Christmas in Dubai: Christmas Day lunch, brunch and dinners

Seasonal twists on classic brunches, traditional roasts, and international spreads. Here’s where to spend Christmas Day in Dubai…

‘Tis the season to be jolly and, as ever, Dubai is offering up plenty of opportunities to do just that.

While we’ve rounded up the best the city has to offer for Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, turkey takeaway, office shindigs, New Year’s Eve and everything else Christmassy right here, this one’s all about the big day.

So here are 40 feasts we’re bookmarking to tuck into this Christmas, aka Monday December 25…. 

Vida Emirates Hills

Round up the family and friends and celebrate Christmas Day with a brunch at Origins. The sumptuous spread includes a live BBQ station offering succulent selections you can pair with a refreshing selection of festive beverages. For entertainment, there will be classic Christmas songs playing and of course, you can sing along. It is Dhs295 for the soft package, Dhs395 for house and Dhs495 for premium. Children ages 6 to 11 will dine at 50 per cent off and children under 5 dine for free.

Origins, Vida Emirates Hills, Emirates Hills,  Dubai, 12pm to 4pm, Dhs295 soft, Dhs395 house, Dhs495 premium, children aged 6 to 11 dine at 50 per cent off, under 5s free, Tel: (04) 888 3444 vidahotels.com 

Traiteur

The lavish Traiteur brunch at Park Hyatt Dubai will be going all festive on December 25, offering an extensive selection of festive dishes from live cooking stations, washed down with free-flowing beverages, sounds of the live band and a visit from Santa.

Traiteur Brunch, The Promenade, Park Hyatt Dubai, Dhs295 children aged 6 to 12, Dhs595 soft, Dhs895 house with champagne, Dhs1395 premium. Tel: (04) 602 1234. hyatt.com

Bubbalicious

One of Dubai’s most lavish brunches will be getting a festive makeover for Christmas Day. You’ll be able to dine your way through three restaurants, offering no less than 10 live cooking stations. Expect plenty of fun for all the family.  

Bubbalicious, Mina’s Kitchen, Sui Mui and Baba, The Westin Mina Seyahi, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs595 soft, Dhs795 house beverages and champagne. Tel: (04) 511 7373. marriott.com

Cipriani

Available for lunch and dinner, the Cipriani Christmas menu features a choice of starters such as lobster salad with aspargus and celery, hearty mains like slow roasted turkey or the John Dory “alla Carlina” with rice pilaf. For dessert, don’t miss out on their freshly whipped vanilla ice-cream – arguably the best ice cream you’ll taste in Dubai.

Cipriani, Gate Village, Gate Village 10, DIFC, 12pm to 11.45pm, Dhs390 excluding taxes. Tel: (04) 347 0003. cipriani.com

Jumeirah Al Qasr

Enjoy an opulent Christmas lunch buffet at Jumeirah Al Qasr’s Arboretum restaurant on Christmas Day. As well as turkey with all the trimmings, feast your way through live cooking stations of meat, fish, vegetables and more.

Arboretum, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs350 children aged 4 to 11, Dhs695 soft, Dhs795 house, Dhs895 premium. Tel: (04) 432 3232. jumeirah.com

Brasserie 2.0

Expect to tuck into a Christmas roast lunch at Brasserie 2.0 on Christmas Day. There’ll be an extensive buffet selection, live cooking stations, turkey and all the trimmings, plus back-to-back live bands playing festive tunes all afternoon.

Brasserie 2.0 Le Royal Meridien, Dubai Marina, 1.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs250 children aged 5 to 12, Dhs525 soft, Dhs675 house, Dhs925 premium. 

Bidi Bondi

Celebrate Christmas Day in true Australian style on the beach at Bidi Bondi. There’s a seafood buffet plus roast and of course delicious desserts with some beach cricket thrown in for your entertainment. The little ones will get to meet Santa and there’s even a play area on site where they will be look after as you indulge in delicious food and drinks. Best news, if they are under 8 they eat for free, while it’s Dhs190 for the under 16’s. For adults, its Dhs350 for the soft package, Dhs495 for house and Dhs595 for bubbles.

Bidi Bondi, Palm Jumeirah Shoreline Residences, Dubai, Dhs350 soft, Dhs495 house, Dhs595 bubbles, Dhs190 under 16s, under 8s dine free, facebook.com/bidibondi.palmshoreline

Waldorf Astoria

Enjoy a family-friendly festive feast at Waldorf Astoria’s Christmas Day brunch. Expect an array of live cooking stations, unlimited house beverages and lots of activities for the little ones. We even hear Santa’s set to make a visit…

Mezzerie, Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs250 child, Dhs490 soft, Dhs700 house. Tel: (04) 818 2222. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

The Scene

Enjoy a Christmas day deal with a view at The Scene by Simon Rimmer. The British bar is offering five course meal and three hours of unlimited drinks, with prices starting from Dhs375 for soft drinks, Dhs550 with house drinks and Dhs650 with bubbles.

The Scene, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, noon to 11pm, Dhs375 soft, Dhs550 house and Dhs650 bubbles. Tel: (04) 422 2328. thescenedubai.com

Folly

Celebrate Christmas Day at folly, where a three course menu with four hours of bubbles and house beverages will set you back Dhs845 per person. Expect festive favourites such as a turkey and all the trimmings and Christmas pudding.

Folly, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah, 4pm to 8pm, Dhs495 soft, Dhs845 house. Tel: (04) 430 8535. folly.ae 

The Duck Hook

Cosy gastropub The Duck Hook will be serving a three course festive set menu for Dhs245 this Christmas. Choose from starters like scotch egg, goats cheese or smoked salmon with cream cheese, mains of duck confit, wagyu rump steak, vegan burger or a turkey dinner, and finish things off with either arctic roll, Christmas pudding or lemon meringue pie. Wash it down with an all-day happy hour, with selected beverages Dhs33 all day.

The Duck Hook, Dubai Hills Golf Club, Dubai Hills, Dhs245. Tel: (800) 666353. makeitadecembertoremember.com

The Stage at Paramount Hotel

The first Paramount Pictures hotel opened in Dubai just last month and it’s bringing some serious Hollywood glamour to Dubai’s Business Bay. Head here on Christmas Day where The Stage is hosting a contemporary Christmas Day brunch with seven food station featuring different cuisines such as traditional roasts, American, Asian, Middle Eastern, Italian and more. It will cost you Dhs250 for the soft package, Dhs395 for bubbles.

The Stage, Paramount Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs250 soft, Dhs395 bubbles. Tel: (04) 246 6666. paramounthotelsdubai.com

Habtoor Grand

The Habtoor Grand’s restaurants; Luciano’s Al Basha, The Underground Pub and Al Dhiyafa will all come together to put on a lavish Christmas Day buffet in the resort garden. Transforming into a winter wonderland filled with twinkly fairy lights and glittering Christmas Trees, expect a Christmas choir and appearance from Santa, too.

Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs350 soft, Dhs450 house, Dhs650 premium. Tel: (04) 408 4257. marriott.com

The Tap House

Cool gastropub The Tap House is inviting guests to tuck into a delicious Christmas Day brunch that includes everything from a traditional roast turkey with all of the trimmings. They even have Christmas pudding and mince pies. Yum! You’ll have the wonderful view from the Palm Jumeirah to keep you company, and music from a live DJ. For the little ones, there will be magic shows, face painting, candy floss, and gifts from jolly Santa himself. Per person, it will cost you Dhs225 for the soft package and Dhs395 for the house package and under children under the age of 12 dine free.

Christmas Brunch., The Tap House, Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. 12pm to 4pm on Tue Dec 25. Dhs225 soft, Dhs395 house, children under 12 dine free. Tel: (04) 514 3778 thetaphouse.ae

Raffles

For Christmas Day, Raffles Ballroom and Raffles Garden transform into a winter wonderland, whisking you away to a magical day of festive fare from around the world. There is plenty of merry-making for everyone and the little ones will have their own dedicated playground, activities and a surprise visit from Santa.

Raffles, WAFI, Dubai, 1pm to 4.30pm, Dhs195 child, Dhs395 soft, Dhs550 house, Dhs685 premium. Tel: (04) 324 8888. raffles.com

Gaucho

This upscale DIFC steakhouse is going all out for Christmas. As well as winter wonderland-like decor, the Christmas Day brunch will serve up turkey with all the trimmings. Looking for something a little less conventional? Opt for the pan-seared salmon with mango salad and guacamole.

Gaucho, Gate Village 5, DIFC, 12pm to 3.30pm, Dhs390 soft, Dsh480 house, Dhs630 sparkling. Tel: (04) 422 7898. gauchodubai.com

Reform

It doesn’t come much more traditional than British gastropub, Reform. This Christmas, they’ll be serving up a festive feast of roast turkey with all the trimmings plus a sticky toffee pudding for dessert. A set menu plus four-hour beverage package starts from Dhs350 per person.

Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Dubai, 12pm to 3pm, Dhs350 soft, Dhs620 house, Dhs720 prosecco, Dhs180 children aged 8 to 14. Tel: (04) 454 2638. reformsocialgrill.ae

Nikki Beach Resort

Trade Christmas pines for Palm Trees and snow for sand with Nikki Beach’s Christmas Day brunch at Cafe Nikki, While the setting might not be traditional, the buffet will be, with a turkey carving station, mulled wine and a surfing Santa Claus.

Cafe Nikki, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs195 children aged 6 to 12, Dhs465 soft, Dhs585 house, Dhs785 premium. dubai.nikkibeach.com

Crescendo, Anantara The Palm

Anantara’s popular Crescendo brunch will be going all festive on Christmas Day, with classic Christmas dishes aplenty on offer. For the little ones, there’ll also be a visit from Santa, spreading all the usual festive cheer.

Crescendo, Anantara The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs199 child, Dhs480 soft, Dhs630 house. Tel: (04) 567 8888. anantara.com/palm-dubai

The Restaurant, Address Boulevard

Address Boulevard will be running a special edition of their Garden Brunch on Christmas Day. Taking place at The Restaurants, diners can feast their way through festive favourites such as roasted turkey and beef wellington, served up against the beautiful backdrop of the Burj Khalifa.

The Restaurant, Address Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs295 soft, Dhs395 house, Dhs495 premium. myfestivedubai.com

The QE2

Celebrate like royalty onboard The QE2’s Deck The Halls brunch, with an extensive buffet and live cooking stations spread out across the ship’s grand indoor and outdoor decks. Santa and his helpers will even be on hand to take care of the smallest guests so the big kids can hit the dancefloor…

The QE2, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs265 with soft drinks, Dhe445 with house drinks, Dhs150 for children aged four to 12, under-fours free. Tel: (04) 5268811. qe2.com

Wanderlust

Taking the party brunch to the next level, Wanderlust features live cooking stations from a whole host of the JW Marriot Marquis Dubai’s acclaimed international eateries. Expect live music and a visit from Santa too.

Aqua, JW Marriot Marquis Dubai, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs545 with prosecco. Tel: (04) 4143000. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

W Dubai – The Palm

Expect a mega buffet brunch complete roast turkey with all trimmings, delicious vintage cheese and plenty more at W Dubai – The Palm’s Liv restaurant.

W Dubai – The Palm, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs550 with house drinks and bubbly, Dhs125 for children aged six to 12 years, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 2455555. marriott.com

Café Belge

The award-winning Belgian eatery’s Grand Christmas Brunch promises live European cooking stations, as well as festive drinks and a host of live entertainment.

Ritz-Carlton DIFC, noon to 4pm, Dhs395 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks, Dhs595 with prosecco, Dhs695 with champagne, Dhs195 for children aged six to 12, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 3722323. ritzcarlton.com

Cascades

With a lavish buffet spread of holiday specials including slow-roast turkey, as well as a decadent dessert station and a treat corner for kids, this is a brunch for all the family.

Fairmont Dubai, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs300 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with house drinks, Dhs110 for children aged six to 11, under-sixes free. Tel: (04 )3325555.  fairmont.com

Cleo’s Table 

With daily specials including seabass, prime beef and salmon Wellington, festive décor adorning the restaurant and a special visitor from the North Pole, Cleo’s Christmas at Cleo’s Table is the ultimate alfresco Mediterranean Christmas feast to try in Dubai.

Cleo’s Table, Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, lunch 12pm to 3pm, dinner 6pm to 10.30pm, Tue Dec 24 to Thur Dec 26, Dhs300. Tel: (04) 556 6466. caesars.com

Bacchanal 

A lavish buffet unlike any other you’ve indulged in awaits at Bacchanal on Christmas Day. Turkey with traditional trimmings, Australian Wagyu beef and Scottish smoked salmon are just a few of the decadent, indulgent dishes available. Expect festive live entertainment and fun-filled activities that promise to create memories you’ll never forget.

Bacchanal, Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, 1pm to 5pm, Wed Dec 25, Dhs400 soft, Dhs600 house, Dhs700 prosecco, Dhs800 champagne, 50 per cent off for children aged 4 to 11, under 3’s dine free. Tel: (04) 556 6466. caesars.com

Kitchen6

Featuring six live cooking stations serving up international and festive dishes, Kitchen6 will stage two sittings on the big day, so you and your family can choose whether to celebrate over lunch or dinner.

JW Marriot Marquis Dubai, Dubai, 12.30m to 3.30pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, or 7pm to 11pm, Dhs225 with soft drinks. Tel: 04) 4143000. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

Asado

Not tempted by turkey this year? With live Latin American tunes and an Argentinean set menu, as well as seats right by the Dubai Fountain for its evening performances, this is a prime spot for a festive dinner with a difference.

Palace Downtown, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs350 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with prosecco, Dhs700 with Champagne, Dhs175 for children aged six to 11, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 4287888. addresshotels.com

Ritz-Carlton Dubai JBR

With tables set out on the Gulf Lawn right by the sands of JBR, this is a picturesque spot for a chic outdoor celebration. Expect live music and international cooking stations as well as a carvery, seafood bar and a very special Ritz Kids club featuring the big man in red himself…

Ritz-Carlton Dubai JBR, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs595 with soft drinks, Dhs695 with prosecco, Dhs895 with Champagne, Dhs295 for children aged six to 11, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 3186150. ritzcarlton.com

Al Dawaar

For a celebration you won’t forget, why not opt for the city’s only revolving rooftop restaurant? Take in the views over teeming platters of traditional roast beef and turkey, seafood, duck and delicious desserts, served up at both lunch and dinner.

Hyatt Regency Dubai, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs249 with soft drinks, Dhs369 with house drinks, Dhs569 with Champagne, Dhs125 for children aged six to 12, under-sixes free, or 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs279 with soft drinks, Dhs399 with house drinks, Dhs599 with Champagne, Dhs139 for children aged six to 12, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 2091234. hyattregencydubai.com

Flow Kitchen

A festive-themed buffet brunch awaits at Flow Kitchen at Fairmont The Palm. Expect authentic specialties including a selection of roasts, whole smoked salmon and Christmas turkey with all the trimmings, plus desserts like mincemeat tarts, pannetone bread pudding, festive gingerbread cookies and eggnog crème brulée as well as a surprise visit from Santa.

Flow Kitchen, Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs198 children aged 6 to 12. Tel: (04) 457 3457. fairmont.com/palm-dubai

Grand Hyatt

Akira Back

Enjoy an amplified version of Akira Back with a blend of East and West in a unique festive brunch menu. After, you can head next door to the adults only SoBe afterparty. 

W Dubai – The Palm, 12.30pm to 5pm, Dhs750 with house drinks and festive cocktails. Tel: (04) 2455555. marriott.com

Olea

Little kids will love the family-friendly set-up here, with themed play areas from LEGO and American Girl, as well as a visit from Santa. Grown-ups, meanwhile, will love the lavish international buffet, festive entertainment, and peace afforded by occupied children!

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs295, Dhs145 for children aged six to 12, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 4095111. kempinski.com

Emirates Golf Club

Gaze out over one of Dubai’s most iconic courses while tucking into the ultimate traditional brunch, with roast turkey and a buffet groaning with all the trimmings.

Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, noon to 3pm, Dhs245 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs99 for children, discounts available for members. Tel: (04) 4179999. dubaigolf.com

Chival

If you’d rather order a la carte at a time that suits than trek around a buffet, Chival’s day-long celebration is the one for you, with a choice of international and festive fare. You can even pre-order family roasts in advance…

La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk, Dubai, 6.30am to 11.30pm. Tel: (054) 3095948. livelaville.com

Address Dubai Marina

Forget one restaurant – there’s a whole festive village on offer here, with traditional roasts, a live band and kids’ area with a dedicated buffet, bouncy castle, magic show and more.

Address Dubai Marina, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs345 with soft drinks, Dhs465 with house drinks, Dhs555 with prosecco, Dhs145 for children aged six to 11, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 8883444. addresshotels.com

Prime68

Renowned for its top-quality steaks as well as its stunning views across the city from the top of the world’s tallest five-star hotel, this is a very chic spot for a stylish adult celebration.

JW Marriot Marquis Dubai, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs650. Tel: 04) 4143000. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

Paru 

Mingle in a sophisticated setting at Paru, a stylish rooftop restaurant with a modern Japanese menu created by celebrated chef Akira Back. Choose between two alluring terraces with spectacular views of the JBR skyline while indulging in a six-course menu and two hours of free-flowing drinks. 

Paru, Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, 7pm to 11pm, Wed Dec 25, Dhs450 soft, Dhs650 house, Dhs850 champagne. Tel: (04) 556 6466. caesars.com

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira

Expect international and traditional festive cuisine served up in a gorgeous waterfront location, as well as a visit from Santa for The Bay’s smallest guests.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs400 with soft drinks, Dhs695 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 7772222. mandarinoriental.com

Ewaan

Spread out across the gorgeous poolside lawn at Ewaan and enjoy Burj Khalifa views as well as an extensive gourmet brunch, traditional roast turkey and non-stop tunes from the live band.

Address Palace Downtown, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs445 with soft drinks, Dhs605 with house drinks, Dhs830 with Champagne, Dhs225 for children aged six to 11, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 4287888.  addresshotels.com

Amaseena

For an evening celebration with a Middle Eastern twist, head for the Bedouin-inspired tents of Amaseena and tuck into festive fusion dishes such as smoked turkey with rice and chestnuts as well as seafood and mezze. There’ll be Arabic entertainment and a visit from Santa too.

Ritz-Carlton Dubai JBR, Dubai, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs315 with soft drinks, Dhs480 with house drinks, Dhs160 for children aged six to 11, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 3186150.  ritzcarlton.com

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Join Santa as he returns to solid ground at the Earth Terrace, where you’ll also find a bouncy castle, face painting, live entertainment and an extravagant family-friendly buffet.

Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, from 12.30pm, Dhs290 with soft drinks, Dhs445 with house drinks, Dhs135 for children. Tel: (04) 8182000.  dubaigolf.com

Hoi An

If you’re going to forego the turkey, it makes sense to do so in favour of a truly memorable meal. Enter Hoi An’s seven-course Vietnamese Banquet, featuring dishes such as seabass with sambal sauce, five spice lamb chops and a matcha tea yule log.

Shangri-La Hotel Dubai, Dubai, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs499 with wine pairing and one glass of Champagne, Dhs555 with luxury wine pairing and one glass of Champagne, Dhs225 for children aged five to 12, under-fives free. Tel: (04) 4052703. Taxi: Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. shangri-la.com

Nosh

A truly traditional Christmas brunch, expect roast turkey and beef, Yorkshire puddings, stolen, Christmas pudding, mulled wine and panettone galore. There’s also a kids’ corner full of activities for little ones and a Santa-based surprise visit too…

Movenpick Hotel JLT, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs199 with soft drinks, Dhs299 with house drinks, Dhs100 for children aged six-12, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 4380000. movenpick.com

The Loft

Having quickly made a name for itself with its Lofty Caviar Brunch, Dubai Opera’s rooftop restaurant will be extending its gourmet offering into Christmas Day, with a mix of live cooking stations and a la carte offerings – don’t miss the honey and ricotta flatbread…

Dubai Opera, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, from Dhs499. Tel: (04) 3627312. loftatopera.com

Coya

Prime Peruvian hotspot Coya will be serving up a specially-created four-course menu with some subtly festive tweaks – think red snapper with truffle, grilled beef flank or lamb shoulder, and chocolate yule log with chicha sorbet.

Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort, Dubai, Dhs620. Tel: (04) 3169600.  coyarestaurant.com

Suq

Priding itself on its family-friendly atmosphere, this festive brunch will be serving up a range of Arabian and international dishes as well as a host of imaginative activities to keep children entertained.

Four Seasons, Dubai, Dhs520, Dhs260 for children aged six to 11, under-sixes free. Tel: (04) 2707777. fourseasons.com

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Images: Supplied