15 places to celebrate Christmas in Abu Dhabi
From pocket-friendly buffets to holiday blowouts, find out where you can celebrate Christmas here in Abu Dhabi.
Budget buffets from Dhs135 to Dhs250
1. Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort
If you find yourself in Al Gharbia, this hotel is offering up a four-course Italian Christmas dinner at Zaitoun.
Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11pm, Dhs150 inclusive of grape or soft drinks. Tel: (02) 8012222. danathotels.com
2. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi
Mix up your festive traditions this Christmas with a Pan-Asian brunch at Cho Gao.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 12pm to 4pm, Dhs136 with ice tea, Dhs225 for house beverages. Tel: (02) 6166149. Taxi: Crowne Plaza. ichotelsgroup.com
3. Hilton Abu Dhabi
If the buffet lunch at La Terrazza isn’t for you, check out the well-priced three-course al fresco lunch or dinner at Vasco’s.
Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, Dhs180 for La Terrazza, Dhs220 for Vasco’s. Tel: (02) 6811900. Taxi: Hilton Corniche. hilton.com
4. Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center
Head over to Fifth Street Café for a three-course menu that includes carmelised scallops with roasted beets, turkey roulade and Christmas pudding.
Marriot Courtyard Hotel, Hamdan St, Abu Dhabi, noon to 1am, Dhs135 per person. Tel: (02) 6982222. Taxi: Marriot Courtyard, World Trade Center Mall. marriott.com
Mid-level feasts from Dhs250 to Dhs400
5. Southern Sun Abu Dhabi
Head over to The Foundry for a festive brunch that will include a special visit from the fat man in red!
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs215 with soft drinks, Dhs300 with house beverages, Dhs385 with bubbly. Tel: (02) 8184888. Taxi: Southern Sun, Al Mina Street, Tourist Club. tsogosunhotels.com
6. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
Urban Kitchen’s grand buffet will feature traditional festive dishes such as roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing, French raclette and Christmas pudding with custard.
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Ittihad, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs199 with soft drinks, Dhs299 with house beverages. Tel: (02) 6988137. Taxi: Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. dusit.com
7. Park Rotana
Ginger’s festive brunch is geared to the kiddies with a magician, face painting, bouncy castle and more.
Park Rotana, Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs175 with soft drinks, Dhs210 with house beverages, Dhs260 with premium spirits. Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com
8. Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Celebrate Christmas the Chinese way at the Yum Cha dim sum brunch at Dai Pai Dong. Expect a dim sum trolley, congee, roasted meats and desserts.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs290 with tea pairing. Tel: (02) 8135565. Taxi: Rosewood, Al Maryah Island. rosewoodhotels.com
9. Yas Island Rotana
This brunch at Choices includes a kid’s corner where St. Nick will make an appearance and hand out goodies.
Yas Island Rotana, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs209 with soft drinks, Dhs279 with house beverages. Tel: (02) 6564000. Taxi Yas Rotana. rotana.com
Brunch blowouts Dhs400 and above
10. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Called “The Monumental” brunch, this Christmas feast on dishes from three outlets including CuiScene, Frankie’s Italian Restaurant and Marco Pierre White. Guests booking the brunch will also receive a voucher for access to the pool and beach.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs399 with soft drinks, Dhs599 with hops and Dhs649 with bubbly. Tel: (02) 6543333. Taxi: Fairmont. fairmont.com
11. Anantara Eastern Mangroves
The hotel’s Big Christmas Brunch at Ingredients will include a wide range of food, live entertainment from Swing Deluxe and even a visit from the big guy in red himself.
Anantara Eastern Mangroves, Eastern Mangroves, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs350 with soft drinks, Dhs460 with house drinks and Dhs575 with French beverages (Dhs175 for children aged five to 12). Tel: (02) 656 1000. abu-dhabi.anantara.com.
12. Yas Viceroy
Turkey and all the trimmings, spiced apple cider, panettone, puddings and more are on the menu at this brunch in Origins.
Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi,12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs450 for house beverages, Dhs650 with bubbles. Tel: (02) 6560600. Taxi: Yas Viceroy. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
13. BOA Steakhouse
This surf n’ turf brunch includes an epic seafood station with Boston lobster, marinated prawns, clams and Claire de Fine oysters as well as roasted turkey and 40-day dry aged New York Strip.
BOA Steakhouse, Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs345 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house, Dhs595 with French bubbles. Tel: (02) 6411500. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Promenade. boaabudhabi.ae
14. InterContinental Abu Dhabi
For a Brazilian twist to your celebrations head to churrascaria Chamas for all-you-can-eat meat. There’ll also be a magic show for the kids, face painting, jugglers and Samba dancers.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm, Dhs325 with soft drinks, Dhs375 including house beverages, Dhs550 with champagne. Tel: (02) 6666888. Taxi: InterContinental hotel. dining-intercontinental-ad.ae
15. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Celebrity chef Michael Caines is hosting a three-course lunch set menu at his newly opened restaurant Pearls by Michael Caines.
Jumeirah At Etihad Towers, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3.30pm, Dhs375 or Dhs550 with bubbly. Tel: (02) 8115555. Taxi: Etihad Towers. jumeirah.com