Sponsored: From Christmas and NYE celebrations to gingerbread house decorating for the little ones… 

The luxury five star hotel in the capital has a list of festive celebrations that you don’t want to miss this Christmas season.

Here are 7 festive celebrations taking place at Emirates Palace this December: 

Festive hampers at Le Café

We all have that one person on our Christmas shopping list that’s impossible to buy for, so why not gift them a festive hamper from Le Cafe? The basket is filled with delicious treats like cookies, home-baked christstollen, panettone, foie gras terrine, mince pies, gold-scented chocolate truffles, and more. There’s even a 24 karat gold-dusted smoked salmon. It’s Dhs750.

Festive hamper, Le Cafe, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, daily from Tues Dec 10 to 31, Dhs750 per hamper 

Gingerbread House making for the little ones

Assisted by the Emirates Palace chefs, little ones can make and decorate the gingerbread house of their dreams. The best news? They can take their creations back home to devour. It’s Dhs245 per child.

Gingerbread House making, The Dome, Emirates Palace, Sat Dec 14, Dhs245 per child 

Festive Afternoon Tea

Executive pastry chef Francois Leo has curated a festive afternoon tea for you to enjoy that includes the likes of delicate duck foie gras sandwiches, artisanal scones, classic French pastries and seasonal tarts. Available daily from Tuesday December 10 until the end of the month at Le Cafe, it’s Dhs245 per person.

Festive afternoon tea, Le Cafe, Emirates Palace, daily from Tues Dec 10 to 31, Dhs245 per person

Christmas Eve dinner

You’ll be spoilt for choice if you choose to spend Christmas Eve at Emirates Palace. Award winning Sayad have a special set menu that includes poached lobster, sea bass, veal and more but if it’s caviar, grilled scallops and roasted prime beef tenderloin you’re craving, head on over to Mezzaluna. Fancy a more spiced meal? Martabaan have a fiery festive feast in-store with classic tikkas, masala sea bass, and to cool off there’s a melt-in-your-mouth gold leaf kulfi and the pâtissier’s dessert special. Le Vendome also are putting on a lavish dinner, where you can choose from antipasti, Levantine favourites, or items from the fresh seafood counter. There’s also a special children’s counter plus a countless amount of desserts.

Christmas Eve Dinner, Various locations in Emirates Palace, timings vary, Tue Dec 24, prices vary

Christmas Day Brunch

Round up your loved ones and celebrate Christmas at Le Vendome where a festive brunch awaits. You’ll find global classics including seafood on ice, live stations, local dishes and desserts guaranteed to get you in the festive mood.

Christmas Day Brunch, Le Vendome, Emirates Palace, 12.30pm to 3.30pm on Wed Dec 25, Dhs450 soft, Dhs600 sommelier-recommended beverages, Dhs700 bubbles per couple

New Year Eve celebrations

Emirates Palace is celebrating New Year in style this year. You’ll find a glamourous gala dinner taking place at the Palace Terrace, while BBQ Al Qasr is hosting a meat and seafood feast. You can also find seafood picked from the seven seas at Sayad, but they also serve wagyu beef tenderloin served with Alba truffles for meat-lovers. Head to Mezzaluna to savour risotto, Sicilian red prawns or make a booking at Le Vendome for a dinner buffet complete with foie gras, tapas and a caviar bar. Martabaan has a contemporary-classic Indian treat with a one-night-only menu, while award winning Hakkasan has a set menu that includes roasted duck salad, charcoal-grilled Canadian lobster and more. And of course it won’t be New Years without some fireworks, so make your way to the beach as midnight nears to catch the dazzling display.

New Year Eve celebrations, several venues, Emirates Palace, timings vary, Dec 31, prices vary

New Year Day Brunch

Begin 2020 on a delicious note with brunch at Le Vendome, where you can tuck into seafood and charcuterie aplenty. There’s even healthier options available to help you stick to those new years resolution. For a more relaxed offering, book the brunch at La Brisas where you can keep cool by the pool on the first day of the year.

New Years Day Brunch, Emirates Palace, timings vary, Jan 1, prices vary  

Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi. For more information or reservations contact Tel: (02) 02 690 7999 or email restaurants@emiratespalace.ae