Christmas in Abu Dhabi commences with festive tree lightings. We might be dreaming about the holidays beforehand, but watching the Christmas trees in the capital being switched on (often while enjoying holiday treats) is when we really start feeling the festive joy.
There’s nothing like Christmas in Abu Dhabi where you can enjoy a warm winter evening and a dazzling Christmas tree glowing with fairy lights and tinsel. It’s one of the perfect Christmas activities for the entire family. A beautiful, majestic holiday tree delights those young and old, and definitely makes the festive season merry and bright.
Scroll down to see the not-to-be-missed 2021 festive and Christmas tree lightings in Abu Dhabi. Start working on our Christmas carols and charge your phone.
Saadiyat Beach Club
On December 4, go down to the beautiful beach club to get into the holiday mood with Christmas carols aplenty, canapés and mulled grape. Little ones can enjoy treats as well as a visit from Santa.
For more about Saadiyat Beach Club click here.
Dhs100. 50 percent off (kids aged seven to 12). Sat Dec 4, 5.30pm. Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat (56 730 8334).
Dusit Thani
Head to the striking lobby at this Thai hotel on December 8 to see the 30-foot festive tree. It’s a sight to be seen in the third largest atrium in the world. With a special visitor from the North Pole, it will be a holly, jolly evening.
For Time Out’s review of Dusti Thani’s Extraordinary Brunch click here.
Wed Dec 8, 6pm-7pm. Dusit Thani, Muroor Road (02 698 8888).
Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La
Do not miss Shangri-La’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 8. It is happening in Traders at 6pm followed by the Shangri-La at 7pm, which will be filled with traditional carols and a festive mood. Guests can enjoy eggnog, juices and cookies.
For more about the Shangri-La click here.
Wed Dec 8, 6pm (Traders) 7pm (Shangri-La). Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri (02 509 8555).
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
This prime staycation spot is starting the holiday season on December 8 with a tree lighting boasting live performances of festive carolers, a backyard barbecue dinner and Santa Claus is stopping by. Kids get a meet-and-greet with him, too.
For the best beaches in Abu Dhabi click here.
Dhs185 (guest), Dhs93 (kids aged seven to 12 years), Free (kids under six). Dec 8, 7pm-10pm. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach (56 660 8780).
Falcon Lawn
Enjoy the great outdoors in Abu Dhabi while watching the majestic festive tree lighting on the Falcon Lawn of the Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. There’s plenty to do from listening to the carolers singing Christmas tunes to kids activities and giveaways and a visit from Santa. Nibble on festive finger food, including classic mince pies washed down with eggnog.
For fun festive family activities click here.
Wed Dec 8 and 9. 7pm-9pm. Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Al Maqta (02 654 3333).
The Pool Deck
Anantara’s tree lighting ceremony is happening on The Pool Deck so attendees can enjoy the winter breeze and see the beautiful tree alright. There will be live performances, complimentary seasonal nibbles and a visit from Santa Clause himself. Don’t miss it.
For the top pool and beach days in Abu Dhabi click here.
Sun Dec 12, 6pm-8pm. Anantara Eastern Mangroves, Al Kheeran (56 503 5121).
Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Everyone, young and old, loves to see a Christmas tree being lit up. Be sure not to miss the festive tree lighting at Yas Links where there will be Christmas treats, including cookies, for everyone.
For everything to know about Yas Island click here.
Mon Dec 15, 6pm-7pm. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 404 3077).
Busy making Christmas plans? For the best Christmas Eve brunches, dinners and experiences, click here.
