Festive Tables, Sparkling Nights & Coastal Magic: Where Dubai Celebrates the Season
As Dubai slips into its most dazzling time of year, the city’s dining and lifestyle scene transforms into something truly special; a mosaic of twinkling lights, tables dressed for celebration, immersive culinary experiences, and nights designed to linger.
From château-inspired Christmas lunches to moonlit beachfront dinners and vinyl-scored countdowns, the festive season is less about tradition and more about the experiences we create together. This year, Dubai’s most coveted venues are rewriting the rules of celebrating in style.
Italian Riviera Glamour at Ristorante Loren
Palm West Beach’s coastal jewel, Ristorante Loren, brings the spirit of the Italian Riviera straight to the shores of Dubai this festive season. Overlooking the Marina and styled like a timeless postcard from the Amalfi Coast, Loren’s Christmas celebration unfolds on December 25th with a family-style brunch set menu complete with live violin performances — the ideal setting for relaxed elegance and festive flair.
As the year draws to a close, Loren becomes a front-row seat to Dubai’s most spectacular night. Their New Year’s Eve celebration elevates coastal dining into a true soirée, blending curated festive dishes with live entertainment in a Venice-inspired ambiance overlooking the fireworks. Chic, romantic and sensory, it’s the kind of night that embodies JDEED’s vision of festive indulgence — stylish without losing the warmth of togetherness.
Christmas Day Brunch
25 December 2025
AED 450 per person (drinks à la carte)
Live violin performance
Set-menu brunch & dessert buffet
New Year’s Eve Celebration
31 December 2025
AED 1,000 minimum spend (indoor)
AED 1,500 minimum spend (terrace)
Live performance | Venice-inspired décor | Sky views
www.lorenristorantedubai.com
Reservations: +971 4 557 8293
�eservations@lorenristorantedubai.com
Sweet Traditions with a Modern Touch: Café Bateel
For those whose holidays revolve around elegant desserts and cozy coffee rituals, Café Bateel offers a refined take on culinary nostalgia. Their festive menu introduces limited creations such as the Chocolate Yuzu Bûche, Pistachio & Caramel Bûchette, and the charmingly understated Vanilla & Apricot Dome, alongside winter beverages like the spiced Golden Date Latte, a distinctly regional twist on a global classic.
Whether it’s brunch with loved ones, gifting beautifully crafted cakes, or savoring quiet moments over coffee, Bateel’s seasonal menu celebrates the art of slowing down and sharing.
www.cafebateel.com
Erth Abu Dhabi – Heritage, Elegance & Festive Wonder
In Abu Dhabi, the festive season unfolds with poetic warmth at Erth, where Emirati heritage meets contemporary elegance. The celebrations begin on 12 December with the hotel’s enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting & Gingerbread House Ceremony, a family-favourite evening filled with Santa visits, children’s gingerbread workshops, mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Throughout December, guests may enjoy a serene Festive Afternoon Tea, a refined ritual featuring seasonal pastries and fine teas.
On Christmas Eve, two distinct experiences await:
Ergon Deli & Café: A romantic, Mediterranean-inspired four-course dinner under the stars.
Al Rimal Restaurant: A lavish buffet of roasted turkey, prime ribs, festive desserts and live entertainment. Christmas Day brings an abundant international brunch with live music and a dedicated kids’ area, followed by an extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebration, Celestial Elegance Under the Stars, complete with gourmet dining, performances and Abu Dhabi’s glittering fireworks. The festivities continue into 2026 with a relaxing New Year’s Day brunch and an elegant Orthodox Christmas Dinner on January 7.
Beautifully rooted in heritage yet effortlessly luxurious, Erth offers one of the UAE’s most soulful festive calendars.
Michelin Moments & Grand Feasts at Atlantis
Few destinations do festive exceptionally quite like Atlantis Dubai. Across Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, the season unfolds as a world tour of gastronomy.
At the pinnacle of celebration, FZN by Björn Frantzén offers an ultra-exclusive nine-course tasting journey inspired by modern European cuisine infused with Japanese techniques. Meanwhile, the iconic Dinner by Heston Blumenthal celebrates British culinary history through its festive tasting menu, while Ossiano heightens the magic with progressive dining beside the shimmering Ambassador Lagoon.
Celebrity chef hotspots like CARBONE, Nobu, La Mar, and Ariana’s Persian Kitchen provide atmospheric dining for those who love the buzz of holiday energy mixed with standout world cuisines. Family feasts come alive at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, while playful celebrations take over Wavehouse, Saffron and the globe-trotting marketplace of Gastronomy: perfect for multi-generational festive gatherings.
For something softer, dessert lovers gravitate toward Plato’s and The Royal Tearoom, both showcasing festive afternoon teas designed to savor slowly, porcelain cups in hand and skyline views beyond the windows.
All info see below
Classic Elegance at St. Regis Downtown Dubai
Timeless glamour defines the festive program at The St. Regis Downtown Dubai. With the Dubai Water Canal and Burj Khalifa as its backdrop, the hotel’s celebrations pay tribute to grand hospitality traditions.
At BASTA!, guests embrace a hearty Italian Christmas through seasonal menus, while Christmas Eve brings a four-course fine-dining experience paired with house beverages. Christmas Day brunch unfolds over live cooking stations, riverside terraces, entertainment, and a charming special appearance by Santa Claus, basically a flawless blend of luxury and warmth.
Across the canal-facing terraces of Ginori Terrace, festive afternoon tea is served on elegant Ginori porcelain, while gourmet holiday hampers offer beautifully crafted gifts for taste-led indulgence long after the season fades.
All Info see below
Netsu by Ross Shonhan – A Festive Season of Fire & Japanese Flair
At Netsu, the holidays ignite with the dramatic flames of the Warayaki grill and a bold interpretation of Japanese festive dining. On Christmas Day, the renowned Omakase Brunch takes center stage: a sharing-style journey featuring Wagyu Beef Gyoza, King Crab Tacos, pristine sushi and sashimi, Spicy Miso Tiger Prawns, Roasted Canadian Lobster and Australian Wagyu Ribeye. A festive dessert medley offers the perfect finish.
AED 550–2,650 depending on beverage package │ AED 250 for children.
On New Year’s Eve, Netsu reimagines Japan’s traditional Omisoka with a lavish curated dinner, live music, DJ sets and the glow of the straw-fire grill. Guests may dine in Netsu Lounge for AED 995 or experience the main restaurant with a minimum spend of AED 1,500 per person.
For those who wish to keep the night alive, the Kabuki Omisoka After Party takes over the rooftop terrace with an adults-only celebration with panoramic Dubai fireworks, high-energy sets and premium service, offered at AED 5,000 minimum spend for a table of four.
A festive destination for diners who want refinement with rhythm, fire and unforgettable flavour.
www.mandarinoriental.com/netsu
Playful Vibes at Mama Shelter Dubai
If your festive mood leans more toward high-energy fun than classic formality, Mama Shelter Dubai brings a refreshing edge to the season. Their signature approach mixes bold food with entertainment-first experiences.
The Mama Claus menu presents comforting Christmas plates with a decadent twist, while the Christmas Day brunch transforms Mama Restaurant into an enchanted forest complete with cocktails, a hot-chocolate bar and live entertainment. Those who prefer to sing their way through the holidays are well-served by the joyful chaos of Boxing Day Karaoke Night, while the year’s grand finale arrives in the form of their NYE Flashback Party: a nostalgic DJ journey through musical decades, paired with Wagyu Tomahawk, Lobster Thermidor, and prime viewing access to the Burj Khalifa fireworks.
All info see below
Vinyl Soundtracks and Japanese Feasts at Honeycomb Hi-Fi
For NYE revelers seeking something refined yet undeniably cool, Honeycomb Hi-Fi offers the antidote to traditional glitter ball count-downs. Dubai’s first vinyl listening bar hosts a Japanese-inspired multi-course feast featuring plates such as yellowtail tartar, ebi katsu, and duck breast with persimmon & yuzu honey, with a parallel vegetarian tasting menu for non-meat guests.
Three beverage packages guide the experience — from non-alcoholic pairings to premium cocktail and sake selections — while curated vinyl sets provide the night’s atmospheric heartbeat. It’s less about big-room spectacle and more about intimate celebration for true audiophiles and culinary insiders.
NYE Dinner Packages
• Non-Alcoholic: AED 600
• House Beverage: AED 700
• Premium Beverage: AED 800
Includes multi-course tasting menu & live vinyl soundtrack.
Scalini – An Italian Holiday Filled With Warmth & Tradition
Few restaurants capture the intimacy of an Italian holiday quite like Scalini Dubai and Scalini Cucina. This year, both destinations invite guests into a world of nostalgia, warmth and impeccable Italian hospitality. Christmas Eve at Scalini Dubai begins with Dinner with Babbo Natale, where Italy’s beloved Father Festive brings joy to guests of all ages. On Christmas Day, families can gather for a heartwarming festive lunch from 1pm to 4pm, complete with surprise visits, seasonal dishes and the signature comfort of Scalini’s timeless favourites.
At Scalini Cucina in Dubai Mall, the festive spirit continues with a lively Christmas Day gathering designed for families, featuring special treats for children and plenty of Italian charm. A highlight of the season is Scalini’s iconic Panettone, available beautifully packaged for gifting or taking home; as part Italian, our founder would love to tell you that under no circumstance should you miss out on a Panettone or Pandoro (ortheScalini Parmgiana, the best EVER).
To welcome 2026, Scalini Dubai hosts an intimate New Year’s Eve soirée filled with laughter, where acclaimed Emirati comedian Abz Ali takes the stage for a special stand-up performance. Refined Italian festive dishes, a warm atmosphere and a night of joy make Scalini a must-visit for lovers of authentic holiday traditions.
Festive by the Sea: Sirene Beach by GAIA
If the holidays mean salt air, candlelit tables and sunset soundtracks, Sirene Beach by GAIA delivers coastal festivities at their most poetic. Running from December 23 to 31, Sirene’s Aegean-inspired menu showcases dishes such as tempura oysters with lemon butter, grilled lobster with clams and botarga, crab orzo, and a refreshing tuna salad with grain mustard dressing.
For celebratory groups, the AED 1,200 set menu becomes a feast of Greek comfort, beginning with Mama Chicken Soup and moving into signature plates like Sea Bream Carpaccio, White Truffle Pasta, Grilled Seabass and clay-pot Baby Goat, ending with nostalgic desserts including Apple & Raisin Pie and Sirene’s famed frozen yogurt with honey walnuts.
All week long, DJs and live artists soundtrack the experience, from organic downtempo lunches to elevated sunset DJ sessions and late-night poolside rhythms. This is festive freedom as only Dubai does it: barefoot luxury meets coastal after-dark glamour.
Festive Set Menu
23–31 December
AED 1,200 per person
Dishes include:
Tempura Oysters │ Grilled Lobster │ White Truffle Pasta │ Sea Bream Carpaccio │ Baby Goat Claypot
Daily DJ sets & live vocal performances
Atlantis Royal
Michelin Stars & Haute Dining
FZN by Björn Frantzén – 3 Michelin Stars
Dec 24 & 25 | Dinner
AED 2,000 tasting menu
Wine pairings from AED 750–1,400
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal – 1 Michelin Star
December daily | Christmas Eve & Day
AED 980 – AED 1,095 for festive tasting menu
Ossiano – 1 Michelin Star
Christmas Day
AED 1,500 tasting menu (+ beverage pairings)
Celebrity Chef & Lifestyle Dining
CARBONE – À la carte Italian + festive specials
NOBU – Festive brunch from AED 495 / Dinner à la carte
LA MAR – Festive brunch AED 550
ARIANA’S PERSIAN KITCHEN – Festive set from AED 370
Family & Crowd Favorites
Gordon Ramsay Bread Street Kitchen
Christmas brunch from AED 695
SAFFRON Buffet
Christmas brunch packages from AED 750
PLATO’S Afternoon Tea AED 240 – AED 345 per person
Booking websites:
www.atlantis.com/atlantis-the-palm/festivewww.atlantis.com/atlantis-the-royal/festive
ST REGIS DOWNTOWN
BASTA!
Daily Festive À La Carte
4–30 December
Christmas Eve Dinn
AED 450 per person including beverages
• Christmas Day Brunch
AED 525 – AED 850 per person
Ginori Terrace – Festive Afternoon Tea
4–30 December
AED 295 – AED 325 per person
Festive Gourmet Gift Hampers available
www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dxbxr-the-st-regis-downtown-dubai/overview
MAMA SHELTER
Mama Claus Menu
22–26 December
À la carte from AED 45
Christmas Day Brunch
25 December | 1–5pm
AED 249 soft | AED 399 house | AED 499 prosecco
Boxing Day Karaoke
26 Dec | Evening
AED 249 – 449
NYE Flashback Party
31 Dec | From 8pm
Minimum spend AED 695 per person
JDEED’s Festive Forecast
This festive season, celebration moves beyond tradition into something deeply personal, whether that means Michelin-level gastronomy, playful karaoke nights, intimate vinyl grooves or barefoot dinners by the sea. Dubai’s festive offerings reflect a city that celebrates diversity of mood just as much as luxury: grand or low-key, classic or unconventional, there is no singular way to experience the holidays here.
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