The 12 feasts of Christmas. Your top Xmas dinner choices

Dubai - Here are 12 of our top suggestions to get your fill of turkey and sugary treats to celebrate the season

There is now less than a week to go until the big day arrives. What are you going to do for your Christmas dinner across the UAE? Here are 12 of our top suggestions to get your fill of turkey and sugary treats to celebrate the season.
1) Yas we can this Xmas. We love this island for the races, what about Christmas?
On the 25th from 2pm Cipriani Yas Island will serve up traditional Italian recipes and free flowing bubbles, followed by a relaxed evening of board games and aperitifs. To start the eggs Benedict with an Italian twist "alla Cipriani" are a must and other favourites including burrata with polenta or calamari fritti with tartar sauce just add to the occasion from Dhs350.
2) Rove love, an economical Xmas deal
It doesn't matter if it's the City Centre, Healthcare City or Trade Centre locations, Rove Hotels have got festive brunches going on every day from December 22-25 from 11am. Dress up in your most fun jumper and tuck into an unlimited buffet with a variety of dishes, as well as a choice of main course platters from the kitchen from Dhs79.
3) Fit for a king or queen in a DXB palace
The Palazzo Versace has a number of outlets celebrating Xmas, but one of our favourites, Giardino, presents marble "terrazzo" flooring, columns and jungle motif Versace wallpaper. Most importantly, though, on Christmas Eve and Day the brunches on offer there from Dhs220 (Eve) have all the festive trimmings you expect from the expert chefs.
4) The Caribbean option right in Dubai
It's a little bit early, but the atmosphere in this place will more than make up for it. Do not miss out on the Christmas Edition of the epic Miss Lily's Blazin' Brunch! There's an island themed festive menu and five whole hours of hip swaying beats to get you in the mood for (hopefully) a couple of days off. The Sheraton Grand Hotel restaurant's brunch features jerk turkey breast, prime rib roast and starts from Dhs280. We think that's pretty great.
5) Capital dining in this Corniche eatery
If you are near the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche make sure to pop into the Corniche Restaurant from 12.30pm for the buffet on the 25th. An International smorgasbord filled with prime cuts, seafood, traditional dishes and a dessert station highlighted by French and Arabic pastries from Dhs215 per person is the only reason you need to visit.
6) Latin charm
Make merry the Argentinean way at Asado on Christmas Eve from 7pm to 12am. This lively venue serves succulent cuts prepared in traditional Asado Criollo-style on a 'Parrilla', an open grill in the centre of the restaurant. It's like being in an Argentinean country house right in The Palace Hotel. The live band is also brilliant.
7) Turkish Turkey
Rixos the Palm Dubai's A La Turca restaurant will unleash the celebrations on the 25th with a brunch including truffle risotto, seafood and Turkish specialties such as fish buglama. The ultimate highlight will be its Christmas turkey served up on wheels: so big it needs its own trolley. Add a visit from Santa to the mix and you've got yourself a fantastic party from Dhs275.
8) Remember, 'Buon Natale' is 'Happy Christmas' in Italian
It's Italian restaurant Andiamo at the Grand Hyatt we're picking above all others for its Christmas Eve dinner from 7pm. Dhs250 for four courses including traditional Italian dishes and many favourites from around the world, so you'll still get your turkey! Molto bene.
9) From oven to home
If you can't be bothered to cook, but need your home comforts, Eat Artisanal Bakery in Bay Square Business Bay has a Christmas catering menu they're delivering to your door. Choose a full juicy turkey, leg of lamb, brown buttered carrots, Cheddar Bay drop scones, or a classic cheese cake. We like the cheeses! There are loads of options from Dhs350.
10) Wave a big hello
It's all traditional at the Amwaj Rotana in JBR as on the big day from 12pm JB's Gastropub will be dishing up a pub-style Christmas lunch including soup and salad served to the table, main course and dessert buffet. The resident DJ will spin festive tunes as well as contemporary mixes from Dhs250 followed by a four-hour Happy Hour from 4pm.
11) We're on a night boat trip
Set within the rejuvenated Al Seef historical area, the glass-enclosed JA Bateaux Dubai will meander around the historical Bastakiya district this Christmas Eve and you can climb onboard, eat a fine dinner with festive decorations and enjoy live entertainment throughout the night from Dhs595 per person. That includes five-courses and unlimited beverages.
12) Baking up a winter storm
Bask in the spirit on Christmas Eve from 6.30pm or on Xmas Day throughout the afternoon and evening with Baker&Spice's special farm-to-table menu. Choose from a three-course or four-course set menu that includes New England blue crab & organic sweetcorn chowder, free-range 24-hour brine slow roasted turkey and choco dessert logs for Dhs120 per head.
david@khaleejtimes.com