Christmas Eve in Dubai has its own charm. Streets glow a little warmer, hotel lobbies feel more alive, and restaurants lean into the season with menus that smell of spice, butter, and slow roasts. Whether someone wants a coastal dinner with sea breeze, a luxe night out with music and champagne, or a family-friendly buffet with Santa dropping by, the city doesn’t fall short.
This guide rounds up seven Christmas Eve dinners worth booking — each different in atmosphere, flavour, and budget. If the plan includes treating the kids, impressing visiting family, or simply enjoying a festive night out, here’s a curated list that captures the spirit of the season.
ALAYA, DIFC
There’s something about ALAYA’s ambience that feels right for the season — warm lighting, polished interiors and an elegant mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean touches. For Christmas Eve, the restaurant keeps things a la carte, but with festive specials that feel indulgent without being over the top.
Expect flavours like cherry kebab, taglioni topped with caviar in lemon butter, and a standout baklava tenderloin served with green harissa. Plates are expressive, aromatic, and designed for guests who enjoy bold ingredients done well. It’s the kind of place where conversations run long, and the mood stays intimate. Live darbouka on December 25th adds an authentic regional feel for those visiting again during the holiday week.
Tête-à-Tête, FIVE LUXE JBR
If Christmas Eve should feel like dinner and a celebration rolled into one, Tête-à-Tête delivers the mood. The evening begins with a French-style sharing menu — rich, comforting dishes with thoughtful touches. Once plates are cleared, the atmosphere flips. The lights dip, the music lifts, and guests move from dining to dancing.
Champagne flows, the energy rises, and the space feels more like a chic Parisian after-party by the beach. It’s perfect for friends or couples who want something festive without leaning traditional. At AED 499, including drinks, it’s a popular choice at JBR for good reason.
Cielo, FIVE LUXE JBR
Cielo brings a more relaxed coastal energy. The Mediterranean-inspired festive set menu features premium seafood, seasonal ingredients and fresh flavours — dishes that feel lighter but still celebratory. The open-air terrace overlooking the Arabian Sea makes it an especially memorable spot when the weather cools down.
Inside, the mood is chic and modern; outside, it’s breezy and laid-back. Both work well depending on the company. This is a good pick for diners who prefer polished dining without anything too formal, and at the same price as Tête-à-Tête, it’s an easy beachfront option.
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
For families, Centara Mirage is a reliable festive favourite. The resort breaks Christmas Eve into several dining experiences, each with its own twist.
Suan Bua offers a buffet with Asian-inspired dishes — bold curries, grilled seafood and comforting noodles. Uno Mas keeps things simple and traditional with roasted turkey and pudding. Sheesh blends regional flavours with festive classics, while Sands sets up a live BBQ and seasonal specials, perfect for diners who enjoy fresh-off-the-grill plates.
Parents appreciate the clear children’s pricing, and kids enjoy the relaxed, beach-resort vibe. It’s festive without being fussy — which makes it a top pick for larger groups.
Horse & Hound, Al Habtoor Polo Resort
For those who love a British-style Christmas atmosphere, Horse & Hound offers exactly that. Think long tables, rustic surroundings and hearty plates. Their Festive Eve Roast buffet includes generous cuts of meat, homely sides and mulled grape to keep the evening warm.
The venue sits within a polo resort, so the mood is peaceful and a little countryside-like — a contrast to the typical city setting. It’s approachable, comforting and well-priced, ideal for families or groups wanting a traditional roast without the city buzz.
Vero Italiano, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
Just over an hour from Dubai, Vero Italiano brings one of the most elevated Christmas Eve dinners on this list. The six-course menu reads like a festive Italian story — oysters, veal vitello tonnato, handmade ravioli, saffron risotto with slow-cooked beef rib, braised lamb shank ,and a silky mascarpone dessert to close.
Live cello, violin and flute performances give the evening a warm cinematic feel, and a Santa visit keeps younger guests entertained. It’s indulgent but balanced — the kind of dinner best saved for someone special or a family tradition.
Deck Se7en, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha
Deck Se7en takes a casual, spirited approach with a festive buffet, live entertainment and a Santa appearance. It leans family-friendly and fun, making it a solid option for parents who want an easy night out without complicated menus.
The space feels open, lively and approachable. Food variety suits both adults and children, and the pricing is hard to beat. It’s a reliable choice for diners who simply want a relaxed festive dinner in the city without the pressure of booking a luxury venue.
8. Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites — Festive Market & Holiday Experiences
Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites has launched a month-long festive market inside its lobby, running from 7 December to 7 January, open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. The setup features boutique stalls with seasonal treats, gifts, toys, home décor, and handmade pieces, giving guests a cosy indoor winter vibe on the Palm. The hotel will also host its Tree Lighting Ceremony on 7 December, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, while the Festive Eve Dinner at L’Olivo Ristorante takes place on 24 December, from 6:30 pm to 11 pm, offering a set menu with live cello and violin performances. These experiences bring a warm holiday atmosphere to the Palm, especially for those staying at the resort.
Mini Festive Market:
- 7 December – 7 January
- 10am to 10pm, Hotel Lobby
- Boutique stalls with festive treats, toys, décor, handmade items
Tree Lighting Ceremony:
- 7 December, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
- Lobby Lounge
Festive Eve Dinner at L’Olivo Ristorante:
- 24 December, 6:30pm – 11pm
- Set festive menu + live cello & violin
Christmas Eve in Dubai has something for every diner — from intimate, flavour-rich meals in DIFC to breezy JBR terraces and family buffets with plenty to choose from. Whether someone’s celebrating with kids, planning a date night, or hosting visiting friends, these seven spots offer a festive table worth gathering around.
Read More:
- Christmas Gift Ideas in Dubai That Feel Special (and Totally Local) – Social Kandura
- Dubai’s Top Christmas Markets to Explore This Season – Social Kandura
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