From beachfront brunches to elegant lunches, here is where to spend Christmas in Abu Dhabi
Christmas in Abu Dhabi is a magical time. Corniche Street is lit up with trimmings, jingle bells ring through the grocery stores and Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You refuses to take a day off in the malls. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. It is the season of love, kindness and togetherness, and with this year being the year of community, it feels right to share Christmas in Abu Dhabi with yours at one of the capital’s magical spots. This is the season of guilt free indulgence, the one moment where every bite is a reminder to savour the present, hold close the people you love and honour those you miss.
Here are our suggestions for where to feel the magic of Christmas in Abu Dhabi this year.
Terra Mare, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
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Terra Mare brings an international festive buffet that covers everything from Levantine cold starters to Mediterranean mains and a premium barbecue. There are live stations with oysters, burrata and pide, and a dessert table stacked with French patisserie favourites. Expect live performances from a guitarist, flautist and a festive choir that lifts the mood without overpowering the table talk. Santa also stops by, which makes it a fun option for families.
Location: Terra Mare, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
Time: 12.30pm to 4pm
Cost: From Dhs300 for adults; Dhs150 for children; included for All Inclusive guests
Contact: (02) 498 0000
La Petite Maison, The Galleria Al Maryah Island
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La Petite Maison serves a Christmas Day lunch that leans into elegance and togetherness with its Menu de Noël. The sharing style set menu includes signatures like the seafood tower, duck confit with orange endive and a vanilla cheesecake with berry compote. The team offers a Champagne Experience or a Wild Idol non alcoholic sparkling pairing for anyone who wants to take the celebration a step further. The dining room glows with black and gold accents and art deco touches, giving the space a soft shimmer that feels made for the day.
Location: La Petite Maison, The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Cost: From Dhs610 per person
Contact: (02) 692 9600
Garage Restaurant
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When cooking feels like too much, Garage Restaurant brings festive chaos to the table. Six kitchens run a full spread from dumplings and Chinese BBQ duck bao to roasted turkey ballotine, beef medallions, sushi, seafood, and Middle Eastern classics. Pastry takes over at dessert with yule logs, pistachio verrines, and a chocolate fountain. DJ Firas keeps the energy high, making this a brunch that celebrates every corner of the culinary world with holiday spirit.
Location: Garage Restaurant, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Time: 1pm to 4pm, 25 December 2025
Cost: Soft Beverage Package – Dhs450 per person; House Beverage Package – Dhs590 per person; Sparkling Beverage Package – Dhs740 per person
Contact: (02) 656 0000
Rosewood Christmas Brunch, Al Maryah Island
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Rosewood’s Christmas brunch is big, bright and built around gourmet stations and holiday favourites. The selection offers something for everyone, which makes it a good choice for large groups or families. The atmosphere stays lively with diners moving between stations and kids darting back for desserts. It is a polished setup that still feels warm and festive.
Location: Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Cost: Dhs498 soft package; Dhs598 house package; Dhs698 champagne package; Kids Dhs200
Contact: (02) 813 5520
Shang Palace, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
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Shang Palace celebrates Christmas Day with a Dim Sum Brunch that highlights Cantonese and provincial delicacies. Guests can enjoy favourites like Peking Duck alongside an array of exquisite dim sum, all served in an elegant setting. It is a sophisticated way to celebrate Christmas with family and friends while sampling expertly prepared dishes. The brunch balances festive spirit with classic Cantonese refinement.
Location: Shang Palace, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Time: 12pm to 3pm, 25 December 2025
Cost: Dhs298 per person (soft beverages); Dhs398 per person (house beverages)
Contact: (02) 509 8555
Kai Beach, Saadiyat Island
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Kai Beach hosts a laid back Christmas brunch with waves for background music and plenty of fresh air. The meal is served family style with festive drinks and a breezy pace that suits the beachfront setting. Santa arrives with gifts for the little ones, which adds a cheerful touch without turning the day into a circus. It is an easygoing way to celebrate the holiday without the noise of a crowded dining room.
Location: Kai Beach, Saadiyat Island
Time: 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Cost: Adults Dhs350; Kids Dhs175
Contact: (600) 56 55 66
Sofra BLD, Shangri-La Abu Dhabi
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Sofra BLD brings a generous Christmas Day brunch with live entertainment and a full spread of festive dishes. It is the kind of brunch where the tables are loaded, the energy is warm and everyone settles in for a long, easy afternoon. You can choose from soft drinks, house beverages or bubbly, depending on how festive the day feels. The dining room has that familiar holiday buzz that makes you want to stay for just one more plate.
Location: Shangri-La Abu Dhabi
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Cost: From Dhs398
Contact: (02) 509 8888
Saadiyat Beach Club
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Saadiyat Beach Club turns Christmas Day into a stylish seaside celebration with its grand buffet. The seafood, carving stations and cheese display are clear highlights, and kids can decorate cookies and gingerbread houses while you relax. Live performers, including Wim Hoste, a saxophonist and a guitarist, add to the festive mood. Santa also drops in for a visit, which keeps the kids excited.
Location: Saadiyat Beach Club
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Cost: From Dhs570
Contact: (02) 656 3500
Dai Pai Dong, Rosewood Abu Dhabi
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Dai Pai Dong presents a Cantonese Christmas brunch that brings together its beloved dishes with seasonal touches. The brunch flows into an à la carte dinner later, which lets you keep the celebrations going into the night. A DJ takes over after dark, adding a playful edge to the otherwise relaxed day. It is a good fit for anyone who wants a festive meal without straying too far from their favourite flavours.
Location: Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Cost: Dhs498 soft package; Dhs598 house package; Dhs698 champagne package; Kids Dhs200
Contact: (02) 813 5520
Sand & Koal, Emirates Palace
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Sand and Koal brings Christmas to the beach with a brunch set against the ocean and soft afternoon sun. The menu is built for relaxed grazing and long conversations. It is simple, festive and beautifully paced. The setting makes it ideal for anyone who wants to escape the city buzz without leaving the city.
Location: Emirates Palace
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Cost: Dhs450 per person
Contact: (02) 690 7999
The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Giornotte
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Giornotte’s Chef’s Brunch gets a festive upgrade for Christmas Day with a huge spread of holiday dishes. Expect roasted turkey, prime Wagyu, foie gras, pasta and plenty of fresh seafood. The atmosphere leans elegant without losing the warmth that makes Christmas special. After brunch, Sorso keeps the day going with its Spritz at The Ritz session.
Location: The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi
Time: 12.30pm to 4pm
Cost: From Dhs699; Kids from Dhs344; Under 5 free
Contact: (02) 818 8888
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
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Saadiyat Beach Golf Club serves a Christmas brunch on its lawn and terrace, surrounded by green scenery and wide open space. The buffet mixes seasonal favourites with international dishes, paired with three hours of unlimited beverages. Kids have their own activities while the carols and live entertainment make the afternoon feel extra cheerful. It is a relaxed, open air way to celebrate Christmas in the sunshine.
Location: Dolphin Lawn and Terrace, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Time: 12.30pm to 4pm
Cost: Dhs350 soft package; Dhs470 house package; Kids Dhs150; Under 5 free
Contact: (056) 660 8780
Broadway, Emirates Palace
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Broadway serves a four course sharing menu with kids entertainment and a live band. It strikes a balance between lively and intimate, making it a good fit for families with mixed ages. The dishes come out at a steady pace, which leaves room for conversation. It is a straightforward, feel good Christmas lunch.
Location: Emirates Palace
Time: 12.30pm to 4pm
Cost: From Dhs350
Contact: (02) 690 7999
Vendôme, Emirates Palace
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Vendôme offers a refined Christmas brunch with a buffet packed with seasonal dishes. Highlights include pan seared lobster with Kaluga caviar and beetroot salmon gravlax. Dessert brings a whimsical gingerbread cake and a towering display of macarons. The setting feels polished and festive without trying too hard.
Location: Emirates Palace
Time: 12.30pm to 4pm
Cost: From Dhs380
Contact: (02) 690 7999
