There’s no reason the feasting can’t begin on Christmas Eve…

As the festive season gets in full swing, we’re not just reserving the feasting for the big day, so we’re turning all attention to Christmas Eve. Celebrations across Dubai kick off early, and that means there’s plenty of brunches, lunches, teas and dinners to tuck into.

Here’s our guide to Christmas Eve in Dubai.

Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara

Fresh from winning top spot in the UK’s Good Food Guide 2018, Nathan Outlaw’s restaurant in Dubai presents Christmas Eve with a six-course degustation menu. Dine amongst the fish with a huge aquarium as the backdrop to this lavish experience.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, 12.30pm to 3pm, 7pm to midnight, Dhs995. Tel: (04) 3017600. Taxi: Burj Al Arab. Jumeirah.com

Bagatelle Dubai

Chef Timothy Newton plans on preparing their twist on the classic turkey dish stuffed with foie gras, drizzled with pomme puree and truffle jus (Dhs210), which might just sound better than the real thing. The a la carte menu remains available, too.

Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, 8pm. Tel: (04) 3545035. Tax: Fairmont Dubai. bagatelledubai.com

Rockfish

Celebrate Christmas the Mediterranean way with seafood by the beach. Choose from the a la carte menu and enjoy the unbeatable view of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah from this alfresco setting.

Jumeirah Al Naseem, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4323232. Taxi: Jumeirah Al Naseem. Jumeirah.com

Stay by Yannick Alléno

Bring a little luxury to your Christmas Eve meal at Stay, where the team has created a special five-course set menu to get you into the festive spirit.

One & Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs525 food only. Tel: (04) 4401010. Taxi: One & Only The Palm. oneandonlyresorts.com

Seafire

Prepare your stomachs for the big day at Seafire, where the special set menu opens with a modern take on traditional favourite prawn cocktail, followed by a roast turkey dinner and Christmas pud.

Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 5pm to 11.30pm, Dhs295 food only. Tel: (04) 4262626. Taxi: Atlantis The Palm. atlantisthepalm.com

Zheng He’s

Bring some contemporary Asian flair to your Christmas Eve meal with Chinese delicacies. If you’re pining for more old-fashioned festive dishes, don’t worry – there are also a few turkey specials available for traditionalists.

Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, 6.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4323232. Taxi: Jumeirah Mina A’Salam. jumeirah.com

Roberto’s

If the thought of eating extra turkey before December 25 is too much to handle, head to Roberto’s and celebrate the Italian way. You’ll receive a four-course Italian feast with live music, a DJ and some very festive decor to get you in the mood for the big day.

Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, Dhs420 food only, Dhs550 with wine pairing. Tel: (04) 3860066. Taxi: Gate Village DIFC. robertos.ae

Sheraton Grand

turkey takeaway dubai

An internationally-themed buffet dinner at Feast, where the chefs whip up treats from all over the globe, ensuring even the fussiest of eaters are catered for.

Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs325 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 5034444. Taxi: Sheraton Grand. sheratongranddubai.com

West 14th

The popular Palm Jumeirah steakhouse is firing up its BBQ on Christmas Eve. Pull up a seat on the terrace and enjoy the views while younger guests can live it up at the kids’ club.

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 2pm to 6pm, Dhs175 with soft drinks, half-price under-11s, under-fives free. Tel: (04) 4551111. Taxi: Dukes Dubai. dukesdubai.com

Gaucho

The upmarket Argentinean restaurant is serving its festive brunch on Christmas Eve too, with a menu boasting baby back ribs and ceviche as well as turkey, beef, lamb and fish with all the trimmings.

Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, 6pm to 11.30pm, Dhs420 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks, Dhs595 with sparkling wine, Dhs695 with champagne. Tel: (04) 4227898. Taxi: Gate Village DIFC. gauchorestaurants.com

Nezesaussi Grill

Nezesaussi

Celebrate Christmas Eve Down Under at buzzy sports bar Nezesaussi, where the kitchen team will be serving up festive favourites from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Manzil Downtown, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, The Old Town, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 7pm to 10pm, Dhs195 with three drinks, under-fives free. Tel: (04) 4238899. Taxi: Manzil Downtown. vida-hotels.com

Skyview Bar

We’re already fans of an afternoon tea; throw in a little festive magic and we’re in heaven. Guests can tuck into mince pies and Christmas cookies at this festive high tea in the Skyview Bar. Don’t panic, scones are still on the menu. Available on Boxing Day and Christmas Eve.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs620 with champagne. Tel: (04) 3017600. Taxi: Burj Al Arab. Jumeirah.com

Dhow & Anchor

Prepare your stomachs for the big day with proper British grub created using ingredients imported from the UK. Get there early for the limited edition classic turkey and cranberry sandwiches. D&A is also screening Premier League footie.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4323232. Taxi: Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Jumeirah.com

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Images: Supplied