A new week in Dubai brings bombastic brunches and festive celebrations.
The festive season has well and truly arrived, and Christmas week in Dubai brings memorable meals and unrivalled entertainment experiences. Read on for our picks of the week.
Monday 22 December
Check out Al Habtoor City’s Winter Garden
Winter Garden is Al Habtoor City’s cosy festive pop-up, styled as a twinkling outdoor escape. Opening daily throughout December, it’s made for after-dark strolls, with food kiosks serving seasonal bites, sweet indulgences and international favourites. Families can settle in for a relaxed catch-up while little ones dive into the dedicated kids’ play area. Swing by midweek from 4pm to 12:30am, or stay later on weekends from 4pm to 1:30am. Go for hot chocolate, stay for the atmosphere and lights.
GO: Visit www.alhabtoorcity.com for more information.
Tuesday 23 December
Visit Winter City
Have you been wishing you could revisit the Dubai Expo? Well, Christmas has come early, as you can return to the site for delicious dining experiences and an exciting Christmas-inspired experience. Expo City Winter Wonderland spans the Mobility District, the water feature and Al Wasl Plaza. The area will be home to chalet-style Christmas markets, traditional fairground games, a letter-to-Santa station and pine trees. Plus, there’ll be plenty of ways to get merry, as there’ll be hot chocolate, mince pies and, of course, mulled drinks. Available daily from 6 to 31 December 2025.
GO: Visit www.expocitydubai.com for more information.
Wednesday 24 December
Spend Christmas Eve at Signor Sassi
Signor Sassi transforms into a festive Italian escape with its special Menu Di Natale. This four-course experience is an indulgent journey through Italy’s most iconic celebratory dishes, featuring traditional favourites such as Frittura Mista di Pesce and the classic Vitello Tonnato with thinly sliced veal in a creamy, savoury tuna sauce. For the pasta course, comforting plates such as rich Ravioli al Tartufo and rustic Timballo alla Bolognese take centre stage. Secondi highlights feature hearty mains like the slow-cooked Lamb Shank & Porcini, prepared with aromatic porcini mushrooms and mashed potatoes, alongside the indulgent Lobster Thermidor. To finish, choose between the Traditional Christmas chocolate cake or the seasonal Panettone con Mascarpone. Available from 24 to 26 December. AED 595 per person.
GO: Visit www.signorsassidubai.com for more information.
Thursday 25 December
Enjoy a festive feast at GAIA
GAIA marks the festive season with elegant Christmas décor, warm hospitality and a sharing-first menu designed for togetherness. Expect Pikilia Thalassinon, a generous seafood platter, alongside signatures such as Grilled King Crab Leg, Giouvetsi Thalassinon and A5 Wagyu Kagoshima Striploin. For a sweet finish, Pita Me Kidoni pairs spiced quince with honey ice cream, while Melomakarona and Kourabiedes bring a nostalgic Greek touch. Available for dinner from 24 to 30 December.
GO: Visit https://gaia-restaurants.com for more information.
Friday 26 December
Celebrate the season at Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Majlis by Pierre Hermé at Rosewood Abu Dhabi is serving up a festive season of polished indulgence, where French pastry finesse meets wintertime flair. Running throughout December and into early January, the limited-edition menu features festive macarons and chocolates, along with handcrafted Christmas Log Cakes in two seasonal flavours: Mandarin and Chocolate & Dried Lemon. For those looking to linger a little longer, the Christmas Afternoon Tea delivers a refined spread of delicate pastries paired with spiced teas, served in the calm, cocooning surrounds of the Majlis lounge. Whether you are picking up an elevated gift or planning a leisurely afternoon celebration, this festive experience is available until 7 January. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2pm to 4.30pm and is priced at AED 345 per person, or AED 595 per person with Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut 2014.
GO: Visit https://linktr.ee/rosewoodabudhabi for more information.
Saturday 27 December
Dance the night away at Ushuaïa Dubai
Party people of Dubai, mark your calendars because Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee is making his triumphant return to Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. For the unversed, Black Coffee is no stranger to Dubai. The South African DJ and producer is celebrated for his unique fusion of house music with soulful elements, African rhythms, organic electronics, jazz influences, and evocative vocals, earning his signature style the name “Afropolitan House.” Black Coffee has also collaborated with global superstars such as Alicia Keys, Drake, Pharrell Williams, and David Guetta.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 28 December
Dine at FACT’s restaurant of the year
Chefs Abhiraj Khatwani and Mohamad Orfali’s Manāo builds a standout experience around citrus, rice and coconut, delivered through an 11-course tasting menu that stays bright, bold and beautifully balanced. Look out for coconut-smoked short ribs, duck mochi, and fermentation-led zero-proof pairings. The must-order highlight is Lobster Khanom Krok, a clever savoury spin on a Thai street favourite, with tamarind-brushed grilled lobster served over coconut-rich fermented rice custard.
GO: Visit https://manao.ae for more information.
