A Merry Guide for Christmas in Abu Dhabi in 2023

Tis the season to be jolly, and what better place to bask in the joy of Christmas than the lively city of Abu Dhabi! We’ve compiled all the essential information for celebrating Christmas in Abu Dhabi with your loved ones. With numerous free activities available, relishing the festivities becomes effortlessly enjoyable. Join us as we unwrap the magic of the holidays in the UAE’s capital, where the desert winds carry the melodies of carols, and the cityscape glows with festive lights.

Jingle Your Way to Magical Events

The Emirates has many fun activities and events waiting for you! If you wish to immerse yourself in the season’s spirit, you have a calendar brimming with events! 

• Festive Feasts at Conrad Etihad Towers

Unwrap the magic of Christmas at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers! Join the annual Tree Lighting ceremony on December 8 and a Festive Afternoon Tea on December 9. Indulge in a delightful à la carte menu at Ray’s Grill for Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, Nahaam & Sole will present a lavish brunch, while Ray’s Grill will offer a sophisticated dinner. Simplify your celebrations with Turkey to Go, available from November 23 to January 7.

• • Location: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
  • Address: Corniche West Street, Abu Dhabi
  • Prices: Vary per event; contact for details
  • Contact: +971 (0)2 811 5666 
  • Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/auhetci-conrad-abu-dhabi-etihad-towers/dining/festive-offers/ 

• Seaside Splendour at Saadiyat Beach Club

Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive brunch at Safina Restaurant Tromionozona on December 25th. Indulge in fresh seafood, a lavish barbecue, and refreshing cocktails by the pool. Enjoy live entertainment, a saxophone player, and a special appearance by Santa. Prices start from 570 AED.

• • Location: Safina Restaurant, Saadiyat Beach Club
  • Address: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
  • Prices: From 570 AED
  • Contact: 0097150152842
  • Website: https://www.saadiyatbeachclub.ae/home 

• Radiant Revelry at Radisson Blu

Experience a trio of festive celebrations at Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson. Enjoy “Supper with Santa” at Filini Garden, the “Spirit of Christmas” dinner at Belgian Beer Cafe, and a Mexican twist with “Noche Buena” at Amerigos. On Christmas Day, relish international flavours at Assymetri. Prices range from AED 175 to AED 350.

• • Location: Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson
  • Address: Various locations across Abu Dhabi
  • Prices: AED 175 to AED 350
  • Contact: Contact individual outlets for reservations

• Khayal’s Christmas Extravaganza at Marriott Hotel Al Forsan

Celebrate the holiday season at Khayal, Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, with a Christmas Day Brunch. Indulge in festive dishes across six live stations, accompanied by live music and a Santa Claus appearance. Choose from three packages: AED 310 for the Soft package, AED 450 for the House package, or AED 550 for the Champagne package.

• • Location: Khayal, Marriott Hotel Al Forsan
  • Address: Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi
  • Prices: AED 310 to AED 550
  • Contact: 02 201 4131 or www.marriottalforsanlife.com 

• Grand Hyatt’s Glittering Christmas

Observe the day at the Grand Hyatt with a Tree Lighting Ceremony, Festive Afternoon Tea, and a Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Workshop. Enjoy a traditional Christmas buffet at Sahha Restaurant on Christmas Eve and La Famiglia Brunch with Santa at Verso on Christmas Day. Prices start from 160 AED.

• • Location: Grand Hyatt
  • Address: Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
  • Prices: From 160 AED
  • Contact: 0097125101234 
  • Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/united-arab-emirates/park-hyatt-abu-dhabi-hotel-and-villas/abuph/special-events/christmas 

• Cyan Brasserie’s Gastronomic Delight

Experience the spirit of Christmas at Cyan Brasserie with a gastronomic feast on Christmas Eve. Indulge in holiday favourites, including live turkey carving and festive desserts. Choose from three packages: AED 250 for soft drinks, AED 350 for house drinks, or AED 450 for premium bubbly all-inclusive.

• • Location: Cyan Brasserie, Andaz Capital Gate
  • Address: ADNEC, Abu Dhabi
  • Prices: AED 250 to AED 450
  • Contact: 971507656435 

• Jing Asia’s Joyful Christmas at Crowne Plaza

Celebrate Christmas at Jing Asia with a special Christmas Eve dinner and a delightful Christmas Day brunch. Enjoy Asian delights, live guitar melodies, and festive fun with face painting and Santa’s gift-giving. Prices start from AED 185 for dinner and AED 195 for brunch.

• • Location: Jing Asia, Crowne Plaza Yas Island
  • Address: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
  • Prices: AED 185 to AED 295

• Rotana Yas Island’s Global Gastronomic Christmas

Celebrate Christmas at Rotana Yas Island with a global gastronomic journey. Indulge in a delicious buffet on Christmas Eve featuring worldwide flavours, carved turkey, and classic sweet treats. Prices start at AED 185 with soft drinks or AED 285 with limitless select house beverages. Continue the festive adventure on Christmas Day with a delectable brunch at Choices, starting at AED 225 with soft drinks, AED 325 with unlimited house beverages, or AED 395 with endless bubbly. Enjoy the season with family and friends, witness Santa Claus’s visit, and relish live cooking stations. Prices include special rates for children aged 6-12, while kids below 6 attend for free.

• • Location: Rotana Yas Island
  • Address: Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
  • Prices: AED 185 to AED 395
  • Contact: https://widget.servmeco.com/?oid=1113 

• Oak Room’s Christmas Roast Extravaganza

Oak Room, the renowned British steakhouse in the capital, adds sophistication to Christmas celebrations. This premium dining experience offers a 3-hour affair with a choice of starters, a sumptuous roast with all the trimmings, and a variety of tasty desserts. The atmosphere is filled with happiness and warmth, accompanied by soft Christmas music. For reservations and more information, call 02 208 0000.

• • Location: The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
  • Date: December 25
  • Timings: 1 PM to 5 PM
  • Prices: AED 395 (soft drinks), AED 525 (selected house beverages)
  • Dress Code: Casual

• Alba Terrace’s Christmas Brunch Delight

Delight in a festive Christmas feast at Alba Terrace. The Christmas Brunch features winter favourites, including Braised Lamb Shank and freshly baked treats from the poolside wood-fired oven. Little ones can indulge in treats from the candy trolley, while adults can sip on signature Aperol Spritz and an elevated selection of Amalfi-inspired cocktails. Live music enhances the festive atmosphere for the occasion.

• • Location: Alba Terrace, The Abu Dhabi Edition
  • Date: December 25
  • Timings: 1 PM – 5 PM
  • Prices: AED 345 (soft beverages), AED 445 (selected house beverages)

• Sofitel’s Festive Flair

Get ready for the holiday season with Le Corniche’s Christmas Eve Dinner at Sofitel. Indulge in a mouth-watering turkey carving station, live BBQ, and decadent festive desserts. Timings: 7 pm to 12 am on December 24th, 2023. On Christmas Day, Grills & Chill ‘O hosts a festive brunch with Christmas songs, offering delicious food. Timings: December 25th, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Prices range from AED 249 to AED 445, with special discounts for kids aged 6-12.

• • Location: Sofitel, Abu Dhabi, Corniche
  • Christmas Eve Price: AED 249 per person
  • Christmas Day Price: AED 325 (soft beverages), AED 149 (add-on for alcoholic beverages), AED 445 (champagne package)
  • Kids Discount: 50% for kids 6-12 years

• Café Milano’s Italian Christmas Eve Feast

Café Milano at Four Seasons Abu Dhabi presents an exclusive Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes menu inspired by the classic Southern Italian tradition. Enjoy delectable seafood starters and main courses, including baked herb-crusted meagre fillet, roasted monkfish, and succulent jumbo prawns. Leave room for Café Milano’s signature desserts to top off the Christmas Eve festivities.

• • Date: Sunday, December 24th
  • Location: Café Milano, Four Seasons Abu Dhabi
  • Pricing: Dishes priced a la carte

• Butcher & Still’s 1920s Christmas Brunch

Dive into a unique Christmas brunch at Butcher & Still, inspired by the elegance of the 1920s. This buffet-style brunch blends live barbecue stations and pass-around sharing platters. Enjoy the tantalising scents of slow-roasting meat and a curated menu featuring the finest Christmas favourites. Timings: 1 pm – 4 pm on Monday, December 25th. Prices range from AED 495 to AED 750, including soft beverages, grapes, or champagne.

• • Location: Butcher and Still, Four Seasons Abu Dhabi
  • Date: December 25
  • Timings: 1 PM – 4 PM
  • Prices: AED 495 (soft beverages), AED 620 (grapes), AED 750 (champagne)

• Vendome’s Family Christmas Brunch

Treat your family to a delightful brunch this Christmas at Vendome. The elegant all-day dining restaurant is in the iconic Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. Indulge in a dining experience with live entertainment within a modern, spacious setting. Timings: December 25 from 12.30 to 4 pm. Prices range from AED 550 to AED 750, with options for soft beverages, house beverages, or bubbles.

• • Location: Vendome, Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental
  • Date: December 25
  • Timings: 12:30 PM – 4 PM
  • Prices: AED 550 (soft beverages), AED 650 (house beverages), AED 750 (bubbles)

• Le Bistrot’s Elegant Christmas Eve Dinner

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort’s Le Bistrot is an excellent choice for guests looking for a peaceful yet joyful festive dinner the night before Christmas. Le Bistrot’s signature menu dishes are prepared with authentic French ingredients and paired with world-class wines. Timings: 24th December, 7 PM to 10:30 PM. Prices range from AED 249 to AED 399, including soft drinks, house beverages, or grapes.

• • Location: Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort – Corniche – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
  • Date: December 24
  • Timings: 7 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Prices: AED 249 (soft drinks), AED 399 (house beverages and grapes)

• Festive Winter Market at Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Abu Dhabi Golf Club is going all out this festive season with the Winter Market starting on December 9. Enjoy activities such as a Best Christmas Booth competition, Santa Photo Booth, Huge Christmas Tree Lighting, and a contest for the Best Christmas Costume. The Winter Market runs from December 9 to 24, with weekend highlights featuring Christmas Carollers, live performances, 20+ booths, a kids area, and more. Winter Market timings are Friday to Sunday, 4 PM to midnight. Entry is AED 10 per person.

• • Location: Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City
  • Winter Market Dates: December 9 to 24
  • Timings: Friday – Sunday, 4 PM – Midnight
  • Entry: AED 10 per person
  • Contact: +971 2 885 3555

• Christmas Tree Lighting at Beach Rotana

The Annual Christmas tree lighting at Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi, takes place during the first week of December. Standing at a staggering height of 33 feet, clad in red and gold Christmas ornaments, it’s a must-not-miss event for kids and grown-ups. Date: December 6th, 5 pm Onwards. Location: Al Zahiya, Abu Dhabi.

• • Date: December 6
  • Timings: 5 PM Onwards
  • Location: Al Zahiya, Abu Dhabi

• Emirates Palace Christmas Tree Lighting

Experience the grandeur of Christmas tree lighting at the Emirates Palace Hotel. The 42-foot tree, valued at a little over $11 million, is adorned in 24K gold, diamonds, and precious gems. Join the live Christmas choir for a magical experience. Date: December 9. Timings: 6 PM at the Grand Dome. Location: Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi.

• • Date: December 9
  • Timings: 6 PM at the Grand Dome
  • Location: Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi

• Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Christmas Tree Lighting

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club hosts an exciting pre-Christmas event during the first weekend of December. Enjoy the festive tree lighting, a live Christmas choir, a BBQ, and a visit from Santa. Date: Sunday, December 3. Timings: 6 PM to 10 PM. Location: Clubhouse Lobby, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Sheikh Khalifa Highway, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.

• • Date: December 3
  • Timings: 6 PM to 10 PM
  • Location: Clubhouse Lobby, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

• Christmas Tree Lighting at Sofitel

Sofitel presents a Christmas tree-lighting event with a live performance from a talented choir. Santa Claus will make a special guest appearance, offering an opportunity for photos. Timings: 6 pm – 7 pm. Location: Sofitel lobby area.

• • Timings: 6 PM – 7 PM
  • Location: Sofitel lobby area

• Yas Links Christmas Tree Lighting

Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, hosts the Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in mid-December. Witness the magnificent tree being lit up and enjoy treats such as Christmas cookies and Gluehwein. Date: December 9. Timings: 7:30 PM – 8: 30 PM. Location: Yas Islands, Abu Dhabi.

• • Date: December 9
  • Timings: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Location: Yas Islands, Abu Dhabi

• Winter Wonderland at Al Maryah Island

Experience the outdoor Winter Wonderland on Al Maryah Island’s promenade. Enjoy exciting shows, performances, a tube slide, a snow zone, and Christmas craft stations. The Galleria Mall also features Christmas lights, a winter village, and a giant gingerbread house. Winter Wonderland timings: 9th – 31st December. Free entry for all. Location: Al Maryah Island waterfront, Abu Dhabi.

• • Timings: 9th – 31st December
  • Location: Al Maryah Island waterfront, Abu Dhabi

• Italian Winterfest at Ferrari World

Enjoy the Italian Winterfest at Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi. With festive lights show, dancing, ice skating, and world-class rides, it’s a holiday season to remember. Dates: December 8, 2023, to January 7, 2024. Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

• • Dates: December 8, 2023, to January 7, 2024
  • Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

• Yas Bay Waterfront & Yas Marina Festivities

Yas Bay Waterfront and Yas Marina will host a month-long extravaganza featuring a modern Christmas tree, Santa’s Post Office, Snowflake Lane, and a festive weekend parade. Explore the Winter Market for festive shopping, treats, and gifts. Yas Marina transforms into a festive wonderland with candy canes, twinkling lights, and life-size snow globes. Festive parade timings: 15:00 to 20:00 on weekends.

• • Location: Yas Bay Waterfront & Yas Marina
  • Parade Timings: 15:00 to 20:00 on weekends

• Abu Dhabi Mall Festive Treasures

Abu Dhabi Mall hosts a treasure trove of unique, handcrafted goodies and Christmas ornaments. Explore ongoing sales, enjoy a playful train ride, and engage in various activities at the giant gingerbread house. Kids have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Stay tuned for updates on this year’s events! Location: Al Zahiya, Abu Dhabi.

• • Location: Al Zahiya, Abu Dhabi

• Festive Decor at Galleria Mall

Galleria Mall brings awe-inspiring festive decorations to its central hall. Meet Santa Claus from 10 AM on December 9th, with a special moment at 6 PM to kick off the festive season. Experience the incredible festive display in the mall’s main central hall.

• • Dates: December 9th to 24th
  • Location: Galleria Mall

• Warner Bros World’s Winter Spectacular

Warner Bros World transforms into a winter spectacular theme park from November 12th to January 8th. Enjoy a festive lights show, ice skating, world-class rides, and live entertainment. Create unforgettable memories with your family during this holiday season.

• • Dates: November 12th, 2023, to January 8th, 2024
  • Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

• Christmas Turkey Takeaway at Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Rosewood Abu Dhabi offers a fully cooked turkey with tempting ingredients for your at-home Christmas celebrations. The 5-6kg turkey comes with apple and apricot chestnut stuffing, potato and vegetable sides, and two sauces. Pick up from the lobby between November 23rd and December 28th.

• • Price: AED 625 per box, additional sides & sauces AED 55 per serving
  • Pickup: Lobby – November 23rd to December 28th
  • Booking: Required 24 hours in advance

Festive Finale

Wrapping up with the festive listings in Abu Dhabi, we bring to you- From lavish feasts to dazzling tree lightings. Abu Dhabi is the place to go if you’re in for some holiday hilarity. Whether you’re feasting at Oak Room or frolicking at Yas Bay’s Winter Market, this season’s jollity is all set to sparkle.

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