December in the UAE has blossomed into a month-long celebration, featuring the 31st Dubai Shopping Festival, which kicked off on December 5 with enticing daily car and cash prizes, alongside festive meals, tree-lighting events, brunches, and Boxing Day feasts throughout the city.
The Dubai Shopping Festival sets the festive mood with its Mega Raffle, giving shoppers a daily opportunity to win a new Nissan and Dh100,000, plus a grand prize of Dh400,000 on the festival’s final day, making December one of the most thrilling months for shopping deals and festive activities.
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Christmas Eve dinners (from Dh135 to Dh550)
Across the UAE, restaurants are unveiling sumptuous Christmas Eve menus with prices ranging from Dh135 for neighborhood roasts to Dh550 for luxurious Italian dinners.
Residents can indulge in multi-course meals, live entertainment, and themed dishes, whether dining by the waterfront in Madinat Jumeirah or celebrating in DIFC’s upscale venues.
Where to go:
Social at Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah offers a five-course Italian Christmas Eve dinner crafted by Chef Carmine with family recipes. At Souk Madinat, Trattoria presents a three-course festive Italian menu with Burj Al Arab views and live music. Meanwhile, at Dubai Hills, Hillhouse Brasserie serves a traditional Christmas plate with roast turkey and Brussels sprouts, and The Noodle House offers Asian-inspired festive lunches and dinners across all locations.
Trattoria
For a more sophisticated evening, Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria DIFC provides a refined menu featuring truffle dishes, gourmet starters, and live music. The Gourmet Yard at Embassy Suites Business Bay hosts a festive celebration with sharing-style dishes and live cooking stations.
Christmas Day brunches (from Dh165 to Dh995)
Christmas Day brunches continue to be one of Dubai’s most cherished festive traditions, with prices ranging from Dh165 for casual platters to Dh995 for champagne brunches. Families can choose from poolside celebrations, Italian feasts, or neighborhood-style buffets.
Where to go:
Rio Restaurant and Lounge at Embassy Suites Business Bay offers a poolside buffet with winter-spiced dishes and live entertainment. Families seeking a fun twist can visit Five Iron Golf Dubai, which pairs a festive brunch with cutting-edge indoor golf simulators.
Social at Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah will host a lively Italian brunch with seasonal cocktails, entertainment, and sharing-style dishes. Over in Villanova, The Bolt Hole features live entertainment during lunch and festive plates at dinner.
Festive afternoon teas (from Dh210 to Dh325)
Afternoon tea has become one of December’s most popular daytime rituals, offering residents a leisurely, elegant festive experience. Prices range from Dh210 for classic selections to Dh325 for themed experiences with a glass of bubbly.
Where to go:
At Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah, Peacock Alley serves classic holiday-inspired treats alongside live piano music. In DIFC, the Waldorf Astoria’s Peacock Alley collaborates with Galeries Lafayette for a themed afternoon tea featuring French-inspired pastries and a festive goodie bag.
Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria DIFC
Christmas tree lighting (free)
Tree-lighting ceremonies, many free to attend, have become a beloved community tradition. Families gather for hot chocolate, Santa visits, carols, and outdoor celebrations under twinkling lights.
Where to go:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Business Bay hosts a charming lobby ceremony with festive treats and a special appearance from Santa. In Villanova, The Bolt Hole offers a cozy neighborhood-style lighting with carols, hot chocolate, and even puppuccinos for pets. At Dubai Hills, Hillhouse Brasserie and The Duck Hook present a joint ceremony featuring a 20-foot tree, live choir, and festive drinks.
