Dubai knows how to celebrate in style, and its luxury hotels are no exception, particularly during Christmas. This year, the city’s most iconic addresses are pulling out all the festive stops, offering everything from MICHELIN-starred feasts to magical festive décor.
Whether it’s a lavish brunch, an opulent afternoon tea, or a Christmas Eve degustation dinner, these destinations promise unforgettable memories.
1. Armani Hotel
The Armani Hotel, set in the iconic Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest tower – melds sleek sophistication and gastronomic brilliance this festive season. Armani/Ristorante, which has one MICHELIN star, has a six-course degustation dinner menu running between December 20 and 30 for AED799 per person, with dishes like homemade foie gras terrine, slow-cooked charcoal venison loin, and chestnut mousse with Tahitian vanilla ice cream.
2. Atlantis The Royal
At the world-renowned, multi-award-winning Atlantis The Royal, the festivities are as grand as the hotel itself. One of the highlights is a curated four-course menu at one MICHELIN star Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, merging festive traditions with Blumenthal’s signature innovation for a unique dining experience. This is offered for dinner on Christmas Eve and lunch and dinner on Christmas Day, from AED995 per person.Find a Peruvian spread at MICHELIN-selected La Mar by Gastón Acurio, where the Christmas Day brunch starts from AED550, while a Spanish-style festive brunch at MICHELIN-selected Jaleo by José Andrés starts from AED395. Persian flavours also await at MICHELIN-selected Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, which has a festive menu for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from AED395 per person.
3. Burj Al Arab
Over at the iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, extravagance reigns supreme, with superior dining and majestic décor. One MICHELIN star Al Muntaha offers a refined six-course degustation menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, featuring premium dishes and ingredients. Prices start at AED1,600 per person for lunch and dinner, with wine pairings available for an additional charge.MICHELIN-selected L’Olivo at Al Mahara also hosts an exclusive five-course Italian seafood dinner amid its enchanting underwater setting for AED1,400 per person, while Sahn Eddar sets the stage for a quintessentially festive afternoon tea with glittering holiday décor and seasonal treats, unlimited soft and hot beverages for AED490 per person or AED590 with a glass of champagne.
4. FIVE Palm Jumeirah
For a lively holiday celebration, FIVE Palm Jumeirah delivers on all fronts. At MICHELIN-selected Cinque, Christmas Eve dinner, from 7 p.m., features authentic Italian dishes such as Mamma Rosa’s pasta al forno and stufato di carne, with prices starting at AED599 per person for a four-course menu and house beverages. An Italian-style brunch accompanied by live music is on offer in the same venue on Christmas Day between 12.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m., with classic antipasti, freshly made pasta, a sizzling barbecue and traditional pastries. Prices start at AED599 per person with house beverages.
5. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
The Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai has transformed into a winter wonderland, with dazzling décor and seasonal festivities galore. Tasca by José Avillez, which has one MICHELIN star, offers a tasting menu for AED750 per person on Christmas Eve, while Christmas Day brings the Almoço De Natal Brunch from 12.30 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a festive menu designed by chef José Avillez himself, paired with wine, signature cocktails, live music, and stunning sea views, from AED450 per person (soft drinks).MICHELIN-selected Netsu by Ross Shonhan is putting on an omakase brunch from 12.30 p.m. for Christmas Day, based on the Japanese concept meaning “I’ll leave it up to you”, where chefs curate a personalised menu of signature dishes. Expect a handcrafted selection of superior Japanese dishes, complemented by stunning interiors and live music, all from AED550 per person (soft drinks, premium beverages and prosecco).
6. The Lana – Dorchester Collection
For its first Christmas in Dubai, The Lana – Dorchester Collection, which opened in February, has all manner of celebratory dining experiences going on around the hotel. Notably, MICHELIN-selected JARA by Martín Berasategui, led by the chef whose eponymous restaurant in Spain has three MICHELIN stars, will offer a Basque-inspired Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day brunch from AED1,300 per person. Dishes include Berasategui’s renowned foie gras mille-feuille, langoustine, and a selection of desserts by pastry chef Angelo Musa.For a taste of southern France, MICHELIN-selected Riviera by Jean Imbert, which overlooks Marasi Bay Marina, offers a festive six-course Christmas Eve menu and a three-course Christmas Day lunch for AED650 and AED550 per person, respectively. Highlights include wild turbot meunière, Rossini-style pigeon, and a classic yule log with chocolate truffles.
