UAE CHRISTMAS GUIDE: Here’s the ultimate Festive Fun & Food guide to enjoy across the UAE this Weekend and the New Year!

SANTA’S IN TOWN – Make It a Magical Christmas – Dining & Activities full of festive vibe 

RIXOS MARINA ABU DHABI

FESTIVE EVE DINNER
Date: December 24, 2025
Time: 7:00pm – 10:30pm
Venue: Vero Italiano
Details:
Six-course festive Italian set menu
Live cello, violin, and flute performances
Special appearance by Santa Claus
Menu highlights include:
Dibba Bay oysters, Veal Vitello Tonnato, handmade ravioli, saffron risotto with slow-cooked beef rib, braised lamb shank, and vanilla caramel mascarpone.
Price:
AED 349 inclusive of soft beverages
AED 399 inclusive of grape & bubbles
AED 175 for children aged 6–12
Chargeable for All-Inclusive guests
FESTIVE DAY BRUNCH
Date: December 25, 2025
Time: 12:30pm – 4:00pm
Venue: Terra Mare Restaurant
Details:
International festive buffet
Live stations featuring oysters, burrata, and pide
Live performances by festive choir, flautist, and solo guitarist
Visit from Santa Claus
Price:
AED 300 inclusive of soft beverages
AED 400 inclusive of grape & bubbles
AED 150 for children aged 6–12
Included for All-Inclusive guests

FESTIVE ACTIVITIES (TILL  JANUARY 7)
Highlights include:
Rixy Kids Fest and daily kids’ workshops
Petting zoo, magic shows, treasure hunts
Wellness sessions including yoga, sound healing, paddle sessions
Fitness classes and beach workouts
Pool parties and sunset DJ sessions
White Party at Isla Beach Bar

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai


CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
Date: December 24, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Venue: Multiple restaurants
Dining Options & Prices:
Suan Bua – Festive Buffet with Asian Touches
AED 159 (soft drinks & water)
AED 259 (free-flow selected grape beverages, house spirits & hops)
AED 80 (children 6–12)
Uno Mas – Traditional Roast Turkey & Pudding
AED 150 per person
Sheesh – Festive Buffet with Arabian Twist
AED 159 (soft drinks & water)
AED 259 (free-flow selected grape beverages, house spirits & hops)
AED 80 (children 6–12)
Sands – Live BBQ Buffet & Festive Specials
AED 140 per person
Children (6–12) receive 50% off

CRACKING HOLIDAY SHOWS
Dates: Till January 9, 2026
Time: Daily at 9:30 PM
Venue: Jasmine Pre-function Area
Details:
Live festive entertainment
Clown performances
Roaming magician
Family-friendly holiday shows

SUGAR & SPICE HIGH TEA
Dates: December 5, 2025 – January 7, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Vistas Lounge and Terrace
Details:
Festive afternoon tea
Selection of sweet and savoury bites
Premium teas and coffees
Price: AED 85 per pair (two-hour sitting)
MULLED GRAPE NIGHTS
Dates: December 5 – December 29, 2025
Time: From 6:30 PM onwards
Venue: Available throughout the resort
Details:
Warm aromatic mulled grape
Price: AED 35 per glass

BEACH ACTIVITY TENT – MEET SANTA
Date: December 25, 2025
Time: From 11:00 AM onwards
Venue: Beach Activity Tent
Details:
Meet Santa and his elves
Family-friendly festive interaction before or after brunch

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH
Date: December 25, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Dining Options & Prices:
Suan Bua – Festive Buffet
AED 159 (soft drinks & water)
AED 259 (free-flow selected grape beverages, house spirits & hops)
AED 80 (children 6–12)
Uno Mas – Roast Turkey & Traditional Pudding
AED 150 per person
Sands – Live BBQ Buffet & Festive Specials
AED 140 per person
Children (6–12) receive 50% off

Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Emirates Post Bring Back the Joy of Festive Postcards

This December, guests at Al Habtoor Polo Resort can spread holiday cheer the old-fashioned way through a special Festive Mailbox in the resort lobby, in collaboration with Emirates Post. Visitors can write postcards featuring the resort, drop them in the striking red mailbox, and have them delivered worldwide.

Part of the resort’s 2025 Festive Calendar, this initiative joins tree lightings, festive brunches, Sunday roasts, and a disco-themed New Year’s Eve celebration. The collaboration invites guests to pause, reflect, and share personal messages of joy, gratitude, and togetherness, reviving the charm of handwritten communication in a digital age.

CHRISTMAS EVE FESTIVE ROAST
Venue: Horse & Hound
Date: Wednesday, December 24 | From 5:00pm
Offer:
• Christmas Eve roast buffet
• Mulled grape and festive desserts
Price: AED 145 per person

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH
Venue: Polo Terrace
Date: Thursday, December 25 | 1:00pm–4:00pm
Offer:
• Festive buffet brunch
• Live entertainment
• Santa visit for children
Price:
• AED 549 (house beverages)
• AED 659 (sparkling beverages)
• AED 879 (bubbly beverages)
• AED 149 (children up to 12)
• Children under 6 dine free

RECOVERY DAY (BOXING DAY) ROAST
Venue: Horse & Hound
Date: Friday, December 26 | From 5:00pm
Offer:
• Boxing Day roast buffet with classic comfort dishes
• Mulled grape included
Price: AED 145 per person

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA
Venue: Equestrian Lounge
Dates: Daily in December | 3:00pm–6:00pm
Offer:
• Festive afternoon tea with handcrafted delicacies and seasonal beverages
Price: AED 200 per couple
Notes: Pre-booking required

FESTIVE TURKEY TAKEAWAY
Dates: Till January 4
Offer:
• 6kg roasted turkey with all festive trimmings (serves 4–6)
Price:
• AED 695 per turkey
• AED 100 delivery within 20km
• Complimentary delivery to Villanova, Polo Villas & The Villa
Notes:
• Minimum 48-hour advance order required

FESTIVE SUNDAY ROAST
Venue: Horse & Hound
Dates: December 28 | From 12:00pm
Offer:
• Festive roast buffet with classic sides & desserts
• Family-friendly activities including pony rides & bouncy castles
Price: AED 145 per person

Novotel Dubai Al Barsha

This festive season, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, together with Aparthotel Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha, invites guests to celebrate December with a heart-warming line-up of seasonal experiences designed for families, friends, and festive seekers alike.
From comforting festive feasts and creative workshops to joyful children’s activations, live entertainment, and glittering Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, the hotel transforms into a vibrant hub of holiday cheer.

FESTIVE TAKEAWAY
Venue: Café Java
Dates: Nov 27 – Dec 25 | 6:00am–11:00pm
Offer: Whole roasted turkey, beef wellington, or baked salted fish with festive trimmings
Price: AED 399
Notes: 48-hour advance order required

SANTA’S WORKSHOP
Venue: Café Java
Dates: Fri–Sun, Dec 1–31 | 11:00am–1:00pm
Offer: Festive craft workshops + afternoon tea
Price: AED 179 per person
JOLLY GOOD BUSINESS LUNCH
Venue: Flying Elephant
Dates: Daily, Dec 1–31 | 12:00pm–3:00pm
Offer: Festive business lunch menu
Price: AED 89 per person
CHRISTMAS MAGIC – COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS
Venue: Flying Elephant
Dates: Dec 20 & 25 | 8:00pm–9:00pm
Offer: Hands-on festive cocktail-making class
Price: AED 149 per person
CHRISTMAS EVE UNDER THE STARS
Venue: Deck Se7en
Date: Wed, Dec 24 | 7:00pm–10:30pm
Offer: Festive buffet, live entertainment & Santa visit
Price: AED 149 (soft) | AED 299 (house)

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Venue: 365 Restaurant
Date: Thu, Dec 25 | 8:00am–11:00am
Offer: Festive breakfast with Santa
Price: AED 90 per adult
Children: Under 6 free | 6–12 at 50%

FESTIVE CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Venue: 365 Restaurant
Dates: Dec 25–26 | 12:00pm–3:00pm
Offer: Festive buffet lunch
Price: AED 149 (soft) | AED 249 (house)
Children: Under 6 free | 6–12 at 50%

CHRISTMAS AT FLYING ELEPHANT
Venue: Flying Elephant
Date: Thu, Dec 25 | 12:00pm–3:00am
Offer: Christmas Day celebration with DJ Bling
Price: À la carte
JAZZ & JOY NIGHT
Venue: Flying Elephant
Date: Fri, Dec 26 | 9:00pm–12:00am
Offer: Live jazz performance
Price: À la carte
PRIVATE FESTIVE EVENTS
Venue: Multiple hotel venues
Dates: Throughout December
Offer: Bespoke private festive event packages
Price: From AED 150 per person

ALAYA, DIFC

This festive season, ALAYA invites guests to step into a world of flavour, rhythm, and celebration with its Festive Carnival, running from December 6th to 31st. Known for its vibrant blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, the DIFC dining destination transforms into an enchanting holiday playground featuring carnival-inspired décor, elevated festive dishes, colourful cocktails, and captivating live entertainment.

ALAYA’S FESTIVE CARNIVAL
Venue: ALAYA, DIFC
Dates: December 6–31
Offer:
• À la carte menu featuring festive holiday specials
• Festive cocktails and mocktails
• Festive dessert featuring spiced Panettone
• Live darbouka performance on December 25
• No minimum spend required
Highlights:
Guests can enjoy signature festive dishes including cherry kebab, Taglioni caviar with lemon butter sauce, and baklava-crusted tenderloin, served within a fully transformed carnival-inspired setting adorned with seasonal décor and festive lighting.
Terms & Conditions:
• Parties of 12+ must pre-order food
• Full amount pre-authorised on card
• Payment via restaurant or payment link

Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites

This festive season, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites invites families and loved ones to celebrate in an enchanting winter wonderland on the eastern crescent of Palm Jumeirah. From festive markets and elegant dining to a spectacular New Year’s Eve Gala complete with fireworks and family-friendly entertainment, the resort delivers a season filled with indulgence, joy, and togetherness.
With chic festive décor, immersive entertainment, and its signature all-inclusive luxury, Rixos The Palm promises unforgettable holiday moments from December through early January.

FESTIVE EVE DINNER AT L’OLIVO RISTORANTE
Venue: L’Olivo Ristorante
Date: December 24 | 6:30pm–11:00pm
Offer:
• Festive set menu with holiday roasts and trimmings
• Welcome cocktails and bubbly
• Live cello and violin performance
• Special visit from Santa
Price:
• AED 440 (soft beverages)
• AED 480 (premium grape beverages)
• AED 550 (exclusive house beverages)
• AED 220 (children 6–12)
• Complimentary for children under 5
MINI FESTIVE MARKET
Venue: Hotel Lobby
Dates: December 7 – January 7 | 10:00am–10:00pm
Offer:
• Mini festive market featuring boutique vendors
• Gifts, décor, toys, treats, fragrances, and handmade items
Terms:
• Exclusively for in-house guests