Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Day on 7 January.
Orthodox Christmas is a holiday celebrated by approximately 260 million people worldwide, including Eastern European countries with majority-Orthodox populations such as Greece, as well as in communities in Ethiopia and Egypt.
Food plays a central role in Orthodox Christmas celebrations, and the specific traditions vary by region. In Russia, kutya, a wheat and rice porridge, is typically consumed on Christmas Eve. Whilst Coptic Christians in Egypt break their fast with fattah, a dish made of bread, rice, and meat, and the Ethiopian Orthodox eat wat, a stew that often includes chicken and 12 eggs. Here is where you can enjoy the festivities in Dubai this year.
Address Grand Creek Harbour
Set against the backdrop of Dubai Creek, Address Grand Creek Harbour will celebrate Orthodox Christmas with an exquisite feast, enticing beverages, and sensational music. Guests can relish an extensive array of culinary delights, including traditional festive dishes with a modern twist. Sunday 7 January, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 450 (soft beverages) and AED 750 (house beverages).
GO: Email dineatcreek@addresshotels.com or call 04 275 8833 for reservations and more information.
Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort
The Orthodox Christmas Day Lunch at Zala offers a festive banquet accompanied by a live band and a selection of speciality dishes with a contemporary twist. Savour classic delights such as the Pelmeni Russian Turkey Dumpling, Blinis with Sour Cream, and the indulgent Pistachio with Blueberry Yule Log. The joyful day continues with Santa’s arrival and gift distribution, children’s activities, and pony and camel rides. Thursday 7 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 495 (soft beverages), AED 695 (house beverages) and AED 250 (children aged four to 11 years).
GO: Visit www.babalshams.com for reservations and more information.
Gastronomy
Infuse your seasonal celebrations with an abundance of flavours at Gastronomy, Dubai’s latest gourmet dining hall at Atlantis The Royal. Boasting 17 live cooking stations, four bars, and an enticing selection of over 100 dishes, including authentic Slavic festive offerings such as roasted duck, potatoes with chanterelles, grilled sturgeon, Olivier salad, homemade pelmeni, honey cake, and apple Sharlotka, this FACT Award-winning restaurant is redefining culinary excellence. Available on 6 and 7 January, from 6pm to 10:30pm. AED 325 (soft beverages), AED 525 per (house beverages) and AED 690 (Champagne).
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.
La Maison Ani
Chef Izu will celebrate Orthodox Christmas with a curated selection of festive delights at La Maison Ani. Celebrate with Terrine de foie gras, pain brioche et confiture de pêche—a meticulously crafted dish featuring a velvety foie gras terrine nestled between layers of soft brioche bread, complemented by a perfectly balanced peach jam. The Mixed Grilled Platter features enticing offerings such as baby chicken, beef skewer, chicken skewer, lamb cutlets, meatballs and padron peppers. Concluding the festive feast is a Christmas pudding served with velvety vanilla ice cream. Available on 7 January until 11:30pm.
GO: Call 04 456 1989 for reservations and more information.
Luciano’s
Bid farewell to the festive season with joy. In honour of Orthodox Christmas, Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, presents a specially curated menu featuring various festive dishes and delightful carvings. Sunday, 7 January, from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 250 (soft beverages), AED 350 (house beverages) and AED 125 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email hgrs.fbreservation@habtoorhospitality.com for reservations and more information.
OAnjo
Immerse yourself in the magic of an Orthodox Christmas celebration at OAnjo, where a Portuguese journey with a hint of Japanese flair creates a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary elements in a warm and festive atmosphere. Delight in a. set menu, embarking on a culinary adventure while you cherish moments with your nearest and dearest. Sunday, 7 January, from 5pm to midnight. AED 150 (soft beverages) and AED 195 (including two glasses of wine).
GO: Call 04 377 2356 for reservations and more information.
Ossiano
Embark on an extraordinary dining journey at Ossiano, the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant and FACT Award winner, where Chef Grégoire Berger’s exceptional creations take centre stage. Experience the Ossiano Orthodox Christmas dinner, a lavish 11-wave menu that promises a sensory adventure complemented by a meticulously curated wine and beverage selection. Available from 2 to 8 January 2024, from 6pm to 1am. AED 1,250 per person (excluding beverages).
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.
Saffron
Experience the ultimate contemporary Orthodox Christmas celebration at Saffron, where guests are invited to indulge in a sumptuous feast. The menu boasts an extravagant array of fresh seafood and beloved Russian delicacies, including vinaigrette salad, buckwheat with mushrooms, beef cutlet, lamb stew, carrot and cabbage pie. With a lively atmosphere and entertainment featuring a live DJ and a visit from Ded Moroz, also known as Father Frost or Santa Claus. Available on 6 and 7 January, from 6pm to 10:30pm. AED 255 (food only) and AED 127.5 (children aged four to 11 years).
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.
Sloane’s
Commence the new year with a celebration of Orthodox Christmas at Sloane’s. Revel in the occasion while enjoying views of Dubai Marina and indulging in a buffet crafted exclusively for the occasion. Tuck into traditional favourites like Turkey with all the trimmings, sushi and sashimi, a selection of cheeses, international delights, and live cooking stations showcasing a variety of grills. Sunday, 7 January, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 280 per person.
GO: Visit www.sloanes-dubai.com for reservations and more information.
