Orthodox Christmas is an annual festivity happening on January 7 and celebrated in Eastern European countries with Orthodox populations, as well as some African communities Ethiopia and Egypt. If you are looking for places to celebrate it with the whole family, here are our top picks
The Atrium
The Atrium invites you to mark this special occasion with a themed brunch. Expect a wide variety of international Christmas Eastern dishes such as Borscht Russian soup, pan-fried Mediterranean seabass & horse radish sauce, vegetable ratatouille, Russian chicken pie and a live carving station. Additionally, kids can watch cartoons and meet Santa Claus who will be giving out gifts.
Grand Millennium Dubai, Barsha Heights. January 7 from 1-4pm. From AED225 per person. 50% discount for kids aged 6-12 years old. Call +9714 429 9999 and visit the website or Instagram
M One restaurant
Celebrate Orthodox Christmas on January 7 with a great meal and vibrant live music. Savour traditional festive dishes such as roast turkey, Borscht, live cooking stations with seafood, lobster, different pastas and Arabic shawarma. Kids will have their own buffet and a ton of fun activities at the Kids Club to keep them entertained.
Millennium Place Barsha Heights Hotel. January 7 from 12:30-4pm. AED169 per person. AED59 for kids between 6 – 12 years. Kids under 6 years dine for free. Call +9715 8606 0831 and visit the website or Instagram
Ossiano
The Michelin-starred, underwater fine dining establishment venue offers you the chance to indulge in a progressive 10-wave menu created by world-famous Chef Gregoire Berger. Elevate your experience by choosing from a variety of Kaviari’s premium caviar.
Atlantis, The Palm. January 7 from 6-10pm. AED1,500 per person. Guests must be 10 years or older. Call +9714 426 0770 and visit the website or Instagram
Nobu
The acclaimed restaurant is offering an Orthodox Christmas with Japanese-Peruvian influences. Whole roasted lobster with shiso ponzu butter and mango salsa and the wagyu foie gras gyoza dashi parmesan and caviar platter are just two of the show-stopping delicacies on the carefully curated menu.
Atlantis, The Palm. Until January 8. From 6-11pm. Guests must be 10 years or older to dine after 8pm. Call +9714 426 0760 and visit the website or Instagram
Seafire Steakhouse
For the Orthodox Christmas festivities at Seafire Steakhouse, caviar will take centre stage. Enjoy the premium seafood tower, which includes gillardeau oysters, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs, king prawns, mussels, langoustines and osetra caviar.
Atlantis, The Palm. Until January 7 from 6pm-1am. Guests must be 10 years or older to dine after 8:30pm. Entertainment: Jazz band, special appearance from Ded Moroz or Father Frost (Santa Claus) and his Snow Maiden Snegurochka. Call +9714 426 0760 and visit the website or Instagram
Saffron
Experience the coolest Orthodox Christmas festivity in town at Saffron. The menu features a rich array of fresh seafood as well as a variety of beloved Russian specialties, such as pelmeni, the original meat dumplings, buckwheat with mushrooms, cabbage pie, beef cutlet, and spaghetti with minced beef. Enjoy a fun atmosphere and entertainment including a live DJ and an appearance from Ded Moroz, AKA Father Frost or Santa Claus, accompanied by Snegurochka (the snow maiden).
Atlantis, The Palm. January 6 from 6-10:30pm and January 7 from 7-10:30pm. From AED255 per adult. AED127.5 per child (4 to 11 years old). Children under 3 years old eat for free. Call +9714 426 0760 and visit the website or Instagram
Ayamna
Ayamna has created a whole new festive menu to enjoy with the whole family to commemorate the occasion. Select from the Ayamna wagyu shish kebab special, tuna and truffle kibbeh, or live Canadian lobster, and serve it with some delectable mulled grape flavoured with Lebanese spices for a festive touch.
Atlantis, The Palm. Until January 7 from 6pm-11am. Call +9714 426 0760 and visit the website or Instagram