18 wonderful places to celebrate Christmas Eve in Dubai

Mistletoe and wine…

The day before Christmas is just as important as the big day itself, and if you’re looking out for ways to celebrate Christmas Eve in Dubai, here is a wide variety of indoor and al fresco venues, you can dine under the stars or indoors by intimate candlelight.

Kick off your festivities right and celebrate Christmas Eve in Dubai at one of these wonderful venues…

Bar Du Port

Enjoy a festive brunch at Bar Du Port on December 24 and 25. The curated menu features tropical tuna ceviche, foie gras and chicken terrine, Australian beef tenderloin, turkey roll and Christmas praline chocolate yule log.

Bar Du Port, Dubai Harbour Pier Club, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs350 soft drinks, Dhs430 with house drinks. Tel: (0)50 969 9820. bdpdubai.com

Billionaire Dubai

Experience a festive start to Christmas at Billionaire Dubai on December 23, 24 or 25. The talented cast will be putting on a special show of joyous entertainment. Guests will enjoy the a la carte menu, before moving into the Billionaire club for a festive after-party.

Billionaire Dubai, Taj Dubai, Business Bay, 9pm to 3am. Tel: (0)4 510 3100. @billionairedubaiofficial

Carine

Chef Izu and his team have prepared the ultimate festive menu for guests this Christmas. On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy a dinner accompanied by the soulful sounds of live band La Loop Duo. Festive specials include foie gras terrine, a seafood platter, a whole rack of lamb, and salted chocolate caramel.

Carine, Emirates Golf Club, a la carte. Tel: (0)4 417 9885. carine.ae

Cinque

Transport to the Amalfi Coast with Cinque’s Christmas Eve menu. Indulge in gourmet Italian dishes, including oven-fresh panettone, alongside live entertainment and handcrafted drinks. A buffet brunch is available on December 25.

Cinque, Five Palm Jumeirah, Dhs499 soft drinks, Dhs599 house drinks, Dhs299 children, from 7pm. Tel: (0)4 455 9989. @cinquedubai

Claw BBQ JBR

Claw is hosting not one but two brunches on Christmas Eve, giving guests a chance to choose when they wish to celebrate. The deal is wallet-friendly, too. With packages from Dhs249 with house drinks, diners can tuck into fresh seafood, succulent cuts of meat, signature guacamole live station and wings. Plus, enjoy games of Buckin’ Bronco and a resident DJ spinning the freshest tunes.

Claw BBQ, The Pavilion, JBR, 12.30pm to 4pm or 8.30pm to midnight, Dhs249 house drinks, Dhs299 sparkling. Tel: (0)4 577 4357. @clawbbq

La Coco

Transforming into a winter wonderland, La Coco will get diners feeling festive from the moment they walk in. Your Christmas Eve dinner will be serenaded by an electronic violin, as you choose between three different three-course menus. Options include Wagyu tartar and truffle bruschetta, turkey roulade, and butternut squash risotto.

La Coco, Andaz the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dhs349 soft drinks, Dhs499 house drinks, Dhs549 bubbles. Tel: (0)4 581 1281. andaz.com

 Ernst

Keen to add some Oktoberfest-style magic to your Christmas feast? Ernst is the place to find it. The authentic Bavarian restaurant is hosting a German brunch on December 24, which will have you feeling cosy and Christmassy in no time.

Ernst, 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, 12pm to 4pm, Dhs300 mocktails, Dhs400 mulled wine and house drinks, Dhs500 Champagne. Tel: (0)4 210 2511. ernstbiergarten.com

Eunoia

From December 23 to 26, head to Eunoia for an indulgent festive a la carte menu consisting of heirloom tomatoes with goat cheese and figs, white truffle gnocchi, grilled beef tomahawk with roast potatoes and more. Dishes start from Dhs75.

Eunoia by Carine, Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai, La Mer North, a la carte menu. Tel: (0)4 302 1241. @eunoiabycarine

Hotel Cartagena

Spend your Christmas Eve in Dubai with a Latin brunch at Hotel Cartagena. There is an option for an afternoon or evening brunch on December 24 with a menu of sharing platters featuring the likes of truffle and cheese empanadas and tender roasted turkey roulade, followed by panettone, profiteroles, and gingerbread. Festive drinks include mulled wine and Christmassy cocktails.

Hotel Cartagena, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, 1pm to 4pm or 7pm to 10pm, Dhs295 soft drinks, Dhs395 house drinks, Dhs445 sparkling. Tel: (0)4 350 9287. @hotelcartagenadxb

The London Project

Experience the Notting Hill Carnival Brunch on Christmas Eve. Get merry with free-flowing drinks while snapping the Insta-worthy Christmas décor and brunch entertainment in festive costumes. The lively brunch will continue with an after-party on the terrace, hosted by DJ Marcella.

The London Project, Bluewaters, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs350 soft drinks, Dhs450 house drinks, Dhs550 premium. Tel: (0)54 306 1822. thelondonproject.com

MasterChef, The TV Experience

The night before Christmas, head down to MasterChef for a three-course set menu, free-flowing beverages and live music from Ciaran Fox.

MasterChef, The TV Experience, Millennium Place Hotel, Dubai Marina, 7pm to midnight, Dhs299 food only, Dhs499 house drinks, Dhs699 sparkling. Tel: (0)4 550 811. masterchefdxb.com

Nezesaussi Grill

Prep your stomach for the big day with a turkey feast at Nezesaussi Grill, Manzil Downtown. The festive feast features all the trimmings.

Nezesaussi Grill, Manzil Downtown, 7pm to midnight, Dhs199. Tel: (0)4 428 5858. vidahotels.com

Raffles The Palm

Countdown to Christmas at Le Jardin with a festive buffet, featuring decadent dishes from a variety of international cuisines. Tuck into crispy roast potatoes, turkey with all the trimmings and so much more.

Le Jardin, Raffles the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 6.30pm to 9.30pm, Dhs350 soft drinks, Dhs450 house drinks, Dhs175 children aged six to 12. Tel: (0)4 248 8888. rafflesthepalmdubai.com

The Selfish Bull

Enjoy waterfront views as you dine on a three-course menu at The Selfish Bull. The Bluewaters venue is hosting a Christmas Eve brunch that includes turkey with trimmings, a live singer, and a selection of wine to get you in the festive spirit.

The Selfish Bull, Bluewaters, 12pm ’til late, from Dhs595. Tel: (0)4 399 3638. @theselfishbulldubai

Sofitel Downtown

Spend Christmas Eve supper with loved ones at Les Cuisines, with an indulgent buffet and live entertainment. All cuisines are catered to from the extensive selection of live stations.

Les Cuisines, Sofitel Downtown, 7pm to 10.30pm, Dhs385 soft drinks, Dhs495 house drinks, Dhs170 children six to 12. Tel: (0)4 503 6666. sofitel.com

 Tasca

Dine on a five-course Michelin-worthy menu at Tasca on Christmas Eve. José Avillez’s culinary creations will be given a festive twist, while live music and Christmas décor will encapsulate the spirit of the season.

Tasca, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs350 soft drinks, Dhs450 house drinks, Dhs700 Champagne. Tel: (0)4 777 2231, mandarinoriental.com

Torno Subito

For the homesick Italians that will be spending Christmas Eve in Dubai, Torno Subito might be the perfect place. Offering a true taste of Italian Riviera, expect a selection of delectable dishes, as well as live music and kids’ entertainment on December 24 and 25.

Torno Subito, W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dhs399 soft drinks, Dhs499 house drinks, Dhs599 premium. Tel: (0)4 245 5800. @tornosubitodubai

Weslodge

Tuck into a three-course yuletide feast at Weslodge on Christmas Eve. Gather family and friends to enjoy dishes such as Vitello tonnato, turkey with the trimmings, roasted cauliflower steak, and the classic Waldorf salad.

Weslodge, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, 5.30pm to midnight, Dhs250 including three courses, sides and two soft drinks. Tel: (0)50 731 9808. @weslodgedubai

Images: Provided and Social