Christmas is around the corner and we’re on the hunt for the very best things to do in Abu Dhabi that will put us in the festive spirit.
Emirates Palace has loads of things to do this holiday season, from festive teas to turkey takeaways – there’s also a Winter Village to explore, and an ice-skating rink to whizz around. Interest piqued?
Emirates Palace’s oriental gazebo has been transformed into a yule-spirited Winter Village complete with alpine-inspired chalets and festive treats to snack on. Put on your ice skates and breeze across the open-air Glice skating rink, too. The Winter Village is open until Friday January 7 from 2pm to 10pm daily.
Wondering what other festivities are happening at the Palace?
Le Café has a festive afternoon tea priced at Dhs485 for two people until Friday January 7. There are a range of festive pastry options to choose from, plus a festive hamper and takeaway turkeys to enjoy.
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BBQ Al Qasr is hosting Christmas Eve dinner on the restaurant’s beachside gazebos with flames and fire pits. The dinner costs Dhs750 per person and includes the restaurant’s signature favourites.
New Year’s Eve
The Palace is also a great place to be on New Year’s Eve, with the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at the Palace terraces serving up live entertainment, a fireworks display, and plenty of things to do for the kids. The event is Dhs1,500 per person with soft beverages and Dhs2,100 per person including house beverages and bubbly.
For those who wish to have front-row seats to the fireworks display, BBQ Al Qasr’s beachfront location makes for the perfect location to watch the spectacular fireworks show. There is an exclusive New Year’s Eve menu of barbecue favourites made with the freshest ingredients from land and sea. The barbecue New Year’s Eve menu is priced at Dhs1,200 per person including soft beverages and one glass of bubbly or faux-bubbly, or Dhs1,400 per person for a selection of house beverages and bubbly.
Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi is serving a selection of Indian dishes with a New Year’s Eve tasting menu highlighting traditional favourites. The menu is priced at Dhs650 including soft drinks and Dhs750 including house drinks.
On New Year’s Day, Cascades and Las Brisas are hosting a New Year’s themed brunch from noon to 3pm where a menu of flavoursome Mediterranean dishes can be enjoyed while basking in the sun. A kid’s entertainment area and live band will also be present making for a lively atmosphere to spend the first day of the New Year. The brunch package starts at Dhs595 per person inclusive of soft beverages.
Festive spa deals
Looking for a couple’s massage to enjoy with a loved one? The two-hour festive spa break is designed for couples and incorporates private access to the ice cave and jacuzzi. You’ll also get a free Christmas gift to take home. The Festive Spa Break package is Dhs2,280 per couple and is available until Thursday January 6 from 10am to 10pm.
The New Year, New You Wellness Retreat includes a personal training session at the Fitness Centre and a body composition analysis guided by a wellness specialist, followed by a de-stressing deep pressure massage at the spa. It also includes a plant-based lunch and access to the beach club. The retreat is Dhs1,400 per person and is available until February 9, 2022.
Prices and timings vary. Emirates Palace, Corniche Road epauh-beachclub@mohg.com (02 690 7311).
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