Grand Mercure Dubai City introduces a festive programme designed to feel personal, lively and quietly memorable, bringing together families, friends and travellers through a series of culinary and lifestyle experiences across Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Taking place across the hotel’s signature venues, including Walima Restaurant, the Organic Garden, ARIA Rooftop & Lounge and the Grand Spa, the line-up blends interactive workshops, relaxed festive dining and skyline celebrations, offering guests multiple ways to mark the season in a relaxed and genuine setting.
Rooted in Grand Mercure’s ethos of locally inspired hospitality, the festive calendar focuses on good food and meaningful shared moments. From children and parents decorating cookies alongside the hotel’s chefs, to Christmas buffets built around comforting seasonal flavours, and a New Year’s Eve rooftop gathering overlooking the city’s fireworks, the celebrations strike a balance between activities and unhurried moments. The programme is complemented by a limited-time spa offer, extending the festive spirit into moments of calm and restoration through to the end of the year.
Wednesday, 24 December Cookie Decorating Workshop
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Walima Restaurant
A relaxed, family-friendly afternoon where children and adults join the culinary team to decorate festive cookies using seasonal icings and toppings. Designed as a shared activity rather than a demonstration, the workshop focuses on creativity, connection and light-hearted holiday spirit.
Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Walima Restaurant
Walima’s Christmas Eve dinner presents a generous buffet of seasonal and international dishes, complemented by playful desserts and comforting flavours. The atmosphere remains warm and convivial, suited to families and groups looking to gather without ceremony.
Price: AED 180 per person
Inclusive of jolly non-alcoholic beverages
Thursday, 25 December Christmas Lunch Buffet
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Walima Restaurant
A midday Christmas gathering centred on festive favourites and carefully prepared sweet finales. The lunch reflects Walima’s all-day dining style, which is relaxed, abundant and welcoming, making it an easy choice for residents and visitors alike.
Price: AED 180 per person
Inclusive of jolly non-alcoholic beverages
Planting Workshop
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Organic Garden
A gentle, hands-on experience inviting guests to take part in planting within the hotel’s organic garden space. The workshop offers a quieter way to celebrate the season, encouraging connection with nature and leaving behind a small, meaningful contribution.
Wednesday, 31 December
New Year’s Eve at ARIA Rooftop & Lounge
From 10:30 PM onwards | ARIA Rooftop & Lounge
Perched on the ninth floor, ARIA Rooftop & Lounge sets the stage for a New Year’s Eve gathering defined by open-air views and a social, unhurried rhythm. With the city skyline stretching out below, the evening unfolds against a backdrop of live cooking, curated shisha offerings and uninterrupted views of fireworks lighting up the night sky. Music, movement and the energy of the city combine to create a rooftop celebration that feels effortless, as guests welcome 2026 from one of the hotel’s most elevated vantage points.
The menu for the evening leans into easygoing rooftop favourites, with a selection of all-time favourites designed for relaxed sharing. Highlights include a classic beef hot dog, a grilled chicken sandwich and indulgent loaded cheesy fries, offering familiar comfort alongside the city views. These are complemented by a broader range of savoury bites, live grill selections and lighter options, allowing guests to dip in and out throughout the night.
