Food, glorious food – that’s what Christmas is all about.

But not everyone has family coming over for a big roast, nor do some want to spend hours cooking away in the kitchen.

But, luckily, in the UAE there’s another popular option for the big day – the Christmas brunch.

Whether you go for a leisurely midday feast or choose to dial things up after dark, there’s plenty of food and fun to be had.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourites to save you the scouring… so let’s eat, drink and be merry.

Read:
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Forget Spending Christmas In The Kitchen… Here Are 8 Turkey Takeaways In Dubai

Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton

Why go? Here you can enjoy unbeatable weather and sunset views while feasting on festive favourites and Pan Asian-inspired sharing plates.
Price: Dhs375 per person including unlimited soft drinks, house beverages and bubbly for three-and-a-half hours.
Hours: 5pm to 2am.
To make a booking: (04) 3747888 or email pureskylounge@hilton.com.

La Brasserie Quartier and Le Patio, St Regis Dubai

Why go? To indulge in seasonal seafood, foie gras, a selection of truffes, over 80 cheeses, a carving station and an extensive selection of desserts.
Extras: A live jazz band sure to rock the floor with requests and favourite songs.
Price: Dhs895 for the premium bubbly package, Dhs695 for the house beverage package and Dhs495 for the non-alcoholic package.
Hours: 1pm to 4pm.
Dress Code: Smart casual with closed shoes.
To make a booking: (04) 4355577 or email srdubai.dining@stregis.com.

Raffles Dubai

Why go? The venue transforms into a winter wonderland complete with a huge feast.
Extras: Gingerbread houses, a bouncy castle and of a special visit from the North Pole.
Price: Dhs685 per person including food and house beverages, Dhs475 per person for food and soft drinks, Dhs250 for children under 12.
Hours: 12.30pm to 4.30pm.
To make a booking: (04) 3248888 or email dining.dubai@raffles.com.

Ballaro, Conrad Dubai

Why go? Roast turkey, mince pies, stollen, cookies, panettone… need we say more?
Extras: Don’t miss the festive signature drinks and cocktails – and Santa will drop by with gifts for the kids too (sometimes it’s a real shame to be an adult, isn’t it?).
Price: Dhs495 including food and house beverages, Dhs395 including food and non-alcoholic drinks, children between six and 12 dine at half price.
Hours: 1pm to 4pm.
To make a booking: (04) 444 7111 or email dxbcd.fb.reservations@conradhotels.com.

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BICE Restaurant

Why go? To enjoy Christmas the Italian way.
Extra: Resident pianist Jerry will set the mood for a day of merriment.
Price: Dhs430 per person including food and bubbles, Dhs395 per person for food and house spirits, Dhs295 for food and soft drinks, Dhs135 for children between six and 12.
Hours: 12.30pm to 4pm.
To make a booking: (04) 3182520 or email bicerest.jumeirah@hilton.com.

Indie

Why go? Can’t face stuffing a turkey yourself? No problem – here you’ll get a traditional meal minus all the faff.
Price: Dhs490 per person including cocktails and bubbles, Dhs39o per person for food and house spirits, Dhs29o for food and soft drinks.
Hours: 1pm to 7pm.
To make a booking: (055) 4556106 or email reserve@indiedifc.com.

Hoi, Shangri-la Dubai

Why go? To explore 50 flavours of Vietnam with unlimited South East Asian tapas made to order.
Price: Dhs594 per person with house beverages and bubbly, Dhs350 per person with house beverages, Dhs23o per person for food only.
Hours: 12.30pm to 4pm.
To make a booking: (04) 4052703 or email f&breservations.sldb@shangri-la.com.

Spectrum, Fairmont Ajman

Why go? To be serenaded by Christmas songs while your little ones are kept busy decorating their own gingerbread houses.
Extras: Along with live cooking stations, expect oysters, pan-fried foie gras, eggnog and more.
Price: From Dhs165 per person, kids aged 11 and below eat for free.
Hours: 12.30pm to 4pm.
To make a booking: (06) 7015544 or email ajman.dining@fairmont.com.

Café Plamier, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi

Why go? To sing along to some Christmas carols and other entertainment while feasting on traditional fare.
Extras: Santa will be popping by with gifts for the little ones.
Price: From Dhs499 per person including food and bubbly, Dhs399 per person including food and house spirits and Dhs299 per person for food and regular beverages. Dhs99 per child between ages six and 12.
Hours: 1pm to 4 pm
To make a booking: (02) 6950404 or email Reservation.Lrmad@Lemeridien.com.

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