Inside Vida Dubai Mall’s festive December celebrations

Life

IN PARTNERSHIP: December in Dubai comes with a certain expectation. It’s the sparkle, the social calendar, and the inevitable question of where to celebrate. From relaxed daytime moments to all-out party nights, Vida Dubai Mall’s festive programme offers something for every mood, and every diary.

This year, Vida Dubai Mall answers it with ease. Blending laid-back luxury with a distinctly urban energy, the lifestyle hotel rolls out a festive programme that feels considered rather than chaotic, celebratory without trying too hard. From poolside cocktails and stress-free turkey feasts to a Christmas brunch with Burj Khalifa views and a high-octane ABBA-themed New Year’s Eve, this is festive season curated with intention.

For those hosting at home, Vida Dubai Mall’s Festive Turkey Takeaway removes the pressure without sacrificing tradition. Available throughout December (excluding Christmas Day), the offering centres around a perfectly roasted whole turkey, served with all the classic trimmings and designed to feed a crowd with minimal effort. It’s the kind of solution that feels both practical and indulgent, the warmth of a home-style feast, minus the kitchen chaos. Simply order ahead, collect, and let the celebrations unfold. Priced at Dhs649 per turkey, or Dhs549 for U by Emaar members, it’s designed for effortless entertaining, provided you place your order at least 48 hours in advance. Consider it the festive shortcut you’ll wish you’d discovered sooner.

Elsewhere, the hotel’s poolside social hub takes on a festive glow. FLO Pool Bar leans into December’s celebratory mood with festive-inspired cocktails served all day, framed by skyline views and a relaxed soundtrack. It’s an easy, sun-lit way to mark the season, whether that’s a spontaneous afternoon drink or a golden-hour catch-up that stretches into the evening. Served during dinner hours, the offering includes two hours of unlimited house beverages and festive sharing plates, priced at Dhs199 per person with a minimum of two guests.

Christmas Day itself is reserved for indulgence. At Origins, Vida Dubai Mall’s all-day dining destination, the hotel hosts a Merry Little Brunch that feels equal parts celebratory and relaxed. A generous festive buffet, flowing drinks and live DJ beats set the tone, while outdoor seating and uninterrupted Burj Khalifa views elevate the experience. It’s the kind of brunch that encourages lingering, made for friends, families, and anyone who believes Christmas should come with a side of atmosphere.

For those gathering in larger groups in the lead-up to the big day, Winner, Winner, Festive Turkey Dinner offers a more traditional sit-down celebration. Designed for groups of five to ten, the experience centres around a whole roasted turkey with festive accompaniments, served in a cosy, music-filled setting that captures the spirit of December without feeling formal. It’s festive dining, Vida-style, warm, social, and effortlessly enjoyable.

And then there’s New Year’s Eve. On 31 December, Vida Dubai Mall closes out the year with ABBA-solutely Mamma Mia, a high-energy Midnight in Greece.celebration set on the Level 6 terrace overlooking the city skyline. Expect a lavish buffet, bottomless drinks, live DJ and band performances, and a soundtrack of iconic ABBA hits that turn the night into one long sing-along. Glamorous, theatrical, and unapologetically fun, it’s a fitting finale to a month defined by celebration. Packages start at Dhs2,999 per person for the soft package, Dhs3,999 for the house package, and Dhs4,499 for the premium experience, with an early-bird 10percent U by Emaar discount available until 31 November.

Thoughtfully curated and rooted in atmosphere rather than excess, it’s a reminder that the best celebrations are the ones that feel effortless.

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