The best festive afternoon teas to try in Dubai this Christmas

Time for a spot of (festive) tea…

With Christmas just around the block, these Dubai hotels and restaurants are putting a festive twist to their afternoon teas.

Here are 13 festive afternoon teas you need to tuck into this Christmas in Dubai 

Address Dubai Marina

Indulge in traditional sweet and savoury favourites with unlimited tea or coffee in the comfort of a themed winter wonderland at Dubai Address Marina. It will cost just Dhs175 per person, and if you want sparkling wine, add an additional Dhs110. The afternoon tea runs daily from 3pm to 6pm, from December 6 to 30.

Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai, from Dec 6 to 30. Tel: (0)4 436 7777. addresshotels.com

Aspen Cafe

A host of seasonal treats, freshly baked gingerbread, spiced cookies and delicious Christmas beverages are on the festive afternoon tea menu at Aspen Cafe. Oh, and there’s a chance to meet Santa, too. It costs Dhs295 for two.

Kempinski Hotel, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, from Dec 4 to 26, Dhs295 for two. Tel: (04) 409 5888. kempinski.com

Bab Al Shams

Fairmont The Palm

From December 1 to January 8, head to Mashrabiya Lounge for a festive-inspired afternoon tea featuring traditional log cakes, sweet treats and a delicious menu of hot chocolate drinks. It is available daily from 12pm to 5pm and is priced at Dhs155 per person. Hot chocolate from the hot chocolate bar can be purchased for an additional price of Dhs45 per person, complete with ‘pick n mix’ style toppings to choose from.

Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Dec 1 to Jan 8. Tel:(0)4 457 3457. fairmont.com

InterContinental Hotel Dubai Festival City

For the whole month of December, Choix par Pierre Gagnaire is hosting an afternoon tea from 12pm to 5pm with an added bit of cheer. The bright and merry experience comes with a selection of finger sandwiches, delicious pastries, mouthwatering cakes with premium teas. Coming alone? It will cost Dhs175 but if you come with a plus one, it’s Dhs299. The price includes Christmas mocktails. Want mulled wine? It’s an additional Dhs95. While you’re here, try a slice of the Christmas log for Dhs42. Make a reservation before you head on down at (04) 701 1111.

InterContinental Dubai in Festival City, Dubai, Dec 1 to 31 from 12pm to 5pm, Dhs175 for one, Dhs299 for two including Christmas mocktails, Dhs95 additional for mulled wine. Tel: (04) 701 1111. dubaifestivalcityhotels.com/festive

Mandarin Oriental

Noor Lounge has a festive afternoon tea available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You will pay Dhs320 for two for a delectable array of scones, finger sandwiches, cakes, Christmas crackers and teas. Not only is it tasty, but the pretty selection is sure to pop on your ‘Gram. Your setting will be the light-filled lobby of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, with its canopy of gilded trees and floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of the sea.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, festive afternoon tea, Dec 24 and 25, Dhs320 for two. Tel: (04) 777 2222. mandarinoriental.com

Raffles Dubai

The stunning Raffles Salon is serving up an afternoon tea with a delicious selection of sweet and savoury delicacies. The afternoon tea will run from December 1 to January 7 from 2pm to 7pm and will cost Dhs180 per person, including a glass of mulled wine. If you have little ones, pop down from December 13 to 19 as children can spend time at the Raffles’ gingerbread workshop led by pastry chefs. They will even get a chance to meet Santa. The workshop is complimentary for one child per adult and it will be Dhs75 per additional child.

Raffles Salon, Raffles Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Road, Wafi, Dubai, Dhs180 per person, for gingerbread workshop. Dhs75 per additional child. Tel: (04) 314 9869. raffles.com

Sultan Lounge

This Ottoman-inspired lounge in Jumeriah Zabeel Saray is offering an indulgent festive afternoon tea filled with sweet delicacies and signature teas for Dhs220. If you want a glass of bubbly, pay Dhs250. One stand can be shared between two guests. Available from December 8 to 30 from 3pm to 6pm. 

Sultan’s Lounge, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeriah, Dubai, Dhs220 with tea, Dhas250 with one glass of bubbly, from Dec 8 to 30. Tel: (04) 453 0444. jumeriah.com

Swissotel Al Ghurair

The festive high tea here will take you on a journey from East to West, seasoned with traditional Christmas favourites, flavourful teas and the hotel’s speciality karakccino (it’s karak tea but with a twist). It’s available for you to tuck into on December 4, 16 and 23. If you have little ones, bring them along as they can partake in a Gingerbread House decorating workshop. Pay just Dhs150 for two adults and two children (it includes the price of two gingerbread house kits).

Swissôtel Al Ghurair, Omar Bin Al Khattab Street, Deira, Dubai, festive high tea Dec 4, 16 and 23, 12pm to 6pm. Dhs150 for two adults and two children. Tel: (0)4 293 3000. swissotel.com 

The Meydan Hotel

From December 10 to 31 (excluding Tuesdays), this five-star hotel is hosting a festive take on afternoon tea where you can enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, delicious pastries, cakes and freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Want free-flowing drinks? It will be Dhs189. Else, it’s Dhs129 for soft drinks. Book at least 24 hours in advance.