December 1-29
Christmas lunch at The One
Head to The One at Khalidiya Theatre and tuck into a delicious two or three-course festive feast, complete with a glass of mulled, kid-friendly festive punch (perfect for parents who are stressed out with the Christmas shopping) or a coffee.
Dhs79-96 per person. Khalidiya Theatre, www.theone.com (02 681 6500).
December 1-31
Bling thing!
Decked out with 131 gold, diamond and sapphire decorations, the Christmas tree at the Emirates Palace Hotel is officially the worlds’ most expensive. Valued at Dhs40 million, the 43 foot faux fir is heading for the Guinness Book of World Records for being the most festive bling thing of 2012.
www.kempinski.com/EmiratesPalace.
December 1-31
Takeaway turkeys
Make the most of the holiday season and order a takeaway turkey instead of slaving over a hot stove. Café Columbia is offering a mouthwatering feast fit for an at-home holiday table. The menu includes whole roast turkey, terrine of goose foie gras, oak-smoked Scottish salmon, yule log cakes, Christmas puddings and mince pies. All orders must be paid for in full 24 hours prior to collection.
Café Columbia (02 697 9120).
December 4-23
Festive food shop
Stock up on Christmas goodies at Jumeirah Etihad Towers’ hamper shop. They’ve got stollen, Christmas puddings and panettone, plus roasted turkey with all the trimmings. Dhs795 for up to eight people. Order online up until December 23 using the PDF downloadable form.
www.jumeirah.com (02 811 5555).
Have your best Christmas in Abu Dhabi
December 5
Seasonal singers
Enjoy the merry melodies of Christmas carolers at the Beach Rotana Hotel, as you gaze on the twinkling lights of the tree. A jolly gentleman from the North Pole will also visit with a bag of surprises! Free. 4.30pm in the Grand Lobby. Beach Rotana (02 697 9000). After that, why not treat your tastebuds to some seasonal treats at the hotel’s Gingerbread House festive store. Every item purchased will result in Dhs2 being donated to Operation Smile. What are you waiting for?
Café Columbia. Until December 25. (02 697 9120).
December 6-8
Swiss celebrations
Head to the Swiss Christmas Market at the Beach Rotana Hotel. Stroll among stalls decked with traditional seasonal treats, crafts and gift ideas. Sample gingerbread and enjoy traditional Swiss carols played by live musicians. Rumour has it Santa will make an appearance too. A perfect afternoon treat to get you into the festive spirit.
Free. Weekdays 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 2pm-10pm. Beach Rotana (02 697 9000).
December 7
Winter bazaar
Top up on warm seasonal beverages at the German International School for their annual festive fair. Expect lots of Christmassy stalls selling crafts and yummy treats, as well as traditional music and festive cheer. Free. 5pm-9pm. Call Sandra on 050 668 1906 for more details. You can also stock up on goodies at the grand lobby of Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan. Expect stollen, gingerbread goodies, yule logs and more.
Until Jan 8. (02 657 0000).
December 8
Tree lightings and puppets
Join in the festivities as the Yas Island Rotana, where there’ll be a tree lighting ceremony this evening in the lobby from 6pm. Santa will be there to hand out goodies, and will also be judging the ‘Christmas all over the world’ drawing competition, with lucky young winners getting some fab prizes. Free. From 6pm. www.rotana.com/yasislandrotana (02 656 4000). Meanwhile, at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, kids can help Santa light the Christmas tree and can have their picture taken with him. Christmas carols, complimentary mulled beverages, mince pies, stollen and other Christmas treats will be served too.
Free. 7.00pm. www.sbgolfclub.ae (02 557 8001).
Head to the Golden Fox Puppet Theatre for the tale of Aladdin – with a cast of jolly puppets.
Dhs20 (adults), Dhs10 (kids aged five to 10). Under fives go free. 12 noon and 2pm performances. Email iykohn@gmail.com.
December 10
Tree lighting
Join Santa at the Rotana Rayhaan and enjoy stollen and mince pies as the Christmas tree is lit for the season. Carols will complete the festive spirit.
Free. 5.30pm onwards. Rotana Rayhaan (02 657 0000).
December 11
Gingerbread factory and tree lighting
Perfect for parents and children alike, head to the Abu Dhabi Sheraton Hotel and Resort where you can all get creative with your own gingerbread house building, while Santa Claus visits with gifts for nippers who have been well behaved. Afterwards, there’s the tree lighting in the lobby as well as Christmas carols sung by the staff choir.
Dhs120 (children) Dhs75 (adults). 4pm-6pm. www.sheratonabudhabi.com (02 677 3333).
December 13
Santa panto!
Head to Emirates Palace for the fun-filled Christmas panto, Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure. It’s Christmas Eve, the Santa Nav is broken, the elves are misbehaving and Rudolf’s gone missing!
Dhs95-145, 4.30pm and 7.30pm. www.artforall.ae (04 304 2340).
December 14-15
Markets, Dora and tree lightings
Pick up some last-minute pressies at the winter arts and crafts fair at Abu Dhabi Mall. All proceeds from the market will be going to Médecins Sans Frontières.
Free. 11am-9pm. www.abudhabimall.com.
Meanwhile, Dora The Explorer and the City of Lost Toys is on at the Du Forum, Yas Island. All the usual suspects will be there for this ‘never seen before in the UAE’ production by Nickelodeon. Little ones will be enthralled.
Dhs100-400. Performances at 10am and 4.30pm. Until December 15. www.thinkflash.ae (800-FLASH (35274)).
If Dora’s not your cup of tea, there’s another tree lighting ceremony at Le Meridien. Enjoy carols, seasonal eats and Santa too.
Free. 6-7pm. December 14. www.lemeridienabudhabi.com (02 644 6666).
December 15
Chase Santa and glean the flea market
Hit the second hand charity flea market at the Abu Dhabi Sheraton Hotel and Resort. From 9am to 5pm, you can finish off your Christmas shopping at this charity fair. Expect anything from toys and clothes to furniture. Tables cost Dhs220, and all the proceeds will be donated to local and international children’s charities.
Free. 9am-3pm. Abu Dhabi Sheraton Hotel and Resort, www.sheratonabudhabi.com (02 677 3333).
If that doesn’t appeal, get your brood into the festive spirit by taking them to chase Santa Claus across the fairways at the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. Whoever catches Santa first gets the prize! Enjoy eggnog, warm mulled beverages, and photo opportunities with the man himself. Reservation is required.
Free. 4pm onwards (Santa chase is at 5.30pm). www.westinabudhabigolfresort.com (02 616 9999).
December 24-26
Takeaway turkey
Stock up on the ultimate gourmet turkey from Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill. You can order trimmings and luxury puddings too. Orders must be placed 72 hours in advance.
From Dhs410. Fairmont Bab al Bahr (02 654 3238).
December 25
Christmas Day feasts
Head to the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr for The Monumental Brunch – a culinary collaboration of four award-winning restaurants. The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, Frankie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar, CuiScene and Chameleon are laying on their best festive grub, while live music and lots of ho-ho-ho-holiday cheer will get the entire family into the seasonal spirit. Chameleon will be transformed into a winter wonderland – and they’ll be a surprise visit from Santa Claus too! Brunch guests will receive a complimentary, one day pass to the pool and beach – valid for one month.
From Dhs349 (adults), children age six to 12 dine for half price, under sixes go free. 12-4pm. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, dining@thefairmont.com (02 654 3238).
December 29
Festive family Fun Day
Enjoy a tasy barbecue on the lawn, bouncy castles, face painters, balloon benders, organised games and more at the Saadiyat Beach Gold Club post-Christmas Family Fun Day. Enjoy the fresh air and get the sprogs running off some of that over-indulgence from the festive season.
Dhs90 (adults), Dhs45 (children aged six to 12), under sixes go free. 11am-3pm. www.sbgolfclub.ae (02 557 8001).
December 31
New Years Eve
Say goodbye to 2012 and enter 2013 with a bang at the Tital Liwa outdoor NYE party, featuring a live band, raffle draw, gala dinner, and a lavish buffet. Special room rates for party goers are included too.
Dhs1,799 (for a double room, gala dinner and breakfast for two adults). A maximum of two children under 12 stay free in their parents’ room, paying Dhs290 each for the gala dinner event. Kids aged five and under go free. 8pm-1pm, Tilal Liwa. Email info.tilal@danathotels.com (02 894 6111).
