A guide to the best Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi, from classic feasts to contemporary festive experiences
Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi is a chance to trade the chaos of last-minute wrapping for a night of good food, laughter, and festive cheer. Whether you’re after Italian indulgence, coastal delights, or a luxe steakhouse spread, there’s a table waiting to make the night feel special. Here’s a curated list of dinners that promise warmth, flavour, and a little holiday magic.
SÌ Ristorante Italiano & Bar
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SÌ Ristorante Italiano & Bar brings the warmth of Italy to Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi, with a four-course menu inspired by the season’s finest flavours. The evening is accompanied by a live duo, whose music adds charm without taking the focus away from your plate. The menu is perfectly balanced, whether you pair it with soft drinks, house beverages or a glass of bubbly, making it a relaxed and joyful way to celebrate with family and friends. À la carte options are also available for a more personalised experience.
Location: SÌ Ristorante Italiano & Bar, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Time: 5pm to 10:30pm
Cost: Dhs 420 per person; 4-course set menu
Contact: (056) 994 8890
Pappas Taverna
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This Christmas Eve, Pappas Taverna takes the festive spirit to the Mediterranean. Start with an amuse-bouche trio of tzatziki, tirokafteri, and taramosalata, then enjoy charred octopus, Achaia salad, and a choice of slow-roasted turkey or luxurious lobster linguini. Desserts include the pistachio baklava yule log topped with pomegranate gel and meringue. Paired with mellow tunes and clinking glasses, it is a festive evening that feels more coastal celebration than North Pole.
Location: Pappas Taverna, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Time: 6pm to 11pm
Cost: Dhs380 set menu per person; À la carte beverages
Contact: (02) 656 0000
Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi
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Fouquet’s brings Parisian festive flair to Christmas Eve with a multi-course set menu of French classics and seasonal specials. Vegetarian options include roasted leeks with white asparagus cream and wild mushroom vol-au-vent, while the full à la carte menu is also available.
Location: Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi
Time: 6pm to 11pm
Cost: Dhs450 per person; À la carte available
Contact: (052) 540 6957
Garage Restaurant, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
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Garage Restaurant flips Christmas Eve tradition with a six-course global feast. Expect truffle foie gras torchon, laksa xiao long bao, and gunkan sushi with oscietra caviar. Mains include roasted turkey ballotine or slow-cooked beef cheeks, while desserts such as winter marron mille-feuille close the evening with style. DJ Firas keeps the energy lively, making it a festive night where each course is an event and the holiday spirit feels effortless.
Location: Garage Restaurant, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Time: 6pm to 11pm, 24 December 2025
Cost: Dhs450 set menu per person; À la carte beverages
Contact: (02) 656 0000
Dino’s Bistro Italiano
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Dino’s brings a festive Italian flair to Christmas Eve with a relaxed à la carte evening brunch. Guests can tuck into classic Italian favourites alongside a buffet of antipasti, cheeses, cold cuts, artisan breads, and a turkey carving station. It is the perfect combination of traditional comfort and holiday cheer. The setting is warm and inviting, making it ideal for families and friends to gather before the big day.
Location: Pearl Rotana Capital Centre
Time: 6pm to 11pm, 24 December 2025
Cost: Dhs270 non-alcoholic package; Dhs350 alcoholic package
Contact: (02) 307 5551
Turtle Bay Bar & Grill
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Turtle Bay Bar & Grill lights up Christmas Eve under the stars on Saadiyat Island, offering a four-course menu of premium cuts and fresh seafood. The atmosphere is festive yet relaxed, with the evening flowing smoothly whether you choose soft drinks, house beverages or bubbly to toast the night. À la carte dining is also available, giving guests the freedom to savour their favourite dishes.
Location: Turtle Bay Bar & Grill, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Time: 5pm to 10:30pm
Cost: Dhs 450 per person; 4-course set menu
Contact: (056) 994 8890
Vero Italiano
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Vero Italiano serves a refined six-course Christmas Eve dinner with everything from Dibba Bay oysters to braised lamb shank. Hand-made ravioli, saffron risotto, and velvety vanilla caramel mascarpone round out the feast. Live cello, violin, and flute performances set the mood, while Santa makes an appearance for younger diners. It is a festive celebration that combines music, food, and tradition in one elegant evening.
Location: Vero Italiano, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
Time: 7pm to 10:30pm, 24 December 2025
Cost: Dhs349 inclusive of soft beverages; Dhs399 inclusive of grape & bubbles; Dhs175 for children 6–12
Contact: (02) 498 0000
Brooklyn Chop House
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Brooklyn Chop House turns Christmas Eve into a bold, modern celebration. The six-course set menu includes Christmas dumplings, Hoisin turkey bao, stir-fried seafood, and grilled Wagyu striploin with smoky broccolini. Dessert is Aurora de Noël, a chocolate and banana sponge finished with salted caramel and crystallised ginger. With ambient holiday beats and a playful atmosphere, this is Christmas Eve with energy, attitude, and unapologetic flavour.
Location: Brooklyn Chop House, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Time: 6pm to 11pm, 24 December 2025
Cost: Dhs580 set menu per person; À la carte beverages
Contact: (02) 656 0000
Sofra Bld, Shangri-La Abu Dhabi
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Sofra Bld sets the tone for a classic Christmas Eve with a buffet full of holiday favourites and plenty of seasonal cheer. The evening comes with live carols and entertainment, which keeps things lively without stealing attention from your plate. The spread is generous, the mood is easy and it is the kind of dinner that feels right for gathering the whole crew. Whether you go for soft drinks, house beverages or bubbly, the night rolls out smoothly.
Location: Sofra Bld, Shangri-La
Time: 6pm to 11pm
Cost: From Dhs338 per person
Contact: (02) 509 8888
Butcher & Still, Four Seasons Abu Dhabi
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Butcher and Still brings its vintage glamour to Christmas Eve with a feast built around steakhouse favourites. Chef Marshall Röth serves a curated menu that includes a standout beef Wellington and a pecan pie that has its own loyal following. The setting is all warm light and quiet swagger, making it perfect for a festive night out. Packages range from soft drinks to champagne for those who want to make the night sparkle a little more.
Location: Four Seasons Abu Dhabi
Time: Christmas Eve
Cost: From Dhs500 per person
Contact: (02) 333 2444
Graphos Social Kitchen, Hilton Yas Island
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Graphos Social Kitchen offers a laid back Christmas Eve dinner built around holiday classics. Think roast turkey, seasonal dishes and fresh seafood favourites, all served in a bright and welcoming space. It is a good pick for families or groups who want festive flavours without too much fuss. Kids get their own package, which makes planning easier.
Location: Hilton Yas Island
Time: 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Cost: From Dhs240 per person
Contact: (02) 208 6888
