December 1
Start the festive season as you mean to go on by scooting down to Yas Island to enjoy traditional sweets and cakes like stollen, yule log and mince pies, thanks to the Christmas Counters at the Yas Island Rotana and Centro Yas Island, which open today. They will also tempt you with some Christmas chocolate creations (which make great stocking fillers if you don’t eat them first!) (02 656 4000). It’s the first day of advent: start the countdown with a chocolate calendar – try Spinneys, from Dhs25.
December 2
Celebrate the UAE’s 40th birthday! There’s heaps of events being organised around town – check out www.uaenationalday.ae for a full list of what’s happening. In the spirit of National Day, take the family for some regional cuisine at Fanr Fanr restaurant at Manarat Al Saadiyat, which is celebrating the occasion with special offers, with Arabic dishes and a live oud player. Dhs40 per person.
10am to 8pm. Manarat Al Saadiyat (02 657 5888; info@fanrrestaurant.ae).
December 3
Warm up the family’s vocal chords for carols at the Crowne Plaza’s tree lighting ceremony. Talent Unlimited will be performing a magical festive play and a certain Mr S Claus will be there to keep the youngsters happy. There’ll be ample festive drinks and cookies will add to the occasion, too (02 621 0000).
December 4
Have you thought about your Christmas turkey yet? If not, never fear! Abu Dhabi Golf Club have launched their Turkey Take Away (no more slaving in the kitchen for us!). They’re offering a whole honey-glazed turkey served with Brussels sprouts, buttered carrots, roasted parsnips and potatoes, chipolata sausages and traditional stuffing with turkey jus and cranberry sauce. For Dhs525, it will feed to up to 10 people and orders must be placed by December 15. Order online at at www.adgolfclub.com (02 558 8990).
Have your best Christmas in Abu Dhabi
December 6
Not feeling that Christmas spirit yet? A visit to the Christmas chorus at the Yas Island Rotana will have you feeling festive in a jiffy! Santa will be there to give out goodies and gifts and the tree-lighting ceremony will round off a very Christmassy Tuesday (02 656 4000).
December 7
If music is your thing, from today Le Royal Meridien will be hosting their Christmas choir accompanied by house pianist, Victoria, and violinist Abdul. You can catch them every evening from 6.30pm in the Palm Lounge, and it’s free to attend (02 674 2020).
December 8
Transport yourselves to a fairytale land, festive style! From today, the Al Ain Rotana will have an entirely edible gingerbread house. Break a piece off the life-size fairytale cottage to munch on! Grimm it is not. Until January 7 (03 754 5111).
This evening, you can also pop down to the Park Rotana Abu Dhabi for their Christmas tree lighting and choir of carol singers, complete with gifts for the little ones. The fun starts at 6pm! (02 657 3333).
December 9
Everyone knows the story of Red Riding Hood but Abu Dhabi Figure Skating Team has put together a very different frosty and magical spectacle, The Enchanted Forest, at Zayed Sports City. Go on a magical journey with our heroine as she races through the forest meeting Hansel and Gretel, Robin Hood, Winnie the Pooh and many more along the way! Dhs20-120, 4.30-6.30pm, www.facebook.com/zayedsportscity (02 403 4200). It’s also a day of tree lightings galore in the UAE capital. First up is the Radisson Blu Hotel, which will host a Christmas light switch-on at 4pm. A children’s choir will perform traditional carols and you can sample a selection of seasonal delights. Meet Santa, and best of all, mail your Christmas list straight to the North Pole! (02 656 2000). Le Meridien is also adding to Abu Dhabi’s festive cheer with a tree lighting ceremony, plus complimentary mulled beverages, candy apples and sweets. There’s a Christmas band playing all the festive favourites, too. Free. 6pm-7pm, Le Meridien (02 644 6666).
December 10
Have a go at building and decorating your very own gingerbread dwelling at the Crowne Plaza Yas Island today – they’ve got everything you need to make a gingerbread masterpiece! You can also eat, sing and be merry with treats, carols and Santa. The event starts at 2pm followed by a lighting ceremony at 5pm. Advance booking is required. Dhs90 per gingerbread house (02 656 3000).
Today is also your very last chance to visit the Swiss Christmas market at the Beach Rotana. Browse the festive stalls (great for last minute gifts!) while listening to traditional Christmas songs, played by the famous Swiss folklore band, Original Apenzeller Streichmisik Alder. Make sure you go there hungry, because they’ve got mouthwatering Swiss treats on offer too. 2pm-8pm (02 679 9011).
December 12
If mum or dad fancies themselves as a gastronome, why not try a Christmas hamper from Saadiyat Beach Golf Club? They’re packed full of fine beverages, infusion oils, foie gras, vinegars, panettone, Christmas cookies, chocolates and everything else you could possibly indulge in! Dhs550 for small hamper and Dhs880 for the deluxe size (02 557 8001).
Tonight at 7pm, why not bring the children and gather round the Christmas tree with Santa at Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi? You can share in the joys of the Christmas carols sung by their kids’ choir in the lobby (02 614 6000).
December 14
If you still haven’t made it to a tree-lighting (and it’s not like there haven’t been any to choose from!), the choir at the Abu Dhabi Sheraton will be singing their way into the Christmas spirit with a gingerbread factory! They’ve invited you and your children to sing carols and grab a gift from Santa. There will also be refreshments for the adults. From 4pm-7pm (02 677 3333).
And if you’re in Al Ain, there’ll also be a lighting ceremony at the Al Ain Rotana from 5pm onwards, with Santa generously giving gifts to the little ones, and carollers cheerily singing in the Grand Lobby (03 754 5111).
December 16
Can’t wait for the December 25? Celebrate Christmas early, Italian style, at Sevilo’s Brunch Buffet at the Millenium Hotel Abu Dhabi. Indulge in festive specials like eggnog and unlimited house beverages. It’s priced at Dhs230 per adult, and kids below 12 go free (maximum of two children per two paying adults). There’s also a special children’s buffet with unlimited fruit juices and milkshakes, plus kids’ activities and a certain surprise visitor! (02 614 6000).
December 17
Quick! He’s getting away! The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort will host an unusual sight this year – a Santa Chase! Hoards of children will pursue Father Christmas across the fairways and the first to grab the jolly giant will get a huge prize. Be there for 5pm to begin the race at 5.30pm. Afterwards, stay on to watch the tree being lit and enjoy some glühwein, eggnog and more Santa surprises in the hotel lobby. Both events are free (02 616 9999).
And if sand beats grass any day for you, try the Tilal Liwa Hotel for their Children’s Christmas Party. The Man in Red will be there with music and dancing galore, Christmas cookies, pastries, pizzas and gifts. Dhs65 per child (02 894 6111).
December 18
Are sweets and cakes taking their toll on the little ones? No problem. The Hilton in Abu Dhabi begins its three-week Winter Camp today, suitable for children aged four to 12. There’s plenty of fun to be hand, including cricket, football, martial arts, treasure hunts, snorkelling trips, healthy lunches and much more (02 681 1900).
December 19
Having a pre-Christmas dinner for friends before they disappear on their hols? (Or are you just impatient for a festive lunch?) Don’t slave away in the kitchen – simply order your turkey and all the trimmings from the Crowne Plaza Christmas Delights Takeaway menu. Place orders three days prior to your dinner date (02 656 3000).
December 20
Book a mini break for the family and take things easy over the festive season. Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi is offering rooms from just Dhs850 per night, with Dhs100 gift vouchers to spend within the hotel. Offer is valid until January 2 (02 697 9000).
December 21
Fancy a festive dinner with a difference? The Beach Rotana is running a takeaway service for festive goodies – you can get roast turkey with all the trimmings, but you can also order terrine of goose, oak smoked salmon, homemade yule logs, Christmas puddings and mince pies! Place your order 24 hours before delivery (02 697 9120).
December 23
It’s the last chance to check out the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan with their Winter Kids’ Camp. Taking place every Friday and Saturday until today, each weekend throughout December will be filled with Christmas decoration making, learning and singing carols, watching Christmas movies and enjoying outdoor games in the pool. Dhs250 per weekend (members), Dhs300 per weekend (non-members) (02 657 000).
December 24
It’s Christmas Eve! Dine in style at Al Fanar, Abu Dhabi’s famous revolving restaurant at Le Royal Meridien – the perfect destination for a festive supper with the family. The new menu is being debuted on Christmas Eve too, and is rumoured to be a ‘contemporary menu for the festive season’. Yummy! Dhs220 (adults) Dhs110 (children) Kids under five go free. Al Fanar, Le Royal Meridien (02 674 2020). The Beach Rotana is offering a fabulous array of choices for Christmas Eve dinners. Choose packages from Brauhaus, Essence, Benihana, Finz, Indigo, Prego’s, Rodeo Grill and Trader Vic’s. Dinners range from a la carte options to set menus and buffets, from Dhs279-299 (for adults) and Dhs115 for children (02 697 9120).
Or, you could book the family into Le Bistrot or the colourful brunch buffet at La Brasserie at Le Meridien for some serious festive cheer. There’s live music and Santa Claus will be visiting before starting work on his busiest night of the year. Dhs205-245 (adults) Dhs100 (children). Le Meridien (02 644 6666).
December 25
Christmas Day lunches! Brunch at Jing Asia is full of festive fun this year. The man in red will be passing by and bringing pressies for the kids and you can choose from a selection of brilliant value brunch packages. Dhs270 (inclusive of house beverages); Dhs200 (soft drinks); Dhs60 (children aged six-12); under sixes go free. 12.30-4pm, Jing Asia, Crowne Plaza, Yas Island. Brunch and dinner also available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve (02 656 3000).
Or…
Enjoy a family Christmas brunch at Ginger for a fabulously festive experience. The entertainment includes a choir warbling carols and a special visit from Santa Claus. Dhs225 (inclusive of beverages); Dhs130 (for children aged four-12); under fours go free. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinner bookings also available. Ginger, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi (02 657 3333)
Or…
Book your Christmas Day lunch at Essence, Benihana or Brauhaus at the Beach Rotana for a festive spread of tasty Christmas nosh, along with visiting Santas, and plenty of Chrsitmas cheer. Dhs290-240 (for adults) Dhs120 (kids aged six-12); under sixes go free (02 697 9120).
Or…
Try the authentic Christmas buffet at La Brasserie, or sample seasonal cuisine with an Italian touch at Pappagallo at le Meridien. Great value. Dhs205 (adults); Dhs100 (children) Le Meridien (02 644 6666).
Or…
Enjoy Christmas Day around the pool at Le Royal Meridien. One of Abu Dhabi’s best loved festive destinations, families can take part in a huge range of activities as well as a delicious range of international and traditional festive dishes to choose from. Dhs180 (adults); Dhs90 (children six-12); under-fives go free (02 644 6666).
December 26
Book the little monsters into the Hilton Winter camp at the Beach Club so they can spend the rest of the holidays making new friends and playing sports (perfect for burning off all those Christmas treats!). Activities include cricket, football, martial arts, treasure hunts, banana boat rides, swimming and lots of arts and crafts. Dhs800 per week per child, 9am-3pm. Until January 5 (02 681 1900).
December 27
Mums and dads who have been slaving over a hot stove all month, this one is for you! Burn off those mince pies and set the tone for 2012 by signing up for membership of the Beach Rotana health club. Get a host of benefits if you sign up before the New Year, including complimentary personal training sessions, a month’s free membership and a blissful 30-minute massage! Beach Rotana (02 697 9000).
December 31
There’s only a few more hours to go in 2011, so spend it with family and enjoy a succulent BBQ feast on the lawn of the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. There will be a magician, face painting, bag decorating and a bouncy castle so all the family can relax from 12pm to 4pm. Dhs90 (adults), children 6-12 half price, including soft drinks (02 557 8000). Or if the kids want to party without mum and dad cramping their style, book them into the Children’s New Year Party at the Tilal Liwa hotel. Put the resolutions on hold for just a few more hours, because there’s always a little more room for music and cookies, tartlets, pizzas and festive games at hotel’s Al Badiya restaurant. Dhs65, 7pm-11pm (02 894 6111).
And for a new year celebration that the whole family can enjoy, visit the Le Meridien Village, where a whole host of activities to celebrate the last day of 2011 – and the dawn of 2012. Festivities will be taking place across the hotel’s restaurants, including La Brasserie, Pappagallo and Talay/Wakataua. Prices and activities vary (02 644 6666).
January 1
If you can still face yet more festivities (most of us are reaching for the diet books and the panadol at this point), then pop down to the Beach Rotana, where the party continues…. Eat, drink and be merry with your family and friends at Essence, Benihana and Brauhaus, where the restaurants will be overflowing with festive music, fab food and New Year cheer (02 697 9120).
Happy New Year from Time Out Kids!
