craft market.

Organic Foods & Café

Starting December 6, Organic Foods & Café will turn select cafés into cosy gingerbread studios with Festive Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops running throughout the month. For AED 30 per child, kids can build and decorate their own gingerbread house using clean, organic ingredients and take their creation home. The workshops will be held at Cityland Mall, Golden Mile Palm Jumeirah and The Greens, offering a fun, hands-on festive activity for weekends, after-school plans, or the school break.

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The Hide

Enjoy a British-style Sunday roast with a modern twist at The Hide, set within Jumeirah Al Qasr Jumeirah Al Qasr invites guests to enjoy the Sunday Carvery at The Hide, a contemporary take on the classic British roast. The brasserie offers a weekend dining experience centred on expertly prepared meats and thoughtfully crafted accompaniments. Chefs carve Wagyu beef with a rich sear, slow-roasted leg of lamb, and golden roast chicken. Sides include rosemary-salted roast potatoes, traditional gravy made from long-simmered stock, and Yorkshire puddings. Guests will also find a few comforting extras, including truffle mac and cheese and creamy mashed potatoes.

The Sunday Carvery runs from 12:30pm to 3:30pm every week. AED210 per person. A two-hour beverage package can be added for AED200. For more information, click here.

Bar Buci

This festive season, Bar Buci is offering something a little more personal with The Mixology Rituals: Festive Edition, a hands-on experience allowing guests to step behind the counter and craft concoctions Gather your family and friends and join an intimate group of eight guests for an afternoon that begins with a welcome drink. Bar Buci’s mixologists lead the workshop, sharing their tips on incorporating simple techniques, small details, and ingredient choices that bring together each drink. Across the session, the workshop guides guests through two beverages and canapé pairings, giving everyone ample space to experiment, taste, and ask questions. The Festive Edition takes place on two dates. Taking place on 26 December, a calm moment after Christmas when people are ready for something easygoing and social. Both run from 4pm to 6pm, making it an ideal late afternoon activity. The Mixology Rituals is a chance to learn something new, try thoughtful drinks, and spend time in one of Bar Buci’s most atmospheric corners. Reserve your spot now!

26 December (Post-Christmas), from 4-6pm. AED295 per person, inclusive of welcome drink, concoction creation, and canapé pairing. Visit website.

Belcanto

Belcanto welcomes the season with thoughtful festive menus that bring together Italian comfort and holiday tradition. Early December offers a curated experience that begins with an amuse-bouche, followed by scallop crudo, eliche pasta with sea urchin, truffled ziti, and lamb loin in a crisp bread crust, finishing with classic panettone and soft vanilla cream. À la carte dishes are also available. On Christmas Eve and Day, the kitchen presents a special holiday menu with choices such as scampi crudo or Cappon magro, cappelletti in capon broth or almond ricotta cannelloni, and mains of wild seabass or truffle chicken. The meal closes with panettone or a Mont Blanc of chestnut and pear, a fitting end to a festive celebration.

Early December: AED449 (drinks excluded). December 24 and 25: AED499 (drinks excluded). Call +97150 928 9038.

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

CÉ LA VI’s Luna Lounge

As the Formula 1® season finale takes over Abu Dhabi, CÉ LA VI brings the heat to Luna Lounge at Yas Marina Circuit for a weekend of high-energy music, fine dining, and skyline views. On Sunday, December 7, the celebration peaks with a live set from world-renowned DJ and producer Enoo Napa, known for his collaborations with Black Coffee and Mi Casa, as he delivers his signature deep-house sound against the backdrop of the circuit lights. From 8:30pm to 2am, guests can enjoy Afro house beats, MICHELIN-approved bites, and handcrafted beverages beneath the stars, with entry including a modern Asian à la carte menu and two complimentary drinks.

Luna Lounge, Yas Conference Center Rooftop, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. December 7, from 8:30pm-2am. AED295 (includes two complimentary drinks – choices of hops & grapes). Call +97152 935 7368 or email F1ad@celavi.com. 

Coffeemania

Coffeemania, the award-winning fine-casual brand, is opening its first UAE location at Dubai Hills Mall, bringing 25 years of culinary expertise, specialty coffee, and signature hospitality to the city. Guests can enjoy signature dishes such as Beef Stroganoff, Pozharsky Cutlet, Olivier and Caesar salads, and desserts such as Honey Cake and Rake, alongside specialty coffee creations including Raf The Original, Raf Moss, and Latte Singapore.

Visit website.

Iliana, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab’s Greek restaurant, welcomes the open-air season with the launch of its rooftop on Friday, November 7, where the spirit of the Aegean meets Dubai’s shoreline. As the sun dips, guests can savour scallop sashimi, octopus, and carabinero skewers paired with coastal cocktails such as the Blueberry & Lime Sour or the tropical Eros. As night settles in, Iliana’s rooftop shifts into a lively scene of Mykonian beats from resident DJs playing from sunset until late, with premium shisha soon joining the menu.

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Cocina Tres

Cocina Tres, the new coastal Mexican restaurant and bar at Pullman Hotel in Business Bay, brings Latin hospitality to Dubai. Led by chefs from Mexico, the menu features handmade tortillas, fresh seafood, wood-fire grilled specials, and a dedicated ceviche bar, with highlight dishes such as Baja Fish Tacos, smoky Fideo Seco, and Pescado Zarandeado.

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Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

29 November to 3 December. Call +9712 492 2222.

Saikindō

Saikindō, the new Hi-Fi cocktail bar at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island, opens in November 2025 with a bold Japanese-inspired concept. Inspired by Japanese hospitality, visionary architecture, and the energy of Bosozoku culture, Saikindō combines vinyl takeovers, guest DJs, masterclasses, and carefully designed interiors to create a sensory experience.

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Nobu at Yas Marina

The world-renowned Japanese dining and hospitality brand Nobu is making an exclusive appearance at Yas Marina, offering a curated menu of signature dishes, premium beverages, and live DJ performances from December 1 to 7. The pop-up will provide an elegant indoor, outdoor, and private dining experience featuring Nobu’s signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Rock Shrimp Tempura, and Nobu Wagyu Sliders, alongside decadent desserts and curated beverage packages. Guests can also choose from three free-flowing beverage packages available from 12pm to 4pm, Thursday to Sunday.

December 1-December 7. Pre-booking is required. Visit website.