Festive Grandeur at Emirates Palace

As the year draws to a close, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi transforms into a scene of celebration — a destination where festive spirit meets exquisite craftsmanship. Draped in pearl-lit garlands and echoing with carols, the Palace becomes a winter haven of warmth and wonder, setting the stage for cherished memories beneath its iconic Grand Dome.

A Season of Light and Joy

The festive journey begins on 5 December, when the Grand Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony illuminates the dome in a spectacle of light and music. The evening unfolds with a performance of The Nutcracker, followed by appearances from Santa and his merry ensemble. As the children’s choir from the British College of Abu Dhabi fills the atrium with song, soft snow descends, casting a gentle shimmer over the gathering.

Alongside the ceremony, the Winter Village transforms the Palace into a promenade of festive discovery. Traditional wooden chalets serve steaming mugs of hot chocolate, mulled wine, and camel milk cocoa, while the Panettone Chaletoffers house-made loaves finished with decadent toppings. Nearby, trays of gingerbread, stollen, and candy canes balance the savoury notes of truffle croque monsieur, grilled chestnuts, and lobster rolls. For families, a dedicated arts and crafts corner invites children to create keepsake ornaments and painted mugs — small treasures to carry home from the celebration.

Little Wonders, Big Smiles

From 8 December to 11 January, the Palace’s Kids Wonderland Camp welcomes young guests into a world of creativity and fun. With options for day, weekly, or monthly access, the programme combines play and imagination through festive workshops and outdoor adventures.

In the days leading up to Christmas, themed workshops offer hands-on creativity: from crafting wooden nutcrackers to designing ornaments and decorating mugs with holiday motifs. On 25 December, families can come together for the Gingerbread House Competition, followed by the evening Christmas Pyjama Party, where movies, snacks, and music fill the night with laughter.

 

Culinary Theatre Across the Palace

Dining at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental during the holidays is an experience in itself — a journey through flavours that honour both tradition and innovation.

On Christmas Eve, the Palace’s restaurants present a series of distinctive culinary experiences. At Vendôme, an international buffet pairs sophistication with festive charm, offering dishes such as pan-seared foie gras, roasted wagyu prime rib, and honey-glazed turkey, complemented by a medley of desserts including Yule log and Panettone. Broadway embraces theatre and taste with a five-course dinner and live music, where guests enjoy lobster omelette and wild seabass with clam velouté.

For lovers of Japanese-inspired gastronomy, Strawfire by Ross Shonhan offers a five-course sharing-style menu infused with flame-grilled artistry. Talea by Antonio Guida presents an Italian celebration of craftsmanship through dishes like Carpaccio di scampi and Panettone with Mascarpone, while Sand & Koal brings a beachfront dining experience beneath the stars with a menu of seafood and local produce.

On Christmas Day, the festivities continue with a series of brunches and lunches across the Palace. Vendôme leads the way with a lavish Christmas Brunch, featuring Canadian lobster with Kaluga caviar, beetroot salmon gravlax, and a towering gingerbread cake. At Cascades, guests can savour a relaxed family-style brunch in the gardens, complete with live house music and children’s activities. Broadway combines live entertainment with festive classics such as roast turkey with cranberry confit, while Sand & Koal brings coastal flair to the season with locally inspired dishes. For an Italian flourish, Talea offers a four-course Christmas lunch, where Wagyu tenderloin with chestnuts and tarragon reflects the elegance of Italian tradition.

 

Indulgence and Artistry

Throughout December, Episodes and the Mandarin Cake Shop become sanctuaries for festive indulgence. The Festive Afternoon Tea, served daily from 2 to 6pm, is a symphony of savoury and sweet: chestnut velouté, foie gras mille-feuille, and delicate pastries including a Montblanc of chestnut and cassis. At the Cake Shop, shelves glisten with handcrafted confections and artisanal hampers, available from 20 to 25 December. Each hamper captures the essence of the season, featuring roasted vegetables, festive condiments, and a full Christ stollen for sharing with loved ones.

Radiance and Renewal

Beyond celebration, the Palace also invites guests to embrace rejuvenation. From 15 to 31 December, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental offers the Winter Glow Facial, a 90-minute ritual designed to restore radiance through advanced hydration and vegan collagen. The Head to Mistle-Toe Ritual extends this harmony through a two-hour journey of relaxation, combining a scalp massage, 111SKIN facial, and Bastien Gonzalez nail treatment — an ode to self-care amid the season’s festivities.

For those seeking a spirited start to Christmas Day, the Santa Hat Fun Run and Reindeer Ride bring movement and joy to the celebrations. Guests are invited to don festive attire and join in the coastal run or explore the Palace grounds by bicycle.