Christmas feasts, New Year’s Eve festivities, seasonal wellness offerings, themed afternoon tea — it’s all happening at this idyllic property.
Festive offerings are slowly taking over the city, leaving revellers across Dubai spoilt for choice — lavish nights out with friends, cosy celebrations at home with family, and cheery traditions to enjoy with the kids are all on the roster. Luckily, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai has hosting all this merriment down to a fine art, ensuring that there’s something for everyone thanks to its carefully curated collection of seasonal experiences. From a themed afternoon tea and expansive Christmas buffet to rejuvenating wellness journeys and a sparkling gala ringing in 2025, here’s what you can expect at the luxurious property on Palm Jumeirah this season.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
6 December
Start the festive season on a high note as Taj Exotica brings together friends and family for its enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, running from 5pm to 7pm. A children’s choir will fill the air with the timeless sounds of Christmas carols, as complimentary refreshments and festive pastries officially signal the season of indulgence. And because this is the season of giving, the resort invites guests to bring along a toy gift for donation, helping to bring joy to the less fortunate amongst us—all the feels, guaranteed.
Festive Emporium at Emperor Lounge
6-31 December
Bringing the essence of the holiday season into your home starts at Emperor Lounge, where the Festive Emporium will run every day from 8am to 10pm. Just think of it as a one-stop shop to adorn your Christmas table with a carefully curated selection of festive delights ranging from traditional Christmas puddings to meaningful gifts and seasonal delicacies.
Santa’s Afternoon Tea at Emperor Lounge
6-31 December
Tea and tarts is a cheery affair as Santa’s Afternoon Tea takes over Emperor Lounge from 2pm to 5pm, bringing with it a seasonal twist. Accompanying a premium selection of herbal teas – the property’s warming signature blend, Chai Exotica, included – will be a wide array of freshly baked Santa-themed sweets, traditional festive treats, and savoury nibbles. And adding to the cosy, joyful atmosphere will be the soothing sounds of live instrumental music playing Christmas melodies. Looking to elevate your afternoon tea experience? Upgrade from the standard package (AED 295 for two guests) by adding a bottle of sparkling wine (AED 499).
Festive Spa-rkle at J Wellness Circle
6-31 December
At a time when self-care takes a backseat to year-end deadlines and holiday parties, you can embark on a holistic journey with the help of the experts at J Wellness Circle, where Indian wellness philosophy meets cutting-edge therapies. A rejuvenating, 60-minute aromatherapy massage aside, you’ll be immersed in the soothing frequencies of sound healing for 45 minutes before savouring hot cocoa and other festive treats reminiscent of a simpler time. Offered daily from 9am to 10pm, the Festive Spa-rkle package is priced AED 650 per person, and AED 1,200 per couple.
Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet at Palm Kitchen
24 December
Christmas Eve will be celebrated across the property, starting with a traditional buffet at Palm Kitchen. Served from 6:30pm to 10:30pm, this hearty spread will be accompanied by an uplifting session of live carols, making it perfect for the whole family. The Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet starts at AED 249 per adult (inclusive of soft beverages), while children’s packages are priced AED 125 per child (ages 6-12).
Festive Quiz Night at Roaring Rabbit
24 December
The Christmas Eve merriment will take a competitive turn at beloved British gastropub Roaring Rabbit, where Festive Quiz Night kicks off at 7pm. Now’s the chance to prove your holiday-themed knowledge in the company of friends and family, complete with live music, drinks aplenty, and a succulent Christmas roast. Bonus: don your ultimate Christmas jumper for a chance to walk away with a prize.
Dinner with a View at Raia
24 December
If a sit-down dinner in a sophisticated setting sounds more appealing, then the Christmas Eve Dinner with a View at Raia will be more your speed. Served from 7pm to 11pm, this festive-themed menu will span three courses and live holiday music — all with a side of spectacular views, of course. Located on the highest floor of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, this restaurant and lounge overlooks both the cityscape and Arabian Gulf. Opt for the Soft Package (AED 299 per person) or House Package (AED 399 per person).
Christmas Day Brunch at Palm Kitchen
25 December
You’ll want to keep breakfast on the lighter side as a veritable feast awaits at Palm Kitchen, where Christmas Day will be celebrated with a decadent buffet of international favourites, including holiday-themed drinks and a live carving station for the perfect turkey. Filling the air with festive cheer will be live music from a talented band as well as a surprise visit from Santa, who’s set to bring gifts in tow. Elsewhere, the little ones can head to the dedicated play area that will be packed with fun activities like face painting. Starting at AED 499 for the soft beverages package, the Christmas Day Brunch will run from 1pm to 4:30pm.
Christmas After Party at Roaring Rabbit
25 December
The Christmas Day festivities will continue at Roaring Rabbit, where the afterparty kicks off at 4:30pm. Here, you can grab a cocktail, play billiards and other pub games, catch a game, and dance as the resident DJ spins the decks. The two-hour package is priced AED 150 per person. Naughty or nice, everyone’s invited.
New Year’s Eve Gala – Sparkle Under the Stars
31 December
Put on your black-tie best and ring in 2025 at Taj Exotica’s stunning outdoor courtyard, where a night of unparalleled elegance is promised. The big night will commence at 9pm and feature everything from an extravagant buffet to a live band, DJ performances, captivating entertainment acts, and a front-row seat to Dubai’s dazzling fireworks display. We’re told that this lavish soirée will be fuelled by fare to match — continental and pan-Asian delicacies, live cooking stations featuring expertly grilled meat and seafood, and an open bar flowing with premium beverages included. The Sparkle Package is priced AED 2,250 per person, but for the best seat in the house, you can upgrade to the Premium Sparkle Package that will set you back AED 2,750.
New Year’s Day BBQ at The Coast
1 January, 2025
Begin the new year by indulging in the bounty of freshly grilled seafood and prime cuts of meat at The Coast, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that wins rave reviews for its chic and easygoing al fresco dining experience. Served from 1pm to 4pm, the à la carte menu will also feature a range of starters, salads and desserts, with live music rounding off this beachside offering.
For dining and wellness reservations, please contact 04 275 4444 and 058 126 5087 respectively. You can find plenty more details on festive offerings at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm here.
DSCVR: Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. @tajpalmdubai
