The best ways to celebrate Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when the FACT team decided to round up the top choices for a memorable Christmas Eve celebration in the capital.
Christmas Eve is for family, friends, and festivities. It’s a time to come together, celebrate and pull some crackers because these are the best places to spend Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi with your nearest and dearest.
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Bait Al Hanine invites you to savour the magic of Christmas Eve with a truly immersive dining experience featuring live cooking and carving stations set within the tranquil zawaya area. Indulge in a festive feast with sizzling grilled meats and seafood, expertly carved premium meats and succulent turkey. Artisanal cheeses and an array of festive desserts are the perfect end to the evening. Younger diners can expect a special surprise. Sunday 24 December, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 250 (soft beverages), AED 450 (house beverages) and AED 550 (Prosecco and house beverages).
GO: Call 02 204 4444 for reservations and more information.
Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
Cyan Brasserie, inside the world’s furthest-leaning artificial structure, will be hosting a raucous “Countdown to Christmas Drunch” on Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi. Diners can expect a bountiful brunch buffet featuring festive dishes, Christmas-themed cocktails and mocktails, a mulled wine station, live music and a visit from Santa. Sunday 24 December, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. AED 250 (soft beverages), AED 350 (house beverages) and AED 450 (premium beverages).
GO: Visit www.hyattrestaurants.com for reservations and more information.
Benjarong
Embrace the enchantment of the holiday season with an intimate four-course Christmas Eve dinner at Benjarong. Delight in authentic Thai flavours that capture the essence of Christmas while creating cherished moments with your loved ones at the popular Thai restaurant inside Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. Sunday 24 December, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 250 (four-course dinner and one glass of wine)
GO: Visit www.dusit.com for reservations and more information.
Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi
Indulge in an afternoon of holiday celebrations with Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi’s Festive Brunch. Delight in the harmonious fusion of Pacific Rim flavours while luxuriating in the tranquil beachfront setting. This culinary voyage ensures a flawless start to your holiday season, seamlessly blending gourmet delights with exotic libations, captivating live entertainment, and the enchantment of the seaside. Sunday 24 December, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 425 (soft beverages), AED 550 (house beverages) and AED 200 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com or call 02 498 8443 for reservations and more information.
Crowne Plaza Yas Island
Immerse yourself in the festive ambience at Jing Asia and elevate your Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi with an array of Asian delicacies and international cuisine, complemented by live guitar melodies. Sunday 24 December, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 185 (soft beverages) and AED 285 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.yasplazahotels.com for reservations and more information.
Dino’s Bistro Italiano
Indulge in a festive à la carte brunch on Christmas Eve featuring all your Italian favourites, an antipasti station, cheese and cold cuts, artisan bread, and turkey carvery. Sunday 24 December, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 270 (soft beverages) and AED 350 (house beverages).
GO: Call Email dinos.pearl@rotana.com or call 02 307 5551 for reservations and more information.
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with a traditional Christmas Eve buffet at Sahha, offering an array of holiday favourites that capture all the sweetness and spice of the season. Expect roasted turkey, festive desserts and a visit from Santa Claus. Sunday 24 December, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. AED 260 (soft beverages) and AED 310 (house beverages).
GO: Email festive.grandhyattabudhabi@hyatt.com for reservations and more information.
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Celebrate Christmas Eve with an evening brunch at the FACT Award-winning Graphos Social Kitchen. The festive spread will include Christmas favourites from around the world, served from 16 live cooking stations. Expect traditional dishes such as roast turkey from the carving station and fresh catch of the day. Sunday 24 December, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. AED 225 (soft beverages), AED 350 (house beverages) and AED 95 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email dineatgraphos@hilton.com or call 02 208 6900 for reservations and more information.
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi will serve a Christmas Eve buffet at Latest Recipe. Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with a culinary experience showcasing holiday classics, from succulent roasts to gourmet desserts. Revel in a night of wonder and excitement with a choice of soft or house packages available until midnight, accompanied by tunes from a live DJ and a visit from Santa. Sunday 24 December, from 8pm to midnight. AED 199 (soft beverages) and AED 299 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.lemeridienvillageexperience.com for reservations and more information.
Li Jiang
Indulge in a festive feast with a five-course set menu at Li Jiang inside The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal. With its colourful spice walls and modern furniture, this restaurant will transport you into the heart of Asia. Relax inside the intimate restaurant with a view of the open kitchen or on one of the sumptuous outdoor banquettes overlooking. Sunday 24 December, from 6pm to midnight. AED 399 (soft beverages), AED 599 (house beverages) and AED 699 (premium beverages).
GO: Email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com for reservations and more information.
McGettigan’s Abu Dhabi
Immerse yourself in the holiday cheer this Christmas Eve at the FACT Award-winning McGettigan’s at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. Gather with family and friends for a charming three-course feast that blends comforting flavours with the season’s enchantment. Sunday 24 December, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 225 (three-course dinner and two house beverages).
GO: Visit www.dusit.com for reservations and more information.
Mijana
Embrace a Christmas celebration with an Arabian twist at Mijana in The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal. Expect an evening filled with traditional entertainment and live oud music as you savour a delectable five-course menu of Arabian delicacies. Sunday 24 December, from 6pm to midnight. AED 299 (soft beverages), AED 499 (house beverages) and AED 699 (premium beverages).
GO: Email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com for reservations and more information.
Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi Corniche
Celebrate the magic of Christmas Eve at La Terrazza inside Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche. Immerse yourself in the seasonal ambience with an international dinner buffet highlighting traditional holiday favourites with all the festive trimmings. The lavish buffet includes live cooking stations and a delightful dessert corner. Sunday 24 December, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. AED 149 (soft beverages) and AED 99 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Visit www.bluexperienceabudhabi.com for reservations and more information.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Embark on an authentic festive at Aqua, where an open-air Christmas roast awaits, accompanied by a splendid holiday ambience and live entertainment. Savour a festive feast complemented by expertly chosen wines and infusions to enhance the holiday cheer. While the little ones enjoy themselves at the Kids Club, you can take a refreshing dip in the Rosewood Abu Dhabi pool. Sunday 24 December, from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. AED 255 (food only) and AED 355 (house beverages and cocktails).
GO: Email abudhabi.festive@rosewoodhotels.com for reservations and more information.
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Indulge in culinary delights this Christmas at Sofra Bld. Dine on festive favourites with traditional trimmings and a curated selection of Christmas-inspired beverages. Immerse yourself in the festive ambience with joyous carols, a special visit from Santa Claus, and live performances. Sunday 24 December, from 6pm to 11pm. AED 280 (soft beverages), AED 403 (house beverages) and AED 579 (bubbly).
GO: Email restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com for reservations and more information.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Christmas Eve at Flavours restaurant, which will be themed for the occasion. Indulge in an expansive buffet offering freshly carved turkey and beef, festive favourites and traditional Christmas desserts. Sunday 24 December, from 7pm to 10:30pm. AED 249 (soft beverages), AED 349 (house beverages), AED 449 (bubbly) and AED 115 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Visit https://widget.servmeco.com/?oid=701 for reservations and more information.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Le Corniche Dining is hosting a Christmas Eve Dinner to make your holidays memorable. Enjoy delights from a turkey carvery station or live BBQ before indulging in a selection of festive desserts. Santa will be making an appearance to distribute treats to the little ones. Sunday 24 December, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. AED 249 per person.
GO: Visit www.sofitelabudhabicorniche.com for reservations and more information.
The Forge
Named for the intricate process of forging a steak knife blade, The Forge at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal invites meat lovers to celebrate the festive season with a sophisticated five-course set menu of premium cuts alongside the finest beverages and a sophisticated atmosphere. Sunday 24 December, from 6pm to midnight. AED 499 (soft beverages), AED 799 (house beverages) and AED 999 (premium beverages).
GO: Email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com for reservations and more information.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Dive into the heartwarming ambience within Terrace On The Corniche this festive season with a lavish Christmas Eve dinner. Delight in an extensive buffet of international cuisine meticulously crafted by The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s culinary team. Sunday 24 December, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 300 (soft beverages), AED 500 (selected cocktails, grapes, and hops) and AED 750 (selected bubbly, cocktails, grapes, and hops).
GO: Email restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com for reservations and more information.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Step into the enchanting realm of Oléa for an unforgettable Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi. Immerse yourself in the white marble interior and charming palm tree-lined terrace, where the melodic tunes of a live three-piece band await. Gather with family and friends for a festive feast featuring succulent roast turkey, decadent foie gras, an abundance of seafood delicacies, mouth-watering grills, and various sweet treats. Sunday 24 December, from 8pm to midnight. AED 325 (soft beverages), AED 450 (festive cocktails, mulled wine, house wine, and beer) and AED 150 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com for reservations and more information.
The WB Abu Dhabi
Gather your loved ones for a vibrant Christmas Eve celebration at Sidekicks diner within The WB Abu Dhabi. Diners are invited to savour a buffet showcasing festive favourites, where live cooking stations prepare holiday classics, fresh pasta, pizzas, and grilled specialities. A dedicated station awaits the little ones, offering familiar favourites like sweet potato fries, mini burgers, and spaghetti meatballs. Sunday 24 December, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.
GO: Email dine.thewbabudhabi@hilton.com for reservations and more information.
Urban Kitchen
Experience the enchantment of Christmas Eve at Urban Kitchen. Enjoy an extraordinary dining experience where Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi’s culinary maestros will create a lavish buffet bursting with Christmas classics to elevate your holiday festivity with family and friends. Sunday 24 December, from 7pm to 10:30pm. AED 245 (soft beverages), AED 365 (house beverages) and AED 95 (children aged six to 12 years.
GO: Visit https://www.dusit.com for reservations and more information.
Villa Toscana
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Villa Toscana and be transported to the heart of Tuscany. Immerse yourself in the welcoming ambience and enjoy an extraordinary four-course menu featuring traditional recipes that perfectly capture the essence of the season. To conclude this delightful voyage, savour sweet Italian desserts. Sunday 24 December, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 450 (soft beverages) and AED 550 (selected cocktails, grapes, and hops).
GO: Email restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com for reservations and more information.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Experience a festive feast at the FACT Award-winning Garage on Christmas Eve. Prepare your wish list for an unforgettable evening as you delve into a selection of signature dishes such as baked duck leg with braised cinnamon red cabbage and orange sauce or succulent roasted turkey with bread stuffing and sweet cranberry sauce. Treat yourself to the sweetest surprises with Christmas desserts, ranging from giant Panettone to classic Christmas cookies. Sunday 24 December, from 8pm to midnight. AED 450 (soft beverages), AED 600 (house beverages) and AED 750 (sparkling beverages).
GO: Visit www.wabudhabidining.com for reservations and more information.
Yas Island Rotana
Embark on a culinary journey around the globe this festive season at Rotana Yas Island. Bring together your loved ones to share the holiday spirit on Christmas Eve with a buffet featuring flavours from across the world, including carved turkey and classic sweet treats. Sunday 24 December, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 185 (soft beverages) and AED 285 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.yasplazahotels.com for reservations and more information.
