HOLIDAY SEASON SORTED

It’s that time of year when we have free rein to eat, drink and be merry. From blowout Christmas Eve brunches to Big Day turkey dinners, we’ve got everything you need to make this a very special December

CHRISTMAS EVE

1 Alba Terrace

The venue’s popular Weekend Spritz is getting smothered with festive spirit for Christmas Eve. But since it’s a Tom Aikens restaurant it’s going to be a classy affair with live music and menu items such as spaghetti vongole, panettone, and fresh wood oven-fired fare. The drinks will be just as sophisticated, with plenty of the titular spritz blends available alongside Almalfi-inspired mixology. a The Abu Dhabi Edition, Al Bateen, choose a three hour window between 12.30pm to 5pm Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs495 bubbles. Tel: (0)2 208 0000. editionhotels.com

2 Cafe Milano

Christmas Eve at fine-dining Italian restaurant Cafe Milano has a very European accent. The menu features shareable ‘dolci Natalizi’, a crab meat salad with festive touches, homemade pasta (of course), and a traditional Milanese festive dish – pan-seared monkfish with pumpkin puree. a Four Seasons Hotel, Jazeerat Al Maryah, 6pm onwards, prices from Dhs410. Tel: (02) 02 333 2222. fourseasons.com

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Fairmont Bab al Bahr

It’s beginning to look a lot like brunchmas at Fairmont Bab al Bahr, with its multirestaurant festive Friday brunch, including food stations showcasing the culinary might of CuiScene, Marco’s and Bridges Bar. An Old Papa Chrimbo visit will be popping in for a pre-emptive toy delivery. a Fairmont Bab al Bahr, Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs249 with soft drinks, Dhs347 with house drinks, Dhs649 premium, under 12s 50 per cent off. Tel: (0)2 654 3333. fairmont.com

3 Cove Beach Abu Dhabi

It’s all about the sun, sea and sleigh bells at Cove this Christmas with a seasonally enhanced version of its Friday brunch, which takes the form of a four-course set menu. As the clock hands tick closer to Santa’s sled-off, you can enjoy a three-course dinner menu, starting at just Dhs150. Expect nostalgic Christmas songs mixed up with other retro classics served by a trio of DJs DVS, Keeny, and Nuf. a Makers District, Al Reem Island. 1pm to 5pm, starting from Dhs249, dinner starting from Dhs150. Tel: (056) 398 7895, @covebeachabudhabi

CHRISTMAS EVE

5 Grills@Chill’O

This Corniche sky terrace restaurant offers two things we’re particularly fond of about Abu Dhabi Christmases – chilling and grilling. And on December 24, there’s a traditional Chrimbo banquet with a French twist. Think roasted turkey with chestnuts, Brussels sprouts, braised cabbage, honey glazed carrots, lashings of turkey gravy, coq au vin, boeuf a la bourguignonne, duck confit, and foie gras. Want more? There are more international menu options available too, live music and maybe even a visit from the sleigh master-in-chief. a Grills@Chill’O, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, 7pm to 11pm. Dhs275 with soft drinks, Dhs370 with house drinks, Dhs545 bubbles, Dhs110 children from seven to 12. Tel: (0)2 813 7777. sofitelabudhabicorniche.com

6 Khayal

Have a holly, jolly eve at Khayal with a lavish buffet and plenty of live cooking stations. There’s mulled grape, mulled vibes and we understand that the man in red is mulling over a visit to come and spoil the little ones ahead of the big day. a Marriott Al Forsan, Khalifa City, 6.30pm to 11pm. Dhs249 with soft drinks. Add Dhs149 and upgrade to house or Dhs199 and upgrade to bubbles, Dhs99 for children, under sixes free. Tel: (0)2 201 4000. marriott.com

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7 Kuzbara

Plate up gastro-gifts from live stations offering soup, roast meat joints and other carvery delights, plus festive desserts, including a classic dark chocolate Yule log. If the kids behave, they can take home little gifts. Book before December 10 for a 30 per cent discount. a Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, 7pm to 11pm. Dhs175 with soft drinks, Dhs295 with house drinks. Tel: (0)2 304 7777. marriottdowntownabudhabilife.com

8 Li Jiang

Give your night before Chrimbo an authentic Asian flavour with the special Christmas Eve dinner at Li Jiang. The four-course menu includes delicate dim sum, handmade noodles, yaki tori chicken, panfried tooth fish and mocha tea cheesecake for dessert, all available against the stunning backdrop of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. a The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, 7pm to midnight, Dhs450 with soft drinks, Dhs650 with house drinks. Tel: (02) 818 8888, @ritzcarltonabudhabi

9 Sacci

If you like your December 24 celebrations a little more fancy, head to Sacci for a night of real festive indulgence. Chef Giovani has prepared a decadent five-course festive feast. Pair your set menu with house drinks for a very reasonable Dhs399. Off menu, guests will find a big stack of live entertainment waiting for them under the tree. a The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi. 7pm to 11pm. Dhs399 with house drinks. Tel: (0)2 616 9999. sacciabudhabi.com

10 Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel

If you like rocking around the Christmas treats, you should probably consider visiting the Anantara this December 25. Its special dine around brunch allows you to hop between Ingredients, The Pool Deck and Mekong, enjoying a range of festive (and alternative) food, gorgeous mangrove views and there’s a pretty good chance Father C will be dropping in to distribute this year’s gifts. a Anantara Eastern Mangroves, Al Kheeran, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs325 with soft drinks, Dhs475 with house drinks. Tel: (05) 503 5121. @anantaraeasternmangroves

11 Butcher & Still

Chef Marshall Roth is whipping up a traditional Christmas brunch at Butcher & Still. Dig into a selection of fine dining holiday favourites, trimmings galore, and a deep ladel of that mulled vibe. a Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs390 per person. Tel: (02) 333 2222, @butcherandstill

CHRISTMAS day

12 Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

This hotel has a few options for festive celebrations, but our pick of the gifts has to be the Christmas Market Brunch. Stack your plate with station served hits from the hotel’s dazzling array of restaurants, with sashimi from Café Sushi, barbecue stations on The Terrace and a whole load of Marco Pierre White creative Christmas juice thrown in, too. Elsewhere, you’ll find sing-along Christmas carol sessions, live entertainment, a raffle with exciting prizes and of course, a visit from Santa and his elves. a Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs395 with soft drinks, Dhs545 with house drinks, Dhs795 bubbles. Tel: (02) 654 3333. @fairmontbabalbahr

Festive panto

13 Fairways

Like the man in red himself, this family-friendly ‘Santalicious’ brunch is big, well-rounded and comes with the option of helping your belly shake like a bowl full of jelly. On the menu there’s a Yuletide focused buffet, carving stations and signature festive beverages, paired with live entertainment including a visit from Santa. a The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi, Dhs495 with soft drinks, Dhs695 with house drinks, Dhs245 children from seven to 12 years. Tel: (0)2 616 9999. fairwaysabudhabi.com

We’ve had enough of the food options. Wait, ‘Oh no we haven’t’. Well, having a theatrical break won’t hurt, anyway. This classic princess story is a pantomime classic. Crystal slippers, bungling butlers, comic relief in the form of Buttons, ugly sisters, fairy Godmothers, and the age-old romantic story of Cinderella and the Prince’s ‘will-they-wont-they?’ saga. Expect singalongs, choruses of ‘he’s behind you’ and all the fun of British Christmas carry-on.

December 16 to 27

a Theatre by Erth, Khor Al Maqta, Dhs97. abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net

14 Garage

The festive season is all about going big. Big portions, big gestures of good will, and we’re not sure who needs to hear this but *winks* big presents. On that theme, you’d do well to head for W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island’s B.I.G Christmas Day brunch at Garage. We’re talking deck-ing the halls with seasonal DJ spun tunes, sweet treats delivered by elves, a visit from Big Papa C, and there’s even an after-brunch drinks deal at W Lounge where you can enjoy 2-for-1 drinks. This deal is available both on Christmas Eve and Day. a W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs310 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with house drinks, Dhs650 bubbles. Tel: (0)2 656 0000. garageabudhabi.com

15 Graphos Social Kitchen

Our ‘brunch of the month’ hosts a special Christmas Day brunch with over 10 live stations and a dedicated activity zone for children. Come dressed as your favourite characters of Christmas for the chance to win prizes. a Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, 1pm to 4.30pm, Dhs429 with soft drinks, Dhs549 with house drinks, Dhs649 bubbly. Tel: (0)2 2086900. dineatgraphos@hilton.com

16 Giornette

Upgrade your Christmas gastronomy with the festive edition of Giornette’s wildly popular Chef’s brunch. We’re talking Wagyu beef, foie gras, Asian food, pasta cooked à la minute, fresh seafood, healthy selections, and there’s turkey, too. Old mate white beard will be here, too. a The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs450 with soft drinks, Dhs650 with house drinks, Dhs750 for premium bubbles. Tel: (02) 818 8888, @ritzcarltonabudhabi

17 Grills@Chill’O

Brunch alfresco this festive season at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche where there’s more than chesnuts roasting on an open fire. Diners can get stuck into a rotisserie-focused international buffet with live grills, roasted veal leg, prime ribs, honey glazed turkey and Atlantic salmon. Pair your meal with house drinks or bubbles, enjoy live music and, if you’ve sleighed the good behaviour this year, you might get some one-on-one time with Mr Kringle. Offer available both Christmas Eve and Day. a Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi. 12.30pm to 4pm. Dhs255 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with house drinks, Dhs395 bubbles, Dhs95 children from seven to 12 years. Tel: (0)2 813 7777. sofitelabudhabicorniche.com

18 Khayal

The Yuletide brunch at Khayal is always an absolute cracker. Leap (red)nose first into the festive feels with a Santa’s sack proportioned buffet selection, six live stations and a meet and greet from the executive branch of the North Pole’s toy logistics and distrubution team. a Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Khalifa City, Dhs299 with soft drinks, add Dhs149 for house drinks (or Dhs199 for bubbles), kids under 12 Dhs99. Tel: (0)2 201 4131. marriott.com

19 Kuzbara

The festive edition of the Eat, Play, Laugh features all the usual wonderful favourites such as seafood stations, Indian tandoors, Asian counters, Malaysian cuisine, plus turkey, Christmas pudding and mulled wine. a Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, from Dhs275 to Dhs425. Tel: (0)2 3047777. marriottdowntown abudhabilife.com

20 Nahaam & Sole

Choose between Nahaam serving casual classic favourites by the pool or Sole offering Italian delicacies. They’ll be performances and a Santa visit. a Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Dhs525 with soft drinks, Dhs625 with house drinks, Dhs725 with bubbly, Dhs200 for children six to 12 years, under sixes free. @conradetihadtowers

21 Oak Room

The Oak Room is hosting a very British Christmas, with added fine dining. Pick your three-hour session from the frosty window of 1pm to 5pm, and for anybody not ready to remove the paper crowns just yet, Annex is throwing a three-hour festive sunset session with bites, bubbles and bountiful beverages for Dhs368, including house drinks and bubbles. a The Abu Dhabi Edition, Dhs345 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks, Dhs645 bubbles, after brunch package Dhs248 (soft) and Dhs368 (house). Tel: (0)2 208 0000. editionhotels.com

CHRISTMAS day

22 PJ O’Reilly’s Irish Pub

Pull a craic-er this December 25 and spend your big day the Galway, ahem, way. Head to PJ O’Reilly’s for a big dose of festive cheer in the form of a Christmas version of their Hogfest brunch, featuring a traditional Irish feast, mulled grape and a soundtrack of sing-a-long classics (if Fairy Tale of New York doesn’t get at least one encore, we’re throwing tantrums). a Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, Dec 24 and 24 (7pm to 10pm) and Dec 25 (1pm to 4pm). Dhs149 soft, Dhs225 house, Dhs295 premium. Tel: (800) 101 101. @pjsabudhabi

23 Saadiyat Beach Golf Course

If a partridge in a pear tree is not the only birdie on your mind at Christmas, why not hit up the idyllic green scenes of Saadiyat Beach Golf Course for your big day brunch? It’s tee-ing things off with a festive carvery buffet, house drinks, live performers and a number of children’s activities to keep the little ones amused. a Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 12pm to 3.30pm. Dhs285 with soft drinks, Dhs399 with house drinks, Dhs143 children from seven to 12, under sixes free. Tel: (0)56 660 8780. @saadiyatbeachgolfclub

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24 The Foundry

There’s a lot at stake when organising a festive feast, so why not turn the tables and have a lot of steak instead? The Foundry is dishing up prime beef cuts alongside the more traditional turkey, saltbush lamb and of course all the trimmings at its Christmas brunch. Take things even further off-piste with the venue’s oyster bar, foie gras station, poke bar, seafood collection, and cheese vault. a Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs325 with soft drinks, Dhs480 with house drinks, Dhs655 bubbles, Dhs110 children from six to 12. Tel: (0)2 818 4888. tsogosun.com

25 Turquoise

Christmas is traditionally a time associated with family, but if you can’t be with the whole gang this year, gather those that are near and dear, and head to the beach. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island’s refined all day diner is throwing a shoreline seasonal banquet alongside live cooking stations, a sushi bar, fresh oysters and outdoor grills. a Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, 1pm to 4.30pm, Dhs649. Tel: (02) 492 2222, reservation. saadiyat@rixos.com

26 Urban Kitchen

Hop aboard the festive gravy train at the What’s On awardwinning Urban Kitchen this Chrimbo for a brunch packed with festive favourites. Top up the Yuletide spirit with a midday welcome drink at Orchid Lounge, then Ho-HoHo its off to Urban Kitchen we go to take your tastebuds on a whistle stop Santa present world tour, with all the many, varied international flavours of Urban Kitchen’s jolly brunch. a Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Muroor Road, 12.30 to 4pm, Dec 25, Dhs270 soft, Dhs400 house, Dhs99 for children ages 7 to 12. Tel: (0)2 698 8137. dusit.com

27 Yas Links Abu Dhabi

At Yas Links Abu Dhabi, the team are focused on showing the whole family a good time, with festive eats, kiddie treats and Yuletide beats. a Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs399 with house drinks, Dhs143 for children. Tel: (0)2 404 3077. @yaslinksad

Turkey takeaways

1 Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel

Offering up turkeys to suit families either small or large, stuff yourself on roast potatoes, mixed vegetables, cranberry sauce and more from the comfort of your home. As a gift, Ingredients restaurant is throwing in a free bottle of grape and stollen. Options range from a 5kg to 6kg turkey for Dhs650 or an 8kg to 10kg turkey for Dhs750. a Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel. Tel: (056) 188 7700. anantara. com

2 Marriott Al Forsan

Impress your loved ones with traditional British meats and all the trimmings from roasted butternut squash, Cajun sweet potatoes, honey glazed roasted root veg, traditional bread stuffing and more. Pick up from the Lobby Lounge. Options range from a 6kg turkey for Dhs749, 8kg turkey for Dhs849 or a 10kg turkey for Dhs949. a Marriott Al Forsan, Khalifa City. Available from December 6 to January 7. Tel: (02) 201 4000. @marriottalforsan

3 Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Set the table with a homemade roasted turkey, your favourite style of potatoes (au gratin, roasted, or mashed) and a selection of roasted vegetables. The turkey costs Dhs575, which includes two sides and two sauces. a Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island. Tel: (02) 813 5550. @osewoodabudhabi

4 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Feast on a whole roasted festive turkey served with chestnut stuffing, seasonal veggies, carrots, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy. There are baked treats for your loved ones, too. Place your order 48 hours in advance. Order a 5kg to 6kg turkey for Dhs499. Purchase additional sides starting from Dhs35. a Sheikh Khalifa Highway, E12, Tel: (0)2 499 8100. troonabudhabi.com

5 Yas Links Abu Dhabi

Similar to its Saadiyat neighbour, enjoy a seasoned whole toast turkey, including chestnut stuffing, seasonal veggies, carrots, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Throw in some Christmas baked treats for the complete festive treat. Place your order 48 hours in advance. Order a 5kg to 6kg turkey for Dhs499. Purchase additional sides for Dhs35. a Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (0)2 404 3077. troonabudhabi.com