Get ready to sleigh the house down as we present all the best holiday happenings across Dubai, promising something to get even the Scrooges feeling holly and jolly
At Katch International, our PR elves have been busy all year bringing our clients’ dreams to life, and now, just like that, Christmas is upon us! Before we deck the halls and wrap up our final campaigns of the year, we’re gifting you an extra-special guide to all the festive fun. While Dubai may not have snowy scenes or crackling fireplaces, this season’s magical celebrations, featuring enchanting afternoon teas, festive feasts, merry brunches, and Boxing Day spectacles, promise to make you fall in love with a sun-soaked twist on the holidays!
Christmas Afternoon Teas
Elevate your midday ritual with our guide to Christmas-themed afternoon teas since nothing says the festive season quite like curling up with a cup of your favourite brew. Each comprising an enticing selection of sweet and savoury festive-inspired treats, our list of the best seasonal afternoon teas around is sure to leave you jingling all the way home. Taking place throughout the festive period, this is the perfect treat to get you in the holiday spirit or gather loved ones for an afternoon of merriment.
As seasoned pros in brewing up the perfect afternoon tea, our guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Address Downtown. Located just a stone’s throw away from Dubai Mall, make sure to stop by after a day of Christmas shopping to refuel with some delicious sandwiches and delicate sweets at the Lobby Lounge. For those seeking some afternoon respite away from the bustle of the city, Centra Mirage Beach Resort Dubai’s Sugar & Spice High Tea at Vistas Lounge and Terrace offers a delightful escape.
Boasting an exquisite spread of treats with a side of adventure, JA Hatta Fort Hotel is next up on our list of merry afternoon experiences. Amidst the breathtaking views of the Hatta Mountains, this dynamic adventure resort invites you to relish a selection of savoury treats and sweet confections, each beautifully crafted with charming holiday motifs. Perfect for enjoying after a hike up to the Hatta sign or even a day of chilling by the pool, guests can opt to upgrade to the bubbly package for some extra holiday magic.
Cosy Christmas Eve Dinners
Amidst the buzzing excitement in the lead-up to Christmas day and with children on their very best behaviour awaiting the big man’s arrival, Christmas Eve presents the perfect opportunity to savour a family meal. Experience a unique Greek twist on your festive dining experience at JA Ocean View Hotel’s newest restaurant and pool lounge OIA. Providing sweeping views of Ain Dubai, guests can top up their plates with mountains of holiday delights from a lavish buffet, including succulent turkey from a carving station.
If you’re after a more serene Christmas Eve dinner, experience the relaxed charm of southern France with a special set menu at Alizée Restaurant. Located on Bluewaters within Banyan Tree Dubai, this contemporary dining spot is pulling out all the stops for this festive feast, showcasing dazzling decorations and a live band performance to keep you jingling and mingling.
Presenting a specially curated festive menu available throughout the holiday period, ALAYA provides a unique take on Christmas traditions infused with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. Serving standout dishes like Marrow Beef Tartare with Wagyu and luxurious Tagliolini Caviar, this Christmas menu is ideal for an extra indulgent holiday feast. Adding to the excitement, there will also be a photo booth on hand for guests to capture all your holiday memories.
Enchanting Christmas Day Brunches
Nothing screams Christmas in Dubai quite like a festive brunch. Filled with mountains of delicious food, free-flowing beverages, live entertainment, and endless merriment, brunches are the ultimate way to celebrate with family and friends. Once all the gifts have been exchanged and unwrapped, our list of top Christmas brunches invites you to continue the merriment with a day of nonstop celebration.
As one of the most unique and culinary diverse brunches around, Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek’s signature Heritage Brunch welcomes foodies to a special Christmas Day edition. Encompassing the entire atrium, guests will be spoilt for choice with over 200 dishes from around the globe and seating at Aseelah, Minato, Fish Market, Shabestan, and The Pub. Complete with a joyous choir performance, live entertainment, and even a special guest from the North Pole, yule be sorry to miss this!
Nestled on the peaceful shores of Jebel Ali Beach, JA The Resort will be brimming with festive celebrations this season and the Christmas Day brunch at Palmito Garden will undoubtedly be one of the highlights. Make sure to pack your swimming gear as you dive into this waterfront holiday extravaganza filled with unlimited succulent turkey, all the delicious trimmings, and free-flowing drinks. Relish this magical day Dubai style as you take a refreshing dip in the pool and eagerly await Santa’s arrival.
Last but certainly not least, Al Habtoor Polo Resort’s festive brunch on the Polo Terrace ensures you have your elf a merry little Christmas. Boasting a series of jolly celebrations throughout the season, like The Ugliest Christmas Jumper Contest and a special Holiday quiz night, this brunch is sure to be the star on top. Packed with unlimited servings of Christmas treats, free-flowing sips, and a playlist of festive tunes, around every corner of this exciting event is bursting with holiday cheer.
Boxing Day Celebrations
Normally a day spent on the couch watching sports or ‘Home Alone’ with leftover turkey sandwiches, JA The Resort and Banyan Tree Dubai both invite you to experience elevated Boxing Day celebrations this Christmas. Perfect for sports enthusiasts, the Sports Café at JA Beach Hotel is the place to be this December 26th, where you can tuck into a hearty feast, catch all the live showings of the biggest sports events, and get involved in dart tournaments and foosball table challenges for some friendly competition, all making for a great day out. Alternatively, those who prefer to sit back and take it all in can pair the experience with two glasses of warm, spiced mulled grape, keeping everyone entertained amidst all the action.
If you're looking for something a little fancier, look no further as Alizée Restaurant presents the perfect opportunity to get dolled up in your best attire and savour an evening of refined dining. Situated within the serene sanctuary of Banyan Tree Dubai, Alizée Restaurant will be curating a special three-course menu of festive plates all with a Southern French twist; the ultimate Boxing Day treat.
Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle if you’ve yet to nail down your Christmas plans, as our guide promises something to enchant everyone. No matter how you choose to celebrate the occasion, make sure to spend it with those you love, whether that’s over a Dubai-style Christmas brunch or a video call. Finally, on behalf of the Katch International team, we would like to wish you a Christmas that is just as merry and bright as you are – and that’s a wrap!
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