If you need some jingles to make your holiday sing, then you’ll love the carols and other festivities taking place at these holiday celebrations around town.
Khalidiya Palace
The Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana will be full of festive fun this season with its Christmas celebrations. Feast on mince pies, stollen and Christmas cookies in the hotel’s Lobby Lounge while you drool over a gingerbread house, which will be on display from December 11-January 8. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will also take place on December 11. Enjoy carols sung by the Senior School choir from Brighton College Abu Dhabi and watch out for a visit from Santa Claus. He’ll be bringing treats for all the good girls and boys.
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Corniche Road West (02 657 0000).
Yas Marina
2013 has certainly been the year of Yas, and Christmas will be no exception. Catch the Yas Marina tree lighting on December 14 at 7pm, when a five-piece brass band will play some jazzy Christmas music. The marina will be filled with activities, such as festive-themed arts and crafts, a photo booth where you can print Christmas cards and a bouncy castle. After the tree lighting Santa will arrive by boat to take pictures with children. Head back to Yas Marina on December 21 for a Christmas market and to hear musical fountains play festive music as you shop and dine. Entrance is free to both events.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 657 5460).
Crowne Plaza Yas Island
On December 14 from 1.30pm-4.30pm, Crowne Plaza Yas Island will have a tree lighting ceremony and choir show. Kids can make gingerbread houses for Dhs150 per house. Advance booking is required.
Crowne Plaza Yas Island (02 656 3000).
Traders and Shangri-La
Christmas choir fans will get an earful at Traders and Shangri-La hotels this year. Travel around the Shangri-La on Christmas Eve and catch carolers every 15 minutes from 7.15pm. Start at the lobby lounge, then move to the Sofra Bld, Shang Palace, Hoi An, Bord Eau and Pearls & Caviar. Finish off the evening carol marathon at Traders’ Afya Beach Lounge at 9.45pm. The caroling continues around the Shangri-La on Christmas Day from 12.30pm, ending at 2.15pm again at Afya Beach Lounge at Traders.
Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8888). Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 510 8888).
The St. Regis
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort will be celebrating Christmas all month long with carolers in their lobby every evening at 6.30pm – just as the sun sets. The hotel’s pastry shop, Sucre, will also be serving festive chocolates, pastries and cakes throughout December. On December 12, the hotel will hold a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 6.30pm complete with a choir performance and a visit from Santa. Seasonal food and drink will be served including mince pies, cookies and hot chocolate. Entrance to the daily carolers and the lighting ceremony is complimentary.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island (02 498 8888).
InterContinental
The InterContinental is getting extreme this Christmas with its tree lighting ceremony at the Piano Lounge. As they light their 20ft tree on December 12, the hotel’s executive chef Danny Kattar will be revealing and serving a 15m yule log. The InterContinental choir will provide the music for the event and fake snow will set the Christmas scene for the event. The hotel’s choir will also be performing December 15-19 and 22-25 from 5.30pm-6.30pm. Entrance to the events is complimentary.
InterContinental, Al Bateen (02 666 6888).
The Ritz-Carlton
Embrace the spirit of giving at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which will be held on December 17 at 6pm. Visitors are encouraged to fill an envelope on the Christmas tree with a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a charity which grants wishes to children with terminal illnesses. The event will feature traditional Christmas treats such as mince pies, hot chocolate and festive pastries, as well as a choir performance in the grand lobby. Entrance is free.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a (02 818 8888).
