December in Dubai feels different, in the best way. Palm trees are wrapped in fairy lights, hotel lobbies smell faintly of cinnamon, and every restaurant in town seems to turn into a holiday postcard. There’s this energy that kicks in around mid-month, when residents start planning their Christmas meals like it’s the social event of the year.
For anyone looking to lock in the perfect festive feast, here’s the ultimate guide to Christmas brunch Dubai 2025; a mix of glamorous beachfront dining, all-out family buffets, and those cosy, candlelit dinners that make the season feel extra warm (even in a city that’s never cold). And, if you’re already mapping out the rest of your festive season, our curated guide to the best New Year 2026 travel destinations adds a little wanderlust to your December planning.
Kaleidoscope — Atlantis, The Palm
If Christmas had a theme park, this would be it. Kaleidoscope is the brunch families rush to every year because it strikes the perfect balance between lively and charming. The buffet is massive — rows of roasts, colourful salads, global stations, and desserts that pull kids in like magnets.
The energy is very Atlantis: bright, loud, and buzzing with holiday cheer. Kids run around comparing gingerbread shapes while parents linger over plates piled high with turkey and trimmings. Add in festive décor and the Palm skyline outside the windows, and you’ve got a Christmas morning that feels like a celebration from the moment you walk in.
Pierchic — Jumeirah Al Qasr
Some places do Christmas. Pierchic performs it.
Walking down that long wooden pier, surrounded by lanterns flickering in the sea breeze, already sets the mood. By the time you reach the over-water restaurant, you’re in another world — just you, the ocean, and a postcard-worthy view of the Burj Al Arab glowing softly in the distance.
Their Christmas dinner leans into seafood luxury: think delicate plates, slow pacing, a romantic mood, and a menu that feels tailor-made for date night. Book at sunset if you want the full “Christmas in Dubai but make it cinematic” experience.
Al Muntaha — Burj Al Arab
If the plan is to go all out, this is the place. Sitting atop the Burj Al Arab, Al Muntaha offers those sweeping Gulf views that make every table feel like a private VIP moment. The ambience is elegant but not stiff — warm lighting, polished service, and beautifully balanced tasting menus.
The Christmas menu usually blends European classics with modern touches, the kind that look like they belong in a magazine spread. It’s a splurge, yes, but Christmas dinners here feel like an occasion, not just a meal.
Dunes Café — Shangri-La Dubai
Dunes Café hits that sweet spot between relaxed and festive. You’ll find a proper, hearty holiday buffet here — roast turkey, seafood, comforting casseroles, and desserts that disappear quickly. The warmth of the room, the wood-and-gold interiors, and the scent of freshly baked pastries make this brunch feel homier than most five-star spots.
It’s the kind of Christmas brunch you pick when you want the classics without the fuss, the crowds, or the heavy price tag. Easygoing, delicious, and welcoming.
Armani/Mediterraneo — Armani Hotel Dubai
If Christmas for you means clean lines, soft lighting, and minimalist elegance, Armani/Mediterraneo has your name all over it. The experience is calm, refined, and effortlessly stylish — very Giorgio Armani.
Expect Mediterranean-style plates, holiday specials that lean toward the sophisticated, and a soundtrack that keeps the mood relaxed. It’s perfect for diners who prefer a quieter, design-driven Christmas setting away from the noise.
Bull & Bear — Waldorf Astoria DIFC
For those who want Christmas with a New York-style twist, Bull & Bear brings the charm. Think rich wood, warm lighting, and a buzzing yet grown-up atmosphere. Their Christmas menu usually features premium cuts, gourmet roasts, and indulgent sides — the kind of meal you want when you’re in the mood for something hearty and classic.
It’s an adult Christmas dinner spot — perfect for groups of friends or couples who want something celebratory but not chaotic.
Rodeo Drive — Ibn Battuta Gate
Rodeo Drive may be one of Dubai’s newest arrivals, but it wastes no time jumping headfirst into festive season mode. The all-American dining hotspot goes full holiday spirit this December — think twinkling garlands, rustic wooden décor, supersized wreaths, and the kind of warm, cozy lighting that makes even the most tropical Dubai Christmas feel like a scene from a classic holiday movie.
And the lineup? Big. Generous. Very “Dubai, but with a Texas-sized dose of cheer.”
Christmas Family Brunch — December 20, 2025
On the afternoon of December 20, the space transforms into a lively winter wonderland — the sort where Santa doesn’t just wave from afar; he walks around with a team of elves handing out gifts like he’s greeting old friends. The ambience stays upbeat thanks to a live acoustic singer, while the little ones get absorbed in a charming gingerbread-making station.
The brunch itself is hearty and nostalgic. Clam Chowder and Tortilla Soup take the lead — both steaming, comforting and impossible not to finish. Mains lean into proper holiday indulgence: Turkey Roulade, a beautifully baked Beef Tenderloin Wellington, and a lovely Salmon Veronique served with sides like glazed baby carrots and creamy celeriac mash.
And dessert? Imagine the smell of Buche de Noel drifting through the room and the kids nibbling gingerbread cake with the determination of professional tasters.
Packages feel refreshingly reasonable for the season, especially with children under five dining free — a rare festive win for families.
Christmas Dine-In Feast — December 14 to 26, 2025
If you prefer a more relaxed, dine-at-your-own-pace holiday meal, the Dine-In Feast runs for nearly two weeks. The menu is unmistakably festive — generous turkey plates, lush sides like sautéed green beans, glossy baby carrots, and a silky celeriac-potato purée.
The Whole Turkey Feast and Turkey Roulade Feast are both designed for groups, making this the perfect pick for office squads, extended families, or friends who want the full Christmas table experience without doing the cooking, the roasting, or the cleaning.
There’s also an individual option for those keeping things simple — one festive meal, one drink, one dessert. Easy, warm, and unpretentious.
Christmas Turkey Takeaway — From November 28, 2025
Some families love hosting at home, but not the kitchen marathon that comes with it. Rodeo Drive solves that with a surprisingly well-priced, fully loaded takeaway spread.
Whole Turkey or Turkey Roulade, both feed up to nine guests and come with all the essentials: winter salad, cranberry jam, gravy, and your pick of sides. The glazed carrots and sautéed mushrooms are crowd favourites, while the Buche de Noel and Gingerbread Man’s Cake remain non-negotiables for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Pre-booking is required, and both delivery and pickup options make this one of the most convenient festive takeaways in the Jebel Ali–Ibn Battuta corridor.
After your festive feast, don’t miss the chance to wander through Dubai’s vibrant holiday markets — our guide to the top Christmas markets to explore in Dubai gives you all the must-visit stalls and seasonal vibes.
Dubai doesn’t do Christmas quietly; it does it with personality, flavour, and enough variety to fill your calendar twice over. Whether the plan involves an over-water feast at Pierchic, a sky-high tasting menu at Al Muntaha, or a family-style American celebration at Rodeo Drive, December in Dubai always delivers.
With festive brunches, cosy dinners, glam buffets, and even takeaway turkeys for at-home celebrations, the city proves again why it’s one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations.
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