Pre-Christmas
Beach Rotana: Fancy a festive dinner with a twist? Beach Rotana are running a takeaway service for all your festive goodies – you can get a roast turkey with all the trimmings, but you can also order terrine of goose, oak-smoked salmon, home made yule logs, Christmas puddings and mince pies! Place your order 24 hours before delivery.
Beach Rotana (02 697 9120).
Crowne Plaza Yas Island: Having a pre-Christmas dinner for friends before they disappear on their hols? Don’t slave away in the kitchen – simply order your turkey and all the trimmings from the Crowne Plaza Christmas Delights Takeaway menu.
Order at least three days prior to your dinner date. Crowne Plaza Yas Island (02 656 3000).
Yas Island Rotana: Sweet treats are at the Christmas Counter at the Yas Island Rotana. Start the festive season as you mean to go on and skate down to Yas Island to enjoy traditional sweets and cakes such as stollen, yule log and special mince pies. They will also tempt you with some Christmas chocolate creations. Yum.
Throughout December. Yas Island Rotana (02 656 4000).
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club: If you’re stuck for a suitable gift for a friend, why not try a Christmas hamper from Saadiyat Beach Golf Club? It includes 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. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (02 557 8001).
Christmas Eve
Azur: Offering a sophisticated start to the Christmas festivities, enjoy a glass of bubbly and a six-course meal at Azur. 6pm-11pm. Dhs235++ (adults) and Dhs117.50 (children under 12).
Al Raha Beach Hotel (02 5080555).
Le Méridien: Book the family into Le Bistrot or the colourful brunch at La Brasserie at Le Méridien for some serious festive cheer – and Christmas Eve supper. 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 Méridien (02 644 6666).
Al Fanar: Dine in style at Al Fanar – Abu Dhabi’s famous revolving restaurant at Le Royal Méridian – 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) Nippers under five go free. Al Fanar, Le Royal Meridien (02 674 2020).
Beach Rotana: 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 packages.
From Dhs279-299 (for adults) and Dhs115 for children. Beach Rotana (02 697 9120).
Barouk: Dine in style at Barouk with a festive Lebanese menu and live entertainment including the ubiquitous belly dancer.
7pm-midnight . Christmas Day lunch and New Year’s Eve bookings also available. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (02 656 3000).
Sevilla: Bring the whole family together for a delicious buffet on Christmas Eve. Delight in a wide assortment of expertly prepared seasonal dishes while Christmas favourites played by resident musicians create a festive ambience.
7pm-midnight. Dhs180++ (adults) and Dhs90 (children under 12). Al Raha Beach Hotel (02 508 0555).
Christmas Day
Le Royal Méridien: Enjoy Christmas Day around the pool at Le Royal Méridien. One of Abu Dhabi’s best loved festive destinations, families can enjoy 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) and under fives go free. Le Royal Méridien (02 644 6666).
Le Méridien: Enjoy an authentic Christmas buffet at La Brasserie, or why not sample seasonal cuisine with an Italian touch at Pappagallo? Both at Le Méridien.
Dhs205 (adults) Dhs100 (children) Le Meridien (02 644 6666).
Beach Rotana: Book your Christmas Day lunch at Essence, Benihana or Brauhaus at the Beach Rotana and be treated to a festive spread of tasty Christmas nosh. Kids will be delighted with visiting Santas, and there will be plenty of Christmas cheer to go around so bring the whole family or a crowd of friends to enjoy the magic.
Dhs290-240 (for adults) Dhs120 (kids aged six-12) and nippers under six go free. Beach Rotana (02 697 9120).
Ginger: 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 (including 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).
Jing Asia: Brunch at Jing Asia is full of festive cheer 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) and 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).
Sevilla: Celebrate with friends and family at this fun-filled Christmas buffet brunch, which will include seasonal favourites, the finest seafood, roasts with all the trimmings and delicious desserts, along with entertainment for the whole family.
Dhs185++ (adults) and Dhs92.50++ (children under 12). Al Raha Beach Hotel (02 508 0555).
