From lavish hotel brunches adorned with seasonal specialties to intimate gatherings at charming restaurants, the UAE offers a diverse array of celebrations to suit every palate

Virgin Izakaya

Celebrate the holiday season with the Virgin Izakaya Festive Brunch featuring a menu brimming with diverse sushi, fresh salads, warm appetizers, and delectable desserts to celebrate the holiday season. Plus, seize endless opportunities to win exciting prizes as you revel in the bold flavours of Japan.

December 23 and 24. From AED275 per person. Visit website.

Banyan Tree Dubai

December 25, from 1pm. AED495 including soft beverages. AED695 including house beverages. AED895 including bubbly. AED295 per child up to 12 years. Call +9714 556 6666 or email guestservice-dubai@banyantree.com. Visit website.

Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island

Embark on a sumptuous dining experience at Café Milano, where a delightful banquet awaits with offerings such as a comforting Lobster salad, succulent roasted Jumbo prawns, and the distinctive Dolci natalizi. For a festive celebration, immerse yourself in the seasonal delights at Butcher & Still, where a specially crafted à la carte menu awaits, featuring Christmas-inspired drinks and delectable dishes like Turkey roulade and luscious Pecan pie.

Café Milano: December 24 for dinner, from 6:00pm. Special à la carte menu for dinner. Butcher & Still: December 24 for dinner, from 6:00-11:45pm. À la carte menu for dinner. Visit website.

OPA

OPA welcomes guests to partake in a celebration deeply rooted in authentic Greek customs. At the heart of this joyous occasion is the meticulously curated Christmas Special Menu, thoughtfully designed to showcase the opulent flavours and timeless recipes of Greece. Elevating the traditional culinary experience, Christmas Eve at OPA will be illuminated by the spirited performance of Paraskevas and his dancers, vividly capturing the exuberant essence of Greek dance, and offering a three-day festive journey into the heart of Greek traditions. The restaurant’s atmosphere, embellished with elegant Christmas-themed decorations, envelops guests in the festive spirit of the Greek people.

December 24-26. Call +9714 357 0557. Visit website.

Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi

Immerse yourself in an afternoon of holiday festivities with the Festive Brunch at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi. Revel in a harmonious blend of Pacific Rim flavours against the backdrop of a serene beachfront setting. This gastronomic journey combines a medley of gourmet offerings, exotic beverages, captivating live entertainment, and the enchanting ambience of the seaside.

December 24, 1pm–4pm. AED425 per person including soft beverages. AED550 per person including house beverages. AED200 per child between 6-12 years old. Visit website.

Surf Club

Celebrate the joyous season with a Christmas Brunch offering a delightful 3-course experience featuring sharing platters for starters, a choice of main courses from a Mediterranean-inspired coastal menu, and decadent desserts crafted for two. Indulge in starters such as Turkey Slider with Muenster Cheese & Home-Made Cranberry Sauce, French Beans Salad with Beef Cecina and Roasted Chestnuts, and a Mixed Maki Roll Platter. For the main course, choose from Ginger-Spiced Butternut with Roasted Pear & Brie Cheese, Roast Grainfed Baby Chicken with Foie Gras and Cranberry Sauce, or Oven Tiger Shrimp with Saffron & Lemon Butter, Shiitake, and Asparagus Risotto with Dill. Conclude the festive feast with Eton Mess with Mixed Berry Sauce and Strawberry Salad with Yuzu Cream & Ginger Bread Crumble.

December 24 and 25, from 1-5pm. AED495 per person including soft beverages. AED595 per person including house beverages. AED695 per person including bubbly. Call +9714 589 5444 or email reservations@surfclubdubai.com.

BESH Turkish Kitchen

Embark on a delightful buffet brunch at Besh, immersing yourself in the enchanting charm of Turkey and savouring a captivating journey through traditional favourites, expertly prepared at live cooking stations. Delight in cheerful conversations and dining with your loved ones, surrounded by a vibrant and colourful interior or opt for a serene terrace with panoramic Dubai views, accompanied by lively tunes from a DJ. To add to the festive magic, Santa Claus will be making a special appearance with gifts for the younger guests, creating cherished moments in the dedicated kids’ corner.

December 24, from 1-4pm. From AED245 per person. Call +9714 377 2356.

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City

Experience the reimagined Picnic Pantry 2.0, a Saturday picnic brunch infused with a festive touch. Create your own holiday-inspired picnic basket filled with delectable BBQ delights and delicious seasonal treats. Enjoy an unparalleled ambience and scenic outdoor settings, grooving to lively tunes, and basking in the mesmerising views of the Burj Khalifa, topped with a surprise visit from Santa himself.

AED475 including soft beverages. AED575 including house beverages. AED120 per child aged 6-12. Kids below 6 dine for free. Call +9714 701 1127/28. Visit website.

Cordelia

Experience an exceptional Christmas Day Brunch at Cordelia with a DJ and live band. Indulge in a lavish spread of seafood and expertly grilled specialties.

December 25, 1-5pm. AED400 per person including soft beverages. AED550 per person including house and sparkling grape beverages. AED200 per child for 6-12 years old. Kids under 5 dine for free. Visit website.

Bla Bla Dubai

Savour a lavish Christmas Brunch that includes a delectable full turkey roast with all the festive fixings, live cooking stations, shared starters, and a selection of Japanese delights such as sushi, dynamite mushrooms, and oysters. Immerse yourself in the festive ambience with live entertainment, featuring a DJ, singer, and an enchanting Christmas dance performance.

December 25, from 1-4pm. AED249 per person including soft beverages. AED395 per person including house beverages. AED495 per person including sparkling beverages. AED695 per person including bubbly. Call +9714 584 4111. Visit website.

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Immerse yourself in a feast designed for Santa in an enchanting garden setting, featuring a sumptuous buffet, interactive delights, and trendy pop-up bars. Tuck into succulent offerings such as roast turkey, rib-eye on the bone, roast leg of lamb, and plenty more. For the little ones, a dedicated buffet and engaging activities await, topped off with a special visit from Santa himself.

December 25, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. AED450 including soft beverages. AED595 including house beverages. AED795 including premium beverages. AED225 per child aged six to 12 years old. AED95 per child aged three to five years old. Visit website.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

The Palace unveils a unique holiday charm with sun, sea, and the presence of Santa Claus himself. Enjoy table-side service with ocean views at Sand & Koal, embrace old-school glamour at Broadway, and create cherished family memories with Vendôme’s expansive buffet. Café Fountain also provides an à la carte menu, allowing guests to relish the most magnificent sunset Palace views.

December 25. Brunch packages are available at AED550 for soft beverages, AED650 for house selection, and AED750 for bubbles. Visit website.

W Dubai – The Palm

Experience the enchantment of Christmas Day at LIV with their festive XMAS Day Theme Brunch—an exquisite celebration guaranteed to fill hearts with joy. Enhanced by lively entertainment, guests can indulge in a range of delightful packages, from soft beverages to premium selections.

December 25, from 1-4pm. AED 325 per person including soft beverages. AED549 per person including house beverages. AED649 per person including premium beverages. AED199 per person for kids. Visit website.

Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre

Elevate your Christmas Eve experience at Yalumba with the Gala Dinner extravaganza! Immerse in the festive ambience and relish a memorable evening with diverse dining packages. Featuring the vibrant beats of DJ Kennedy, the celebration ensures an unforgettable night filled with dancing to festive tunes. Yalumba’s Christmas Eve Gala Dinner welcomes guests to embrace the holiday spirit and forge lasting memories in a stylish and celebratory setting.

December 24, from 7:30-11:30pm. From AED295 per person. 15% off if booked before November 30th. Call +9714 702 2455. Visit website.

Roaring Rabbit

Experience the festive delights at Roaring Rabbit with its exclusive menu, featuring a Christmas roast and a lively quiz night on December 24th. Indulge in holiday drinks and live entertainment, and don’t forget to join the Christmas jumper competition for a festive and entertaining evening. Elevate your celebrations with the “Festive Panorama Brunch at Raia,” followed by the Panorama After Dark Festive Brunch, offering a tempting selection of holiday treats, drinks, and live entertainment to keep the festive spirit alive.

December 24, from 7-11pm. AED299 per person including soft beverages. AED399 per person including house beverages. AED499 per person including bubbly.

The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel

Experience a festive Christmas brunch on the tranquil Palm Jumeirah, complete with holiday decor and non-alcoholic bubbly for a memorable celebration.

December 25, from 12:30-4pm. AED135 per child between 6-11 years. AED399 per adult including non-alcoholic bubbly beverages. Visit website.

Mina’s Kitchen at The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina

Experience the enchantment of Christmas Day in opulent fashion with our signature Bubbalicious Brunch: Christmas Edition at Mina’s Kitchen, located in The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Immerse yourself in a distinctive and memorable feast that seamlessly blends the festive spirit with exhilarating moments.

December 25, from 1-4pm. AED695 per person. Call +9714 511 7373.

Palm Kitchen

Celebrate the magic of Christmas at the Christmas Brunch brimming with live stations, festive dishes, and themed beverages. Don’t miss Santa’s arrival, live performances, kids’ activities, and carolling.

December 25, from 7pm-11pm. AED499 including soft beverages. AED649 including house beverages. AED199 per child aged 6-12 years old.

Icon Bar

Guests can treat themselves to a delightful festive sandwich, complete with French Fries and Rainbow Slaw, accompanied by a complimentary beverage for AED59. Elevate your Sundays with the exquisite Festive Sunday Roast, beginning at AED99, featuring succulent Roasted Turkey Breast accompanied by traditional trimmings such as bacon-wrapped sausages, roasted new potatoes, buttered vegetables, brussels sprouts, Yorkshire pudding, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Alternatively, guests can relish the Roast beef served with Yorkshire pudding, mashed potato, roasted vegetables, roasted new potatoes, and pepper jus. Warm up winter evenings with the aromatic mulled grape or opt for the refreshing basil grapefruit mimosa crafted with grapefruit juice, basil syrup, and ginger ale.

Available throughout December. Call +9714 366 9137 or email bars.mediacity.dubai@radissonblu.com.