Dubai really comes alive in December. It’s that rare time of year when the weather is perfect, and the city feels genuinely social. Christmas in Dubai is a “choose your own adventure” situation. That could mean a glitzy five-star brunch, or a relaxed afternoon in the desert with your inner circle.
Where to Dine and Unwind
Mama Restaurant
This December, Mama will be serving up a trio of sumptuous, Christmas specials, which can be enjoyed as part of the main à la carte menu, or together as a three-course delicious, festive meal. Available for lunch and dinner, with dishes starting from AED 45, the menu includes a starter, Pâté en Croûte, with Duck Rillette, Truffle and Veal; a main, Turkey Roulade served with Brussel sprouts, braised chestnuts and cranberry sauce; and a sumptuous dessert, Chestnut Vaganz with salted caramel sauce.
When: 22 December to 26 December
For reservations, visit Mama Shelter
OAnjo – Sheraton Mall of the Emirates
For a refined rooftop evening, OAnjo at Sheraton Mall of the Emirates offers a three-course festive menu paired with skyline views. Blending Japanese technique with Peruvian flair, it’s a stylish option for couples or small groups seeking something polished and relaxed.
Guests can choose from festive packages designed to suit every celebration:
AED 220 per person with 1 soft beverage
AED 270 per person with 1 house beverage
AED 110 per child with 1 soft drink
For reservations, visit Oanjo Online Reservations
BBG at One&Only Royal Mirage
If beachside dining is more your pace, BBG at One&Only Royal Mirage sets the scene for a Mediterranean-inspired Christmas Eve dinner with the sound of waves, soft lighting and live entertainment in the background. Perfect for couples, families and friends, it is a night
to share laughter, connection, and the timeless beauty of dining by the sea.
When: Wednesday, 24 December 6:30PM to 11PM
Price: AED 450 per person for the set menu
À la carte menu available on request
For reservations, visit BBG Reservations
Fogueira, JBR
Over at Fogueira, JBR, Christmas Eve leans lively with a churrascaria-style dinner.
When: Wednesday, 24 December 6PM to midnight
Price: AED 399 for free-flowing soft beverages , AED 499 for free-flowing house beverages and AED 599 for free-flowing sparkling beverage
For reservations, call +971 50 189 6214 or email restaurantreservations.deltajbr@deltahotels.com
Kris With A View at Park Regis Kris Kin
Those looking for comfort and value will find it at Kris With A View at Park Regis Kris Kin, where festive buffets, carollers, Santa visits and skyline views create an easy, family-friendly evening.
When: 24 December 7 to 11PM
Packages: AED 159 per person with unlimited soft drinks (Pay 2, Eat 3 for AED 370)
AED 259 per person with unlimited house drinks (Pay 2, Eat 3 for AED 699)
For reservations, call 04 377 1184 or +971 50 707 1196, or email krisprkk@parkregishotels.com
East 14 – Ciel Dubai Marina
East 14 sets the stage for an evening of indulgence where bold Asian flavours meet traditional holiday cheer. Guests can savour hand-pulled noodles, live dim sum and sushi stations, sizzling woks and decadent desserts, all enjoyed against the backdrop of Dubai Marina’s twinkling lights.
When: 24 December 6 to 11 PM
Packages: AED 325, soft beverages
AED 475, house beverages
AED 595, sparkling beverages
For reservations, visit cieldubai.com or email reservations.ciel@cieldubai.com
FALCONE
FALCONE is marking its first Christmas in Dubai with a festive menu inspired by the red-sauce holiday traditions found in Italian homes. The experience is set to be warm, generous and full of festive cheer, with dishes designed to be passed around the table and enjoyed with family and friends. The Red Sauce Christmas Menu is priced at AED 175 per person and is designed as a sharing menu for two, bringing together comforting classics that reflect the heart of Italian festive dining. The festive menu will be available all-day on the 24th and 25th December. Guests aged 0–6 dine free, whereas guests aged 6–12 will receive the kid’s menu priced at AED 40. Further, all kids can enjoy complimentary gelato and toppings, adding a sweet highlight to their visit.
Christmas Dining
Christmas Day is where Dubai truly shines, with brunches ranging from casual and family-focused to refined and celebratory.
Mama’s Restaurant
Mama will be serving up a lavish Christmas brunch complete with festive décor and live entertainment. With Mama’s Restaurant transformed into an enchanting forest, guests can expect festive themed cocktails, a hot chocolate bar and of course, a traditional and tasty Christmas feast, Mama style, which includes smoked salmon, oysters and foie gras to start, followed by turkey with all the trimmings, and plenty of delicious desserts.
When: 25 December 1 to 5PM
Packages: AED 249 per person inclusive of soft beverages
AED 399 per person inclusive of house beverages
AED 499 per person inclusive of house beverages and Prosecco
For reservations, visit Mama Shelter
Jou Jou Brasserie
For classic Christmas charm, Jou Jou Brasserie at Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach delivers a generous brunch filled with traditional roasts, seafood, and indulgent desserts in a bright, sociable setting.
When: 25 December 2025 1 to 4 PM
Packages: AED 1,050 per person with select alcoholic beverages
AED 895 per person with non-alcoholic beverages
AED 310 per child aged 3 to 12
Champagne available à la carte
For reservations, call +971 4 270 7950 or email restaurants.dubaijb@fourseasons.com
The Beam
Celebrate in true festive style, surrounded by warmth, sparkle, and the comfort of togetherness at The Beam. Enjoy festive vibes with a live band playing great tunes throughout the day, as well as DJ Jacobus spinning the beats. Whether you choose the cosy ambience inside the restaurant or the twinkling charm of the garden terrace, Christmas Day at The Beam is a celebration to remember.
When: 25 December 12:30 to 3:30 PM
Packages: AED 800 per person inclusive of soft beverages
AED 950 per person inclusive of selected house beverages & sparkling grape
AED 1200 per person inclusive of selected house beverages & champagne
AED 400 per child (ages 5 to 12)
For reservations, call +971 4 316 5555 or visit thebeam.com
City Social
City Social’s festive brunch features an exquisite menu including a snacks platter of Aged Beef Tartar, Fish and Chips with whipped cods roe, and Marmite Custard Tart with Oscietra caviar. For the main course, guests may choose from Roast Turkey, Dry-Aged 1824 Sirloin, Roasted Mediterranean Sea Bass, or Lincolnshire Poacher Gnocchi, all accompanied by festive sharing sides. Live entertainment, including a magician and DJ, will set the scene, while the after-party festivities continue at 7 Tales, City Social’s Japanese speakeasy, until 7PM.
When: 25 December 12:30 to 4PM
Packages: AED 1,200 per person inclusive of house beverages and champagne
AED 800 per person soft beverage package
AED 800 for ages 5-12 years old
For reservations, call +971 44 022 222 or visit citysocialdubai.com
Brasserie Lutetia
Christmas Day shines in all its splendour as Brasserie Lutetia hosts a joyful afternoon of togetherness and taste. Bathed in natural light and adorned with festive décor, the restaurant offers a lavish buffet celebrating both French finesse and seasonal indulgence.
When: 25 December 1 to 5:30 PM
Packages: AED 349 with soft beverages, AED 499 with house beverages, and AED 75 for children
Brasserie Boulud
Celebrate the holidays the French way with Brasserie Boulud, where refined flavours meet convivial spirit.
When: 25 December
Package: AED 695 per person with house beverages
Ancora InterContinental Residences, Business Bay
Make Christmas truly magical with Ancora’s Mediterranean-inspired festive brunch, blending seasonal charm with soulful flavours. Expect a lavish selection of vibrant dishes, freshly grilled seafood and chef-led live stations, paired with festive mocktails and cocktails. Kids will be at the heart of the celebration with a special appearance by Santa, a kids’ mini cinema featuring Christmas classics, face painting and a dedicated buffet and painting station, ensuring a fun-filled family day for all ages.
When: 25 December 1 to 4PM
Packages: AED 250 Soft beverages
AED 400 Alcohol package
AED 125 Kids aged 6–12; under 6 complimentary
For reservations, visit ancoradubai.com, call or WhatsApp +971 52 620 0344
Festive Dining Beyond the Big Day
Mama Shelter
For those wanting to keep the festivities going beyond Christmas Day, Mama’s Boxing Day meets karaoke night, is perfect for anyone who refuses to call it quits and fancies an evening of eating, drinking and singing to their hearts content. With a holiday-inspired menu, festive music to sing along to, live DJ, and Christmas-themed cocktails, it’s the perfect way to keep the celebratory spirit alive, Mama style.
When 26 December 7 to 11PM
Packages: AED 249 per person inclusive of soft beverages
AED 399 per person inclusive of house beverages
AED 449 per person inclusive of house beverages and Prosecco
For reservations, visit Mama Shelter
Sirene Beach by GAIA
At Sirene Beach by GAIA, the festive period unfolds as a week-long coastal celebration. Seasonal Aegean-inspired dishes, a dedicated festive set menu for groups, and a carefully curated music programme create a laid-back holiday rhythm that flows from lunch through late night.
When: December 23 to 31 December from 8PM onwards
What: Set Menu Experience: Recommended for groups of 6+, mandatory for groups of 12 and above
À la carte menu available, with special festive dishes
For reservations, visit sirenebeach.com, email reservations@sirenebeach.com or call 04 834 0303
Sexy Fish
Sexy Fish will host a one day family-friendly Fishmas brunch on 25 December, followed by its signature festive brunch on 27 December. Across both dates, guests can enjoy a vibrant daytime celebration featuring live DJs, dancers and the signature entertainment Sexy Fish is known for, alongside festive brunch menus and Fishmas seasonal desserts displayed in the Candy Room while the Fishmas Neon Bar complements the experience with a limited-edition Don Julio 1942 cocktail menu, adding a playful and celebratory twist to the month’s programming.
When: 25 and 27 December 12:30 to 3PM
Packages: Starting from AED 480 per person,
For reservations, call +971 4 381 9000 or visit reservations.dubai@sexyfish.com
Zenon Dubai
Zenon Dubai, the city’s most imaginative Mediterranean-Asian dining destination, invites guests to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year through “A Winter Reverie”. Available till January 7, Zenon will offer a limited-edition à la carte festive menu by Head Chef Thomas Papas, crafted as a reflection of culinary artistry and the warmth of shared moments. Dishes like Beef Carpaccio with king oyster mushrooms and caramelised hazelnuts, Smoked Duck Breast with Jerusalem artichoke cream and orange-spice sauce, and Venison Medallion with parsnip purée and roasted chestnuts capture the comfort and sophistication of the season. For a true showstopper, the Whole Chicken stuffed with Foie Gras and Truffle, infused with mountain herbs and chanterelle jus, embodies festive indulgence, while the Mont Blanc Chestnut Frangipane provides a poetic finale with salted caramel mousse, coffee crémeux, and forest-fruit sorbet.
For reservations, call +971 4 837 7222 or email reservations@zenonrestaurant.com
Japanese-Inspired Christmas at KEN by Kamatsuda
For those looking to step away from traditional festive fare, KEN by Kamatsuda offers a distinctly different Christmas experience. The highlight of the experience is KEN’s Original Chicken, a classic nod to Japan’s Christmas tradition of enjoying fried chicken. Chef Ken has created his own version, fried chicken marinated in truffle oil, served personally by the chef in a red suit; the dish is finished tableside with freshly shaved truffle. The Christmas experience ends with a dessert platter including the special Japanese shortcake, while servers add a festive note quite literally with a jingle bell on the wrist.
Price: AED 1,350 per person
When: Till 30th December
For reservations, visit www.sevenrooms.com
A Playful Christmas Feast at AKABEKO
From December 25 to January 3, guests dining in and ordering the restaurant’s Ōmi Wagyu Festive Feast are invited to pick a Blind Box from a Christmas tree installation made entirely of gift boxes. Each box comes with a guaranteed prize, ranging from dining vouchers and complimentary dishes on a return visit to plushies and festive keepsakes. One lucky box even unlocks a complimentary Akabeko Set for two. Every qualifying reservation also earns a raffle entry for AKABEKO’s New Year Lucky Draw, with prizes redeemable throughout January.
For more information, visit AKABEKO.ae
Markets and Festive Experiences
If food isn’t the only thing on your Christmas wish list, Dubai has plenty of festive experiences to fill the calendar.
Sonara Camp & The Winter Nest
Christmas at Sonara is unlike any celebration in the city, a place where soft dunes glow with golden hour light, the sky deepens into violet and the familiar spirit of the season takes on an otherworldly desert charm.
Guests begin their evening with a gentle desert drive before stepping into Sonara’s festive world: twinkling lights, crackling firepits and the scent of wood-fired pizza drifting through the air. Santa’s Grotto appears between the dunes, gingerbread houses wait to be decorated and a mini Christmas market adds touches of nostalgia beneath the open sky.
A three-course sharing menu anchors the night, a festive feast crafted around the warmth and generosity of the season, complemented by live entertainment and Sonara’s signature fire show.
Price: Available as a Sunset Experience from AED 640, or a Sunset & Dinner Experience from AED 1,200
For reservations, call +971503367909, email info@sonara.ae or visit www.nara.ae
Bab Al Shams
This December, Zala transforms into a scene from a winter tale as its lawns host a traditional Christmas Market. Stalls adorned with twinkling lights showcase handcrafted treasures and festive treats, while the scent of roasted nuts, mulled grape, and spiced cocoa fills the cool night air. Guests can wander through the glowing lanes, pause for a sip of something warm, and delight in live performances that keep the atmosphere light and merry. For families, it becomes a cherished ritual, one that captures the magic of the holidays in the heart of the desert.
When: Daily from 20 to 27 December 6 PM to 9 PM
Price: AED 99 per person for visitors, consumable at Bab Al Shams food & beverage stalls
Complimentary entry for in-house guests
Jetty Lounge at One&Only Royal Mirage
Jetty Lounge at One&Only Royal Mirage invites guests to discover the art of holiday mixology in an intimate, hands-on experience. Guided by expert mixologists, participants will explore the balance of flavour and fragrance, blending seasonal ingredients into creations that celebrate both craft and creativity.
When: 26 December 4 to 5PM
For in-house guests only
For bookings, email restaurants@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae or call +971 4 315 2414
