WEEKEND GUIDE
Find out what’s happening in the UAE this week.
Tis the season to be jolly! The good news (apart from ole jelly-belly’s visits with presents) is that you don’t have to deck the halls on your own. Christmas trees around the UAE twinkle into life this week and you, your little ones and friends can all gather around the grand conifers at one of the venues below and enjoy the festivities:
Hilton Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah: A traditional treelighting ceremony kicks off the festivities on December 8 at 6.30pm. Little carolers from Little Treasures Nursery School will belt out festive tunes as you tuck into chocolate cookies and hot chocolate. Kids can get their pictures taken with Santa at a special photo session.
JA Hatta Fort Hotel: The mountains of Hatta will come alive with the sound of Christmas carols on December 12. At 7.30pm the resort’s very own Santa’s Village will host a treelighting ceremony accompanied by the resident hotel deer, canapés, turkey terrine, Christmas pudding, mini muffins and hot chocolate, with music by the Hatta Christmas Carolers.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi: The palatial hotel’s Grand Dome recreates the splendour and magic of the North Pole, minus the freezing temperature, with their Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 10. Candlelight, songs and Santa accepting wishlists are all things to look forward to.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah: Today, the resort’s legendary Peacock Alley transforms into Santa’s Grotto with a Christmas tree-lighting event at 5pm. Until 7pm fill your boots with a world-class selection of canapés, desserts and festive beverages, while resident carolers set the Christmas spirit with classics in the run-up to Santa’s arrival.
Park Hyatt Dubai: On December 12, the hotel located in the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club rings in good cheer with a tree-lighting in the piazza, traditional carols sung by a choir and Christmas market stalls with heaps of delicacies and gift hampers that will make for great stocking fillers. At 6pm.
Raffles Dubai: Christmas spirits soar high – 20-feet to be precise, at the Raffles. The hotel’s annual giant tree makes a reappearance on December 5 as will Santa and his elves with a sack load of gifts. Also vying for attention will be the colossal gingerbread house in the lobby that’s packed with freshly-baked treats. From 6pm to 7pm.