White Christmases are out of the question in our beloved desert city. But you know what Dubai can do? A white-hot Christmas in the middle of June. Dubai’s annual (and ridonkulously fun) tradition of ‘halfway-to-Christmas’ brunch is back. And this, year three different venues in the city are breaking out the Christmas ornaments and firing up a feast worth of old jelly belly himself.
McGettigan’s in JLT, Reform Social and Grill at The Lakes and Yalumba in Garhoud are hosting festive halfway-to-Christmas celebrations on June 24 and June 25 to mark the six-month countdown to the big day. Perfect for those who love Christmas more than Buddy from the film Elf does, these boozy festive brunches are a great excuse to forget about the weather we’re in and dream of Christmas future.
1. McGettigan’s Halfway-to-Christmas Brunch
The Irish pub chain has dived into the yuletide spirit with gusto. A giant advent calendar counting down to June 24 is already in place at their JLT outpost, with each little window unearthing prizes such as Amstel buckets and pints and a trip to Amsterdam! On June 24, the party truly gets started with a five-hour brunch for 21 + only. Unlimited free-flowing beverages, festive food with all the trimmings, a tree bedecked with obscene amounts of tinsel and lights and a DJ belting out Christmas soundtracks will welcome you. If your ears are still ringing with echoes of ‘Last Christmas’, welp.
Price: AED 349 per person
Timings: 12pm-5pm
Booking: Visit https://www.mcgettigans.com/
Sunday, June 25 is a family-friendly three-hour brunch that’s open to kids (both naughty and nice). You can enjoy a festive family quiz, photos and meet-and-greets with Santa Clause, and there’ll be games to win spot prizes too. Who doesn’t love some early stocking stuffers? PS: families are encouraged to come dressed in festive pyjamas. Tis’ the season to be silly!
Price: AED 249 per person including premium drinks
Timing: 1pm-4pm
Booking:Visit https://www.mcgettigans.com/
2. Reform Social and Grill’s halfway-to-Christmas
If it feels like Christmas has come early to this British gastropub in The Lakes, it’s because it has. On June 24, a festive feast of a brunch including kids’ entertainment, visits by Santa Claus and live music will have you and the whole family rocking around the Christmas tree. Tots aged 6 years and younger go free.
We’d say dig out the ugly sweaters but it’s way too hot for that. Santa hats will suffice. Or take inspiration from the Aussies and go dressed in the most Christmassy summerwear you can find.
Price: AED 220 for soft beverages, AED 375 for house beverage package. AED 99 for kids aged 6 to 13 years
Booking: 04 454 2638 or email reservations@reformsocialgrill.ae
3. Yalumba’s halfway-to-Christmas brunch
The Aussie all-day-dining outlet at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Center is throwing a Christmas-themed fete on June 25. There’ll be a big Christmas tree, icy décor, and swathes of red streamers. Yuletide classics such as a roast with all the trimmings, fluffy roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots and stuffing will ensure you leave with a potbelly to rival Santa’s. A yule log, Christmas pudding, minced pies and other sweet delicacies are part of this elaborate meal. Live DJ sets will draw the grown-ups to the dance floor while kids can stay entertained with face painting and a magic show.
Price: AED 245 per person for soft beverages, from AED 315 for alcoholic packages. AED 95 for kids aged 6-12 years.
Timing: 1pm-4pm
Booking: Call 04 702 2455 or email resutaurants.lmd@lemeridien.com