Membres
Festive Season at Waldorf Astoria DIFC
The most magical time of the year
Dubai, UAE, November 2026: From mid-November through to the New Year, Waldorf Astoria DIFC promises one-off experiences, traditional festive feasts and an array of sweet surprises for an unforgettable Christmas for the whole family.
Thanksgiving Dinner
The festive season begins on 26 November with a three-course Thanksgiving feast at Bull & Bear, the hotel’s signature steakhouse. Guests can choose from a selection of indulgent appetisers before the main event - a Pistachio and Sage Stuffed Turkey Roulade, with all the trimmings, from roast potatoes to honey roasted parsnips, brussel sprouts and chestnuts. Desserts inspired by American classics include a Pumpkin Brown Butter Pie, a Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee Pudding, and a Caramelised Pecan Crumble.
Available on Thursday 26 November, from 7PM to Midnight, at Bull & Bear. The three course menu is priced at AED 450 per person, and features live entertainment throughout the evening. For reservations, visit the website or email bullandbear(@)waldorfastoria.com.
Galeries Lafayette Afternoon Tea and Suite Experience
From 19 November 2026 until 7 January 2027, Galeries Lafayette comes to the hotel’s lounge, Peacock Alley, for a festive afternoon tea with a distinctly Parisian flavour. Guests can look forward to sweet and savoury delicacies inspired by the heritage of the French luxury department store, a live pianist playing festive carols, and a Galeries Lafayette goodie bag filled with stocking fillers to take home.
Available daily, from 19 November 2026 until 7 January 2027. Afternoon tea is served from 2PM to 6PM. AED 225 per person, or AED 325 with a glass of bubbles. For reservations, visit the website or email PeacockAlley.DIFC(@)waldorfastoria.com.
For those looking to elevate their Christmas shopping, or to gift a memorable experience to a loved one, the Galeries Lafayette Suite Experience pairs a festive stay with a day of Parisian pampering. Guests booking a Corner Suite or above will be welcomed with a gift in-suite, before being chauffeured to Galeries Lafayette at The Dubai Mall for a mini makeover or mini facial in store, then returning to the hotel to unwind with a massage.
Available from 19 November 2026 until 7 January 2027, with reservations of a Corner Suite and above. For reservations, visit the website.
Maestro of Italian Gelato, Venchi, comes to DIFC this festive season
Italian master chocolatier Venchi brings a touch of la dolce vita to DIFC this Christmas, serving its handcrafted Italian gelato at Waldorf Astoria DIFC. In a nod to the legendary room service order in festive favourite Home Alone 2, guests can order The Midnight Scoop directly to their room or suite: an indulgent 1KG of Venchi gelato, personalised with their choice of toppings. Among them is a red velvet cake topping, available only at Waldorf Astoria DIFC, a tribute to the dessert said to have been first created at the original Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Guests can also find a Venchi gelato cart stationed around the hotel throughout the festive season.
Available from 1 December 2026 to 7 January 2027. For room reservations, visit the website.
Christmas Eve Dinner
For those eager to start the festivities early, Bull & Bear presents a four-course Christmas Eve dinner with live entertainment throughout the evening. Menu highlights include a Festive Waldorf Salad, Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Rack with Baby Carrot and Mint Jus, and a Chestnut Mont Blanc with Brown Butter Financier, alongside many other options.
Available on Thursday 24 December, from 7PM to Midnight, at Bull & Bear. The four-course menu is priced at AED 550 per person, and a children’s à la carte menu is also available. Includes live entertainment. For reservations, visit the website or email bullandbear(@)waldorfastoria.com.
Christmas Day Lunch
Christmas Day at Bull & Bear is a celebration for the whole family, with a seafood and live oyster-shucking bar, a three-course menu and a special appearance from Santa Claus, complete with gifts for little ones. The feast begins with starters including a Classic Prawn Cocktail and Wagyu Beef Tartare, followed by showstopper entrees including Beef Wellington with Balsamic Onion and Red Wine Jus, Pistachio and Sage Stuffed Turkey Roulade, and a Butternut, Brie and Chestnut Pithivier, served with all the classic trimmings. Shared desserts follow, including a Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut Délice, or for a more traditional sweet treat, a Spiced Winter Fruit Clafoutis.
Available on Friday 25 December, from 1PM to 3.30PM, at Bull & Bear. The three-course menu is priced at AED 499 (soft beverages) / AED 750 (house beverages) / AED 995 (Champagne package), and AED 249 for children. There will be live entertainment throughout the afternoon. For reservations, visit the website or email bullandbear(@)waldorfastoria.com.
Boxing Day Lunch
The festivities continue on Boxing Day with a relaxed, brunch-style set menu at Bull & Bear. With live entertainment throughout the afternoon, the restaurant is the go-to place for a lively gathering with family and friends. The menu includes shared starters, such as Fig and Duck Salad and Creamy Burrata with Tomato and Basil Pesto, whilst for mains, guests can choose from dishes including a Pumpkin Risotto and a Wagyu Flank Steak, followed by a selection of shared desserts.
Available on Saturday 26 December, from 1PM to 3.30PM, at Bull & Bear. There will be live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Priced at AED 295 per person. For reservations, visit the website or email bullandbear(@)waldorfastoria.com.
‘The Midnight Affair’: New Year’s Eve with a view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks
For a NYE view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks, guests can ring in 2027 at St. Trop, Waldorf Astoria DIFC’s rooftop bar and lounge. Guests can enjoy signature drinks, sparkling bubbles and a selection of festive canapés and appetisers while savouring the views and twinkling lights of the Downtown skyline.
Available on Thursday 31 December, from 8PM to 3AM, at St. Trop. AED 1,000 minimum spend per person. For reservations, visit the website or email sttrop.difc(@)waldorfastoria.com
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner
At Bull & Bear, guests can welcome the new year beneath a ceiling of festive balloons, framed by grand ice sculptures, with live entertainment and a DJ setting the mood until the early hours. The gala dinner begins with the likes of Alaskan Crab on Brioche Toast topped with Beluga Caviar, while the main event is a Kiwami Striploin with Mushroom Duxelles, Pomme Boulangère and Truffle.
Available on Thursday 31 December, from 7PM to 2AM, at Bull & Bear. AED 1,200 minimum spend per person. Includes live entertainment throughout the evening. For reservations, visit the website or email bullandbear(@)waldorfastoria.com.
Festive dining throughout the Season
Waldorf Astoria DIFC’s Bull & Bear restaurant offers a Festive Business Lunch from 4 December 2026 until 7 January 2027. Available as a two- or three-course menu, the lunch includes favourites such as a Salmon Gravlax with Crème Fraiche, Pan-Seared Seabream, Decadent Turkey Breast with Stuffing and Trimmings, and a Cranberry Orange Pavlova for dessert.
Available on Mondays to Fridays, from 4 December 2026 to 7 January 2027. The Business Lunch is served from 12.30PM to 3.30PM at Bull & Bear, and is priced at AED 135 for two courses, and AED 155 for three courses, per person. For reservations, visit the website or email bullandbear(@)waldorfastoria.com.
Bull & Bear also offers a festive take on the restaurant’s signature roast dinner, exclusively on Sunday 27 December. The seasonal, three-course roast is served from 1PM to 4PM, accompanied by live entertainment throughout the day.
Available on Sunday 27 December, from 1PM to 4PM, at Bull & Bear. The three-course roast dinner is priced at AED 275 per person. For reservations, visit the website or email bullandbear(@)waldorfastoria.com.
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of 35 iconic properties that create a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to sincerely elegant service, one-of-a kind experiences and culinary mastery in landmark destinations around the world. Inspired by their timeless environments, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience seamlessly, creating a true sense of place for guests through stunning architecture, the famous Peacock Alley, refined art collections, Michelin-starred dining and elevated in-room amenities. In addition to the brand’s world-class hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a global residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on X and Instagram.
