Christmas in Dubai is a wonderful time of the year. With the sun shining, and the season in full swing, the emirate becomes a hub for happy residents and travellers alike, who flock to the city for its festive brunches, good times and guaranteed good weather. For those looking to celebrate the festive season in Dubai, there are ample things to do to truly capture the spirit of the holidays, from indulgent Christmas brunches to transportive winter-themed events. Here are the best ways to spend Christmas in Dubai this year.
How to spend Christmas in Dubai
Book a wintery chalet at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates
For those used to colder Christmases and festive periods, there are few better ways to celebrate Christmas in Dubai than booking into one of Kempinski Mall of the Emirates’ fabulous Aspen Ski Chalets. Overlooking the powdery white pistes of Ski Dubai, these unique and sought-after suites are the jewel in the hotel’s crown – transporting guests to the slopes of Aspen and a true winter wonderland. There are no windows – just onto the brilliant white and wintery Sky Dubai – and rooms have cosy faux fireplaces, furry throws, rugs, and are swathed in dark, cosy, Colorado-inspired interiors. There are four categories of these chalets to choose from, from the standard Aspen Ski Chalet – perfect for couples and small families with a cosy layout and king-sized beds – the two-storey Deluxe Aspen Ski Chalet (accommodating up to four), the two-bedroom option sleeping up to seven with a cosy lounge space, and, perfect for entertaining and recreating the magic of a family Christmas, the 228 sqm three-bedroom Aspen Sku Chalet with three floors, sweeping views of the slopes and a dining room for entertaining. A fourth Aspen chalet recreates a more summer-in-Aspen vibe with neutral and bright interiors and direct access to the hotel’s pool.
Chalets from AED3,887 per night in December; kempinski.com
Billionaire Dubai
For a huge dose of festive sparkle and extravagance this season, book a table at Billionaire Dubai – the city’s most famous, and impressive, dinner and a show experience. The iconic brand – born in Porto Cervo and the baby of billionaire businessman Flavio Briatore – offers some of the best fun you can have on an evening in the city, and this December, the hedonistic venue has been transformed into a glittering Crystal Euphoria wonderland. Offering a Christmas in Dubai to remember, the restaurant, lounge and nightclub will be transformed from 12 December to 7 January, with a kaleidoscope of colours that will be mirrored in the vibrancy of an exhilarating show on stage, performed by world-class dancers, singers, and acrobats scouted from all over the world. The signature red corridor will be adorned with jewels, and guests can dine on celebrity chef Batuhan Piatti Zeynioglu’s specially curated menu of Italian and New-Asian Dishes.
24 and 25 December; 9pm to 3am; +971 (0) 4 510 3100, WhatsApp: +971 (0) 56 678 3357, dubai@billionairesociety.com
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai
The modern, minimalist bohemian beach haven of Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai is a wonderous place to enjoy the festive season, with a relaxed atmosphere, stunning sweeping beachfront, and plenty of spaces for banquet dining. This Christmas, the luxury beach resort is throwing two indulgent festive soirees – a Christmas Eve dinner (from AED350 per person) and a Christmas Day brunch. Directly on the sands, the Christmas Eve beachfront dinner will offer a Mediterranean-meets-Hamptons vibe with a live dinger and DJ set all night long, with a wine-paring option for AED500 per person or a welcome drink for AED350 per person. The Christmas Day brunch is more high octane, taking place from 1pm to 4pm at the hotel’s acclaimed poolside eatery Cafe Nikki, with a live band, resident DJ, Santa’s exciting arrival, and pool and beach access to end the day in true relaxation.
Packages start from AED250 for children under 12; AED500 soft, AED650 house, AED850 Champagne; restaurantreservation.dubai@nikkibeachhotels.com Phone: +971 4 376 6290WhatsApp: +971 56 545 4039
Raffles The Palm Dubai
Raffles The Palm Dubai is putting on a festive season to remember, inviting guests to enjoy its palatial surroundings, manicured lawns and baroque palace vibes with a host of Christmas brunches, dinners and glittering soirees and events. On Christmas Day itself, guests will be able to sit down for a feast at Raffles’ glamorous Le Jardin restaurant, flooded with natural light and spilling onto a garden-view terrace. The traditional feast will feature all the trimmings plus a visit from Father Christmas to spread Christmas cheer. The lunch runs from 1pm to 4pm and is priced at AED945 with champagne, AED845 with house sparkling or AED645 with soft drinks, with children aged 6-12 for AED345 and under 6 free. On the nights of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Le Jardin will also host a lavish buffet dinner, where live music, mouthwatering roast meats, delicious sides and delectable desserts will inspire festive joy. The buffet runs from 7pm and is priced at AED845 with champagne, AED655 with house sparkling and AED455 with soft beverages, with children 6-12 for AED255.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
One of the city’s most luxurious – and architecturally magnificent – hotels, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is another fabulous spot to spend Christmas in Dubai. Embrace the enchantment of the season at the hotel’s array of festive events, including a Christmas Eve set dinner and a lavish Christmas Day evening brunch. On Christmas Eve, from 6:30pm to 11pm, revellers are invited to the hotel’s chic beachside brasserie The Bay, for a menu of Mediterranean classics, transporting guests to Christmas in Italy. Sharing dishes include Burrata and Truffle Tortellini, Insalata di Mare, and Grilled Beef Striploin, finished off with a traditional Panettone for dessert. The restaurant will be transformed into a festive garden with live music, with the menu priced at AED320. On Christmas Day itself, the ocean-front restaurant is throwing an extravagant brunch, with various live cooking stations for turkey carving, oysters, paella, and even cotton candy – alongside standout dishes such as Lobster Thermidor, Beef Wellington and Duck Cassoulet. Adults can celebrate to the sounds of jazz and blues by Carrie Gibson’s Nuvo Soul Band, as Santa Claus entertains the younger members of the family.
24 and 25th December; Christmas Day brunch from 7pm onwards, priced at AED950 per person, including premium beverages and champagne, AED 650 for non-alcoholic beverages and AED 350 for children aged 4 to 12; mandarinoriental.com/dubai, modub-info@mohg.com
LPM Restaurant & Bar
For true festive indulgence, the French way, a visit to LPM Restaurant & Bar is imperative this Christmas in Dubai – where the spirit of celebration takes over with wonderful seasonal decorations and sublime special menus. Throughout the month, every Wednesday, the stylish French restaurant will host a festive business lunch, priced at AED135 per person for one starter and one main. At the renowned LPM bar, a special cocktail menu will be in full swing, offering a festive twist on the famous Jean Cocteau menu. Each drink comes with a postcard, inviting diners to write heartfelt messages to their loved ones, and is priced at AED78. In addition, for AED220, guests on weekdays throughout the month will be able to enjoy unlimited Legras & Haas “Intuition” Rosé champagne for 1.5 hours between 12pm and 3pm – perfect for celebrating in style with friends. But where it truly shines, is its festive menu, available on Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch for AED610 per person (plus AED310 for the champagne experience). Guests can enjoy a sharing menu featuring the extraordinary Seafood Tower, Lobster Casserole or the Beef Tournedos Rossini with Truffle Jus, followed by delights like festive Chestnut Cake with Orange Marmalade and Hukambi Chocolate Mousse.
Gate Village No, 8, DIFC; lpmrestaurants.com; @lpmdubai
Mina’s Kitchen
Home to some of the most lavish feasts in Dubai, it’s only apt that Mina’s Kitchen – located at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina – be throwing the festive season of all festive seasons, with a series of indulgent Christmas brunches and dinners. Starting on Christmas Eve, Mina’s Kitchen will host a magical family-friendly dinner with free-flowing beverages from 7:30pm to 10:30pm getting revellers in teh festive spirit, with packages from AED450 per person. On Christmas Day, Mina’s will open for its iconic Christmas Day Bubbalicious Brunch, one of the grandest, and most in-demand, in the city with all the feasts and festive trimmings one could wish for, plus free-flowing beverages. The brunch will run from 1pm to 4pm and is priced from AED695 per person, and includes festive entertainment. Carrying on the celebrations into Boxing Day, Mina’s will host the delightful Un-Boxing Day Brunch – a family affair continuing the festive spirit from 1pm to 4pm and priced from AED475 per person.
24th, 25th and 26th December, for reservations +971 (0) 4 511 7373
SHI
Celebrate Christmas Day 2023 at SHI, one of Dubai’s most glamorous Asian restaurants, located on buzzy Bluewaters Island with views over the Arabian Gulf. This year, the restaurant is hosting a fabulous Christmas Day brunch, signature Chinese and Japanese dishes, including a vegan menu option. Guests will be greeted on arrival with a delicious Christmas punch drink, before enjoying a selection of started like sushi and dim sum platters, bao buns, nigiri, and lobster salad. Main courses follow, including Crispy Chicken Lime, Wagyu Black Pepper, Slow-cooked Duck, Wok Wild Rice, and Lemon Seabass. The brunch is a true family affair, with surprise gifts for the little ones under SHI’s Christmas tree, and festive entertainment is supplied by a talented singer serenading guests with beloved holiday tunes.
AED400 per person (inclusive of welcome drink, soft beverages, water, and hot beverages), AED300 for vegan menu; 1 to 4pm; reservations@shirestaurant.com, +971 4 393 9990.
Christmas Edition Lunch at CÉ LA VI Dubai
Celebrate Christmas in Dubai from the 54th floor of Address Sky View at the iconic CÉ LA VI. Offering stunning close-up views of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, it’s the perfect way to ensure a fabulous celebration, with the renowned Singapore-born restaurant one of the most sought-after in the city. This 25th December, CÉ LA VI is offering an elevated Christmas Day set menu, with the celebratory affair including a special roasted turkey devised by executive chef Howard Ko, and dessert options like Holiday Berry Swirl Delight or the timeless favourite Panettone, baked freshly by their pastry chef.
Monday 25th December, from 12pm to 3pm; from AED180 per person; celavi.com, reservation-dxb@celavi.com, @celavidubai
Ginger Moon at W Dubai Mina Seyahi
The glamorous and panoramic Ginger Moon poolside and restaurants is a great spot to spend Christmas Day in Dubai – taking full advantage of the Dubai sunshine and beautiful coastline. From this chic waterfront hangout, perched on the rooftop of the W Mina Seyahi – guests can enjoy the special ‘Solar Brunch’, a feast with free-flowing house beverages and plenty of delicious dishes, allowing guests to toast to the holiday season while enjoying panoramic views and summery vibes.
25th December; AED499 per person; 2pm to 5pm; +971 (0) 4 350 9998, @gingermoondxb
Bussola at The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina
Over the festive period, The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina becomes a hive of Christmassy activity, stretching across its public spaces and into its dining outlets. For a laid-back, Italian-style, beachy Christmas Day in Dubai, the hotel’s beloved Bussola restaurant is a wonderful place to head to. The oceanfront restaurant and terrace will embody the spirit of Italian Christmas and togetherness with a festive package priced at AED495 per person, with free-flowing beverages.
25th December, from AED495; 1pm to 4pm; +971 (0) 4 511 737
