CHRISTMAS EVE

Grills@Chill’O

This Corniche sky terrace restaurant offers two things we’re particularly fond of about Abu Dhabi Christmases – chilling and grilling. And on December 24, there’s a traditional Chrimbo banquet with a French twist. Think roasted turkey with chestnuts, Brussels sprouts, braised cabbage, honey glazed carrots, lashings of turkey gravy, coq au vin, boeuf a la bourguignonne, duck confit, and foie gras. Want more? There are more international menu options available too, live music and maybe even a visit from the sleigh master-in-chief.

Grills@Chill’O, Sofitel

Abu Dhabi Corniche, 7pm to 11pm. Dhs275 with soft drinks, Dhs370 with house drinks, Dhs545 bubbles,

Dhs110 children from seven to 12. Tel: (0)2 813 7777. sofitelabudhabicorniche.com

Khayal

Have a holly, jolly eve at

Khayal with a lavish buffet and plenty of live cooking stations. There’s mulled grape, mulled vibes and we understand that the man in red is mulling over a visit to come and spoil the little ones ahead of the big day.

Marriott Al Forsan,

Khalifa City, 6.30pm to 11pm. Dhs249 with soft drinks. Add Dhs149 and upgrade to house or Dhs199 and upgrade to bubbles, Dhs99 for children, under sixes free. Tel: (0)2 201 4000. marriott.com

Kuzbara

Plate up gastro-gifts from live stations offering soup, roast meat joints and other carvery delights, plus festive desserts, including a classic dark chocolate Yule log. If the kids behave, they can take home little gifts. Book before December 10 for a 30 per cent discount.

Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, Sheikh

Rashid Bin Saeed Street, 7pm to 11pm. Dhs175 with soft drinks, Dhs295 with house drinks. Tel: (0)2 304 7777. marriottdowntownabudhabilife.com

Li Jiang

Give your night before

Chrimbo an authentic Asian flavour with the special Christmas Eve dinner at Li Jiang. The four-course menu includes delicate dim sum, handmade noodles, yaki tori chicken, panfried tooth fish and mocha tea cheesecake for dessert, all available against the stunning backdrop of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, 7pm to midnight, Dhs450 with soft drinks, Dhs650 with house drinks.

Tel: (02) 818 8888, @ritzcarltonabudhabi

Sacci

If you like your December 24 celebrations a little more fancy, head to Sacci for a night of real festive indulgence.

Chef Giovani has prepared a decadent five-course festive feast. Pair your set menu with house drinks for a very reasonable Dhs399. Off menu, guests will find a big stack of live entertainment waiting for them under the tree.

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi. 7pm to 11pm. Dhs399 with house drinks. Tel: (0)2 616 9999. sacciabudhabi.com