Abu Dhabi transforms into a festive wonderland each December, offering residents and visitors an extraordinary range of options for Christmas dining. From traditional roasts to international culinary delights, the city’s hotels and restaurants provide luxurious experiences for families, couples, and groups of friends.
From a lavish Christmas dinner Abu Dhabi to a cosy Christmas Eve dinner Abu Dhabi, there is something to suit every palate. Many venues also host live entertainment, Santa visits, and themed activities, making these festive meals an immersive experience.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Overview of Christmas Dinners in Abu Dhabi
- Top Venues for Christmas Dinners in Abu Dhabi
- Christmas Eve Dining Options
- Prices and Booking Overview
- Tips for Enjoying Christmas Dinner in Abu Dhabi
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Quick Overview of Christmas Dinners in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers exclusive festive menus and brunches at luxury hotels and restaurants, showcasing a wide range of cuisines, including traditional roasts, Italian, French, Argentinean, Japanese, and more.
Many venues also host special events on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, featuring live entertainment to create a truly festive atmosphere for diners.
Top Venues for Christmas Dinners in Abu Dhabi
Home to a wide range of high-end venues, Abu Dhabi offers a lot for Christmas. Let’s take a deep dive into the top venues for you to celebrate this year.
Luxury Hotel Experiences
Nothing says Christmas more than a fancy candlelight dinner in a luxurious hotel.
1. Four Seasons Abu Dhabi
- Cafe Milano: Italian festive feast with tartare di gamberoni rossi, braised wagyu, and traditional Christmas desserts (AED 490).
- Crust: Roast wagyu beef, turkey roulade, seafood, artisan cheeses, Christmas pudding (AED 450–750; kids under 6 free).
- Butcher & Still: Chicago-style steakhouse, festive brunch with live band (AED 500–750).
Location
Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
2. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
- White: Oceanic brunch with sushi platters, signature cuts, and a picturesque beachfront setup (AED 580–850).
- Mare Mare: Italian Christmas lunch, available noon to 6 pm.
- Tean: Levantine-inspired festive spread.
Location
Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
3. Mandarin Oriental, Emirates Palace
- Vendôme: International buffet with seasonal treats for Christmas Eve and Day (AED 350 per person)
- Other outlets:
- Italian 4-course menu (AED 550)
- Immersive Japanese dining (AED 650)
- American brasserie festive menu (AED 350)
- Italian 4-course menu (AED 550)
Location
West Corniche Road, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi
4. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi – Maté
Argentinean grill with a festive menu, DJ, and live entertainment (AED 425-745)
Location
Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
5. Alba Terrace (The Abu Dhabi Edition)
Mediterranean-inspired al fresco brunch featuring lamb shank, a candy trolley for children, and live music (AED 495-695).
Location
The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
6. Balcon Terrace
Classic Christmas fare featuring beef Wellington, roast turkey, and an assortment of mouthwatering desserts
Location
Al Zahiya, Mina Road, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi
Signature & Fine Dining Restaurants
Luxury and celebration don’t stop at hotels. Here’s a well-curated list of restaurants in Abu Dhabi to celebrate Christmas in.
1. COYA Abu Dhabi
Peruvian-inspired festive menu: Lubina en Coco (seabass with coconut milk), Ternera a la Brasa (grilled veal), and chocolate fudge cake. It is available from the 18th to the 25th of December.
Location
Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi
2. LPM Restaurant & Bar
Seafood tower, beef tournedos Rossini, lobster casserole, and decadent desserts featuring chestnut and chocolate mousse (AED 595-905)
Location
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
3. La Petite Maison
French festive sharing menu with leeks and smoked salmon, grilled sirloin with foie gras, and Panettone (AED 610+)
Location
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Buffet and Brunch Highlights
The emirate also offers an array of world-class buffet options. And for those who don’t want to stay up late or get up early, the brunch specials are for you.
1. Nahaam & SOLE – Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad
Christmas brunch with live music, traditional roasts, and dessert stations.
Location
Corniche St, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
2. Giornotte – The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi
Italian-inspired Christmas Day buffet with a family-friendly ambience.
Location
Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
3. Balcon Lounge and Terrace
Al fresco brunch featuring classic festive dishes and desserts.
Location
Al Zahiya, Mina Road, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi
Unique and Family-Friendly Brunches
Families can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a variety of delicious Christmas-themed dishes suitable for all ages at one of the countless family brunch venues.
Magical Christmas Brunch experience with live entertainment
1. Central Yas Bay
Location
Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
2. Saadiyat Beach Club
Sunny Santa Brunch with beachfront dining and festive games for children
Location
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
3. Emirates Palace (Mandarin Oriental)
Brunch with Santa, family entertainment, and gifts for children
Location
West Corniche Road, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi
Christmas Eve Dining Options
- Set menus and buffets at major hotels such as Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La, and St. Regis, and more.
- Live cooking stations, carving stations, and fresh seafood displays.
- Festive entertainment including live bands and themed decorations.
Prices and Booking Overview
- Christmas brunches and dinners typically range from AED 300 to AED 900+ per person depending on venue and beverage choices.
- Family-friendly venues often include special pricing for children under 6 or 12 years old.
- Early booking is strongly recommended as popular venues fill up quickly.
Tips for Enjoying Christmas Dinner in Abu Dhabi
- Confirm the dates: Some venues offer festive menus throughout December, while others focus only on the 24th and 25th.
- Look out for live entertainment, Santa visits, and themed kids’ activities.
- Dress codes may vary; smart-casual attire is typically recommended for luxury hotels.
- Book early and clarify menu inclusions, children’s options, and beverage packages.
Key Takeaways
Abu Dhabi’s luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants offer a wide variety of Christmas dinners and brunches, featuring both traditional and international cuisine. Prices typically start around AED 300 and can exceed AED 900 with premium beverage packages.
Most venues provide options for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, often accompanied by live entertainment and kid-friendly activities. To ensure the best festive experience, it is recommended to book in advance and confirm menu details, entertainment, and children’s options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Major hotels like Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton, and Emirates Palace serve traditional roast dinners with classic Christmas desserts.
A: Yes, many venues include live music, Santa visits, kids’ buffets, and themed activities.
A: Early booking (4-6 weeks in advance) is highly recommended.
A: Most packages cost between AED 300 and AED 900+ per person depending on venue and beverage choice
A: Yes, Italian, Japanese, Peruvian, Argentinean, and Levantine festive menus are available across top Abu Dhabi restaurants.
