Here's where to celebrate Orthodox Christmas in Dubai

Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Day on 7 January.

Orthodox Christmas is a holiday celebrated by approximately 260 million people worldwide, including Eastern European countries with majority Orthodox populations, such as Greece, and communities in Ethiopia and Egypt. Food plays a central role in Orthodox Christmas celebrations, and the specific traditions vary by region. Coptic Christians in Egypt break their fast with fattah, a dish made of bread, rice, and meat, while the Ethiopian Orthodox eat wat, a stew that often includes chicken and 12 eggs. Here is where you can enjoy Orthodox Christmas in Dubai this year.

Aelia

Celebrate Orthodox Christmas at Aelia with a delightful lunch or dinner experience. The festive menu includes dishes like Carabineros Crudo with Passion Fruit Dressing, Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni, and Pryaniki for dessert, offering a festive feast to remember. A dedicated children’s menu ensures the whole family enjoys the occasion. Available on Tuesday, 7 January. AED 349 (food only).

GO: Visit www.thelinkdubai.com/aelia for reservations and more information.

Atlantis The Royal

Infuse your seasonal celebrations with an abundance of flavours at Gastronomy, Dubai’s latest gourmet dining hall at Atlantis The Royal. Boasting 17 live cooking stations, four bars, and an enticing selection of over 100 dishes, including authentic Slavic festive offerings such as roasted duck, potatoes with chanterelles, grilled sturgeon, Olivier salad, homemade pelmeni, honey cake, and apple Sharlotka, this FACT Award-winning restaurant is redefining culinary excellence. Available on Tuesday 7 January, from 6pm to 10pm. AED 495 (soft beverages) and AED 695 (house beverages).

GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.

At.mosphere Burj Khalifa

This Orthodox Christmas, elevate your celebrations with a memorable meal at At.mosphere Burj Khalifa. Perched on the 122nd floor of the world’s tallest building, At.mosphere offers panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, providing a stunning backdrop for a truly special festive evening. The evening includes a five-course menu featuring fresh oysters and caviar, salmon confit paired with velvety hollandaise sauce, and a refreshing mandarin creation that adds the perfect sweet finale. Available on 6 and 7 January from 5:30pm to 8:30pm or 8:45pm to 11:30pm. AED 750 (food only) or AED 1,425 (inclusive of wine pairing).

GO: Visit www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com for reservations and more information.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort

Celebrate Orthodox Christmas with a warm, intimate festive roast, perfect for gathering loved ones in the heart of Bab Al Shams Desert Resort. Surrounded by stunning desert vistas, this exclusive dining experience for a group of six combines cherished traditions with exceptional hospitality, making it the ideal setting to savour the rich flavours and warmth of the holiday season. Available on 6 and 7 January 2025. AED 650 (including two hours of house wine) or AED 250 (children aged four to 11 years).

GO: Visit www.babalshams.com for reservations and more information.

Hyde Dubai

Celebrate Orthodox Christmas in Dubai with a Levantine sharing-style set menu perfect for family and friends. Enjoy a selection of traditional dishes beautifully presented for a festive occasion at Cleo restaurant in Hyde Dubai. Available on Tuesday, 7 January, from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 150 (sharing-style set menu) or AED 280 (sharing-style set menu with house beverages).

GO: Email cleo.mediterraneo@hydedubai.com for reservations and more information.

JA Lake View Hotel

Celebrate togetherness and tradition at the Orthodox festive brunch at JA Lake View Hotel. Enjoy holiday delicacies and free-flowing beverages as you savour precious moments with your family and friends. Enhance the joyful occasion with live entertainment and the delightful aroma of holiday spices. Available on Tuesday, 7 January, from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 260 (soft beverages) or AED 340 (house beverages).

GO: Email restaurant.reservation@jaresorts.com for reservations and more information.

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah

Levantera offers a delicious spread of culinary classics for those celebrating Orthodox Christmas in Dubai. Enjoy dishes like borscht, roast goose, and beef stroganoff paired with festive drinks like mulled wine and Russian teas. With a visit from Santa, this celebration is not to be missed. Available on 7 January, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm for lunch, and from 6pm to 10.30pm for dinner. AED 250 (adults) and AED 125 (children aged six to 11).

GO: Visit www.festiveatmarriottresortpalm.com for reservations and more information.

Ossiano

Embark on an extraordinary dining journey at Ossiano, the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant and FACT Award winner. Experience Orthodox Christmas in Dubai with a lavish menu that promises a sensory adventure complemented by a meticulously curated wine and beverage selection. To further elevate the evening, Ossiano will present a carefully selected premium range of caviar for guests to indulge in. Available on Tuesday, 7 January from 6pm to 1am. AED 1,500 per person (excluding beverages).

GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.

Saffron

Experience the ultimate Orthodox Christmas celebration in Dubai at Saffron, where guests are invited to indulge in a festive feast. The menu boasts an extravagant array of fresh seafood and beloved Russian delicacies, including Olivier salad, savoury pancakes, roasted whole duck and salmon coulibiac. Expect a lively atmosphere and entertainment featuring a live DJ and a visit from Ded Moroz, also known as Father Frost or Santa Claus. Available on 6 and 7 January, from 6pm to 11pm. AED 275 (food only) and AED 137.5 (children aged four to 11 years). 

GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.

Signor Sassi

Kick-start 2025 with an enchanting evening of magic, music, and Italian charm as Alessandro Ristori & The Portofinos perform at the FACT award-winning Signor Sassi. Renowned for their fusion of vintage Italian rock, soulful pop, and timeless classics, Alessandro Ristori & The Portofinos promise a night of magnetic energy and extraordinary entertainment. Available on Tuesday 7 January from 9pm. AED 1,500 minimum spend per person.

GO: Email reservations@signorsassidubai.com or call 04 278 4848 for reservations and more information.