Christmas in the UAE probably attracts some derision around the rest of the world, but if anything we do it with all the bells, baubles and whistles that the rest can. And to prove our point, we’ve got a list of all the best parties, drinks deals, dinners and things to do in Dubai on December 25.

Talk The Christmas Day brunch at the Talk restaurant features a Russian-inspired menu and live jazz.
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 4498888. Taxi: Mövenpick Jumeirah Beach. movenpick-hotels.com

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray How about an Italian beach brunch on Christmas Day? Try Plaj at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and hear the live band.
West Crescent, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs310, Dhs435 with beverages, Dhs550 with bubbly. Tel: (04) 4530444. Taxi: Zabeel Saray, The Palm. jumeirah.com

Bubbalicious This is a good one for children. A traditional Christmas spread plus live entertainment, Chinese acrobats, a petting zoo and children’s corner.
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs550, Dhs790 with bubbly and house beverages. Tel: (04) 3994141. Taxi: Westin. westinminaseyahi.com

The Ivy A four-course set menu with festive songs from Ciaran Fox, Rachael Calladine, and pianist Stoyan Stoyanov.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, noon to 11pm, Dhs550. Tel: (04) 3198767. Metro: Emirates Towers. theivy.ae

The Ivy

QUBE Sports Bar Avoid the post-Christmas lunch slump with a family game of pool, darts or shuffleboard.
The Meydan Hotel, Dubai, noon to 4pm, Dhs279 with beverages. Tel: (04) 3813780. Taxi: Meydan Hotel. qubesportsbar.com

Roberto’s The Italian-style festive fare includes homemade pumpkin ravioli and oven-baked lasagne – plus classic roast turkey for traditionalists.
Building 1, DIFC, noon to 3pm, Dhs380. Tel: (04) 3860066. Metro: Financial Centre. robertos.ae

The Gramercy Try their three-course Christmas lunch including slow-roasted turkey and cinnamon glazed sweet potatoes (how good do they sound?), plus a glass of bubbly on arrival.
Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, noon to 4pm, Dhs225. Tel: (04) 4377511. Metro: Financial Centre. thegramercybar.com

The Gramercy

The Rivington A traditional British four-course dinner with turkey, roast quail, Stilton cheese, Yorkshire Parkin cake, clementine arctic roll and sweet sherry trifle. Plus, diners get a gift from under the tree.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, noon to 11pm, Dhs450. Tel: (04) 3666464. Taxi: Madinat Jumeirah.
Souk Al Bahar, Dubai, Dhs450. Tel: (04) 4230903. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. rivingtongrill.ae

McGettigan’s A warm and welcome atmosphere is assured at the two branches of this friendly bar and restaurant that sure know how to drum up some Christmas spirit. They’re laying on a three-course Christmas lunch with turkey and ham and all the trimmings.
McGettigan’s JLT, McGettigan’s World Trade Centre, Dubai, noon to 4pm, Dhs160. Tel: (04) 3780800. Metro: Jumeirah Lakes Towers/World Trade Centre. mcgettigansdubai.com

Maya Guacamole and tacos on Christmas Day? Why not? Try a Mexican sharing menu for brunch at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa’s elegant beachfront restaurant.  Go for the premier package below and you also get pool and beach access.
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa, Dubai, noon to 4pm, Dhs350, Dhs450 with beverages. Tel: (04) 3165550. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien. royaldiningcollection.com

Le Royal Meridien

Sloane’s As well as turkey, there’s beef wellington and prime ribs, plus – get this – a Trimmings Trolley with all the side dishes you could want. Santa will be in attendance too.
Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs420, Dhs550 with beverages. Tel: (04) 3176000. Taxi: Grosvenor House. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com/

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel There’s an international feel to the Nomad brunch featuring festive classics from around the world.
Sheikh Rashid Road, Garhoud, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs275, Dhs375 with beverages, Dhs575 with bubbly. Tel: (04) 2308555. Metro: GGICO. jumeirah.com/creekside 

Al Dawaar Tuck into a Christmas spread of turkey, salmon, oysters, duck and more while absorbing all the views from this revolving rooftop restaurant.
Hyatt Regency Dubai, Deira Corniche, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs220. Tel: (04) 2091234. Metro: Palm Deira. dubai.regency.hyatt.com