ALL THE TREE LIGHTING EVENTS IN UAE
Treat yourself to these tree lighting ceremonies and savour festive fare for free
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. As the UAE embraces the monthlong merrymaking, here’s how you can get in on the celebrations with these Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, winter carnivals and the festive food.
ABU DHABI Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
Surround yourself with snowmen and reindeers as you sip on festive beverages at this Christmas tree lighting experience. Listen to the season’s songs while little ones indulge in sweet treats, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts.
Details: Today, from 6pm to 7pm at The Village. Free entry.
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
The tree lighting will start on a high note with the hotel’s own choir performing carols live in the lobby. Guests can enjoy mulled grape, eggnog, cookies and juices while the lights come on. Special goodies and hampers available for purchase.
Details: Tomorrow from 7.30pm. Free entry.
St Regis Saadiyat Island
The resort will host its tree lighting ceremony with sweet treats, mulled drinks, cookies, mince pies and juices. Christmas carols will be sung live and there will be a special visit from Santa. The Drawing Room cafe will host a festive-themed afternoon tea with seasonal delicacies and a selection of teas.
Details: Tomorrow at 6.30pm for the tree lighting. The Drawing Room tea is between 2pm and 6pm, priced at Dh195.
Hilton Abu Dhabi
Welcome the Christmas spirit with the hotel’s tree lighting ceremony in the lobby, accompanied by a choir, as well as a festive market. The hotel will have a number of stalls set up in the lobby that will offer specials such as whole roast turkey with trimmings, glazed chestnuts and cranberry sauce. Also on offer are festive-shaped chocolate goodies, gingerbread cookies, puddings, cakes, yule logs, truffles and macaroons.
Details: Friday, from 6pm onwards. Free entry.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Spread the holiday cheer with the tree lighting ceremony. Guests can enjoy treats and sing along to carols performed by the Heartist Choir. Santa will drop in to surprise the kids, while mum and dad can take festive goodies home available at Le Cafe’s Gingerbread House.
Details: December 9, from 6pm. Free entry.
Yas Winter Carnival
Yas Island will transform into a winter wonderland with daily tree lighting at 7pm, followed by a funfair, carnival rides, festive treats and fireworks. The venue will have live entertainment, flakes falling on the hour with a kid’s play zone and a winter market. Kids can decorate gingerbread cookies, while, open fire pits will serve up BBQ treats.
Details: December 11 until 15 at Gateway Park South, Yas Island. Register on its website for free passes. Daily from 4pm to 10pm and 11pm over the weekend. Tree lighting daily at 7pm. Fireworks at 9pm.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel
The tree lighting ceremony kicks off with a gingerbread factory where children can decorate gingerbread houses and enjoy festive snacks and refreshments. Santa will surprise each child with a gift. This will be followed by the tree lighting, accompanied by carols. Festive treats to include the traditional Christmas yule log.
Details: December 12, from 4pm for the gingerbread factory. At Dh125 per child. Tree lighting at 6pm. Free entry.
DUBAI Roda Al Bustan
Deck the halls with boughs of holly with this festive tree lighting night. Santa will make an appearance, handing out gifts and a choir will sing carols in the lobby, while complimentary drinks and treats on offer. Think mince pies and mulled drinks.
Details: Today, from 5pm until 8pm. Free.
Steinberger Hotel
Start the season with this tree lighting ceremony. Head down to the Swim & Tonic lounge for Christmas carols by the German School Choir and food stalls. Guests can see real snow falling.
Details: Today, from 6pm. Free.
Fairmont The Palm
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony returns with live carol singing, festive treats and ginger bread making for kids. Adults can choose mulled drinks, hot chocolate or eggnog at Mashrabiya lounge. Santa and his musical grotto will also be there.
Details: Today, from 5pm. Free.
Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates
Attend the hotel’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony for free. The event will feature a traditional choir, canapes and themed refreshments, while the lobby will be decorated with holiday-inspired arrangements.
Details: Today, from 6pm. Free.
Dubai Festival City
Santa Claus and his elves will arrive at Dubai Festival City Mall for a festive market. The tree lighting will take place tomorrow when Santa and his elves arrive at 6pm at the Festival City Mall helipad. A Christmas tree will be lit up, followed by carolling and festive-themed Imagine shows.
Details: Tomorrow, at Festival Bay. Free entry, from 5.30pm.
Raffles Hotel Dubai
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will see guests nibble on festive treats, sip on mulled grape and sing along with the Christmas choir as Santa makes an appearance with a sack full of gifts for the little ones. Doors also open for a gingerbread house, full of baked treats.
Details: Tomorrow, from 6pm to 7pm. Free.
QE2
Tuck into the Wonderland Brunch ahead of the Christmas tree lighting. Featuring a full roast and trimmings, along with a Santa’s grotto and a live Christmas band at the Lido restaurant. The Christmas lights switch-on will take place on the Pavilion terrace with a choir and a visit from Santa, along with nibbles from the festive market.
Details: December 14. Brunch from 1pm until 4pm, starting at Dh225. Tree lighting between 6pm and 7.30pm. Free.
Royal Central Hotel
Get in to the spirit at the Christmas lighting ceremony with carolers as Santa Claus pays a visit with goody bags. A gingerbread house on display with selection of yule logs, mince pies, cookies, candies, more.
Details: December 12, from 6pm onwards. Free entry.