The Saudi capital is truly embracing festive traditions for the first time, with feasts, activities and more
Christmas in Riyadh is fast becoming a delightful blend of tradition and new festive experiences, as the Saudi capital embraces the spirit of the season. While the Kingdom has traditionally not marked Christian holidays like Christmas, recent years have seen a growing openness to seasonal celebrations as the Arabian tradition of gathering friends, family and loved ones extends to magical festive feasts and family-friendly experiences.
This year, Riyadh residents and visitors alike can get their festive fix at the Kingdom’s finest hotels and restaurants – or from the comfort of their own homes thanks to several ‘turkey roast with the trimmings to go’ services delivering elevated traditional fare to your door. From winter-themed menus, featuring delicious holiday classics, to gingerbread-making workshops, Riyadh invites everyone to share in the joy of the season.
The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh
The resplendent Ritz-Carlton Riyadh is fully embracing the festive season this year with not one, but three opportunities to enjoy its Al Orjouan’s Grand Holiday Feast. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the surroundings for an afternoon or evening buffet and live entertainment on the 24th, 25th and 31st December. On Christmas Day, little ones can participate in a delightful gingerbread workshop session while the adults whole-heartedly enjoy the festivities.
If you’re still undecided, The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh is also inviting you to La Dolce Festa at Azzurro, its beautiful Italian restaurant overlooking the indoor swimming pool, for a four-course set menu dinner and live entertainment on the 24th or lunch on the 25th. What’s more, The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh is offering an enticing 25% discount on all themed dining nights through December.
AlHada Area, ritzcarlton.com
Fairmont Riyadh
Fairmont Riyadh is providing a delightful array of Christmas culinary experiences this year. Spend Christmas Eve at the classical 1920s-inspired Fairmont grillroom the House of Grill for an elegant five-course Christmas feast of caviar-topped salmon gravlax, truffle wagyu striploin, and chestnut purée Mont Blanc. If you’re in the mood for more laid-back opulence, the 365 Restaurant is hosting a festive-themed brunch accompanied by the soothing sounds of soft jazz.
Fairmont Riyadh is also offering gourmands a ‘turkey to go’ option. Serving 6-8 people, the indulgent feast of succulent roast turkey with all your seasonal favourites can be delivered to your home throughout the month of December.
December 24th, starting at 6:30PM, SAR 450 per person; December 25th, from 12:30PM – 5PM, SAR 320 per person; Business Gate, fairmont.com
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah
Sip on festive tipples such as non-alcoholic Glühwein (making its debut in Riyadh) and the gloriously wintry mint hot chocolate at the shiny Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah this December. A special a la carte menu, complete with traditional and decadent Saudi desserts, can also be found at the hotel’s La Brasserie’s outdoor terrace at the base of the iconic Al Faisaliah Tower.
Or, why not make a reservation at L˜aria during Chef Massimiliano Blasone – of Mandarin Oriental Lake Como fame – two-month residency at the sister hotel from 4th December until 28th February 2025 as he brings his fresh approach and Japanese influences to classic Italian gastronomy?
Al Olaya; mandarinoriental.com
Four Seasons Riyadh
Why not pull up a chair at the commanding Four Season Riyadh’s beautiful Obaya Lounge this Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for a traditional turkey roast or more elevated fare? If your calendar is already committed, the Four Seasons will bring their exceptional festive feast for 10 people to your front door throughout December. Pierre Hermé is a must for the sweeter-toothed this Christmas as the world-renowned pastry chef’s delectable yule logs, chocolate boxes, and beautiful advent calendars go on sale at the five-star hotel.
Kingdom Centre, fourseasons.com
Zuma Riyadh
If you’re slightly turkeyed out, then hot new restaurant opening Zuma Riyadh may be the perfect tonic this festive season. Blending bold flavours with elegant design and contemporary Japanese Izakaya flavours, Zuma’s exciting new outpost in the Kingdom’s Financial District is welcoming guests from December 16th for both lunch and dinner services.
Famed for its exquisite sushi, sashimi, and nigiri, diners at the world-renowned Japanese fusion restaurant can also sample Riyadh exclusives such as the mouth-watering Ajwa Date and Miso Toffee Cake with ginger crumble, poached pears, and sweet corn mochi ice cream.
King Abdullah Financial District, zumarestaurant.com
La Petite Maison (LPM)
A relative newcomer to the Saudi capital, La Petite Maison (LPM) has continued to spread its joie de vivre across the Saudi capital since setting up shop in the iconic Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in 2020. Chef Durga Misra’s southern France-inspired haute cuisine of standout risotto, gnocchi, escargot, and foie gras dishes have delighted its Riyadh patrons – as its sister restaurants have the world over for the past 17 years.
LPM’s festive menu takes inspiration from the magical Côte d’Azur. From its Déjeuner des Fêtes (lunch of festivities) themed dishes served between 12.30pm to 3.30pm Sunday to Thursday, to its limited-edition winter mocktail, Jean à Jean, and divine Gâteau au Marron et Marmelade à l’Orange (a chestnut and orange marmalade cake served from December 21 to December 26), this Noël menu should leap to the top of your Christmas list.
Al Olaya, lpmrestaurants.com
AOK Kitchen Riyadh
This season, AOK Kitchen Riyadh unveiled its ‘Little Kitchen’ pop-up, a dedicated area for children to play pretend at cheffing. This novel and fun concept, designed to give little ones their first taste of the culinary world through themed play and experiences, encourages children to unleash their creativity while educating them on food and nutrition.
Masterclasses for the whole family – including pets – are the name of the game and you can end the evening in the very real and very delicious Mediterranean-cum-Californian restaurant which champions local Saudi producers.
King Abdullah Financial District, aokkitchen.co.uk
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