‘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 a time for family, friends, and festivities. It’s officially the time of year to come together, celebrate, and pull some crackers. Here are the best places to spend Christmas Eve in Dubai with your nearest and dearest.
Armani Hotel Dubai
Step into a festive wonderland at Armani/Mediterraneo’s Christmas Eve buffet featuring seasonal delights in a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Experience a fusion of beloved Levantine and French dishes alongside the distinctive Italian, Greek, and Spanish flavours. Available on 24 December from 6:30pm to 10pm. AED 420 (soft beverages).
GO: Email restaurant.reservations@armanihotels.com for more information.
Bagatelle
Step into the spirit of the season at Bagatelle Dubai, where Christmas unfolds in a luxurious blue-and-silver setting. The fancy French venue transforms into an elegant winter scene, with shimmering details and a festive atmosphere. Surrounded by refined décor, lively energy and the joy of the holidays, guests can expect a glamorous night of a la carte dining.
GO: WhatsApp 052 716 8359 for more information.
Boardwalk
Boardwalk brings breezy Creekside charm to Christmas Eve, combining relaxed waterfront views with a menu that blends à la carte choices and a plated experience. Live entertainment adds warmth without overwhelming the setting, keeping the focus on good food, good company and glasses raised. Come for the easygoing atmosphere, stay for the sparkle on the water and a relaxed Dubai-style celebration. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 6pm. AED 295 (soft beverages) or AED 395 (house beverages).
GO: Email festive.parkhyattdubai@hyatt.com for more information.
Bull & Bear
Set the tone for the holidays with a Christmas Eve dinner at Bull & Bear. The evening unfolds with live festive vocals and city views, starting with snacks such as Crispy Pillows with chestnut mousse and Wagyu Beef Tartare. Mains bring seasonal indulgence, from Beef Rossini with truffle to Slow-cooked Lamb Loin with confit leek and mint jus, before desserts of Dark Chocolate Peppermint Torte and Gingerbread-spiced Parfait. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 7pm to midnight. AED 495 (three-course menu).
GO: Visit www.bullandbeardifc.com for more information.
Bvlgari Resort Dubai
Celebrate La Vigilia di Natale at Il Ristorante – Niko Romito on Christmas Eve. The Italian fine dining favourite presents an elegant multi-course set menu that showcases refined technique and seasonal ingredients, paired with live entertainment that lifts the mood. Expect a polished, intimate celebration in one of Dubai’s most sophisticated dining rooms. Available on 24 December from 7pm. AED 2,200 per person.
GO: Visit www.bulgarihotels.com for more information.
Casa Amor
Casa Amor brings a bohemian spirit to Christmas Eve on the beach, pairing Mediterranean flavours with a festive shoreline setting. Settle into candlelit tables and enjoy a sharing menu of fresh seafood, premium cuts, and seasonal specials, all served family-style. Live music adds warmth and rhythm, encouraging you to linger as the waves roll in. Available on 24 December. AED 550 per person.
GO: Call 04 777 2222 for more information.
Ciel Dubai Marina
Spend Christmas Eve where modern Asian cooking meets festive cheer inside the world’s tallest hotel. At East 14, the chefs work the counters à la minute, from hand-pulled noodles and delicate dim sum to artful sushi and sizzling woks, all set against Dubai Marina’s twinkling skyline. A generous dessert spread focuses on festive favourites to finish the night. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 6pm to 11pm. AED 325 (soft beverages), AED 475 (house beverages) and AED 595 (sparkling).
GO: Visit www.vignettecollectionhotels.com for more information.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
A FACT award winner in both Dubai and London, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal invites guests to travel through time with a menu inspired by centuries of British gastronomy. This Christmas, the restaurant presents a six-course tasting experience that brings historic recipes into the present with Heston’s trademark precision and flair. Dishes include Earl Grey Tea Smoked Salmon (c.1730), Roast Potato and Caviar (c.1664), the signature Three Bird Roast and a festive dessert of Smoked Walnut Mousse with gingerbread ice cream and poached pear. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 6pm to 11pm. AED 980 per person (excluding beverages).
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for more information.
Fi’lia
High on the 70th floor of SLS Dubai, Fi’lia welcomes guests for a sharing-style Christmas Eve menu inspired by Mediterranean traditions. Expect seafood linguine, slow-roasted meats and decadent dolci, all served in a glowing setting with sweeping skyline views. Live music, a DJ and a special visit from Santa add extra festive sparkle. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. AED 395 per person. Drinks packages are also available.
GO: Visit slshotels.com for more information.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Settle into a warmly lit brasserie at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach for a Mediterranean-inspired Christmas Eve feast. The menu features handmade pastas, roasted meats and fresh seafood, followed by a line-up of seasonal desserts that bring the evening to a sweet close. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 7pm to 11pm. AED 525 per person.
GO: Email restaurants.dubaijb@fourseasons.com for more information.
FZN by Björn Frantzén
The FACT award-winning FZN by Björn Frantzén offers one of Dubai’s most exclusive dining experiences, spread across two meticulously designed floors at Atlantis The Royal. Led by the acclaimed Swedish chef, the restaurant serves modern European cuisine lifted with Japanese influences, where every detail from the plating to the soundtrack feels curated. For Christmas Eve, guests can savour a nine-course tasting menu that blends new seasonal creations with much-loved Frantzén signatures. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 7pm to 1am. AED 2,000 (tasting menu only). Wine pairing from AED 1,400, mixed pairing AED 1,100 and non-alcoholic pairing AED 750.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for more information.
Gastronomy
Located at Atlantis The Royal, Gastronomy channels the buzz of an international food market for Christmas Eve. Spanning multiple open kitchens and live stations, the venue brings together flavours from across the world. Expect festive specials, interactive carving stations and an array of holiday-themed desserts. With 17 live cooking stations, four bars and more than 100 dishes, you can graze your way from fresh seafood and sushi to grilled meats, aromatic curries and freshly baked breads. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 6pm to 10:30pm. AED 550 per person.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for more information.
La Cantine Beach
La Cantine Beach marks Christmas Eve with effortless seaside elegance and a menu of refined shared plates designed for lingering. Seasonal ingredients lead the way, from delicate starters to comforting mains, each crafted for convivial dining. The evening ends with La Cantine’s signature Bûche de Noël, a festive finale to share around the table. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 7pm to 11pm. AED 495 (soft beverages) or AED 695 (house beverages).
GO: Visit https://delanodubai.com for more information.
La Petite Maison Dubai
La Petite Maison Dubai celebrates Christmas Eve with a menu built around the finest winter produce. The evening begins with a seafood tower, followed by mains such as Duck Confit with orange and endive or Tenderloin Rossini with foie gras. Dessert is Vanilla Cheesecake with berry compote, while the Champagne Experience, featuring Henri Giraud Esprit Nature, adds extra sparkle. Available on Tuesday, 24 December from 6pm to 11pm. AED 640 per person (sharing set menu).
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for more information.
L’Atelier Joël Robuchon Dubai
Christmas Eve at L’Atelier Joël Robuchon Dubai unfolds with a festive set menu rooted in French holiday traditions. Courses include fresh oysters with avocado and yuzu, duck liver terrine with fig gelée, black truffle risotto, grilled turbot with green pea velouté and roasted Bresse chicken stuffed with truffle, foie gras and chestnuts. A cheese course and a signature Bûche de Noël layered with Tahitian vanilla and gingerbread complete the experience. With a live band and refined décor, the evening feels richly seasonal. Available on Tuesday, 24 December from 7pm. AED 750 per person.
GO: Visit https://atelier-robuchon.ae for more information.
Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
Celebrate Christmas Eve on West Beach at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah with a curated buffet of traditional roasts, carving stations, grills and fresh seafood, followed by indulgent desserts. Dine al fresco in the garden or settle into Levantera’s warm indoor setting while live entertainment sets the festive tone. Children can enjoy a dedicated kids’ area with their own buffet and a visit from Santa. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 6pm to 10pm. AED 299 (soft beverages), AED 399 (sparkling and house beverages) or AED 599 (champagne).
GO: Call 04 666 1430 for more information.
NOÉPE
Celebrate Christmas Eve the French way at NOÉPE, where classic flavours meet a modern Creekside setting. The set menu highlights elegant dishes and precise technique, all presented with the understated glamour the restaurant is known for. Candlelit tables, attentive service and a relaxed soundtrack create the ideal atmosphere for conversation. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 6pm. AED 395 (food only).
GO: Email festive.parkhyattdubai@hyatt.com for more information.
One&Only Royal Mirage
Welcome Christmas Eve with a beachfront dinner at Beach Bar & Grill at One&Only Royal Mirage. A Mediterranean-inspired set menu showcases pristine seafood and seasonal produce, paired with live entertainment that drifts across the shoreline. Ideal for couples, families and friends, the evening balances culinary finesse with a relaxed seaside mood. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 6:30pm to 11pm. AED 450 per person.
GO: Call 04 315 2414 for more information.
Palazzo Versace Dubai
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Vanitas, Palazzo Versace Dubai’s signature Italian restaurant, with a four-course dinner that highlights refined Italian mains and festive specials. Live performances and elegant interiors add to the sense of occasion. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 7pm to 11pm. AED 499 per person.
GO: Visit www.palazzoversace.ae for more information.
Raffles The Palm Dubai
Le Jardin at Raffles The Palm Dubai dresses for the season with a Christmas Eve buffet overlooking manicured gardens, a gleaming pool and an outdoor Christmas tree. Live entertainment sets a merry tone as guests enjoy roast meats, flavourful trimmings and festive desserts. Younger guests can look forward to themed activities and a special visit from Santa. Available on Tuesday, 24 December from 7pm to 10:30pm. AED 495 (soft beverages), AED 695 (house beverages) and AED 895 (champagne).
GO: Visit www.raffles.com for more information.
Riviera by Jean Imbert
Channelling the charm of the South of France at The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Riviera by Jean Imbert adds a seasonal twist to its Mediterranean favourites. Overlooking Marasi Bay Marina, the dining room reflects the skyline on calm waters while live music sets a leisurely holiday tempo. For Christmas Eve, the kitchen presents dishes that capture the spirit of the season, served with refreshing beverages and warm hospitality. Available on Wednesday, 24 December from 7pm. AED 450 per person.
GO: Visit www.dorchestercollection.com for more information.
Tasca by José Avillez
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Tasca by José Avillez, where elegant decorations and sweeping skyline views create a magical setting. Gather for a sharing-style menu of seasonal Portuguese favourites, from premium seafood and vibrant salads to comforting classics, all delivered with Tasca’s polished hospitality. Live music provides a soulful soundtrack for festive toasts by the sea. Available on 24 December from 6:30pm to 11pm. AED 550 per person.
GO: Call 04 777 2222 for more information.
Three Cuts
Three Cuts on the rooftop of Nakheel Mall was created by the father-and-son duo Joe and Jason Bassili. As the name suggests, the restaurant specialises in three cuts of meat. For Christmas Eve, the set menu includes Cranberry Yoghurt with sourdough bread, Fisherman Soup, Winter Salad with Fig & Snow Cheese, Smoked Salmon Platter, Scallop Foie Gras with Grape Chutney, Turkey Roulade, MB4+ Beef Medallion, and Jaffa Cake or Forêt Noire Gâteau for dessert. Available on 24 December. AED 390 per person.
GO: Follow @threecutsdxb on Instagram for more information.
