It's December, which means it's time to book your Christmas Day brunch or lunch now. Here are the best options, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
ABU DHABI
Christmas brunch at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
What: Dine on fresh lobsters and oysters, and choose among the carving stations of turkey, lamb and beef. There will be seasonal singalong, Santa Claus will pay a visit and children can enjoy the play area.
When: 1pm to 4pm
Price: From Dh350 with soft drinks; from Dh450 with house beverages; 50 per cent off for children between 6 and 12; free for children up to age 6.
Contact: 02 677 3333, Irene.Vilches@sheratonabudhabihotel.com
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Sim Sim Christmas Day market brunch, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
What: Join a special variant of the recently launched Market Brunch, and enjoy winter dishes and sweet treats from the expansive buffet and cooking stations, where a grand feast of international cuisine will evoke feelings of home for guests of all nationalities. The resident band and DJ will perform popular seasonal songs.
When: 1pm to 4pm
Price: From Dh335 with soft drinks; from Dh475 with house beverages; from Dh595 with VIP lounge access and premium beverages; from Dh165 for children between 6 and 11; children up to age 5 dine for free
Contact: 02 697 0000, www.rotana.com
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Christmas Day brunch at Le Vendome
What: The Emirates Palace Christmas Day brunch at Le Vendome features popular Christmas foods from around the world, decadent sweets and more.
When: 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Price: From Dh450 with soft beverages; from Dh600 with grape beverages; from Dh700 with one bottle of sparkling per couple
Contact: 02 690 7999, restaurants@emiratespalace.ae
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Vasco’s at Hilton Abu Dhabi
What: Enjoy Christmas fine dining with a special set menu featuring scallops three ways as a starter; traditional turkey roulade and vanilla bavarois and Christmas pudding with cinnamon ice cream.
When: 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Price: From Dh229
Contact: 02 692 4247
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Verso Christmas Day brunch at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
What: Enjoy Italian festive dishes indoors with Christmas tunes or al fresco. The feast will feature several cooking stations serving up mains including seafood, eggplant Parmigiana and lamb shank ragout on creamy polenta. Home-made gelato and other sweets will be available for dessert.
When: Noon to 4pm
Price: From Dh350 with soft drinks; from Dh550 with sparkling
Contact: 02 510 1234, www.verso.ae
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Christmas brunch at Latest Recipe, The Village at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
What: Taste dishes from the international spread, including turkey, trimmings and prime cuts, or explore the seafood corner. Leave room for the Christmas desserts on offer. Children will get to meet Santa Claus as he makes an appearance to bring goodies to everyone on the nice list.
When: 1pm to 4pm
Price: From Dh269 with soft drinks; a la carte house beverages; 50 per cent off for children between 6 and 12; free for children up to age 6.
Contact: 02 677 3333, Irene.Vilches@sheratonabudhabihotel.com
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Christmas brunch Olea, The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
What: Enjoy a range of seafood specialities, carving and rotisseries stations as well as dessert. The band Zero Funk will provide live entertainment and there will be a visit from Santa Claus for a picture-worthy moment at the beach.
When: 1pm to 4pm
Price: From Dh380 with soft beverages; from Dh495 with house beverages; from Dh695 with sparkling package; from Dh180 for children between 6 and 12; free for children younger than 6
Contact: 02 498 8888, restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com
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Christmas Day buffet at La Brasserie, Venetian Village
What: Enjoy Christmas lunch with popular French dishes created by chef Jean-Paul Bucher, with something to please every palate in a relaxed ambience and a waterfront setting.
When: 12.30pm to 4pm
Price: From Dh195 with soft beverages; from Dh295 with house beverages; 50 per cent off for children between 6 and 12
Contact: 02 404 1940, reservations@venetianvillage.ae
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Christmas Day brunch at Todd English’s Olives, Venetian Village
What: Tuck into a three-course Mediterranean brunch set along the cobblestone streets of Venetian Village. Children will enjoy a visit from Santa Claus.
When: 12.30pm to 4pm
Price: From Dh265 with soft beverages; from Dh365 with house beverages; from Dh465 with sparkling beverages; 50 per cent off for children between 6 and 12
Contact: 02 404 1940, reservations@venetianvillage.ae
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Santalicious Christmas brunch at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
What: Enjoy a festive feast with all the trimmings, including signature beverage stations, a buffet, desserts, live entertainment and a bouncy castle for the children. The after-party features traditional Christmas beverages, a DJ playing festive tunes and activities for kids.
When: 12.30pm to 5pm
Price: From Dh429 with soft beverages; from Dh549 with house beverages; from Dh699 for the sparkling package; after-brunch beverage package from Dh189
Contact: 02 616 9999, FBauh.reservations@westinhotels.com
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Christmas Brunch at Giornotte at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
What: Dine on signature favourites from cooking stations, seafood and oyster bars, plus yule logs, mince pies and other traditional festive dishes. Children will enjoy meeting Santa Claus as well as a magic show.
When: 1pm to 4pm
Price: From Dh395 with soft beverages; from Dh495 with house beverages; from Dh595 with sparkling beverages; from Dh695 with premium sparkling beverages, 50 per cent discount for children between 6 and 11; free for children younger than 6
Contact: 02 818 8282, abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com
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Christmas Day at Anantara Eastern Mangroves
What: Enjoy a Christmas lunch buffet at Ingredients restaurant, where you can savour traditional dishes and delicacies at the carving stations. Children will enjoy the fun at the Kids' Club.
When: 12.30pm to 4pm
Price: From Dh320 with soft beverages; from Dh450 with house beverages; from Dh160 for children between 5 and 12
Contact: 02 656 1000, emdining@anantara.com
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Loca Abu Dhabi
What: Take part in a seven-hour brunch featuring a festive menu and unlimited beverages. The themed menu designed by Mexican chef Juan Flores features the tableside guacamole, roast turkey-inspired dishes, caramel flan and Instagrammable beverages. Take part in the Loteria for the chance to win festive prizes and enjoy live music and DJs.
When: Noon to 7pm
Price: From Dh285
Contact: 02 582 3639, abudhabi@locauae.com
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Café Milano
What: Enjoy Italian cuisine, lively entertainment, festive decor in an authentic family-style brunch prepared by chef Federico and his team, including roasted lamb shank, risotto Carnaroli, house-made tortellini and more.
When: Noon to 4pm
Price: From Dh300 with soft beverages; from Dh420 with house beverages; from Dh95 for the children’s package
Contact: 02 333 2630, guestservices@cafemilano.ae
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DUBAI
Constellation Ballroom at Address Dubai Marina
What: Enter a traditional festive village in an elegant setting with gourmet creations on offer, including traditional roasts along with international cuisine. There will be a live band and a special kids’ area with a juniors’ buffet, bouncy castle, magic show and more.
When: 1.30pm to 4pm
Price: From Dh365 with soft beverages; from Dh495 with house beverages; from Dh595 with sparkling beverages; from Dh185 for children between 6 and 11; free for children younger than 5
Contact: 04 888 3444, dine@emaar.com, www.myfestivedubai.com
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Festive Day brunch at Nineteen at Address Montgomerie
What: Visit Nineteen for a festive brunch venue with a view of the surrounding greens and lakes. The neighbourhood restaurant offers choice festive delicacies on the buffet, including turkey carvery, gnocchi and Yorkshire pudding. Santa will make a visit, too.
When: 12.30pm to 4pm
Price: From Dh450 with soft beverages; from Dh590 with mixed beverages
Contact: 04 888 3444, dine@emaar.com, www.myfestivedubai.com
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Festive Day brunch at Links at Address Montgomerie
What: Links family bistro offers a relaxed environment with views of the skyline and golf course, along with a festive brunch of favourites including turkey, plus Yorkshire and festive puddings. There will also be live music, a visit from Santa, face-painting, a magic show and a bouncy castle.
When: 12.30pm to 4pm
Price: From Dh450 with soft beverages; from Dh650 with mixed beverages
Contact: 04 888 3444, dine@emaar.com, www.myfestivedubai.com
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Christmas Day brunch at Flow Kitchen at Fairmont The Palm
What: Enjoy a lavish, festive-themed brunch featuring authentic specialities such as a selection of roasts, whole smoked salmon and Christmas turkey with all the trimmings, and eggnog creme brulee. Children will enjoy the selection of desserts, including mincemeat tarts, Panettone bread pudding and gingerbread cookies. There will be a surprise visit from Santa, with kids’ activities.
When: 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Price: From Dh395; from Dh198 for children between 6 and 12; free for children up to age 5. Complimentary access to Fairmont Falcons Kids’ Club will be offered during brunch hours for between 3 and 12
Contact: 04 457 3457, palm.dining@fairmont.com, www.palmdining.com
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Christmas Day Brunch at Yalumba
What: Tuck into traditional favourites and dance the day away to live music. Children will enjoy the kids’ corner, where they can keep busy with activities.
When: 1pm to 4pm
Price: From Dh389 with free-flowing house beverages; from Dh529 with free-flowing sparkling and premium house beverages
Contact: 04 702 2328, www.yalumbadubai.com
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Christmas Brunch at Tribeca
What: Tuck into an organic feast of Latin-inspired international dishes whipped up by chef Sergio and his team. Bring your dancing shoes. Ugly Christmas sweaters, reindeer antlers and Santa hats are also encouraged.
When: 12.30pm to 4.30pm
Price: From Dh249 with soft drinks; from Dh349 with house drinks; from Dh449 with sparkling
Contact: 050 345 6067, reservations@tribeca.ae
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Christmas Day Brunch at Ruya Dubai
What: Spend the afternoon feasting on Anatolian cuisine in a lively and entertaining setting. Enjoy a curated menu and signature beverages inspired by the culture of Anatolia, including spicy lamb, baby squid, rib-eye, and more.
When: 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Price: From Dh299 with soft beverages; from Dh399 with house beverages; from Dh499 with sparkling
Contact: 04 399 9123, www.ruyadubai.com
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Loca Dubai
What: Take part in a seven-hour brunch featuring a festive menu and unlimited beverages. The themed menu designed by Mexican chef Juan Flores features the tableside guacamole, roast turkey-inspired dishes, caramel flan and Instagrammable beverages. Take part in the Loteria for the chance to win festive prizes and enjoy live music and DJs.
When: Noon to 7pm
Price: From Dh285
Contact: 04 346 1111, dubai@locauae.com
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Buon Natale at Scalini
What: Enjoy a festive menu including truffle burrata with mushroom and potatoes; puff pastry filled with lobster, scampi and prawns in a creamy sauce; signature pasta dishes and freshly caught fish. A leafy terrace and plush interiors offer a comfortable way to welcome the season.
When: Noon to midnight
Price: A la carte
Contact: 04 349 0068, www.scalini-dubai.com
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Christmas at Cipriani DIFC
What: Enjoy a menu of Italian tradition and specialities in a relaxed ambience with a signature grandiose Christmas tree. Tuck into king crab, rolled turkey with tomato sauce, home-made green ravioli with scampi and lobster, as well as desserts such as Cipriani Panettone with mascarpone cream.
When: Noon to 2am
Price: From Dh390 for Christmas specials; a la carte menu available
Contact: 04 347 0003, www.cipriani.com
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Gaucho DIFC Christmas Brunch
What: Gather around the table and celebrate with classic Argentinian cuisine featuring an array of shared starters such as empanadas and lobster tacos to tuna ceviche and watermelon salad. There will also be roasted beef, roast turkey and roasted seabream with all the trimmings, Yorkshire pudding and sweets including apple crumble, sticky toffee pudding and strawberry mess.
When: 1pm to 4.30pm
Price: From Dh470 with soft drinks; from Dh560 with house beverages; from Dh670 with house beverages and sparkling wine; from Dh790 with house beverages and sparkling
Contact: 04 422 7898, events.dubai@gauchorestaurants.com
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Read more:
Your essential guide to things to do in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
Your definitive list of things to do in Dubai
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