From hands-on family moments to rooftop New Year’s Eve views, the hotel presents a season shaped by flavour, warmth and shared stories
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. Traditional and international desserts provide a sweet close to the experience, while shisha takes centre stage as a key part of the rooftop atmosphere, paired with signature mocktails and soft drinks to carry the celebration through to midnight and beyond.
Pricing and package details: XXX
EXTENDED FESTIVE INDULGENCE
Seasonal Spa Offer
Daily | 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM | Grand Spa, M Floor
Throughout the festive period, the Grand Spa offers 25% savings on selected treatments, creating space for guests to pause and reset amid the year-end pace. The offer runs until 31 December and is available to both in-house guests and visitors.
Located minutes from Dubai International Airport, Grand Mercure Dubai City continues to position itself as a refined yet approachable destination for both travellers and the local community. Its festive programme reflects this balance, favouring thoughtful experiences over spectacle and inviting guests to celebrate the season in ways that feel natural and unforced.
Advance reservations are recommended.
DETAILS
What: Festive Season Line-Up at Grand Mercure Dubai City
Where: Grand Mercure Dubai City, Garhoud, Dubai
When:
• Christmas Eve & Day: 24–25 December
• New Year’s Eve: 31 December
• Spa Offer: Until 31 December
Bookings & Enquiries:
Call: +971 4 525 0000
WhatsApp: +971 52 278 9403
Email: vusala.ali@accor.com
Website: www.grand-mercure-dubai-city.com
Social Media: @grandmercuredubaicity
