It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! As the weather cools down and the decorations come out, we’re ready to celebrate. We understand that although the Christmas festivities are full of joy, there’s so much to do - which can be quite a trying time. It’s time to talk about our favourite part of the holiday season - the Christmas lunch! Going out is definitely the new staying in, we simply cannot be dealing with all the peeling, basting and boiling that goes into Christmas lunch! If you prefer to get organised early to reduce the stress that is the holidays, we’ve rounded up a selection of brunches, dinners and takeaways that you can book now to take a little weight off of your shoulders. Take the load off and let someone else do the dishes with these favourites.
Christmas Day at Sheraton Grand Hotel
Gather with your nearest and dearest to tuck into a succulent roast, topped off with all the trimmings, as well as a wide range of other festive favourites including beef Wellington, Yule Logs and a surprise visit from our favourite big red man. Call 04-5034444.
Christmas Day at Bab Al Shams Hotel
Make like Santa Claus and travel the world this Christmas. From Middle Eastern and Asian to European and South American cuisines, this Christmas brunch will transport you to various destinations.Christmas really is all about the kids as Bad Al Shams hosts kite flying, face painting, pony & camel rides, a mini zoo, jugglers and much more. Plus, we’ve heard that a special someone will be attending to distribute gifts! Call 04-8096100.
Christmas Day at Meydan Hotel
Go all out on an elegant Christmas Day celebration, meat eaters can relish in a sensational four-course Christmas Day dinner set menu to enjoy on this special day with their loved ones. The lavish day is topped off with live music, beverage selection and outstanding views of Meydan racecourse. Call 04-3813333.
Christmas Day with Garden on 8
Celebrate in the sun with Garden on 8. If you’re a dedicated turkey-with-all-the-trimmings fan, there’s also a live carving station. This brunch is strictly for the grown-ups as it’s definitely going to be anything but a silent night. Call 04-4271000.
Christmas Day at Swissotel Al Ghurair
Liwan’s Play House brunch is going Christmas-themed! This international newcomer will be throwing a family-friendly brunch complete with festive themed dishes and a number of magical touches, including some exciting gifts for the little ones. Kids (and big kids) will also get to meet Santa, decorate gingerbread in the kid’s zone and feast on a traditional Christmas carvery with all of the trimmings. Call 04-2933000.
Christmas Day at Lapita Hotel
Enjoy a spectacular Christmas at Lapita in true Polynesian style. Drop by for some festive victuals on the big day and you’ll be offered a huge buffet spread, showcasing everything from a Polynesian Grill serving up Cigali Lobster and lamb chops, to a turkey carving stations with all the trimmings including traditional stuffing and Yorkshire Puddings. Call 04-8109999.
Christmas Day at Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah Hotel
If you’re going to get fancy, Christmas Day at the decadent Waldorf Astoria is ideal. Experience traditional Christmas classics and all of the trimmings, along with Waldorf Astoria delicacies such as the Red Velvet cake, Waldorf Salad and a wide variety of festive treats. Call 04-8182222.
Christmas Day at Pullman JLT
Satisfy all your festive cravings with a festive feast at Seasons Restaurant. If you prefer to divert from traditional foods, the restaurant will display a sparkling selection of international cuisine featuring seafood, carved glazed turkey, carved roasted prime rib, dim sum and BBQ grills. Call 04-5260559.
Christmas Eve with Brothaus Bakery Bistro Restaurant
Enjoy a traditional German meal with your family. The menu consists of classics such as festive duck complete with Spätzle, Knödel and Rotkohl. Brothaus Bakery Bistro is located in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Featuring a homey intimate design and spacious green outdoor terrace, the restaurant is the perfect home away from home this Christmas. Call 04-3690000.
Christmas Day at Kitchen6 Restaurant
Whether you enjoy a Christmas lunch or a Christmas dinner, Kitchen6 caters to everyone with two events - one at 12.30-3.30pm and another at 7-11pm. The award-winning restaurant offers guests a lavish festive spread with six live cooking stations. The restaurant is family-friendly and ideal for both the big and little kids. Call 04-4140000.
Christmas Day at Habtoor Grand
Soak up the sun at Habtoor Grand. With live cooking stations from signature restaurants Luciano’s Bamboo Kitchen and Al Dhiyafa, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice with your festive meal. Your little ones will be rockin’ around the kitchen with a cooking masterclass as well as an array of activities. Call 04-3995000.
Christmas Day with Cascades Restaurant
Serving up a sumptuous feast, Cascades will have you loosening the reigns on your 2018 diet. Expect foodie specialities such as succulent prime rib cuts, slow roasted turkey with raisins and chestnut stuffing, braised turkey thighs and a special corner with treats for children. Call 04-3118316
Turkey Takeaway with Grand Hyatt
Let love into your home this Christmas - a long with a whole stress-free dinner ready to eat. Phewph! In the spirit of Christmas, the Grand Hyatt will lend you a hand in preparing a wonderful festive feast for your friends and family. There are goose, turkey and beef packages to choose from that serve up to ten people. Call 04-3171234.
Turkey Takeaway from Jones the Grocer
Take the heat out of the kitchen and do what Dubai residents do best - order in! Jones the Grocer has a number of packages including famed roast turkey with cranberry sauce, juniper berry infused gravy and sage and apricot stuffing. Jones the Grocer also has leg of lamb packages, both of which are complete with duck fat roast potatoes, sautéed Brussels sprouts and chestnut, roast sausages wrapped in beef bacon with roasted red onions, honey glazed parsnips and carrots and broccoli and cauliflower cheese. Call 04-3466886.
Christmas Brunch at Celsius Restaurant
From 12:30pm to 4pm, you can enjoy bespoke themed décor at Celsius restaurant. Indulge in the carving station complete with turkey, beef Wellington and roasted lamb leg. Or, opt for something less traditional with cold seafood bar with your favourite sushi and sashimi treats. Prices start at Dhs 250 - inclusive of soft drinks. www.nassimaroyalhotel.com
Christmas Lunch at The Retreat
Spend the most-awaited festival of the year in a serene setting with uninterrupted views of Dubai’s stunning skyline. Pairing the perfect blend of tranquillity and festivities, the all-encompassing hotel welcomes guests to a joyful day filled with Christmas joy. Feast on a nutritional-rich spread inclusive of live festive carvings and a number of Christmas classics. From traditional roasted turkey to mince pies to all-time favourite Christmas pudding, patrons are guaranteed a joyful lunch or dinner setting. Call 04-5247777