When the festive season rolls around, Ras Al Khaimah transforms into a magical corner of the UAE, offering a warm coastal spin on traditional Christmas charm. From beachfront brunches to Christmas tree lightings, the City offers so much and brings together locals and visitors in a relaxed and joyful environment.
Nestled between the sparkling Arabian Gulf and the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah provides a very different backdrop to Christmas than snowy Europe or wintry U.S. postcards. The Hajar Mountain scenery evokes sun-kissed elegance rather than frost, giving festive chill reimagined for the Middle East.
This unique setting makes Christmas feel like a laid-back escape for all. The sound of waves and the warmth of coastal hospitality, it’s a place to unwind, reconnect, and celebrate in style.
Christmas in Ras Al Khaimah is about creating special holiday memories with friends and family. December offers a series of festive experiences which will really get you into the spirit.
Christmas Tree Lighting
This year, you will have the chance to enjoy a real spectacle with Christmas Tree Lighting events. From singing Christmas carols to feasting on delicious treats, this is an activity you will want to attend and celebrate with your favourite people.
Locations & Timings:
Anantara Mina - 4th December - 6pm-7pm
Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort - 5th December - 4.30pm onwards
Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert - 6th December - 6pm-8pm
Gingerbread Workshop
An activity every child will enjoy, and some parents too! Gingerbread workshops are in the calendar this year, with the kids getting the chance to design their own scrumptious masterpiece and take it home. It’s the perfect chance to get creative.
Locations & Timings:
Anantara Mina - 4th-25th December - 1pm-4pm
Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert - 6th-26th December - 3pm-5pm
Outdoor Movie Night
What’s the holiday season without a good old classic motion picture? An outdoor movie night is on offer, with hot chocolate and a fire to keep you cozy. With a picturesque desert setting, this is perfect for friends, families and couples.
Location & Timings:
Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert - 20th-30th December - 6.00pm -10.00pm
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Christmas Day in Ras Al Khaimah is attending one of the region’s well-renowned brunches. Offering festive settings with food and drink to bond over, it’s a surrounding you want to be part of.
Take a look at some of the spots that will provide that magical feeling when celebrating with your loved ones.
Shore House, Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach
Shore House at the Ritz-Carlton hosts a dreamy beachside Christmas brunch. A special visit from Santa and live music is part of the merry line-up, with guests also having the luxury to use both the beach and swimming pool.
Location & Timings:
Shore House, Al Jazeera Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah - 25th December - 1.00pm-4.00pm
For more information, visit The Ritz-Carlton
Sea Breeze, Anantar Mina
Sea Breeze at the Anantar offers a vibrant Christmas Day brunch menu with traditional holiday surroundings. Seasonal favourites and sweet treats are part of the offering, with Santa making a grand appearance for the younger guests.
Location & Timings
Sea Breeze, Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah - 25th December - 1.00pm-4.00pm
For more information, visit Anantara
Reunion, Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort
Réunion at the Sofitel elevates its Christmas brunch into a festive garden affair. Seafood on ice, accompanied by a butcher’s grill and wood-fired pizzas, this setting gives you that relaxing Christmas Day feel. A visit from Santa is also on the menu with great live music.
Location & Timings
Reunion, Vienna Street, Al Jazeera Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah - 25th December - 1.00pm-4.00pm
For more information, visit Sofitel
1484 by Puro, Puro Restaurant
Christmas vibes literally cannot get any higher than by dining at 1484 by Puro, the UAE’s highest restaurant! Exceptional views, live singer, magician and even a special Santa visit to the designated kids corner!
With a fresh and festive menu for the holiday’s, 1484 by Puro is the perfect setting for a memorable Christmas brunch. Reservations are essential, so make sure to secure your family’s Christmas day plans to dine mountain top style!
Location & Timings:
1484 by Puro, Top of Jebel Jais, Jebel Jais Adventure Centre, Ras Al Khaimah, - 25th December - check the Puro website below for Brunch hours announcements.
For more information, visit Puro Restaurant
For those who want to experience that extra bit of adventure and explore those mountain views up close, then Jebel Jais is the place to be. Offering activities that will give you a real taste of the wonderful mountain scenery Ras Al Khaimah has to offer.
Jais Flight & Jais Sky Tour
These profile attractions don’t disappoint! With a strong reputation, Jais Flight is the world’s longest zipline, stretching 2.83 kilometres across Jebel Jais’ dynamic canyons. Jais Sky Tour will give you that additional adrenaline rush with views from 1,680 metres above sea level. These are family-friendly adventures you won’t want to miss.
Jais Via Ferrata
For the more experienced mountaineer, Jais Via Ferraris offers hiking, rock-climbing, ziplines, and swinging Burma bridges. This will push you to your limits as you scale the rock face at Jais.
Jais Viewing Deck Park
If you’re looking for a more chilled piece of adventure, then you won’t regret the view from the deck. With fresh mountain air and beautiful sunsets, this is a wonderful way to bask and take in the wonderful scenery.
More information on our Play at the Peak page
Christmas in Ras Al Khaimah offers something refreshingly different during the festive period. Whether you’re indulging in a beachfront brunch, enjoying a festive dinner by the sea, or sharing a quiet moment under the warm night sky, Ras Al Khaimah gives you a Christmas that feels both celebratory and soulful.
This holiday season, if you’re wishing for a Christmas celebration that marries elegance with simplicity, and family fun with coastal serenity, Ras Al Khaimah is calling you!