Christmas & New Year’s in Abu Dhabi, UAE

As the year ends, Abu Dhabi turns into a city of celebration, where festive lights twinkle across the skyline, and every evening feels full of possibilities. From stunning fireworks to exceptional dining and live music, the capital offers countless ways to celebrate the holidays in style. Whether you’re planning an elegant Christmas dinner or the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration, here’s how to enjoy the festive season in Abu Dhabi surrounded by flavor, music, and unforgettable moments.

A Season of Sophistication

At Novikov Abu Dhabi, the festive season begins with refined dining and the city’s most elegant holiday atmosphere.

Christmas in Abu Dhabi has a unique enchantment a celebration of warmth, refinement, and connection. The city glows with festive charm, and along the waterfront at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, Novikov invites guests to celebrate the season with culinary artistry.

This year, the restaurant presents a special Christmas menu featuring seasonal favorites and indulgent dishes like lobster linguine, grilled sea bream, and perfectly cooked Wagyu sirloin. Each dish reflects the Mediterranean spirit, combining quality ingredients with Novikov’s signature style.

Guests can choose from indoor seating with a live band or terrace tables overlooking The Galleria’s waterfront, a serene setting for Abu Dhabi’s cool winter evenings. The bar becomes the social hub, where a resident DJ shifts the night into a relaxed yet vibrant celebration. Whether you’re raising a glass of champagne or sipping one of Novikov’s signature cocktails, Christmas dinner here feels like a special occasion—intimate, elevated, and effortlessly elegant.

For private celebrations, the exclusive dining room offers an intimate escape, perfect for families or small groups wishing to celebrate in style.

New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi

As the countdown to 2026 begins, Abu Dhabi lights up like no other city. The sky is filled with fireworks and drone shows that rival the best in the world.

• Yas Island dazzles with fireworks above the marina and Formula 1 circuit.
• Along the Corniche, the city skyline glows as thousands gather to watch the display stretch across the coastline.
• At Emirates Palace, fireworks reflect off the Arabian Gulf in a breathtaking display of color and precision.
• And at the Sheikh Zayed Festival, the capital’s record-breaking fireworks and drone show certified by Guinness World Records continues to capture global attention.

Closer to home, Al Maryah Island hosts its own magnificent celebration, where music, light, and energy converge.

Inside Novikov Abu Dhabi, guests can welcome the New Year in style. The restaurant’s special New Year’s Eve menu will feature seasonal dishes and favorites, including luxurious lobster linguine, pan-seared sea bream, and succulent Wagyu sirloin, all perfectly paired with signature cocktails or a glass of bubbly.

The evening unfolds with live entertainment, from festive melodies by the band to the DJ’s curated beats that carry the night into 2026. Guests can dine indoors, soak in the ambiance from the terrace, or celebrate at the bar where the mood is as vibrant as the city skyline beyond.