CHRISTMAS DAY
Rockfish
Opt for Mediterraneanstyle seafood instead of the traditional Christmas dinner. Rockfish’s setting is hard to beat, with a perfect view of the Jumeirah shore and the backdrop of the Burj Al Arab.
aJumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai, lunch 12.30pm to 15.30pm, dinner 6.30pm to 11:30pm. Tel: (04) 4323232. jumeirah.com
Yalumba
A party brunch that ticks the boxes for young and old – plenty of food options, live music, and a children’s corner with interactive activities.
aLe Meridien, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs389 with house drinks, Dhs529 with premium drinks. Tel: (04) 7022328. yalumbadubai.com
Baker & Spice
Go a la carte and choose from turkey, chicken, Black Angus or roasted fish for your main course. The huge selection of sides, stuffings and starters allows you to completely customise your own individual feast – mac and cheese may not be a traditional part of Christmas dinner, but it should be.
aSouk Al Bahar, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4279856. bakerdspiceme.com
Reform Social & Grill
Reform has a local pub vibe, making it a great option for a relaxed day. The menu is typically British, with the usual turkey and all the trimmings as well as dishes like honey roasted gammon, and mushroom cobbler. The
four-hour brunch includes four courses, followed by coffee and mince pies.
aReform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs450 for soft drinks, Dhs580 for house drinks, Dhs680 for premium drinks, Dhs225 for children aged eight to 14, Dhs120 for children under 8, under 2s free. reformsocial-grill.ae
Nikki Beach
Spend Christmas by the pool at Nikki’s Saint Tropez Brunch, which is serving up an outdoor buffet of holiday-inspired classics. As the sun sets, the party moves to the beach for a special bonfire and a live acoustic set.
aNikki Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai, 1pm to 5pm, from Dhs435. Tel: (04) 376 6000 or (04) 376 6162. nikkibeach.com
Folly by Nick & Scott
Meat eaters and vegetarians are well catered for at Folly’s feast. The menu has creative dishes like whipped goats cheese with pear and cinnamon, as well as halibut with sweet and sour red cabbage, almonds and marmite. There’s a roast turkey dinner with roasted potatoes and vegetables for the main (or onion tart with sour cream and chives for vegetarians).
aMadinat Jumeirah, Dhs495 with soft drinks (Dhs350 for vegetarian), Dhs845 with house drinks (Dhs700 for vegetarian). Tel: (04) 4308535. folly.ae
Rosso and Benihana
As well as live cooking stations and a traditional roast, there will be a food truck from JB’s and a Teppanyaki bar at Benihana. Award-winning UAE band International Playboys provide the entertainment, while children can enjoy activities throughout the day – Santa also plans to pay them a visit.
aAmwaj Rotana, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs249 with soft drinks, Dhs449 with house drinks, Dhs149 for kids from six to 12, under sixes free. Tel: (04) 4282000. rotana.com
Garden on 8
A brunch that’s billing itself as ‘ the cheapest, tackiest Christmas you ever did see; so if cheesy tunes, festive jumpers and tinsel are your thing, you’re in for a treat. You’ll get a whole turkey to carve at your table, with all the trimmings and free-flowing drinks.
aMedia One Hotel, Media City, Dubai, 12pm to 7pm, Dhs150 with soft drinks, Dhs299 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 4271000. mediaonehotel.com
Picnic Pantry
An outdoor Christmas with a walk-in pantry and BBQ stations. There will be plenty to keep everyone entertained throughout the day, including live music, children’s activities, and pool access. aCrowne Plaza, Dubai Festival City, 12.30 tp 4pm,
Segreto
Bubbalicious Dhs245 including soft drinks, Dhs345 with select beverages, kids aged 12 and under dine free. Tel: (04) 7011127. diningdfc.com/festive There are a few different options depending on how hungry you are – go for the full brunch (from Dhs195), or the more chilled option with festive canapés and three drinks on the terrace (Dhs95). A Christmas specials menu will be served in the evening. aMadinat Jumeirah, Dubai, brunch from noon to 4pm, canapés from 3pm to midnight, dinner from 6pm, Tel: (04) 4323232. jumeirah.com
Bubbalicious
Tuck into a huge selection of food across three restaurants at one of the city’s most famous brunches. There will be Christmas-themed entertainment and freeflowing drinks to put you in the holiday spirit.
aThe Westin Mina Seyahi, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs595 with soft drinks, Dhs750 with premium drinks. Tel: (04) 511 7373. westin.com
Reform Social & Grill
Spend the day gorging on food in the sun with a full English breakfast, cold cuts platter, and an all-day roast. If you’re still stuffed from Christmas dinner then there are drinks deals to take advantage of. Select football matches will be shown throughout the day. aThe Lakes, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4542638. reformsocialgrill.ae
Pierchic
For those who aren’t brunched out already, Pierchic is living up to its name with a suitably chic Boxing Day brunch. Expect five-star food in a beautiful setting that will have your Instagram followers double tapping.
aAl Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs395 with soft drinks, Dhs595 with house drinks, Dhs750 with premium drinks, Dhs195 for children aged four to 12. Tel: (04) 3666705. jumeirah.com Pai Thai Take a boat along the Madinat (or a buggy if you’d prefer) to Pai Thai for an impressive Boxing Day dinner setting. The sharing menu and live entertainment will offer up a Thai twist on festivities.
aAl Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs295. Tel: 04 432 3232. jumeirah.com Eggspectation Boxing Day is all about relaxation, so a big breakfast is the best way to kick things off. Eggspectation is serving festive specials including berry and brioche French toast, gingerbread waffle and cinnamon apple crumble, and Christmas red velvet chocolate pancake.
aVarious locations including The Beach JBR, City Walk. eggspectation.com
McGettigan’s JBR
Just as one celebration ends, another one begins. Head to JBR and celebrate St Stephen’s Day along with a festive platter or the a la carte menu and plenty of sport on the TV screens.
aHilton JBR, The Walk, Dubai, 12.30pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3182580. mcgettigans.com
Perry & Blackwelders
It’s all about the Deep South at P&B’s, with an American festive menu full of the usual southern comforts until Boxing Day.
aMadinat Jumeirah, Dubai, two-course set menu for Dhs250. Tel: (04) 3666197. jumeirah.com
Drift Beach Dubai
Fairylights, Christmas trees and holly will transform the beach club into a winter wonderland. The festive set menu is available for pre- bookings of groups of 10 or more until 10 January (perfect if you’re late with your celebrations), or order from the Christmas specials board until Boxing Day.
aOne& Only, Royal Mirage, from Dhs145 for two courses. Tel: (04) 3152200. driftbeachdubai.com
Weslodge Saloon
If you can handle more celebrations, Weslodge is ready and waiting with a Boxing Day post-brunch happy hour. You’ll get two drinks for the price of one along with cheery tunes.
aJW Marriot Marquis Tower B, Dubai. Tel: 04 560 1700. weslodge.ae
Atlantis, The Palm
There are two options for turkey takeout – medium for six to 10 people, or large for 10 to 15. Both are served with chipolata sausage, sage & onion stuffing, roast potatoes, honey-glazed parsnip, Brussel sprouts, green beans and carrots. There are also the usual Christmas sauces like cranberry, turkey giblet, and bread sauce. Order: 48 hours in advance
Availability: Until December 26
How much? 8kg turkey for Dhs800, 10kg turkey for Dhs1,100
aTel: (04) 4261454, or e-mail DXB-Platos@ atlantisthepalm.com
Perry & Blackwelder’s
Be prepared for American-style turkey. Choose your size of turkey, add on the trimmings, including roast or mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts, boiled cabbage, grilled corn, and carrots. For an extra touch of the US, you can add a sweet potato pie for dessert. Order: 48 hours in advance
Availability: Until December 26
How much? 6kg turkey for Dhs495, 6kg turkey with trimmings for Dhs650, 11kg turkey with sides for Dhs850, sweet potato pie for Dhs175. aTel: (04) 3666197, festiveturkey@ jumeirah.com Swissotel Al Ghurair A medium-sized turkey (minimum of 8kg) will serve five to eight people. It comes with all the traditional Christmas Day trimmings for a restaurant-standard festive feast at home. Order: 72 hours in advance
Availability: Until December 25
How much? Dhs655 aTel: (04) 2933000 EDITOR’S PICK Jones the Grocer Confession time. The What’s
On team managed to get a sneak taste of Jones’ turkey offerings, and it was excellent. Choose from roast turkey or roast leg of lamb, both served with delicious sauces and gravy. Sides include crispy duck fat roast potatoes, sautéed Brussel sprouts and chestnut, and honey glazed parsnips. You can even add a pumpkin pie or platter, to make it a real feast. Order: 72 hours in advance
Availability: Until December 31
How much? Roast turkey Dhs635 (or Dhs885 with sides); Roast lamb Dhs695 (or Dhs885 with sides) a800jones@ jonesthegrocer.com Via Veneto Order a roast turkey with just the bread and herbs stuffing, or order a turkey and the full trimmings, including caramilsed onion potatoes with herbs, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Both options feed five to seven people. Order: 36 hours in advance
Availability: Until 25 December How much? Dhs499 for turkey only or Dhs559 with the trimmings aTel: (04) 2427882; viaveneto.ae
Jumeirah Emirates Towers
If you were worried about where to get your turkey now that The Ivy and The Rivington Grill are closed, then you’re in luck. Chefs from both restaurants have created the ultimate Great British Roast, with turkey and traditional sides like cocktail sausages, red cabbage, honeyroasted parsnips, and roast potatoes. For dessert there’s Christmas pudding or sticky toffee pudding. Order: 48 hours in advance
Availability: Until December 26
How much: From Dhs399 q Email: festiveturkey@ jumeirah.com Amwaj Rotana Choose from a 5kg or 8kg turkey with cranberry and chestnut stuffing, roasted new potatoes, maple glazed root vegetables, Brussel sprouts and cranberry sauce. Those who fancy something a little different can opt for beef Wellington with a selection of Christmassy sides. Order: 48 hours in advance Availability: December 5 to 31 How much? 5kg turkey for Dhs450, Dhs650 for 8kg, Dhs375 for beef Wellington serving four people aTel: (04) 4282000
Baker & Spice
A GMO-free turkey for health-conscious Christmas diners. And there should be no compromise on taste, having been soaked in a 24-hour brine and slow roasted for extra juice-factor. You can also opt for an organic chicken or grass fed Black Angus, and the selection of sides is impressive. Order: 48 hours in advance
Availability: Throughout December How much? From Dhs550 for a 4kg turkey aTel: (04) 4279856
Flow
Opt for one or two turkey breasts with two stuffed thighs and two side dishes. Order: 48 hours in advance Availability: Until 30 December How much: From Dhs999 q flowdubai.com
Chival, La Ville Hotel & Suites
Pre-order your roast turkey with sides such as stuffing, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce and buttered mashed potatoes to eat at home. Or if you don’t fancy dealing with the washing up, you can dine-in at Chival instead. Order: 48 hours in advance
Availability: Until December 25
How much: Dhs450 for two people, Dhs750 for four aTel: (04) 403 3111
Christmas Tree Lighting
The annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at Irish Village is one of the biggest and best festive events of the year. Taking place on Monday December 3, there’ll be live music from two choirs, mulled wine and mince pies, and of course the small matter of tree lighting on that giant twinkly tree. December 3
aIrish Village, Garhoud, Dubai, Mon 7pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 2824750. theirishvillage.com
Museum of Illusions
Al Seef ’s Museum of Illusions is putting a festive spin on its mind-bending venue. Plus there’ll be opportunities to find Santa somewhere inside. See you in the vortex tunnel… December 3 to 31
aAl Seef, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight, Dhs80 for adults, Dhs60 for children. Tel: (04) 3573999. museumofillusions.ae
Christmas Jumper Party
Dig out your cheesiest Christmas jumpers and head to McGettigan’s JBR for a real festive knees-up. There’ll be a festive menu, competitions and a live DJ spinning Christmas tunes. December 12
aMcGettigan’s JBR, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, The Walk, JBR, Wed 8pm to late. Tel: (04) 318 2580. mcgettigans.com
Santa’s Garden
One for the little ones, a popup Santa’s Garden is arriving at Le Meridien Dubai for two weeks from December 12. Children can build gingerbread houses, take part in activities, and even visit the big man himself to give him their Christmas wish list. December 12 to 24
aLe Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre, Airport Road, 4pm to 8pm, Dhs25. Tel: (04) 7022455. lemeridien-dubai.com
Festive films
Outdoor cinema is one of our favourite alfresco pastimes during the cooler months, and what better way to watch an
iconic Christmas film than snuggled under a blanket and the twinkly Dubai Marina skyline? From December 15 to 17, the Urban Outdoor Cinema screens Elf, It’s A Wonderful
Life and Love Actually in the garden of the Habtoor Grand. December 15 to 17 aUrban Outdoor Cinema, Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, 7.30pm, Dhs75. urbanoutdoorcinema.com
A ‘Bad Moms’ Christmas ladies’ night
Trade an evening of Christmas duties for a festive night out with the Bad Moms festive edition of Ba’s ladies’ night. On Thursday December 20, ladies receive unlimited drinks for
Dhs99, as well as a visit from a hunky Santa. December 20
aBa Restaurant & Lounge, Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Thur 6pm to 9pm, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 4573457. fairmont.com
Festive Market at Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah’s popular festive market returns for nine days, featuring a traditional German Market, food stalls, and the opportunity to ride an Abra with Santa. This year there will be a secondary market at Jumeriah Creekside Hotel, home to a German Market, a mini-train ride to a Dubai-style North Pole, face painting and a two-lane bungee jump. December 20 to 28 q jumeirah.com
Gingerbread House masterclass
Open to adults and children, the oh-so-Instagrammable Tania’s Teahouse is hosting a three-hour gingerbread house-making class on Friday December 21. Students learn to make the dough from scratch, as well as icing and assembling their gingerbread masterpieces, which they can then take home. December 21
a779A Jumeriah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Fri 2pm to 5pm, Dhs300. Tel: (04) 3240021. taniasteahouse.com