Rave's Top Weekend Picks in UAE: December 6 – 8 2024
by Rave Staff
5 Dec 2024

The festive season is here, and the UAE is brimming with events to get you into the holiday spirit! Whether you're looking to support a charitable cause, indulge in gourmet delights, or immerse yourself in cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone this weekend. Here are Rave’s top picks from December 6 to 8 to make your weekend unforgettable.
Stollen Charity Cake Sale at Mall of the Emirates
Join the community for a festive tradition with a heartwarming twist! On Saturday, December 7, the Mall of the Emirates and Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates are bringing back the beloved Stollen Charity Cake Sale, now in its 19th year. This event supports Emirates Red Crescent’s charity efforts for cancer patients. Purchase delicious traditional German stollen cakes, handcrafted to perfection, with all proceeds going to a noble cause.Prices start at AED 100 for a full loaf and AED 50 for a half loaf. Indulge in a slice of festive cheer while making a meaningful contribution.

Where: Central Galleria, Mall of the Emirates
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Details: AED 100 for a full loaf, AED 50 for a half loaf
Stay Flawless Beauty Lounge: Festive Hair Makeover
Get holiday-ready with Stay Flawless Beauty Lounge’s exclusive Flawless Hair Transformation package, available until December 12. This luxurious package, priced at AED 999, offers balayage or highlights with toner, a hair protector treatment, a precision haircut, and a voluminous blow-dry finish. Located in Town Square, the lounge is the ultimate pampering spot to ensure you look flawless this festive season.

Where: Stay Flawless Beauty Lounge, Town Square
When: Until December 12, 2024
Details: AED 999 for the full package
Book: Visit stayflawless.net or contact 056 717 0241
Gingerbread House-Making and Tree Lighting at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Families are in for a treat at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi with an enchanting afternoon filled with gingerbread house-making, face painting, and balloon art for the little ones, followed by the hotel’s majestic Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. Santa Claus will make a special appearance to delight the children with festive gifts. Tickets are priced at AED 250 per child.

Where: The Terrace on the Corniche, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Timings: Gingerbread Workshop: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM; Tree Lighting Ceremony: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Details: AED 250 per child
Book: Call +971 2 694 4553
Cucina’s Italian Christmas Market at Palm Jumeirah
This festive season, Cucina The Palm brings Italy to Dubai with the first-ever Italian Christmas Market. From December 6 to 8, visitors can enjoy over 40 curated stands offering Made-in-Italy treasures, festive flavors such as lasagna and arancini. Don’t miss the special concerts, including a jazzy Christmas show and live performances.

Where: Cucina The Palm, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
When: December 6 – 8, 2024
Timings: Friday: 3:30 PM – 10:30 PM; Saturday & Sunday: 1:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Details: AED 100 for 3 wine tastings, AED 250 for unlimited wine tastings
Entertainment Highlights:
· Cannizzo Got Talent Show: Friday, December 6th, 7 PM – 9:30 PM.
· We Wish You a Jazzy Christmas Concert: Saturday, December 7th, 9 PM – 10 PM.
· Baby It’s Cold Outside Concert: Sunday, December 8th, 6 PM – 7 PM.
The Sunday Edition at Asia Asia
For a more relaxed Sunday, Asia Asia presents The Sunday Edition, offering a three-course Pan-Asian set menu at all their locations, from Dubai Marina to Abu Dhabi. Priced at just AED 150 per person, enjoy bold, rich flavors from Asia’s most celebrated culinary regions, perfect for a leisurely end to your weekend.

Where: Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, Abu Dhabi
When: Every Sunday, 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Details: AED 150 per person for a three-course set menu
Restaurant reservations: https://www.solutions-leisure.com/events/asia-asia-dubai-marina/sunday-edition/
Valrhona Festive Chocolate Sale
From December 4 to 7, don’t miss the chance to indulge in Valrhona’s signature holiday chocolate collection with up to 66% off through OnTheList, the popular members-only flash sales platform. Whether you’re looking for elegant gifts or a self-indulgent treat, this is a sale you don’t want to miss!

Where: Online at OnTheList
When: December 4 – 7, 2024
Details: Sign up to access exclusive deals
Millennium Place Barsha Heights: Tree Lighting Ceremony

Kick off the festive season with a family-friendly Tree Lighting Ceremony at Millennium Place Barsha Heights. Kids will love the gingerbread cookie workshop, meeting Santa Claus, and singing Christmas carols. Parents can enjoy seasonal treats like maple-glazed turkey and mini Christmas puddings while enjoying live music from a Cuban duo.
Where: Millennium Place Barsha Heights
When: Friday, December 6, 2024, 5:00 PM onwards
RAK Eats Festival at Manar Mall
If you're a food lover, the RAK Eats Festival in Ras Al Khaimah is a must-visit event. Returning for its sixth season, this beloved food festival promises a month-long celebration of regional and international cuisines. Held at Manar Mall’s waterfront promenade from 1st to 31st December, this festival will feature 47 food and beverage outlets, highlighting both local and national culinary talents.Beyond food, the festival offers family-friendly entertainment, cultural performances, and educational workshops focused on healthy eating and well-being. Visitors can stroll along the scenic Manar Mall Promenade, a 100,000-square-foot waterfront walkway with views of the tranquil mangroves, making it an ideal spot for an evening out with family and friends.

· Where: Manar Mall Promenade, Ras Al Khaimah
· When: December 1 – 31, 2024
· Details: Free entry
Akabeko’s Festive Holiday Set Menu
For a unique and elevated dining experience, Akabeko in Dubai offers its exclusive Holiday Set Menu for two, a culinary journey designed for those seeking something truly special this festive season. Known for serving world-class A5 Wagyu beef, Akabeko is a Japanese Yakiniku restaurant that emphasizes interactive dining with its tabletop grilling experience. The festive set menu includes a curated selection of premium dishes such as Wagyu Tartare, a four-piece sushi platter, and a Chef’s Choice Platter of the finest Wagyu cuts, all grilled to perfection right at your table.Priced at AED 900 for two, this menu is perfect for couples or close friends looking to celebrate the season in an intimate and luxurious setting. Available until December 29, the experience combines Akabeko’s signature flavors with the festive cheer, making it one of the most indulgent ways to enjoy the holiday season.

Where: Akabeko, Dubai
When: Until December 29, 2024
Details: AED 900 for two
For reservations: https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/akabekodxb or call/WhatsApp +971 50 561 8288
DREAM’s Winterverse at JBR
Step into a frosted fantasy at DREAM’s Winterverse, held at the luxurious Address Beach Resort in JBR. From December 4 to January 7, 2025, this event transforms the resort into a dazzling winter wonderland, complete with festive décor, holiday performances, and a delectable selection of seasonal dishes. Whether you're a fan of fine dining or simply looking for a captivating holiday experience, Winterverse has something to offer.
Guests can enjoy special holiday-inspired dishes such as Gratinated King Crab Leg with Caviar and Slow-Cooked Australian Short Rib, served in a festive yet sophisticated setting. To elevate the dining experience, DREAM offers an indulgent selection of desserts, including the Yuzu Truffle Croustillant, ensuring a sweet and memorable finish to your evening.

Where: Address Beach Resort, JBR
When: December 4, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Shop Crate&Barrel’s Holiday Collection 2024
If you’re looking to deck out your home in festive style, Crate&Barrel has launched its highly anticipated Holiday Collection 2024. From realistic fir trees and wreaths to vintage-style baubles and garlands, this collection has everything to create a cozy holiday atmosphere at home. In addition to holiday décor, Crate&Barrel offers premium collectibles such as hand-carved nutcrackers from the Christian Ulbricht toy factory in Germany, perfect for gifting or adding a touch of timeless elegance to your holiday display.

Explore their festive offerings in-store or online at www.crateandbarrel.me
Festive Dining at Bistro Des Arts
For a Parisian holiday experience, Bistro Des Arts in Dubai Marina offers a delightful festive menu from 1st to 30th December. This charming French bistro serves up a special three-course meal featuring traditional French festive dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for an indulgent holiday feast or a cozy dinner with friends, Bistro Des Arts delivers a slice of France right in the heart of Dubai.

Where: Bistro Des Arts, Dubai Marina
When: December 1 – 30, 2024
Details: AED 199 per person