‘Twas the night before Christmas and all over Dubai, people were at brunch filling up on mince pies…

With the festive season in full swing and December just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the big day. But we all know that what you do the night before is just as important for getting in the Christmas spirit. So here’s our pick of the best brunches, lunches, teas and dinners in Dubai this Christmas Eve.

Prime68

This upscale steakhouse might be known as one of the best places for a top quality piece of meat in the city, but it’s also a top choice this Christmas Eve for getting in the Christmas spirit slightly ahead of time. They’ll be offering a six-course menu of their signature dishes each with a festive twist on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, coupled with amazing views from their 68th floor location. It’s a lavish menu of rich flavours, each cooked to the highest quality.

JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai, 7pm to 12am, Dhs750. Tel: (04) 414 3000 jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

Kalea

The Polynesian restaurant has separate buffets for adults and children, so while you enjoy pâté and rillettes, before moving on to classic farm roast turkey or confit duck with red cabbage, the little ones have simpler festive options. Expect live entertainment and plenty of Christmas cheer.

Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai, 6.30pm to 11pm, Dhs155 for adults, Dhs75 for children aged six to 12. Tel: (04) 8109421. dubaiparksandresorts.com

Bistrot Bagatelle

The rowdy restaurant is adding a special festive dish to its menu for three days only. Turkey ballotine with foie gras stuffing, braised cabbage, mashed potatoes, and truffle will be available from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.

Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dhs265 for the turkey ballotine. Tel: (04) 3545035. bagatelledubai.com

Kim’s Singapore Seafood

One for the fish lovers – this Asian set menu includes four courses of dishes like pumpkin soup with prawn and crab meat, black pepper hot pot crab, and Kim’s fried hokkien prawn mee.

Marsa Al Seef, Dubai, Dhs288 with soft drinks, Dhs388 with house beverages, Dhs588 with premium drinks. Tel: (04) 526 0481. @kimsdxb

BiCE Ristorante

The four-course Italian festive menu is running over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with a la carte options available. A live pianist will set the sophisticated tone of the evening.

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Dubai, from 7pm, Dhs250 with soft drinks. Tel: 04 318 2520. hilton.com

Olea

The family-friendly international brunch has a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. Festive entertainment and a kids’ play area should ensure the little ones are kept busy.

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs295 for adults, Dhs145 for kids aged six to 12, kids under six dine free. Tel: (04) 3410000. kempinski.com

Ossiano

Chef Gregoire’s seven-course menu features delicacies from the sea, in keeping with the restaurant’s underwater surroundings. Enjoy dishes like Gillardeau oysters and lobster with black truffle with entertainment from Salha and the Million Dollar Band.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 6.30pm to 10.00pm, Dhs995 per person excluding beverages, suitable for ages 10 and up. Tel: (04) 4262626. atlantisthepalm.com/restaurants/ossiano

Nobu

Christmas dinner goes luxe with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s trademark Japanese-Peruvian cuisine mixed with some Middle Eastern influences. Live cooking stations serve up sushi, seafood and beef dishes, followed by a selection of desserts.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, noon to 3pm, Dhs395 with soft drinks, Dhs585 with house beverages, Dhs650 with premium drinks. Tel: (04) 426 0760. atlantisthepalm.com/restaurants/nobu

Garden

It’s all about Peruvian-style festivities at Garden, with a five-course Christmas Eve dinner. There will also be a special a la carte set menu available on the 24th and 25th of December.

JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai, 6pm to midnight, Dhs250 per person for food only. Tel: (04) 414 3000. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

Brothaus Bakery & Bistro

A casual low-key Christmas Eve feast, German-style. The bistro’s special menu includes festive duck served with spätzle, knödel, and rotkohl to share.

Steigenberger Hotel, Business Bay, 6pm to 11.30pm, Dhs750 for four people. Tel: (04) 3690000. steigenberger.com

Nathan Outlaw

Simple, expertly prepared seafood is Nathan Outlaw’s passion. The special six-course lunch and dinner menu is a luxurious way to celebrate, with high-end food in equally high-end surroundings – after all, it is set in the Burj Al Arab.

Burj Al Arab, Dubai, Dhs995 per person. Tel: (04) 3017600. jumeirah.com

Anise

An international buffet which prides itself on its selection of fresh catches. Chefs will be on hand at live-cooking stations serving up food from all over the globe.

Intercontinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs50 for children aged six to 12, kids under 6 dine free. Tel: 04 701 1127. diningdfc.com

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