December is a busy month everywhere, but Dubai leaves you with no shortage of Christmas and New Year’s Eve activities. From decadent brunches to rejuvenating spa treatments and exhilarating parties, the last month of 2023 is pulling out all the stops. Whether you’re looking for indulgent luxury or free fun events, Dubai has it all, and then some.
We know that the holiday season can be hectic, so we’ve created a round-up of all the best things happening in Dubai this December. Cheery Christmasses and New Year extravaganzas included.
A Festive Fusion
SUSHISAMBA, where Japanese cuisine is given a South American twist, is throwing a New Year’s Eve bash you won’t forget. Think all-white attire, sizzling salsa dancers, electrifying live performances and a front-row seat to an extravagant fireworks display – all against a backdrop of panoramic Dubai. One word? Views. SAMBAZONIA promises an unforgettable fusion of flavours and fun, so get ready to raise a toast as SUSHISAMBA takes you skyward (and beyond) into 2024. Prices start from Dhs2,000 per person.
a Grecian feast
Escape the ordinary this Christmas and set sail for the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, right in the heart of Dubai. Nestled on The Palm’s West Beach, KYMA beckons you with a taste of authentic Greek joy. Savour roasted lamb that falls off the bone, indulge in honey-drenched Melomakarona, and let the vibrant DJ sets ignite your festive spirit. Dance beneath the stars, embrace loved ones under the sparkling cityscape and experience the magic of Christmas like never before. All this starting from a mere Dhs370.
A homey Christmas at the nice guy
Enjoy the festivities with decadant dishes at The Nice Guy this Christmas. The restaurant promises to give you an unforgettable night that feels like home away from home. Revel in the holiday spirits presented to you by The Nice Guy with their comforting meals, delicious drinks and a lively ambience. Their menu includes roast prime rib eye, crispy burrata, and warm chocolate chip cookies with milk, the ultimate dinner menu for you to relish. Lastly, for a limited time only they are serving drinks such as the ‘white Christmas’ and ‘Rudolph’, a blend of deliciousness served in a glass. The perfect way for you to celebrate your Christmas with friends and family. Their brunch package prices start from Dhs499.
Get in the Holiday Spirit with Sucre
Whether you are a brunch sort of person or lunch, Sucre is offering you an afternoon that tempts you with its appetizing meals like the Beef Wellington and whole roasted chicken, all Christmas classics. Enjoy the festive day with all those you love in this restaurant with stunning interiors, a lively environment and food that will leave your tastebuds tingling. For their Christmas lunch enjoy a four-course tasting menu that features classic festive specials that’ll make you feel at home. With specials like tuna tostadas as appetizers, smoked pumpkin and spicy honey tortellini as mains and to finish the meal off with sweet treats like dulce de leche, you are gauranteed a good time at Sucre. Prices start from 370 for the brunch menu and Dhs400 for their Christmas Day Festive Feast menu.
Get Festive at F’ilia
Kickstart your Christmas celebrations at F’ilia. Whether you’re looking to spend an afternoon with the girls or an evening with your family, F’ilia wants you to have an unforgettable time. Enjoy Festive Saturday brunch with the most extravagant views of the bustling city, from the 71st floor of the SLS Hotel. Or you can turn it up a notch and enjoy Christmas dinner while a live singer sets the right ambience for you enjoy. Savour the taste of traditional Italian and Roman cuisines with their set menu that includes mouthwatering delicasies like the Carpaccio de Polpo and Tartufo pizza. However you choose to spend your day, F’ilia assures that you have a good time. Prices start from Dhs250 for the brunch menu, Dhs395 for the Christmas Eve menu and Dhs550 for the Christmas Day dinner.
A Carolina Herrera Christmas
Carolina Herrera is bringing the festive season to the The Dubai Mall in a big way. The centrepiece of Carolina Herrera Beauty’s Holiday Podium at Dubai Mall is a magnificent 10-metre Christmas tree complete with a vast selection of scents and cosmetics that evoke a festive mood and classic charm. Every piece in the collection is intended to create a statement and heighten the celebratory mood, with a variety of jaw-dropping lip, eye and face products to leave you looking your best this holiday season – a hint of glitz, glitter and rich festive tones included. It’s open until December 28 in Dubai Mall’s Star Atrium and various activations will take place, including…
- Lourdes Bernaldo De Quiros Sierra – Ornament Painting – December 8, 9
- Marina Kluig – Illustrations, Portraits – December 10, 11, 13
- Charlotte Hudders – Ornament Painting – December 20, 21
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Unveils Its Luxury Christmas Tree
@grazia_me Festive season arrives in Dubai ✨ @Vacheron Constantin unveils its Christmas tree at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira. #GraziaME #Dubai ♬ son original – iv’
Every year, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira takes the festive season to the next level with its Christmas tree and 2023 is no different. This year, the luxury resort has collaborated with Vacheron Constantin to create a bespoke tree resplendent in gold and crafted from intricate threads capturing the iconic lines reminiscent of the Maison’s most legendary timepieces.
An Iconic Skincare Clinic Arrives In Abu Dhabi
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Renowned skincare clinic Skin Laundry has now opened its doors in the UAE capital. Ahead of 2024, give your skin some TLC with some of their most popular treatments including the Signature Laser Facial, Duo Laser Facial, BBL Hero Facial, HydraFacial and much more. In a first for Skin Laundry, the Abu Dhabi location has unveiled Skin Laundry+ – a host of brand new aesthetic services including mesothreapy, skin boosters and exome therapy. Skin Laundry in Abu Dhabi is also the only clinic in the capital to offer Genius Radio Frequency Micro Needling and the HydraFacial Syndeo, and one of two clinics in Abu Dhabi to offer the HIFU Ultraformer III. Offering some of the most exclusive treatments, Skin Laundry Abu Dhabi is definitely on GRAZIA’s must-visit list.
A Festive Feast
Indulge in a festive feast at L’Atelier Robuchon this Christmas season. Located in the heart of DIFC, dine with the Museum of the Future as your backdrop in the company of an array of festive decorations and indulge in a variety of memorable dishes curated by Chef Roberto Torre. One particular festive dish which is a must-try is the “La Volaille” – stuffed with Foie Gras, Winter truffles & Chestnuts, which promises an unforgettable dining experience for up to six of your loved ones, priced at Dhs1,250. Adding a sweet note to the festive season, the “Bûche de Noël” (Yule Log) is also a must-have and the perfect dessert for eight, priced at Dhs600.
BRUNCHIN’ FOr Christmas
A dip in the ocean after a Christmas brunch is the only way to spend the holidays in this city. Koko Bay is setting up its special Christmas Brunch by the Beach on December 25th, from 1pm to 4pm. From Christmas pudding and coconut lemongrass basque cheesecake to shredded Alaskan crab makki rolls and Wagyu beef galbi, it’s safe to say the culinary experience is full festive flavour. So, if you’re looking for a touch of tradition with the sun’s glow and powdery white sand beneath your toes, head to Koko Bay this Christmas.
Price: Dhs 300 with soft beverages. Dhs 550 with house beverages and bubbly
light it up
What’s the festive season without the magic of the glimmering lights? On December 14th, SLS Dubai will hold a “Festive Light Switch-on” where they’ll illuminate Dubai throughout the month of December. With spectacular displays and breathtaking twinkling lights, it promises to be a mesmerising night of enchantment and cheer. Complete with lavish decorations and starry lights, it’s the perfect way to get in the festive mood. Even better? It’s totally free.
trees and TREATS
Head down to the city’s coveted beachfront resort Mandarin Oriental Jumeira for a festive wonder like no other. Its breathtakingly beautiful Christmas tree, designed by the iconic watch brand Vacheron Constantin, blends luxury and artistry in a unique and stunning way. One out of five in the world, the tree embodies the brand’s “Less’ential” philosophy, with its clean delicate lines, intricate threads and devotion to simplicity. Plus, while you’re there, why not indulge in a festive afternoon tea at Noor Lounge? With a menu brimming with decadent sweet treats and festive delicacies inspired by the renowned craftsmanship of one of the world’s oldest watchmakers, it’s not to be missed.
Price: AED 450 for two people
Tis’ The SOca
DJs, delectables and decadence, the Miss Lily’s Christmas menu knows flavour and fun. From December 21st to the 25th, the legendary restaurant will offer delicious three-course meals with mouthwatering dishes such as jerk fillet mignon, Cajun roasted turkey and signature dark fruit Christmas cake on the menu. Celebrating the spirit of the Caribbean, they also have an NYE event with tunes from NYC-bred DJ JUSS, who’ll take to the decks from 8pm to 12:30am. The next best thing to spending Christmas on the Jamaican shores.
Price: Dhs165 AED per person
A Festive Glow
While the holiday times are usually packed with fun, there are also stressful, hectic times, and our skin sometimes bears the brunt. Head to the iconic Palazzo Versace Dubai Spa for a much-needed pampering session, where you can indulge in invigorating marine salt body scrubs, rejuvenating golden glow facials and much, much more. We’re talking 2-hour treatment packages that tend to your face, body and soul. You’ll leave feeling, and looking, like you’ve had a month of uninterrupted sleep, ready to take on the next Christmas party…
Christmas dinner with a twist
Why wait until December 25th to relish in the festive fun? Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is offering a traditional British feast every day this month. Located in Atlantis The Royal, this one Michelin star culinary experience offers a six-course menu of his iconic “plum meat fruit”, roast chicken, Christmas tipsy cake and much more. All with a Blumenthal twist, of course. From 6-11pm every day this December, the renowned chef will offer a taste of the Christmas past, reimagined for the now, through his visionary food and drinks.
Price: Dhs980 per person (including mince pies, excluding beverages)
A Chic Farewell
From elevated food to bumping music all night long, welcome the new year in an iconic dark, moody room. L’ATELIER Robuchon will be offering an exquisite menu on New Year’s Eve, that shows the pinnacle of chic culinary experiences. Hand-crafted by the great chef Roberto Torre, the menu features lobsters, scallops, black cod and more. If you’re after an elevated night in a chic dark atmosphere with music and divine cuisine, to say goodbye to 2023 in, this is the spot for you.
Price: Dhs850 per person for set menu, Dhs1,000 per person a la carte menu
Dance Away 2023
Bring the year to a close with the ultimate beach party at SĀN Beach. Located in the heart of Palm West, this seaside spot is where you can indulge in a three-day party of divinely crafted drinks, on-point music and an unmatched ambience. You know where to find us from 30th December 2023 to 1st January 2024.
Price: Starting at Dhs1,500 a package
dinner with a show
Experience new peaks of extravagance and opulence at Babylon‘s innovative luxury dining spot. The award-winning DIFC restaurant offers exquisite food, unbelievable entertainment and decadent interiors, making it the perfect place to spend your NYE. Combining vibrant energy with the decadent combination of Japanese and Italian cuisine, this experience will surpass all expectations. Think: caviar-grilled oysters and sea urchin and Amalfi lemon risotto.
Price: Dhs800 per person
Fireworks All-Around
With extravagant displays that surround the Burj Khalifa to mesmerising shows performed by an outstanding cast, Billionaire Dubai is the place to spend a fun festive night. With delicious caviar, a centre-stage view of Dubai’s iconic NYE fireworks and astonishing performances from the Billionaire team, it’s the perfect place to raise a glass of bubbly. From 9pm to 3am.
Prices: Dhs3000 per person for early birds
