Christmas Day in Dubai: Festive brunches, lunches, roasts and more to book

Here’s a round-up of places to spend Christmas Day in Dubai

It’s that time of year when we have free rein to eat, drink and be merry. From festive brunches to roasts and more, we’ve listed out a list of great spots to spend Christmas Day in Dubai. 

While you’re at it, read this to plan out where you spend Christmas Eve in Dubai.

Here are 44 great spots to book to have a jolly holly Christmas Day in Dubai   

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Multi-award-winning all-day dining restaurant Crescendo hosts a Christmas Day brunch with savoury and sweet dishes from around the world. Santa promises an appearance to hand out gifts to little ones.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs480 with soft drinks, Dhs680 with house drinks, Dhs199 for children aged six to 12 years. Tel: (0)4 567 8304. restaurants.dubai@anantara.com

Andaz Dubai the Palm

Live entertainment, beautiful views of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, food, unlimited drink and a party atmosphere created by the one and only Secret Parties gang, you’d better believe that this new Christmas set menu offering at La Coco is going to be wild.

Andaz Dubai the Palm, 2pm to 5.30pm, Dhs299 with soft drinks, Dhs399 with house drinks, Dhs449 with premium drinks, Dhs699 bubbly. Tel: (0)45811234. @andazdubaithepalm

Armani/Mediterraneo

A luxurious festive brunch with Mediterranean vibes inside the world’s tallest tower.

Armani Hotel Dubai, Dhs449 with soft drinks, Dhs699 with house drinks. Tel: (0)4 888 3666. armanihoteldubai.com/dine

Bab Al Shams

Celebrate Christmas in the desert where roast turkey and live cooking stations are offered up alongside live entertainment and lots of family-friendly fun. Look out for Santa, who’ll be handing out gifts.

Al Forsan, Bab Al Shams, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs495 with soft drinks, Dhs695 with house drinks, Dhs250 children four to 11 years. Tel:(0)4 809 6194. @babalshamshotel 

Bai Bar & Terrace

Unlimited small plates, five live stations and a sharing style dessert alongside themed bars and live music from Goldin & Wylie. Little ones can decorate gingerbread houses, too.

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Canal View, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs95 for children six to 12 years. Tel: (0)4 8753340. @radissonhotels

Brasserie 2.0

An extensive buffet – one of the biggest and brightest in town – with a live band and resident DJ playing classic festive tunes.

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, 1.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs550 with soft drinks, Dhs695 with selected house drinks, Dhs950 with selected house drinks and bubbly, Dhs275 children five to 12 years. Tel: (0)4 316550. @brasserie2.0

Bread Street Kitchen & Bar

It’s a British traditional Christmas extravaganza at Gordon Ramsay’s place this season. Live entertainment and a visit from Santa is a given, with festive cocktails, a big Christmas brunch with all the usual wonderful Christmassy grub. Entry includes free access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Atlantis, The Palm, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs390 with soft drinks, Dhs550 with house drinks, Dhs195 for children aged four to 11. Tel: (0)4 426 1000. atlantis.com/dubai

Bubbalicious

Bring a little sparkle to your festive celebrations and celebrate the Westin-way at the award-winning Bubbalicious Brunch, where the fizz is free-flowing, and the food is always delicious. Sample cuisines from around the world, prepared by the resort’s three restaurants, Baba, Sui Mui and Mina’s Kitchen.

Westin Mina Seyahi, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs895 with champagne, Dhs595 with soft drinks, Dhs295 children six to 11 years. 04 511 7373. 03034. restaurants@westin.com

Bull and Bear

Dress up in your Christmas best and head to this party brunch, The Bull of Wall Street, for some insta-tastic Christmas fun complete with a five-course turkey menu including starters to share and the now-famous Wall Street desserts.

Waldorf Astoria DIFC, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs390 with soft drinks, Dhs550 with house drinks, Dhs750 with bubbles, Dhs175 for children aged six to 12 years. Tel: (0)4 5159888. @bullandbear.difc

Café Belge

Café Belge offers a three-course set menu and ‘jazzy vibes’ to make your Christmas the merriest at this fun Secret Brunch.

The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, 1pm to 4.30pm, Dhs399 with soft drinks, Dhs499 with house drinks, Dhs599 with Prosecco. Tel: (0)4 372 2323.

Fairmont The Palm

Families are invited to celebrate Christmas Day at Flow Kitchen with a lavish festive themed brunch serving authentic specialities, including turkey with all the trimmings, a selection of roasts and live entertainment, to ensure a merry time. Little guests will be spoilt for choice with a delicious selection of desserts, a surprise visit from Santa, plus exciting activities at the Falcons Kids’ Club (pre-booking required).

Fairmont The Palm, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs595 with of soft drinks, Dhs695 with of house hops, grapes, and spirits, plus a glass of bubbles upon arrival. Children between six to 12 years old dine for Dhs198 and children between three to six years dine for Dhs99. The brunch is complimentary for children below three years old. Tel: (0)4 457 3457, or email palm.dining@fairmont.com

Farzi Café

Tired of turkey? The team at Farzi Café have been busy mashing up a festive feast with a mega twist. Available for the week of Christmas (December 24 to 30), think an amuse bouche to explode in the mouth followed by their much loved Indian/Italian mash-up Dal Chawal Arancini and lamb chops and chicken tikka blackened on the tandoor. Roast meats are replaced with Farzi’s take on chicken tikka masala, a succulent biryani, mutton cooked with peppers and the much-loved fusion dish Desi Chowmein. The Farzi Café festive menu costs Dhs179 per person for four courses served in sharing style platters and includes two soft drinks.

For reservations at City Walk and Mall Of Emirates, call (050)4075590. farzicafe.ae

FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar

Celebrate a backyard styled brunch at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar. Soak in the fresh air as you dine alfresco on the terrace with modern American food delivered in true FireLake style. The small plates are unlimited and there are five live stations and a sharing-style dessert alongside themed bars and a great drinks list

FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, Dubai. Dec 25 12.30pm to 4pm. Dhs395 soft drinks, Dhs495 house drinks, Dhs595 premium, children aged 6-12 Dhs95. Tel: (0)4 249 7800. firelake.ae

Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City

Bytes Restaurant hosts this year’s festive brunch with carol singers, Winterland children’s zone and an appearance from the big guy in red. Expect traditional festive favourites as part of the extended brunch offerings.

Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs249 with soft drinks, Dhs399 with house drinks, Dhs89 children six to 12 years. Tel: (054) 7931424. hotel.grandplaza.bytes@movenpick.com

Goose Island

A proper, back to basics, turkey Christmas roast with all the trimmings, washed down with a range of craft ales and wine.

Five Jumeirah Village Dubai, from noon, Dhs175. Tel:(0)4 455998. @fivejumeirahvillage

Graze Gastro Grill & Bar

A festive turkey, the finest Australian beef, a variety of  seafood dishes and loads of sides – four hours of jolly brunching won’t be enough. Enjoy unlimited drinks and fantastic live entertainment, including those important festive tunes. The festive offer runs on both Christmas Eve and Day.

La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk Dubai, 1pm to 5pm. Dhs299 with soft drinks, Dhs399 with premium drinks. livelaville.com/festive.aspx

Hoi An

Take a trip to the Far East on Christmas Day and enjoy a brunch featuring the best of Vietnam. There’s grilled foie gas sausages to steamed dumplings, pan-seared diver scallops to chicken satay with peanut sauce, green papaya salad to prawns and more. The brunch runs from 12pm to 4pm.

Hoi An, Shangri-la Dubai, Dhs240 soft, Dhs340 house, Dhs120 children ages 5-12. Tel: (0)4 405 2712. shangri-la.com

Hudson Tavern

Cool new Hyde Hotel Dubai is going all out this Christmas with both a brunch and an evening brunch at its New York venue Hudson Tavern. Enjoy traditional turkey, New York City feast platters, with New York-themed desserts, plus a range of  craft cocktails all served in an approachable, laidback setting.

Hyde Hotel Dubai, 1pm to 4pm and 7pm to 10pm, Dhs445 with house drinks, Dhs595 with Italian bubbly. Tel: (0)4 8711111. hydedubai.com

JA Hatta Fort Hotel

Picnic tables, boho furnishings, and a buffet in the beautifully manicured gardens in the shadows of the Hajar Mountains.

JA Hatta Fort Hotel, noon to 4pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks. Tel: (0)4 8145400. @jahattaforthotel

JA The Resort

This legendary hotel hosts its ‘Epic Christmas Day Brunch’ complete with a whopping 150 traditional festive dishes alongside international favourites and a big kids buffet with candy counters and gingerbread houses. Live music, performers and a special appearance from Santa at 2pm rounds off the entertainment.

Palmito Garden, JA Beach Hotel, Dhs350 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks, 50 per cent off for children aged six to 12 years. Tel: (0)4 8145604. jaresorts.com

Lah Lah

Award-winning pan-Asian kitchen and bar, Lah Lah is plating up a full festive brunch on Christmas day featuring peking duck, dim sum, live sushi and sashimi and pandan crème brûlée. As you tuck in, you’ll have the sounds of a DJ playing a set-list jam-packed with Christmas songs. It takes place from 1 to 5pm. Reservations required.

Say ‘Ciao’ to Santa at Luigia’s Christmas Day celebrations, featuring a set menu of Italian dishes and desserts while the legendary man in red distributes gifts to the kids. Children also eat pasta and pizza for free.

Rixos Premium JBR, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs290 with selected drinks. TelL: (055) 4287540. luigia.ae

Maiden Shanghai

Expect a naughty but nice Christmas at Maiden Shanghai with delicious Chinese food, well-crafted cocktails and live entertainment taking place on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, from Dhs450 with house drinks (Christmas Eve), and from Dhs549 with house drinks (Christmas Day). Tel:(0)4 4559989. @fivepalmjumeirah

Manava

Games, Christmas crafts and live entertainment courtesy of The Voice alumni Jin Flora in the gardens at Sofitel Dubai The Palm’s Manava brunch.

Sofitel Dubai The Palm, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs450 with soft drinks, Dhs595 with cocktails, Dhs260 for teens, Dhs130 for children aged 6 to 11 years. Tel: (0)4 4556677. Sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com/festive

McGettigan’s Souk Madinat

Enjoy a festive meal, including McGettigan’s famous roast turkey and ham, complete with all the essential sides. There’ll be festive entertainment, at both sittings.

McGettigan’s Souk Madinat, noon to 4pm and 5pm to 9pm, Dhs249 with soft drinks, Dhs475 with house drinks. mcgettigans.com/festive

Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen

Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen recently opened up at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, offering up classic British dishes, happy hour, ladies’ night and two lovely outdoor terraces. There are two sittings for dinner on Christmas Day: 12noon until 3pm or 4pm until 7pm with packages starting from Dhs350 per person including food and drink. Expect sharing starters and desserts, and a main with all the trimmings. There’s also a separate vegan and vegetarian menu.

Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, December 25, 12noon until 3pm or 4pm until 7pm with packages starting from Dhs350 per person. @mezzaninedubai

Mimi Kakushi

Let’s be honest – you’ll not find turkey or trimmings of any kind here. But what you will have at Mimi Kakushi’s Christmas brunch is an array of its most delicious dishes. Fresh oysters with ponzu, a selection of decadent nigiri and maki and seared Hokkaido scallop. The feast ends with an impressive sake show that adds a touch of traditional atmosphere to the celebrations. The special festive brunch is available on Christmas Eve and Day.

Four Seasons Resort, Dhs400 with soft drinks, Dhs540 with cocktails, grape and hops, Dhs745 with extra bubbles, noon to 4pm (brunch available for three hours). Tel: (0)4 3794811. mimikakuski.ae

Olival Eatery & Bar

Jingle all the way into Olival’s Christmas Brunch with a selection of international delicacies from around the world and traditional festive delights, live grills and traditional roasts. Santa will make a special visit and you’ll also be treated to live entertainment and a Christmas choir.

Olival Eatery & Bar, Habtoor Grand Resort, Dubai Marina. Dhs325 soft drinks, Dhs425 house drinks, Dhs625 premium. Tel: (0)4 408 4257, hgrs.fbreservation@habtoorhospitality.com

Piatti by the Beach

Spend December 25 with an ocean view in this chic alfresco setting. Piatti by the Beach at Raffles the Palm has a Mediterranean sharing menu including paccheri pasta with lobster and the black truffle pizza as well as turkey with the trimmings for mains.

Piatti by the Beach, Raffles The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs540 soft drinks, Dhs920 Champagne package, Dhs1650 Rosé Champagne package. Tel: (0)4 248 8889. @piattibythebeach

Radisson Blu Damac Hills

A nice and inexpensive neighbourhood festive option for those living in the area, Radisson’s Hessa Street Kitchen all-day dining restaurant whips up Christmas lunch for Dhs295 with house drinks.

Radisson Blu Damac Hills, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs175 with soft drinks, Dhs295 with house drinks. Tel: (0)4 879 1111. radissonhotels.com

Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek

Feast like the big man in red. This family-friendly brunch has 10 cuisines to choose from including festive favourites. Santa will make an appearance, too. Brunch starts at 12.30pm.

Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek, 12.30pm, Dhs245 with soft drinks, Dhs325 with house drinks, Dhs325 with sparkling drinks, Dhs115 children. Tel: (0)4 222 7171. radissonhotels.com

Saffron

Saffron celebrates the holiday season with a special festive-inspired brunch and festive dinner available on both December 24 and 25. Join Santa and his elves for an unforgettable feast of food, drinks and holiday fun. Over 21s only for Christmas lunch. A family dinner option is also available.

Atlantis, The Palm, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs595. Tel: (0)4 4261000. atlantis.com/dubai

Shang Palace

Brunch on Christmas Day Chinese style at Shang Palace at Shangri-La, Dubai. A number of special festive dishes have been curated by the chefs from wok-fried chicken paired with sweet and sour sauce to wok-fried beef tenderloin and more. Add sweet notes to your palate at the end of the night with the decadent dessert selection.

Shangri-La, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd Near Financial Metro Station, Dubai. Dec 25 12pm to 4pm, Dhs180 soft drinks, Dhs285 house, Dhs90 children ages 5-12. Tel: (0)4 405 2703. shangri-la.com

Slaw Burger

How’s this for an offbeat Christmas treat? At Slaw, Chef Ali Yazdi brings the traditional turkey to the table with The Rudolph Burger: a juicy turkey breast sando (Dhs55). It starts with a layer of turkey bacon soaked in ‘Oh Yeah’ sauce, followed by deep fried turkey breast, dripped in chunky dijon cranberry sauce, freshened by green rocca leaves, and all cradled crimson brioche potato bun. Be quick, as it’s only available only in December.

Slaw, Al Wasl Rd, Jumeirah 1, Sun to Sat 7am to 12.30am. Tel: (0)4 54767777. houseofslaw.com

Sofitel Dubai Downtown

Christmas by the Mosaic Pool features an extravagant seafood counter, chicken roulade, and several other seasonal favourites, including a turkey station with all the sides. Junior brunchers will love Kid’s Corner with its centrepiece chocolate fountain.

Sofitel Dubai Downtown, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs350 with soft drinks, Dhs475 with house drinks, Dhs170 for children aged six to 12. Tel: (0)4 5036666. sofitel-dubai-downtown.com

Sonara Camp

Santa’s ditching his sleigh and riding a camel towards Sonara Camp this Christmas. There’s plenty of children’s entertainment, plus a breakdancing show, a Winter Fest parade, and, as usual, excellent food and drink at camp.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, sunset and dinner package Dhs1,100 (adults), Dhs530 (child six to 12 years), 3.30pm onwards. nara.ae/sonara/christmas

SushiSamba

Inspired by the internationally acclaimed restaurant’s blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cultures and cuisines, the SushiSamba Christmas Brunch will bring together live entertainment and immaculate dining to curate an unforgettable festive season with an irresistibly tropical flair at Dubai’s hottest new venue SushiSamba.

St Regis, Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 4pm, from Dhs450 to Dhs795. Tel: (0)45821555. @sushisambadubai

Th8 Palm

Th8 Palm likes to do things differently and is kicking off a brand-new tradition. Each guest needs to bring a small gift and at the end of the three-course lunch at Envy Restaurant, all attendees can draw a number to receive someone else’s gift. They’re calling it a brand-new interpretation of secret Santa, Th8 Palm style. Santa will be there to celebrate with vibrant tunes in the background.

Th8 Palm, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs395 with soft drinks, Dhs545 with house drinks and Dhs795 with premium drinks selection. Children aged 6 to 12 years old dine for Dhs198, aged 3-6 dine for Dhs99 and below 3 are complimentary. Tel: (056) 6820924, or email HB5B6@accor.com

The H Hotel

A certain What’s On member (ahem, Laura), has ordered the turkey takeaway option from The H Hotel, four years running, as she claims it’s one of the best in town. Try it for yourself at the hotel’s Eat & Meat restaurant where its festive brunch features a big bird with all the trimmings, plus lots of family fun entertainment. Alternatively, you can do as Laura does and order one for home (prices start at 299).

The H Hotel, 1pm to 4.30pm, Dhs399 with soft drinks, Dhs499 with house drinks, Dhs709 premium, Dhs199 for children six to 12 years. Tel: (0)4 5018644. hhoteldubai.com

The St. Regis Downtown, Dubai

Head to Bleu Blanc for a set menu bursting with French flavours, as a live band performs festive classics. Adults-only.

The St. Regis Downtown, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs550 with soft drinks, Dhs650 with house drinks, Dhs850 with bubbly. stregisdowntowndubai.com

Traiteur

An extravagant selection of festive favourites with live cooking stations sprawled across Brasserie du Park, NOÉPE and The Thai Kitchen. The live band are on hand to set the vibe for a festive afternoon, plus little guests will be treated to a surprise visit from Santa.

Park Hyatt Dubai, 1pm to 4.30pm, Dhs645 with soft drinks, Dhs895 house/sparkling drinks, Dhs1,095 bubbly. Tel: (0)4 602 1814.
@parkhyattdubai

Vida Creek Harbour

Barbecue, oysters, seafood stations and that iconic Dubai view make this a very special Christmas celebration.

Vida Creek Harbour, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs249 with soft drinks, Dhs359 with house drinks. Tel: (0)4 4288888. vidahotels.com

Waldorf Astoria The Palm

Experience a Waldorf Astoria Christmas Day brunch with a big buffet featuring some of the Waldorf Astoria culinary icons and a wide variety of festive delicacies. Santa makes an appearance, too.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 4pmpm. Dhs490 with soft drinks, Dhs690 with house drinks, Dhs890 with bubbly, Dhs250 children aged six to 11. Tel: (04) 8182222. waldorfastoria.com/dubai

Images: Social/provided