It’s that time of the year when the houses are lit up and the city is in its shimmery best. Yes, Christmas is almost here and Dubai already has plans in place. From Christmas brunches to carols, special treats and pretty Christmas markets, there’s a lot you can do to feel the festive cheer. Here are five things you must to in Dubai to ring in the festive season in style!
1. Cinderella Brunch At Fairmont The Palm
A royal feast is coming to Fairmont this Christmas and it also brings with it a very special guest. Any guesses? Well, we’re referring to none other than Walt Disney’s favourite fictional character- Princess Cinderella. The five-star hotel is hosting a grand Cinderella brunch on Friday December 13 from 12.30pm until 3.30pm.
A fairy-tale like Cinderella brunch is coming to Fairmont The Palm this Christmas and its packed with all this dramatic. As well as a lip-smacking menu, the brunch also gives you the chance to meet and greet all the characters in the fiction- including the wicked stepmother, and the cruel step sisters.
Fairmont The Palm’s Flow Kitchen, will wear a festive attire, with an open buffet that will let you tuck in your favourite dishes. So, get ready for the grand binge!
Where: Fairmont The Palm
Date: December 13 from 12.30pm until 3.30pm
2. Hot Chocolate Bar At Fairmont The Palm
What’s Christmas without some gooey-creamy chocolate! This Christmas, Fairmont the Palm is setting up a hot chocolate bar that will whip up delicious hot cocoas treats 24 hours. The chocolate treat can be spotted at the Mashrabiya Lounge between Sunday December 1 and Wednesday January 8, 2020. Each cup is priced at AED 40 and comes with a range of toppings. And if you wish to hang out longer, binge more at the afternoon tea. Guests can enjoy signature chocolate drinks, fluffy tea cakes and much more. The afternoon tea happens through the week from 1 December to 8 January and costs AED 155.
Where: Fairmont The Palm
Date: Dec 1- Jan 8, 2020, daily noon-6pm
Cost: AED 155, additional AED 40 for hot chocolate bar
3. Christmas Tree Lighting At Fairmont The Palm
Fairmont’s annual Christmas tree lighting is back! Head to Fairmont The Palm on 9 December between 5 pm and 7 pm, and be part of the hotel’s grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Christmas carols, sweet treats and meet-and-greet with Santa are also part of the deal. Kids can binge on ginger bread cookies and soft beverages while adults can ring in the festive cheer mulled grape, and hot chocolate.
Where: Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Date: 9 December between 5 pm and 7 pm
Cost: Free entry
4. Magical Christmas Wonderland At QE2
From 12 to 14 December, QE2 will transform into a floating winter wonderland, wearing a glittery Christmas look. Guests can expect a fancy Christmas tree, Peter Pan-themed entertainment, a Christmas market and much more. The Christmas tree-lighting is scheduled on 13 December and will be accompanied by carols and a surprise appearance by Santa. Entry is free, but you will have to register in advance.
As for the dining options, kids can enjoy a Captain Hook brunch- a private dining experience with Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell. Meanwhile, adults can binge on international cuisine, free-flowing drinks and a live band performing Christmas hits all day. The dining experience is priced at AED 395 (house beverages included), AED 225 (soft package) and AED 95 for children under 12.
Where: QE2, Port Rashid
Date: 12- 14 December
Cost: AED 225 for soft drinks, AED 95 for little ones below 12
5. Atlantis The Palm’s Grand Christmas Brunch
One of the biggest brunches in town, Atlantis the Palm’s ‘The Frozen Edition’ is back with its Christmas edition. Touching base on December 5, the massive brunch will happen at The Avenue from 7pm until 11pm. So, that’s four hours of unlimited food and drinks, across nine resort restaurants. Foodies can gorge on delicacies from Hakkasan, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, Ronda Locatelli, Seafire and Ossiano.
A massive Christmas tree, snow-capped lamps, bells, and a choir singing carols are also part of the scene, adding a Christmas-y feel. The fun does not end there. Pay an additional AED 495, and avail an early-bird entry to the brunch, which includes unlimited food and drinks and entry to the after-party at Wavehouse.
Where: Atlantis the Palm
Date: 5 December
Cost: AED 495