From Christmas Eve to the 25th to Boxing Day, if you want a festive meal out in Dubai this year, we’ve got you covered.

*ALSO READ: Chilled out New Year’s Eve dinners in Dubai*

7 CHRISTMAS EVE MEALS

1. Chamas

If the thought of eating extra turkey before December 25 is too much to handle, head to Chamas and celebrate the Brazilian way. You’ll receive 18 variations of churrascos. If that doesn’t stretch your tummy before the big day, then nothing will.

Crowne Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs315 with soft drinks, Dhs415 with house drinks, 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (800) 276963. Taxi: Crowne Plaza Dubai. chamasdubai.ae

2. Splendido

Prepare your stomachs for the big day with a specially created five-course menu full of seasonal Italian favourites, all set to the sounds of live Italian music.

The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs575. Tel: (04) 3186150. Taxi: The Ritz-Carlton at JBR. ritzcarlton.com

3. Crescendo

The Anantara Festive Choir will be serenading guests as they tuck into a buffet of seasonal favourites, and there’ll be activities for the children too.

Anantara The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs310 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with house drinks, Dhs550 with sparkling wine, Dhs699 with champagne, Dhs175 under-12s, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 5678888. Taxi: Anantara The Palm. dubai-palm.anantara.com

4. Seasonal Tastes

The Westin takes Christmas Eve seriously with a farm-to-table dinner featuring a host of cooking stations serving up traditional roast turkey as well as a variety of lighter international options.

The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 4355577. Taxi: The Westin Dubai. alhabtoorcityhotels.com

5. Bayside Restaurant And Terrace

Bring contemporary European flair to your Christmas Eve meal with German delicacies complete with party hats, crackers and favours.

Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay, Al Abraj Street, Dubai, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs395, Dhs550 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 3690000. Taxi: Steigenberger Hotel. steigenberger.com

6. Rüya

Rüya’s regular brunch has been wowing crowds for over a month now, so we bet their festive take will be equally good. This glamorous Anatolian newcomer will be throwing a family-friendly brunch complete with themed dishes and a host of festive touches, including presents for children.

Tower 1, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 11am to 4pm, Dhs225 with soft drinks. Tel: (04) 4399123. Taxi: Grosvenor House. ruyadubai.com

7. La Serre

Couples looking for a cosy Christmas Eve should check out the French menu at La Serre. Lovebirds can try an a la carte menu, with mains including whole seabass in pastry and duck with roasted pears.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, noon to 3.15pm, 7pm to 11.15pm. Tel: (04) 4286966. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. laserre.ae

8. Ronda Locatelli

CHRISTMAS DAY

1. Les Cuisines

For those who love a fabulous festive feast (complete with mulled grape on arrival), Les Cuisines in the Sofitel Dubai Downtown is offering up a street food menu brunch with food from around the world, complete with a live band to get things moving.

Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs150 with soft drinks, Dhs230 with house beverages, Dhs595 for champagne package, Dhs75 under-12s, under-fives free. Tel: (04) 5036666. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. sofitel.com

2. Nosh

Whether you prefer your Christmas in lunch or dinner form, Nosh has you covered with two seatings: one at 12.30pm and one at 6.30pm. You’ll find a selection of fresh seafood, oysters, sashimi and foie gras, alongside turkey with all trimmings.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs199 with soft drinks, Dhs299 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 4380000. Taxi: Mövenpick JLT. facebook.com/movenpickJLT

3. Cabana

Forget the winter wonderland view, embrace the sunshine and views of the Burj Khalifa as you enjoy an a la carte menu at Cabana.

The Address Dubai Mall, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs150 under-12s, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 8883444. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. theaddress.com

4. Aspen Chalets

Push the boat out by booking a ‘ski chalet’ for up to 12 people and enjoy Christmas dinner in front of a roaring fire, overlooking the snow of Ski Dubai.

Kempinski Hotel Mall Of The Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, four hour booking slots throughout the day, Dhs1,450 with house drinks, Dhs725 under-12s. Tel: (04) 3410000. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. kempinski.com

5. The Daily

Christmas Day is a good chance to check out this Downtown newcomer, which opened to much fanfare this summer. It features a range of festive favourites from roasts to Yule log, and the dress code features Christmas jumpers.

Rove Hotel Downtown Dubai, Al Sa’ada Street, Zabeel 2, Dubai, 11am to 3.30pm, Dhs99, Dhs49 under-12s, under-sixes free. Tel: (800) 7683. Taxi: Rove Hotel Downtown Dubai. rovehotels.com

6. Manava

Enjoy beach and pool access with this festive brunch, which features a host of roast and seafood stations, a caroling choir and a visit from Santa.

Sofitel The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs485 with soft drinks, Dhs595 with house drinks, Dhs260 under-20s, Dhs130 under-11s, under-fives free. Tel: (04) 4556677. Taxi: Sofitel The Palm. sofitel.com

7. Namu

Billed the ‘Grinches’ Brunch’, this one is for those looking to buck tradition, serving up a menu of Korean and Japanese cuisine without a turkey or tinsel in sight.

W Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs450 with soft drinks, Dhs550 with house drinks, Dhs650 with champagne. Tel: (04) 4366666. Taxi: W Dubai. namudubai.com

8. Gaucho

The Argentinian favourite has created a special festive set menu featuring the all-important steak, and will also be serving its full a la carte menu.

Gate Village 5, DIFC, Dubai, noon to 11.30pm, Dhs380. Tel: (04) 4227898. Taxi: Gate Village. gauchorestaurants.com

9. Flow Kitchen

All the seasonal favourites are on offer here, while children aged three to 12 enjoy free access to the hotel’s Fairmont Falcon Kids’ Club.

Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs355 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks, Dhs185 under-12s, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 4573457. Taxi: Fairmont The Palm. fairmont.com

10. Dusty’s

A special festive version of one of Dubai’s new brunches, the Departures Brunch will feature all manner of seasonal and international dishes, served on the largest terrace in DIFC.

Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs350 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with house drinks, Dhs550 with prosecco. Tel: (04) 3545435. Taxi: Al Fattan Currency House. dustysdxb.com

11. Brasserie Quartier

Extending onto ‘Le Patio’, this chic Christmas lunch will feature oysters, salmon, carving stations and live jazz.

St Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs495 with soft drinks, Dhs695 with house drinks, Dhs895 with champagne, Dhs250 under-12s, under-fours free. Tel: (04) 4355555. Taxi: St Regis Dubai. alhabtoorcityhotels.com

12. Raffles

Some say Christmas is for kids. If that’s true for you, head to Raffles where they’ve set up gingerbread houses and an ice cream igloo for children. There’s also a promise of a visit from Santa himself. Grownups can enjoy the buffet selection in the ballroom and grounds.

Raffles Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Road, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs475 with soft drinks, Dhs685 with house drinks, Dhs250 under-12s. Tel: (04) 3248888. Metro: Dubai Healthcare City. raffles.com

13. Al Fresco Garden

Perfect for impressing guests, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray will be hosting seasonal celebrations with a BBQ. The views across the Palm Jumeirah might not scream traditional Christmas, but the turkey and all the trimmings will certainly help.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs375 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks, Dhs695 with champagne, Dhs185 under-12s, under-fours free. Tel: (04) 4530444. Taxi: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. jumeirah.com

14. Prime68

There’s no danger of going hungry at this steakhouse. Along with a stunning evening view of Dubai Canal you’ll eat a festive six-course dinner with dishes ranging from pigeon pie to pan-seared sole.

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai, 6pm to midnight, Dhs750 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 4140000. Taxi: JW Marriott Marquis. marriott.com

15. The Christmas Cruise

Looking for a festive day out with a difference? Spend the day cruising on a luxury yacht and enjoy a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, as well as five hours of drinks and entertainment. We’re told there’ll even be trees, real snow and an unusual visit from Santa…

Dubai Marina, Dubai, 2pm to 7pm, Dhs750 with soft drinks, Dhs950 with house drinks. Tel: (050) 2002290. Taxi: Dubai Marina Yacht Club. fswevents.com

16. Bread Street Kitchen

Experience a a slice of London this season at the world-renowned Bread Street Kitchen. Get a taste of Gordon Ramsay’s interpretations of modern British cuisine including traditional mains, appetisers and dessert stations. Keep an eye out for a special appearance from Santa, too.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 12:30pm to 4pm, Dhs335 with  house drinks. Taxi: Atlantis The Palm. atlantisthepalm.com/restaurants/bread-street-kitchen

BOXING DAY LUNCHES

1. McGettigan’s

Your digestive system hasn’t earned a break just yet – get stuck into St Stephen’s Day festivities at any one of McGettigan’s outlets, complete with live sports and huge breakfasts for those in need of a pick-me-up.

Next to Bonnington Tower, JLT, Dubai, noon to 3pm. Tel: (04) 3780800. Taxi: McGettigan’s JLT. mcgettigans.com. ALSO: Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Dubai World Trade Centre.

2. The Ritz-Carlton DIFC

We’re already fans of an afternoon tea at What’s On; throw in a little festive magic and we’re in heaven. Guests can tuck into mince pies and Christmas cookies at this special festive high tea in the Lobby Lounge. Don’t panic, scones are still on the menu.

Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, 2pm to 6pm, Dhs160. Tel: (04) 3722323. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton DIFC. Ritzcarlton.com

3. West 14th

Fed up of turkey yet? Grilled kebabs, lamb kofta, grilled cream Dory and other Arabic flavours up for grabs at West 14th’s post-Christmas barbecue buffet will have your appetite back before you know it.

Oceana Beach Club, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 4477601. Taxi: Oceana Beach Club. west14th.ae

4. The Pool Bar

Enjoy a relaxed poolside BBQ stacked with seafood, meats and Arabic specialties, as well as carols, children’s activities and a final visit from Santa Claus.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, JBR, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with house drinks, Dhs125 under-12s, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 4498781. Taxi: Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach. movenpick.com

5. BOCA

The Mediterranean favourite has created a family-style sharing menu for the festive season, with dishes including braised beef short rib with gnocchi and vegan paella.

Gate Village 6, DIFC, Dubai, noon to 1am, Dhs245 with soft drinks, Dhs345 with house drinks, Dhs540 with champagne, under-eights free, all in three-hour slots. Tel: (04) 3231833. Taxi: DIFC Gate Vil-lage. boca.ae

6. Epona

Round off the festivities with a breakfast buffet overlooking the club’s equestrian activities, with food to please the whole family.

Dubai Polo And Equestrian Club, Dubai Studio City, Al Qudra Road, Dubai, 8am to noon, Dhs99, Dhs50 under-11s, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 3627880. Taxi: Dubai Polo And Equestrian Club. poloclubdubai.com

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