Jolly ideas
Sulking about not being able to fly home for the holidays? Don’t be! Not only are you guaranteed gorgeous weather, Dubai has so many great events on throughout the month that you’d be glad you stayed. Here’s how to have the best Dubai Christmas ever…
Bvlgari Resort Dubai
On December 25, the hotel will prepare two exceptional festive brunches inspired by heart-warming Italian family traditions. Starting from Dhs650 per person, you can choose to enjoy the lavish brunch buffet at Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, or head to the luxurious Yacht Club Restaurant to soak up the views of the Arabian Gulf while leisurely feasting on a sharing-style set menu crafted from the freshest selection of fish and seafood. There are also plenty of fun activities for the kids at The Little Gems club.
Sheraton Mall of the Emirates
Time to put your ‘ugly’ Christmas jumpers to good use as Sheraton MOE throws a festive brunch on December 25 accompanied by a live DJ spinning the very best tunes. After the brunch, head up to Vantage terrace to see Santa who will be handing out gifts to all the kids. He will also pick the Ugliest Christmas sweater of the lot and the winner will receive Dhs1,000 credit to be used within the Sheraton MOE dining outlets.
QE2
Have the grandparents over for Christmas? Let them take the kids off your hands and enjoy the day watching the magical Peter Pan show on the QE2. The grandparents get a 50% discount on Sunday December 22 when they accompany their grandchildren. Theatre tickets start from Dhs120, kids under two go free.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah, Dubai
Tasca restaurant will recreate a traditional Portuguese feast on 24 and 25 December. Decorated to resemble a Christmas market, the lively venue will offer a sharing-style menu featuring codfish, roast turkey, flavoursome desserts and other seasonal dishes. Signature drinks and melodious Portuguese music will add to the celebratory mood.
DRIFT Beach Dubai
If you’re planning a festive treat for a larger group, then why not do it in a Riviera setting. DRIFT’s festive set lunch menu with a Provençal flair was specially curated by Chef de Cuisine Maxime Le Van and comprises of dishes such as baked Vacherin Mont D’Or cheese, and roasted pumpkin tortellini for starters, followed by gourmet mains including maple glazed cod, as well as Christmas spiced lamb roast. Finishing the festive feast on a sweet note, you can indulge in Christmas pain perdu, amongst other delicious desserts. Available until January 1 for groups of 10 or more; two and three-course menus available at Dhs145 and Dhs185 per person.
M&S Christmas
Taste of home is just a shop away thanks to Marks & Spencer. Not only can you pick up some of your favourite festive treats, but the brand has also collaborated with two of Dubai’s award-winning chefs Nick Alvis and Scott Price, owners of folly by Nick & Scott and Verve Bar & Brasserie. Together they have created a buzzing Christmas menu, using only the finest ingredients from the Marks & Spencer foodhall. Think roast chicken, beef and lamb alongside Yorkshire puddings. Ready to cook up a storm? Watch the video series here www.youtube.com/user/mandsarabia.
Grapeskin at La Ville, City Walk
Nothing says ‘Tis the Season quite like a warm, comforting cup of mulled wine. Catch up with old friends over a glass of nostalgic, spiced, holiday cheer that is unmatched in flavour. Pair this traditional holiday beverage with a Chacuterie or Cheese Platter. Available for the whole month of December.
Festive pampering at
One of the most Instagrammable beauty salons is spreading the festive cheer with fresh nails, a spray tan and a bouncy blow dry for a special discounted rate. The ‘Jingle Belle Package’ includes gel manicure and pedicure, spray tan and blow-dry for Dhs520, the ‘Radiant Rudolph Package’ offers gel manicure and pedicure, hybrid eyelash extensions, spray tan and blow-dry for Dhs880, while the ultimate ‘Christmas Cracker Package’ brings together natural ombre nail extensions, gel pedicure, Russian lash extensions, spray tan and blow-dry for Dhs1,120.
Scalini Dubai at Four Seasons Resort on Jumeirah Beach Road
Scalini brings the best of Italy to Dubai with their specially curated festive menu served in a vibrant and elegant setting. Available from December 24 to December 26, the menu includes Asparagus Salad with Black Truffle, Avocado Tuna Tartare with Orange, Lobster Risotto, Ravioli Cacio Pepe with Black Truffle as well as Chocolate Fondant with a Clementine Sorbet. Bellissimo!
Dazzling hair at Tips & Toes
We all love a touch of sparkle this festive season and Tips & Toes hair team have just introduced Hair Tinsel. That’s right, now you can subtly add your favourite Christmas decoration to your locks. The thin glitter thread is tied into the hair in different sections close to the scalp and can last from anywhere between a few days up to two weeks. This of course depends on how much you take care of it. Ensure you are cautious when brushing so as not to tug on the strands and avoid using hot styling tools as this might cause the tinsel to curl.
Joyeux Noël at
On Christmas Day, Bleu Blanc will serve a family-style sharing brunch menu drawing on the rich festive traditions of the South of France. With live entertainment and rustic and French festive décor, you can be sure to feel the festive cheer on December 25 while indulging in a variety of comforting classics, thus giving the feel of a home away from home. Priced Dhs425 non-alcoholic, Dhs575 sparkling, Dhs775 Premium.
Festive markets
The weather outside might not be frightful, but the Christmas markets in Dubai are just as delightful. Make sure to check out the Winter Garden Market at Dubai’s Habtoor Palace, Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market, JLT’s first ever festive market that opens on December 20 and can be found at JLT Park behind Cluster P and Q and Dubai Opera Christmas Market that’s on till December 14.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
We love Afternoon Tea already, but add a festive twist and we are absolutely smitten. Enjoy twinkling lights and festive delights at Shai Salon with a decadent Festive Afternoon Tea. Indulge in mountains of mince pies, delicious sandwiches, hot cups of cocoa and oh-so sweet pastries. Available till January 7 and priced at Dhs280.
