‘Twas the night before Christmas, when the FACT team decided to round up the top choices for a memorable Christmas Eve celebration in the capital.
Christmas Eve is for family, friends, and festivities. It’s a time to come together, celebrate and pull some crackers because these are the best places to spend Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi with your nearest and dearest.
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with a heartwarming Christmas Eve dinner at Bait Al Hanine, where a cosy and inviting ambience sets the perfect tone for the season. Delight in an extravagant buffet featuring live cooking and carving stations showcasing sizzling grilled meats, smoky brisket, fresh seafood, expertly carved turkey, and a delightful array of traditional holiday desserts. A magical surprise awaits the little ones, ensuring a joyous celebration for the entire family. Tuesday 24 December from 7pm to 11pm. AED 300 (soft beverages), AED 500 (cocktails, grapes, and hops), AED 550 (bubbly) and AED 150 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email info.alwathba@luxurycollection.com or call 02 204 4444 for reservations and more information.
Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
Inside the world’s furthest-leaning artificial structure, Cyan Brasserie will be hosting an eight-course dinner on Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi. Diners can expect a meal of festive favourites, Christmas-themed cocktails and mocktails, and a visit from Santa. Tuesday 24 December, from 6:30pm to 11pm. AED 295 (soft beverages), AED 395 (sparkling) and AED 495 (champagne).
GO: Visit www.hyattrestaurants.com for reservations and more information.
AT25
Indulge in a holiday-themed set menu featuring beloved classics like Goat Cheese Vol-au-Vent, Beef Tenderloin Wellington, and a traditional Christmas Pudding. The dining experience offers an elegant indoor setting or an alfresco dining experience with views of Downtown Abu Dhabi. Tuesday 24 December from 6:30pm to 11pm. AED 200 (including food and 10 drinks).
GO: Visit www.marriottdowntownabudhabilife.com for reservations and more information.
Brooklyn Chop House
Brooklyn Chop House brings the magic of a New York Christmas to Abu Dhabi. Guests can savour a festive-inspired Asian steakhouse feast featuring the restaurant’s signature dishes. Dig into handcrafted Dumplings, Braised Short Rib Bao Buns, and Seafood Stir Fry, all paired with Christmas-themed beverages. The vibrant atmosphere is elevated with live band playing R&B classics. The dinner runs from 7pm to 10pm, and starts from AED 580 for soft beverages, AED 750 for house beverages, and AED 1,200 for sparkling beverages.
GO: Call 050 642 0893 or 02 656 0000 for reservations.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Indulge in a variety of festive feasts across the stunning venues at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. At Vendôme, savour a lavish buffet filled with seasonal classics and holiday tunes, available for AED 350 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. At Talea, guests can enjoy a four-course Italian holiday menu reimagined with contemporary flair for AED 550. Sand & Koal presents a vibrant soirée featuring stunning sea views, a live DJ, fire dancers, and a themed sharing-style menu for AED 650.
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for reservations and more information.
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Gather with loved ones for a sumptuous Christmas Eve feast at Sahha featuring festive favourites like roasted turkey, truffle risotto, beef Wellington, and a traditional yule log. Rumour has it that Santa Claus himself might make an appearance. Available on Tuesday, 24 December, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. AED 260 (soft beverages) and AED 310 (house beverages).
GO: Email festive.grandhyattabudhabi@hyatt.com for reservations and more information.
Grand Millennium Al Wahda
Visit Porters English Pub at Grand Millennium Al Wahda and celebrate Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi with a live carvery station, a glass of mulled wine, and live music by the Metro Band and Choir. Immerse yourself in the magic of the season and revel in a night of wonder and excitement with a choice of soft or house packages. Tuesday 24 December from 6pm. AED 125 (soft beverages) and AED 199 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.millenniumhotels.com for reservations and more information.
Li Jiang
Indulge in a festive feast with a five-course set menu at Li Jiang inside The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal. With its colourful spice walls and modern furniture, this restaurant will transport you into the heart of Asia. Relax inside the intimate restaurant with a view of the open kitchen or on one of the sumptuous outdoor banquettes overlooking. Available on Tuesday, 24 December from 6pm to midnight. AED 399 (soft beverages), AED 599 (house beverages) and AED 699 (premium beverages).
GO: Email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com for reservations and more information.
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan
Celebrate Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi with an evening brunch at Khayal. The festive spread will include Christmas favourites from around the world and several live cooking stations. Expect traditional dishes such as roast turkey from the carving station and decadent holiday desserts. Available on Tuesday 24 December, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 260 (soft beverages), AED 4000 (house beverages), AED 500 (champagne) and AED 99 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email diningalforsan@marriott.com or call 02 201 4131 for reservations and more information.
Mijana
Embrace a Christmas celebration with an Arabian twist at Mijana in The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal. Expect an evening filled with traditional entertainment and live oud music as you savour a delectable five-course menu of Arabian delicacies. Available on Tuesday, 24 December from 6pm to midnight. AED 299 (soft beverages), AED 499 (house beverages) and AED 699 (premium beverages).
GO: Email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com for reservations and more information.
Oak Room
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with a festive dining experience at Oak Room. Begin with signature starters like Housemade Ricotta and Salmon Carpaccio, followed by a choice of Lamb Saddle, Roast Beef Sirloin or Roast Turkey with festive trimmings. Conclude your meal with Christmas pudding, mince pies and treacle tart. Available on Tuesday 24 December from 7pm to 11:30pm. AED 495 (soft beverages), AED 625 (house beverages) and AED 725 (bubbly).
GO: Visit www.eat2eat.com for reservations and more information.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Gather with loved ones for a festive buffet at Aqua, set against the beautiful backdrop of Al Maryah Island. The family-friendly atmosphere, live music, and holiday dishes make it a wonderful Christmas Eve experience. Available on Tuesday 24 December, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 390 (soft beverages), AED 490 (house beverages) and AED 590 (bubbly).
GO: Call 02 813 5550 for reservations and more information.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Experience the enchantment of Christmas Eve at Sim Sim. Enjoy an extraordinary dining experience where Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas’ culinary maestros will create a lavish buffet bursting with Christmas classics to elevate your holiday festivity with family and friends. Tuesday 24 December, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 225 (soft beverages), AED 310 (house beverages) and AED 113 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email fbres.saadiyat@rotana.com or call 02 697 0000 for reservations and more information.
Shang Palace
Celebrate the season with a Chinese dining experience at Shang Palace, where Master Chef Qiguo Su presents a special menu of hand-crafted delicacies paired with season-inspired beverages. The day will be highlighted by a traditional ‘Gongfu Tea Ceremony’ performed by the resident Tea Master, creating an occasion to remember. Santa Claus will also make a special appearance to delight young guests. Available on Tuesday 24 December from 6pm to 11pm. AED 288 (soft beverages) and AED 388 (house beverages).
GO: Email restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com for reservations and more information.
Sofra bld
Create lasting holiday memories at Sofra bld, where you can dine on exquisite holiday delicacies paired with festive beverages. Enjoy quality time with family and friends as the melodies of Christmas carols fill the air, accompanied by live entertainment. Adding to the festive spirit, Santa Claus will make his annual visit to bring joy to younger guests and enhance the holiday ambience. Tuesday 24 December from 6pm to 11pm. AED 328 (soft beverages), AED 428 (house beverages) and AED 528 (bubbly).
GO: Call 02 509 8555 for reservations and more information.
The Forge
Named for the intricate process of forging a steak knife blade, The Forge at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal invites meat lovers to celebrate the festive season with a sophisticated five-course set menu of premium cuts alongside the finest beverages and a sophisticated atmosphere. Available on Tuesday, 24 December from 6pm to midnight. AED 499 (soft beverages), AED 799 (house beverages) and AED 999 (premium beverages).
GO: Email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com for reservations and more information.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Celebrate the magic of Christmas Eve at Oléa, where the elegant white marble interiors and picturesque palm-lined terrace set the stage for a memorable meal. Let the soothing melodies of a live three-piece band enhance the festive ambience as you share and indulge in a lavish buffet and live cooking stations featuring a festive feast of roast turkey, rich foie gras, a selection of seafood, savoury grills, and an array of decadent desserts. Tuesday 24t December from 7pm to 11pm. AED 325 (soft beverages), AED 450 (house beverages, grapes, and hops) and AED 150 for children.
GO: Email restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com or call 02 498 8443 for reservations and more information.
The Terrace on the Corniche
Celebrate Christmas Eve at The Terrace on the Corniche with a lavish buffet that embodies the warmth of the season. Accompanied by the soulful sounds of saxophonists and vocalists, the evening promises an idyllic festive experience. Savour fresh oysters, prawns, razor clams, salads, and cheeses. A live rotisserie station features golden roast turkey with chestnut stuffing and classic sides, complemented by seafood platters and turkey charcuterie. Tuesday 24 December from 7pm to midnight. AED 300 (soft beverages) and AED 550 (house beverages) and AED 750 (bubbly).
GO: Visit www.theterraceonthecorniche.com for reservations and more information.
Villa Toscana
Experience a Christmas Eve steeped in Tuscan tradition at Villa Toscana. With its warm and inviting ambience, this exquisite four-course dinner captures the essence of a festive Italian celebration. Begin the evening with a delicate seabass ceviche with Amalfi lemon and mango gel, followed by handmade tagliolini in a rich prawn bisque. Guests can choose between tender, slow-cooked Wagyu beef fillet or cured amberjack for the main course. The evening concludes with classic holiday desserts like Caprese cake with chestnut cream. Available on Tuesday 24 December from 7pm to midnight. AED 450 (soft beverages) and AED 550 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.villatoscana-abudhabi.com for reservations and more information.
