GET INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: THE BEST FESTIVE ACTIVITIES IN ABU DHABI

Christmas is coming, and Abu Dhabi is getting ready to celebrate! From magical Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies and a charming festive market to gingerbread house decorating, breakfast with Santa, and an indulgent festive afternoon tea, there’s plenty to look forward to this December. Whether you’re planning a fun family outing, a festive afternoon with friends or simply looking to soak up a little Christmas cheer, here are some of the best festive activities to add to your calendar this season.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at InterContinental Abu Dhabi

Christmas celebrations begin at InterContinental Abu Dhabi on 9 December with the hotel’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Bringing families and friends together for a festive waterfront evening, this much-loved tradition sets the scene for the celebrations ahead.

When: Wednesday, 9 December 2026, 5:30pm
Price: Complimentary
Where: Marina Garden, InterContinental Abu Dhabi

Christmas Tree Lighting and Festive Buffet at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club
Celebrate the start of the festive season with the Christmas Tree Lighting at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, bringing family and friends together for a warm evening of Christmas cheer. Watch as the tree lights up for the season while enjoying a festive buffet, festive fun with Santa and a lively atmosphere made for all ages.

With plenty of time to dine, celebrate, and soak up the festivities, it’s an easy way to get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy a little seasonal magic with the whole family.

When: Friday, 11 December 2026, 7pm – 10pm
Price: AED 219 per person (soft package); AED 344 per person (house package); AED 69 per child (aged 5 to 12 years). Free for kids under 5.
Where: Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Yas Island

Christmas Tree Lighting and Festive BBQ Buffet at Yas Links Abu Dhabi

The festive season begins on the lawn at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, as the Christmas tree lights up for an evening with family and friends. A BBQ buffet sets the table for the celebrations, accompanied by festive entertainment and activities for younger guests. With the lawns of Yas Links as the backdrop, it’s a relaxed evening of good food, Christmas cheer, and time spent together.

When: Friday, 18 December 2026, 7pm – 10pm

Price: AED 219 per person (soft package); AED 344 per person (house package); AED 69 per child (aged 6 to 12 years); Free (kids under 6 years). Member discounts apply. Advance booking is required

Where: Yas Links Abu Dhabi Lawn, Yas Links, Yas Island

Christmas Tree Lighting and Festive Buffet at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Christmas celebrations begin at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, bringing family and friends together for an evening outdoors. Guests can gather for the official lighting of the tree before enjoying a festive buffet, Christmas music, and seasonal entertainment.

Younger guests can look forward to dedicated activities throughout the evening, while families and friends have plenty of time to catch up over dinner. A much-loved annual tradition, the Christmas tree lighting marks the start of the festive calendar at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

When: Saturday, 19 December 2026, from 7pm

Price: AED 219 per person (soft package); AED 344 per person (house package); AED 69 per child (aged 6 to 12 years); Free (kids under 6 years)

Where: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Lobby, Saadiyat Island

For more info, call +971 56 660 8780 or email fnb.sbgc@viyagolf.com

Festive Market by the Marina
This festive season, the Marina Garden at InterContinental Abu Dhabi transforms into a charming Christmas market over two consecutive weekends, bringing a little festive magic to the waterfront. Wander between stalls filled with Christmas gifts, handmade crafts and festive treats; pick up something special from local vendors; or enjoy a glass of mulled wine and seasonal favourites as live acoustic music sets the mood. With twinkling lights, festive flavours and plenty for all ages to enjoy, it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon or evening by the marina with family and friends.

When: Friday, 11 December 2026, to Sunday, 13 December 2026, and Friday, 18 December 2026, to Sunday, 20 December 2026
Where: Marina Garden, InterContinental Abu Dhabi

For more information, call +971 55 242 0542

Festive High Tea at Alba
Set beneath the soaring ceilings of the lobby lounge, Alba’s Festive High Tea adds a festive flourish to the hotel’s signature afternoon ritual. Delicate savoury and sweet treats are served alongside each guest’s preferred tea blend, with seasonal aromas adding to the occasion. An afternoon designed for conversation, celebration, and the pleasure of sharing something special in the days leading up to Christmas.

When: Available daily from Tuesday, 15 December 2026, to Wednesday, 6 January 2027, 2pm – 5pm
Price: AED 190 per stand
Where: Alba, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

For reservations, call +971 2 818 8203 or email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com

Gingerbread House Decorating at Giornotte
Young guests can put their creativity to work at Giornotte with a Christmas activity made for little hands. Guided by the hotel’s pastry chefs, children will decorate their own gingerbread houses with candy canes, cookies and marshmallows before taking their creation home – a cherished festive tradition given their own creative touch.

Gingerbread House Decorating: AED 200 per gingerbread house. Available daily from Tuesday, 15 December 2026, to Tuesday, 5 January 2027, excluding Friday, 25 and Thursday, 31 December 2026. Advance booking is required.

For reservations, call +971 2 818 8203 or email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com

Breakfast with Santa

Start the festive celebrations with a family breakfast at Acres Grill House, complete with a special visit from Santa. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet with a selection of beverages before little ones get the chance to meet Santa and stop for a Christmas photo together.

Music and live entertainment will set the mood throughout the morning, while dedicated children’s activities offer plenty to keep younger guests busy. Made for the whole family to enjoy, it’s an easy way to spend a December morning together as Christmas Day draws closer.

FACT BOX:
What: Breakfast with Santa
Offer: AED 99 per adult; AED 60 per child (aged 6 to 12 years); free (kids under 6 years).
When: Sunday, 20 December, 9am to 12pm
Where: Roots Bar & Kitchen, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Yas Island
For more info, call +971 50 757 4808 or email dining.yagcc@viyagolf.com

Gingerbread House Workshop

Little ones can get creative this Christmas with a festive Gingerbread House Workshop at Grill House, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club. Each child will receive their own gingerbread house to decorate with icing, sprinkles and plenty of imagination, while hot chocolate, festive cookies, Christmas music and a little festive cheer from Santa add to the occasion. Designed as a fun afternoon for the whole family, the workshop gives children the chance to create their very own festive masterpiece and enjoy a little Christmas magic along the way.

FACT BOX:
What: Gingerbread House Workshop
Offer: AED 120 per child. Pre payment and pre booking is required.
When: Sunday, 13th December, 3pm to 5pm
Where: Acres Grill House, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Yas Island
For more info, call +971 50 757 4808 or email dining.yagcc@viyagolf.com