‘Twas the night before Christmas, when FACT decided to round up the top choices for a memorable Christmas Eve in the capital.
Christmas Eve is for family, friends, and festivities. It’s a time to come together, celebrate and pull some crackers because these are the best places to spend Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi with your nearest and dearest.
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with a heartwarming Christmas Eve dinner at Bait Al Hanine, where a cosy and inviting ambience sets the perfect tone for the season. Delight in an extravagant buffet featuring live cooking and carving stations showcasing sizzling grilled meats, fresh seafood, expertly carved turkey, and a delightful array of traditional holiday desserts. Available on 24 December from 7pm to 11pm. AED 300 (soft beverages) and AED 500 (bubbly).
GO: Visit www.alwathbahotel.com for more information.
Brooklyn Chop House
Celebrate Christmas Eve New York style at Brooklyn Chop House, where a six-course dinner brings bold Asian flavours to the capital. Tuck into Peking duck dumplings, Hoisin turkey bao, Wagyu striploin and a chocolate banana dessert in a setting that is stylish yet relaxed, with a lively soundtrack to match. Available on 24 December from 6pm to 11pm. AED 580 per person.
GO: Call 02 656 0000 for more information.
Cafe Milano
Milano at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island marks the season with time-honoured Italian traditions. On Christmas Eve, Chef Delfino Chiarello presents the Feast of Seven Fishes, a seafood-led menu inspired by coastal Italy. Christmas Day continues the celebrations with the Pranzo di Natale brunch, featuring roasted smoked lamb, handmade tortellini and classic festive flavours. Available on 24 and 25 December. AED 420 (soft beverages) and AED 520 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for more information.
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
Gather the family for a classic Christmas Eve buffet at Urban Kitchen, where festive favourites meet relaxed, celebratory dining. Expect holiday staples alongside fresh seafood on ice, roasted carvings to order and a tempting spread of seasonal desserts. Little ones can look forward to a visit from Santa, while adults enjoy the convivial atmosphere and generous variety. Available on 24 December from 7pm to 10:30pm. AED 245 (soft beverages) or AED 405 (house beverages).
GO: Call 02 698 8137 for more information.
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Sahha at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi lays on a plentiful Christmas Eve feast with all the trimmings. Festive dishes include roasted turkey, truffle risotto, beef Wellington and a traditional Yule log for a sweet finish. There is even talk of a surprise appearance from Santa Claus. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. AED 299 (soft beverages) and AED 399 (house beverages).
GO: Call 02 510 1234 for more information.
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Spend Christmas Eve at Graphos Social Kitchen, where a festive buffet brings together seasonal favourites and fresh seafood specialities. Think roast turkey with all the trimmings alongside globally inspired dishes, designed for relaxed dining with family and friends. Arrive early to explore the stations and ease into Christmas Day with a leisurely evening. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. AED 240 (soft beverages) and AED 370 (house beverages).
GO: Call 02 208 6888 for more information.
La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi
The FACT award-winning La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi presents Menu de Noël, a generous sharing-style set menu for Christmas Eve. Highlights include an impressive seafood tower and Duck Confit with orange endive, finishing with Vanilla Cheesecake with berry compote. Guests can enhance the experience with an optional Champagne pairing or Wild Idol non-alcoholic sparkling wine, each chosen to complement the menu. Available on 24 December from 7pm. Prices from AED 610 per person.
GO: Visit lpmrestaurants.com/abu-dhabi for more information.
Oak Room
Make Christmas Eve memorable with a refined British feast at Oak Room. The evening begins with signature starters such as Homemade Ricotta and King Crab salad, followed by a choice of mains including Roast Beef Sirloin, Lamb Saddle or classic Roast Turkey with all the trimmings. A dessert line-up of Mont Blanc tartlets, cherry cream puffs, Christmas pudding and a curated selection of British cheeses rounds out the night. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 7pm to 11:30pm. AED 595 (soft beverages), AED 695 (house beverages) and AED 795 (bubbly).
GO: Call 02 208 0000 for more information.
Pappas Taverna
Spend Christmas Eve at Pappas Taverna for a Greek-style festive dinner by the sea. The menu features tzatziki, charred octopus, a choice of roasted turkey or lobster linguini, and a special pistachio baklava Yule log for dessert. With its warm, relaxed atmosphere, it is ideal for those seeking a Mediterranean spin on the holidays. Available on 24 December from 6pm to 11pm. AED 380 per person.
GO: Call 02 656 0000 for more information.
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
Christmas Eve at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island centres on togetherness and tradition. Turquoise hosts a plentiful festive dinner with carving stations, premium seafood, seasonal sides and indulgent desserts, all soundtracked by live music. After dining, guests can move to the Courtyard for enchanting performances and a joyful Christmas party under the stars. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 7pm. AED 985 per person.
GO: Call 02 492 2222 for more information.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Aqua at Rosewood Abu Dhabi sets a warm and elegant tone for Christmas Eve with a convivial sharing-style dinner. Festive classics are reinterpreted with a modern touch and served to share, encouraging an easy flow of conversation. Flexible beverage packages mean you can tailor the evening to suit your celebration, whether it is a family gathering or a sophisticated date night. Available on 24 December from 6pm to 10pm. AED 390 (soft beverages), AED 490 (house beverages) and AED 590 (champagne).
GO: Visit rosewoodhotels.com for more information.
Sand & Koal
Along the shoreline at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Sand & Koal sets a chic beachfront scene under the stars. A five-course sharing menu is paired with themed Christmas beverages, with dishes such as Mangrove Jack Fish with local spinach leading the line-up. Available on Wednesday, 24 December. AED 550 per person.
GO: Call 02 690 9000 for more information.
Sofra bld
Create lasting holiday memories at Sofra bld, where you can dine on exquisite holiday delicacies paired with festive beverages. Enjoy quality time with family and friends as the melodies of Christmas carols fill the air, accompanied by live entertainment. Adding to the festive spirit, Santa Claus will make his annual visit to bring joy to younger guests and enhance the holiday ambience. Available on 24 December from 6pm to 11pm. AED 338 (soft beverages), AED 438 (house beverages) and AED 558 (bubbly).
GO: Call 02 509 8555 for reservations and more information.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Make Christmas Eve a night to remember at Grills@Chill’O, where a generous festive buffet and warm ambience create a relaxed celebration. Guests can choose between an indoor setting or outdoor Corniche views, while a live duo keeps the mood high throughout the evening. Available on 24 December from 7pm to 11pm. AED 285 (soft beverages) or AED 460 (house beverages).
GO: Call 02 813 7777 for more information.
Strawfire by Ross Shonhan
At Strawfire by Ross Shonhan, flame-grilled signatures headline a five-course sharing menu at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. The family-style feast includes half chicken, N25 Schrenki caviar, coleslaw, furikake fries, mac and mentaiko and chicken miso soup, ending with a festive Yule log. Available on Wednesday, 24 December. AED 650 per person.
GO: Call 02 690 9000 for more information.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Kick off the holiday celebrations with a warm and elegant Christmas Eve dinner at Olea. Enjoy a festive buffet filled with holiday favourites, fresh seafood, roasted meats, and live cooking stations. With live entertainment, it’s a joyful way to spend the night before Christmas. Available on 24 December, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 350 (soft beverages) and AED 475 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.stregissaadiyatisland.com for more information.
The WB™ Abu Dhabi
Celebrate Christmas Eve in cinematic style at The Director’s Club. A three-course set menu is served alongside à la carte options, allowing guests to build their own festive feast from refined seasonal dishes. Smooth live jazz sets a sophisticated tone, while the team suggests thoughtful wine pairings for each course. Available on 24 December from 7pm to 10pm. AED 300 (three-course set menu) with an optional wine pairing for AED 450.
GO: Call 02 815 0000 for more information.
Villa Toscana
The FACT award-winning Villa Toscana invites guests to a candlelit Christmas Eve in true Italian style. A five-course set menu celebrates regional flavours with luxurious touches, from homemade raviolo with lobster, smoked butter and bisque essence to Wagyu tenderloin sous vide. Desserts are made to share, including a nostalgic Caprese cake with chestnut cream. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 7pm to midnight. AED 455 (soft beverages) or AED 545 (house beverages).
GO: Call 02 694 4553 for more information.
