December in Dubai feels different in the best way. Sun on the water, friends touching down from colder cities, diaries full, and one date circled for a proper get-together. If your plan for the 25th is a long afternoon with people you actually want to sit with, The Courtyard at Vida Creek Harbour has the setting and the sparkle to match.
Where you are spending the day
The Courtyard sits by the waterfront at Dubai Creek Harbour with broad views across the lagoon and the boardwalks. Tables spill onto the terrace, the water sits in the background and the whole space carries that clear, open feel you only get by the creek. Step inside and you have twinkling trees, garlands and a room dressed for Christmas Day. It is easy to reach, easy to love and very Dubai.
The plan, 1pm to 4pm
A 1pm start lets the morning unfold exactly how it is meant to on Christmas Day. Presents opened, calls to family made, everyone turned out nicely, then a short drive to sit down when the day is in full swing. From the first hello, the atmosphere feels celebratory and relaxed. Live stations take care of the action, so plates are built fresh and the room keeps its buzz. You move between counters, choose the things you fancy and return to the table with a plate that looks like Christmas.
Expect the staples people look forward to on the 25th alongside dishes that reflect Dubai’s international crowd. Carving where it belongs, seafood for those who want it, bright salads for balance, proper hot dishes when you need comfort, and a dessert spread that makes a second visit feel inevitable. Drinks are simple to choose: AED 350 with soft beverages or AED 480 with house pours. Children between six and eleven have their own AED 175 package with food and drinks that make sense for them.
Arriving to a room that feels like Christmas
This is where the mood kicks in. Wreaths and lights set the tone at the entrance, the tree glitters for the family photo and crackers sit at the place settings ready to pull before the first toast. Staff have a way of making children feel part of the day with small festive touches, so they settle quickly and you can enjoy the first glass in peace. Choose a table near the water if you want the creek in every picture, or sit closer to the live stations if your group loves the theatre of cooking in view.
Music, pace and the view
A DJ blends well known Christmas favourites with modern tracks that keep spirits high without drowning conversation. You can hear your table, laugh at the cracker jokes and still feel the music carrying the room forward. Daylight runs across the water through the afternoon and the skyline lifts in the distance, which gives the brunch that easy, celebratory look from start to finish.
For families and for friends
For families, the format is ideal. The space feels open and welcoming, there is room for buggies and grandparents, and the flow between stations gives everyone a reason to get up and stretch their legs before coming back for seconds. Little ones have treats that keep them happy, from golden pastries to festive sweets, and there is always something plain and reliable for cautious eaters. For friends, this is the best of both worlds: a stylish setting with Christmas food and a price that makes sense for an afternoon that lasts three hours.
How to make the most of it
- Book the table you actually want. If the view matters, say you prefer creek-side. If you are a larger group, ask for a layout that keeps everyone in reach for toasts and photos.
- Dress festive, not formal. Think relaxed glamour. A touch of sparkle reads perfectly by the water.
- Plan your order quickly. Decide soft or house as you sit. One choice and the rest of the afternoon looks after itself.
- Leave room for dessert. It is Christmas. You will want a second pass.
Why Vida Creek Harbour works on the 25th
Location counts on Christmas Day. Dubai Creek Harbour gives you the breeze, the boardwalk and the feeling you have come somewhere special, without the detours and barricades you find in the busiest zones. The Courtyard uses that advantage well. You get space, light and water in view, with enough energy in the room to feel part of something and enough calm to enjoy your own table.
Details and booking
- Date: 25th December
- Time: 1pm to 4pm
- Venue: The Courtyard, Vida Creek Harbour
- Price: AED 350 per adult with soft beverages
- AED 480 per adult with house beverages
- AED 175 per child (ages 6–11) with food and beverages
- Reservations: +971 4 428 8888 • hithere.creek@vidahotels.com
