It’s safe to say this is the biggest and most delicious meal you will eat all year. Make it a good one! Whether you are in the mood for ultra-traditional or a little bit different this year, there’s definitely something in town to suit you and your loved ones. Here’s our pick of some of the best taking place this year.
Sofra Bld
Best for: A lavish spread with an Asian twist
We all know how decadent the spread at Sofra Bld is just on an ordinary weekend, so you can guarantee that the feast on Christmas Day is going to be extremely impressive. As well as their usual offerings, Sofra Bld will also be laying on dishes from Shang Palace and Hoi An. Plus, of course, all the Christmas fare you could possibly wish for. A live band and children’s entertainment and activities will take place during the afternoon.
Lunch buffet Dhs409 per person including selected beverages, available from 12.30-4pm. Dinner buffet Dhs250 per person including selected beverages, available from 7-11pm. Shangri-La (02 509 8888).
Chamas
Best for: A Brazilian meat-fest
Bored of turkey? Then why not go for something a little unconventional this year and spend your Christmas Day dining on Brazilian barbecue. Chamas at InterContinental has a churrascaria available (think unlimited cuts of tender, juicy, grilled meat) that come with unlimited fruity mixed drinks. What this meal lacks in festive finesse it’ll certainly make up for in tastiness, and it’s pretty good value too. Go on, book a table, you know you want to….
Dhs275 including welcome seasonal drink, or Dhs395 including unlimited selected mixed drinks. Kids eat for Dhs95. InterContinental Abu Dhabi (02 666 6888).
Belgian Café
Best for: A traditional pub atmosphere
Planning on keeping Christmas low-key this year? Or maybe you just fancy a post-dinner trip to the pub (if you’re a Brit, this is an extremely authentic way to celebrate Christmas Day). Belgian Café is open in the evening and will be serving their usual fare (don’t miss out on the mussels and fat salty chips), and of course all the tasty brews.
5pm onwards. InterContinental Abu Dhabi (02 666 6888).
Le Royal Méridien
Best for: A poolside Christmas
We love the idea of spending Christmas Day lounging by a pool – such a luxury for those of us from colder climes! Le Royal Méridien always manage to make their extensive pool area feel celebratory, so if you fancy spending Christmas Day in your swimsuit, head down for their well-priced Christmas brunch, which will include international and traditional Christmas dishes.
Dhs180 (adults) Dhs90 (children six-12) and under fives go free. Le Royal Méridien (02 644 6666).
Park Hyatt
Best for: Dinner by the sea
One of the new hotels to open this season on Saadiyat Island, The Park Hyatt has cornered the market on sea views as far as we’re concerned. So if you want to rest your eyes on a beautiful beach and an unspoilt panorama of the Gulf while you tuck into your festive dinner, try out their smart Mediterranean restaurant, the Beach House, which is located right by the sands. During the day, there will be a barbecue on the beach with live cooking stations or if you want something a little more formal, try the hotel’s Park Bar & Grill. Also boasting great views, they’ll be serving up dishes from their à la carte menu, including Christmas classics such as homemade terrines, and seafood.
The Beach House barbecue is priced at Dhs260 including soft drinks, and Dhs380 including select beverages. Lunch: 12.30pm to 4pm Dinner: 7 pm to 11pm. Park Hyatt (02 407 1234).
