CHRISTMAS day
22 PJ O’Reilly’s Irish Pub
Pull a craic-er this December 25 and spend your big day the Galway, ahem, way. Head to PJ O’Reilly’s for a big dose of festive cheer in the form of a Christmas version of their Hogfest brunch, featuring a traditional Irish feast, mulled grape and a soundtrack of sing-a-long classics (if Fairy Tale of New York doesn’t get at least one encore, we’re throwing tantrums).
Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, Dec 24 and 24 (7pm to 10pm) and Dec 25 (1pm to 4pm). Dhs149 soft, Dhs225 house, Dhs295 premium. Tel: (800) 101 101. @pjsabudhabi
23 Saadiyat Beach Golf Course
If a partridge in a pear tree is not the only birdie on your mind at Christmas, why not hit up the idyllic green scenes of Saadiyat Beach Golf Course for your big day brunch? It’s tee-ing things off with a festive carvery buffet, house drinks, live performers and a number of children’s activities to keep the little ones amused.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 12pm to 3.30pm. Dhs285 with soft drinks, Dhs399 with house drinks, Dhs143 children from seven to 12, under sixes free. Tel: (0)56 660 8780. @saadiyatbeachgolfclub
24 The Foundry
There’s a lot at stake when organising a festive feast, so why not turn the tables and have a lot of steak instead? The Foundry is dishing up prime beef cuts alongside the more traditional turkey, saltbush lamb and of course all the trimmings at its Christmas brunch. Take things even further off-piste with the venue’s oyster bar, foie gras station, poke bar, seafood collection, and cheese vault.
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs325 with soft drinks, Dhs480 with house drinks, Dhs655 bubbles, Dhs110 children from six to 12. Tel: (0)2 818 4888. tsogosun.com
25 Turquoise
Christmas is traditionally a time associated with family, but if you can’t be with the whole gang this year, gather those that are near and dear, and head to the beach. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island’s refined all day diner is throwing a shoreline seasonal banquet alongside live cooking stations, a sushi bar, fresh oysters and outdoor grills.
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, 1pm to 4.30pm, Dhs649. Tel: (02) 492 2222, reservation. saadiyat@rixos.com
26 Urban Kitchen
Hop aboard the festive gravy train at the What’s On awardwinning Urban Kitchen this Chrimbo for a brunch packed with festive favourites. Top up the Yuletide spirit with a midday welcome drink at Orchid Lounge, then Ho-HoHo its off to Urban Kitchen we go to take your tastebuds on a whistle stop Santa present world tour, with all the many, varied international flavours of Urban Kitchen’s jolly brunch.
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Muroor Road, 12.30 to 4pm, Dec 25, Dhs270 soft, Dhs400 house, Dhs99 for children ages 7 to 12. Tel: (0)2 698 8137. dusit.com
27 Yas Links Abu Dhabi
At Yas Links Abu Dhabi, the team are focused on showing the whole family a good time, with festive eats, kiddie treats and Yuletide beats.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs399 with house drinks, Dhs143 for children. Tel: (0)2 404 3077. @yaslinksad