For those of you living or visiting the capital city over the festive period, we’ve done a quick round up of some of the best places there to enjoy a Christmas dinner.
Dubai doesn’t get to have all the fun – Abu Dhabi has its fair share of luxury hotels, towering architectural structures, and celebratory events. Read on for some of our favourites for Christmas day events…
Cocina, Jannah Burj Al Sarab Hotel
This Christmas Day, Cocina Restaurant welcomes guests to a tantalising journey of Middle Eastern flavours for the ultimate Christmas Day Brunch. Indulge in favourites such as to enjoy with all the family. Guests are also able to enjoy a shisha flavour of choice for AED 179. Exclusively on the 25th Dec from 1pm-4pm, AED 149 per adult, AED 75 for kids and AED 179 for buffet and shisha package. For reservations call 02 201 6222.
Aqua, Rosewood Hotel
Embark on a truly festive journey this Christmas Eve at Aqua with an al fresco Christmas roast featuring spectacular holiday vibe and live entertainment, featuring a festive roast dinner as well as sommelier-selected grapes and infusions that will make the holiday even merrier. They even have an after-roast-party and a kids club so adults can enjoy a dip in the pool. 12:30pm-4:30pm AED 255 for the food package, AED 335 including cocktails and AED 455 including champagne. Enjoy Christmas day there as they have a lunch and dinner option including steaks, seafood, plus the festive classics like turkey, Beef Wellington, stuffing, and a selection of divine desserts. Prices are AED 255 for just food, AED 355 for house beverages and AED 455 with champagne, between 12:30pm-4:30pm and 6:30-11pm.
Tilal Liwa Desert Retreat
The festive mood starts early in Abu Dhabi, as from the 9th of December as Santa Claus visits the desert. There’s also a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony with carol singing and mulled wine with treats, while Santa spoils the little ones with gifts. This is event is from 7:30pm on the 9th and free for everyone to enter. Meanwhile if you want to enjoy a staycation and be redundant from all cooking and hosting duties, you can enjoy a sleepover with the family for just AED 1,399, including a splendid feast at Al Badiya Restaurant on Christmas Day, snacks by the pool, desert activities for the kids, and access to the Christmas Gala on the 24th. To visit the Christmas Eve Gala independently just pay AED 169 per person, or AED 269 with house drinks, with a night of dancing and gift sharing under the stars, and festive dishes, from 7-11pm.
Verso La Famiglia Brunch, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Craft lasting memories as the children play around the trattoria and relish wholesome ‘famiglia’ moments on this Christmas, with a visit from Santa Claus, face painting, unlimited ice cream and toppings, balloon art, popcorn station and more, this is a perfect festive brunch for a family with little ones. From 1-4pm, AED 260 per person including soft drinks or AED 360 including house beverages.
Conrad Abu Dhabi
Get a festive afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge and Observation Deck at 300 from Dec 9th onwards, curated by Executive Pastry Chef Sumeda Palihakkara and featuring sweet and savoury pastries, scones and jam with cream, tea and coffee. Prices start at AED 230 per person with the Observation Deck at 300 included for AED 260 per person.
Alternatively on Christmas Eve get an a la carte dinner at Ray’s Grill with slow-cooked turkey or grilled US short rib from AED 350 per person, between 6:30-11pm, or visit on Christmas Day for dinner and experience the venue’s glorious views, from AED 400 per person. Jose by Pizarro is serving festive tapas on the 24th with live music and lashings of seasonal magic between 3-10:30pm, or you can enjoy an a la carte Italian menu at neighbouring restaurant Sole, between 12pm-11pm.
On Christmas Day Nahaam and Sole are combining forces to bring guests an ultimate brunch, with a sprawling feast and live music. Packages start at AED 535 for soft beverages, AED 695 for house and AED 895 for premium, while kids eat for AED 200.
Love our festive listings for Abu Dhabi? If you’re in RAK check out our listings for the emirate here. Check out our turkey takeaway listings here and our NYE listings here.
