'Tis the season to be jolly and Dubai is getting into the spirit with a little holiday cheer sprinkled over afternoon teas, brunches, and staycations. The city has the Christmas all wrapped up with exquisite experiences that put the refinement into festivities. While the list may be exhaustive, here are five worth putting on your wish list for 2023…
THE ST. REGIS DOWNTOWN DUBAI
Enjoy a spot of tea at A Seasonal Soirée at The Library. Toast the holiday season with scones, sweets and other Christmas bites alongside a selection of teas and coffees or a glass of Champagne. Follow our lead and clear your schedule at 6pm every Tuesday and experience St. Regis’ world-renowned Sabrage Masterclass at St. Regis Bar where the Champagne is uncorked with a saber. For a more family-centric event, you can take the kids to Santa’s Workshop at 3pm any day of the week, when little ones can get creative and decorate their favourite treats and create sweet memories.
Looking for an Italian-style Christmas? Basta serves up a seasonal menu centred around Italian delights, such as roasted burrata, wood-fired lamb shoulder and sumptuous desserts from December 22 to 26. On the big day itself, The Caroline’s 400 Brunch on Basta’s Terrace offers you amazing views of Dubai Water Canal, as well as live music and a visit from the man in red from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. On New Year's Eve, go all out and say goodbye to 2023 with the Sensational Rooftop Supper that will see you enjoy live performances, an extensive selection of exquisite cuisines, free-flowing drinks and unimpeded views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks. And, when 2024 rolls around, you can start January 1 with a New Year’s Day Brunch, packed with comfort food and The St. Regis’ ritual Bloody Mary from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
BURJ AL ARAB
Christmas experiences in Dubai don’t have to be all about brunches and afternoon teas. The Burj Al Arab is offering something a little different for you and the family with a tour and visit to Santa’s Grotto in the Royal Suite from December 24 to 26. Curated for two adults and two children, explore the world-famous hotel at Jumeriah Beach for up to 90 minutes on a guided tour, before saying hello to Santa and his busy elves. Once you had your pictures taken with the main man, you can head to UMA Lounge to enjoy a festive cocktail. Or, if you need your Christmas cravings sated, plump for the tour and dinner option that will see you delve into a two-course Christmas Dinner at UMA Lounge.
-2-1sb5j6.jpg)
FOUR SEASONS RESORT DUBAI AT JUMERIAH BEACH
Moving along Jumeirah Beach, place yourself at Shai Salon for sandwiches, scones, and handcrafted pastries with a glass of Champagne at 3pm to 7pm. Or stray from the traditional at The Terrace at Suq and tuck into Middle Eastern cuisine to the sound of live performances from 6pm to 11pm. The night before Christmas at the same venue will get you ready for the big day with a gorgeous buffet. Little ones can meet Santa while Mum and Dad toast the season to the backdrop of a live band. Christmas Day sees a celebration of the ocean take centre stage at Sea Fu with a selection of seafood plates or if you’re seeking something grander, book a table at Suq for its Christmas Day Brunch featuring roasts and other international dishes.
Say goodbye to 2023 and hello 2024 with a lavish New Year’s Eve Dinner at Sea Fu with canapés, appetisers, main dishes, desserts and a welcome glass of champagne. Or take your evening to another level with a party on Mercury Rooftop. From 7pm, treat yourself to dinner and unbeatable views of the Dubai skyline and fireworks display from the Burj Khalifa.
BULGARI DUBAI
Live la Dolce Vita and head to Il Ristorante where you can discover a Christmas hut filled with three-starred Michelin Chef, Niko Romito favoured sweet treats. On Christmas Eve, set sail for the Yacht Club Restaurant where Italian seafood awaits alongside some traditional festive recipes and cocktails. Or settle down by the Yacht Club Pool and soak up the sun with a glass of Champagne and grill meats and plates. Enjoy a merry Christmas Day with Brunch di Natale featuring Chef Niko’s favourite selection of Italian dishes from 1pm to 4pm.
Spend your final evening of 2023 in the company of Chef Mashahiro Sugiyama as Omisoka serves up a journey of Omakase cuisine from a perfect vantage point to watch the New Year’s Eve sky pyrotechnics from 8pm. Or say arrivederci to the year at Il Caffè with an intimate dinner overlooking Bulgari Marina.
ATLANTIS THE ROYAL
Have you ever seen a Louis Vuitton Christmas Tree? You can cast eyes on said beauty at Atlantis The Royal, where the French Maison has installed a 13 Louis Vuitton trunk Christmas tree in the hotel lobby, reflecting its Art Deco architecture and the Maison’s holiday spirit. Fancy a little food to fuel your festivities? You can enjoy the royal pursuit of afternoon tea in the hotel’s The Royal Tearoom. Partnering with Graff and Damas, admire a four-metre-high Christmas tree while delving into a Graff-branded yule log, festive scones, organic egg mimosa with winter truffles, chestnut and blueberry Mont Blanc, and Christmas mince pie every day from 2pm.
On Christmas, drop by Dinner by Heston Blumenthal for Christmas Day Lunch to indulge in a festive-inspired four-course menu full of traditional classics with a Heston twist from 12pm to 3pm. Or celebrate Greek style at Estiatorio Milos with Mediterranean plates. And when it’s time to round off 2023, do so in the company of family, friends and award-winning artist Sting at Atlantis The Royal’s New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also have front row seats to the world’s biggest fireworks display.
