The lights are twinkling; festive music is playing; and the smells are oh so tempting; Christmas Day in Abu Dhabi is one of the most special days of the year.
And Abu Dhabi is full of Christmas cheer on 25 December, from brilliant brunches and delicious dinners, it is time to have a merry Christmas.
Excited?
Here are the places where you want to celebrate Christmas Day in Abu Dhabi.
CONRAD ABU DHABI ETIHAD TOWERS
Nahaam
One of liveliest brunches in Abu Dhabi will have you and friends rocking around the Christmas Tree from 12.30pm to 4pm.
Sample a series of exquisite seasonal dishes from live cooking stations and when the action heats up, remember to cool off at the pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
For reservations, call 02 811 5555 or email [email protected]
Jumeirah At Saadiyat Island
White Christmas Brunch
A special day out awaits in the snazzy setting of White.
Overlooking the sands of Saadiyat Island, you can experience a worldwide range of cuisine from a plethora of live cooking stations.
And while mum and dad relax, kids can decorate their own gingerbread house from 1pm to 4.30pm.
Offside Sports Lounge
It is Christmas Day so why not score yourself a barbecue lunch at one of Abu Dhabi’s favourite sporting locales.
Firing up the sizeable grill on Saadiyat beach, you can dine on roasted turkey, smoked beef brisket, herb broasted chicken and more at this All-You-Can-Eat buffet from 1pm to 4pm.
For reservations, call 02 811 4555
The Abu Dhabi EDITION
The Festive Spritz at Alba Terrace
On Christmas Day, join with family and friends for festive five-course feast including highlights of homemade spagetti vongole, panettone and other warming, fresh delights from the poolside wood fired oven while enjoying expertly crafted Italian mixed drinks to the backdrop of live entertainment and music from 12.30pm to 5pm.
Christmas Brunch at Oak Room
Take on the best of British cuisine at the Oak Room’s Christmas Brunch on 25 December.
Start with signature Oak Room sourdough with Marmite butter before moving onto tantalising starters to share, choosing your perfectly cooked roast main course with all the trimming and satisfying quivering sweet teeth with desserts, mince pies and Christmas Puddings from 12.30pm to 5pm.
To book your reservation, call 02 208 0000 or email [email protected]
RIXOS PREMIUM SAADIYAT ISLAND
Christmas Day Brunch in Turquoise Restaurant
Jingle your way to a merry Christmas brunch and revel in a hearty festive menu of traditional Christmas dishes, international cuisines, live cooking, sushi station, fresh oysters, outdoor BBQ, a widespread dessert station filled with gingerbread treats, profiteroles, eggnog custard and more while the children get involved in a range of fun and mischief from 1pm to 4.30pm.
Christmas Day Dinner in Turquoise Restaurant
Create precious memories at this lighthearted dinner with classical Christmas musical performances and entertainment, supported by a lavish spread of Christmas dishes, dessert stations and beverages from 7pm to 10.30pm.
For reservations on any of the above, call 02 492 2222 or email [email protected]
W ABU DHABI – YAS ISLAND
Garage
This funky venue is telling brunchers to go B.I.G. for their Christmas Day brunch from 1pm to 4pm.
Indulge with family and friends at a range of fancy cooking stations while bopping to the tunes of the hotel’s resident DJ.
And the big man in red is slated to make an appearance on the world-famous Yas Marina circuit to spread some Christmas cheer.
To book your festive feast, call 02 656 0000
COYA ABU DHABI
Christmas Day
Spice up Christmas Day celebrations with a piece of South American flair in Abu Dhabi at this Peruvian restaurant.
Take your pick from a huge spread of appetisers including mixed seafood ceviche, salmon tacos and beef cheek baos before tackling mouthwatering mains like beef ribs, Chilean sea bass and spicy beef fillet with patatas brava from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
To book a table, call 02 306 7000 or email [email protected]
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Si Ristorante
Italian Christmas treats will be the star of the food card at this charming restaurant where from 6 December you and your loved ones take on an impressive banquet of delectable Italian delicacies that are guaranteed to send everyone home happy. From 1pm to 10.30pm.
Sim Sim restaurant -SOLD OUT
The Christmas Day Market Brunch provides one of the biggest festive spreads in the Abu Dhabi.
With live entertainment and some 11 live cooking stations from where to select your dinner, this brunch lives up to the title of Christmas feast along with impressive list of signature drinks. From 1pm to 4pm.
For reservations, call 02 697 0000
St. Regis Saadiyat Island
Christmas Day Brunch
A lavish Christmas Day feast awaits gastronomes at Buddha-Bar Abu Dhabi on 25 December.
You can indulge in a delectable selection of plates including sushi, robata grills, ceviche and festive desserts while taking in the sounds of a live DJ and saxophonist from 1pm and 4pm.
And when 4pm ticks around head outside on the terrace and watch the sun go down over Saadiyat Island.
For reservations, call 02 498 8888
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
Santalicious Brunch at Fairways
Deck your plates with a divine buffet spread including live carving stations and signature festive beverages, while taking in the live entertainment as well as a visit from the big man in red. From 1pm to 5pm.
For more information on any festive events above, call 02 616 9999
Cove Beach Abu Dhabi
For the big day, step into the Garden of Cove and experience a mix of house and soulful tunes while soaking up gentle sunrays, pool vibes and a four-course set menu brunch with unlimited beverages. From 1pm to 5pm.
For more information, or to make a reservation, 056 398 7895 or [email protected]
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
Christmas Day Brunch
Spend the special day celebrating at one of the most popular brunches in Abu Dhabi.
Expect tempting cuisine from all over the planet as well as festive delights at Urban Kitchen’s jolly Christmas Day Brunch from 12.30pm to 4pm.
But the festivities will start when you arrive with a welcome reception at midday in Orchid Lounge.
For more information and reservation, call 02 698 8137 or e-mail at [email protected]
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Christmas Day Festive Brunch
Tuck into a hearty serving of festive cheer at Grills@Chill’O with the Christmas Day brunch from 12.30pm to 4pm.
With a rotisserie focused on international fare with live barbecue grills, expect whole roasted veal leg, roasted beef prime ribs, roasted baby lamb, honey glazed turkey, Atlantic salmon and more.
Live music will set the tone for the afternoon before Santa arrives on his sleigh, baring a sack of goodies.
For reservations, call 02 813 7777
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
‘La Dolce’ Christmas
Say Buon Natale to family and friends as you sit at the dining table in the gorgeous surrounds of Italian Trattoria, Verso. Sample a wholesome Yuletide menu, full of Italian festive dishes on Christmas Day from 12.30pm to 10.30pm.
For reservations or more information, call 02 510 1234 or email [email protected]
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Surround yourself and your family with merriment and laughter this Christmas Day with an array of festive delights coupled with live entertainment from David Howard from 12.30pm to 4pm.
To book, call 02 407 1234
Erth Abu Dhabi
Enchanting Cinderella Christmas Day Brunch
25 December is all about gathering family and friends around a big feast and Al Rimal will be laying on a massive spread of seasonal favourites from around the globe for its Enchanting Cinderella Christmas Day Brunch from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
Say hello to Cinderella and the gang while tucking into a moreish buffet while the little ones have a ball at kids’ corner, full of special activities and a visit from the man in red, Santa.
To book, call 02 441 5900
St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Christmas Day Brunch at The Terrace at the Corniche
Bring together your family and friends on the big day for a boundless menu of duck confit, seafood, herb-infused lamb loin, saffron pistachio rice, wild mushroom risotto, oysters and more from 12.30pm to 4pm.
Sit back, relax and soak up a jovial atmosphere as our accommodating hosts bring your dishes and drinks on unique pass-around trollies.
Christmas Day Brunch at Catch at St. Regis
Chilled out tunes, live performers and an enormous collection of delicious dishes is what awaits you and your family for the Christmas Day Brunch at Catch at St. Regis.
Treat your taste buds to the likes of fresh sushi and sashimi, mushroom cream soup with truffle, hot appetisers, roasted cauliflower, salmon wellington, grilled prawns, roasted prime ribeye, mac and cheese and of course, a traditional whole turkey on 25 December from 1pm to 4pm.
For reservations and more information, email [email protected] or call 02 694 4553
Park Rotana
Teatro
Looking for an exotic twist to the festive celebrations on Christmas Day?
From 6pm to 11pm at the stylish Teatro, Christmas Sushi Saturday will see a showcase of non-traditional Christmas fare where you can enjoy 16 types of maki rolls, nigiri and sashimi alongside spicy chicken wings, duck spring rolls, tempura and tori katsu.
For reservations, call 02 657 3333
Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi
Kuzbara
The Eat, Play, Laugh Brunch has all the festive fun you need this Christmas Day, offering up live stations of delicious international cuisine such as lobster, Indian tandoor station, turkey, roast leg of lamb and more, all served to the table, not to forget about the mouthwatering desserts.
And make sure to keep an eye out for Santa Claus who will have a sack full of presents. From 12.30pm to 4pm.
To book your place, call 02 304 7777
*Please note that times, dates and menus are subject to change
And that is all your Christmas Day happenings in Abu Dhabi.