1 Sing some carols!
OK, so we may have to do without the snow here in Abu Dhabi but that doesn’t mean we can’t have an authentic Christmas. And Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the lilting, homely melodies of some proper carol singers doing their bit. It makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside just thinking about it. We suggest you listen out for the merry melodies of Christmas carolers at the Beach Rotana Hotel, as you gaze at the twinkling lights of their tree. A jolly gentleman from the North Pole will also visit with a bag of surprises! After that, why not treat your tastebuds to some seasonal treats at the hotel’s Gingerbread House festive store. Every item purchased will result in Dhs2 being donated to Operation Smile.
Carols are from 4.30pm until December 25 in the Grand Lobby, the Gingerbread House is located near Café Columbia (02 697 9120).

2 Christmas Day gift hunt
Take your brood along to Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara and let them loose on the festive gift hunt in the kids’ club. The idea is to create some lovely memories for the little ones as they scramble around the resort searching for hidden treats. It could be a really fun way to spend Christmas Day and it’s complimentary.
10am-noon, December 25. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, Sir Bani Yas Island (02 801 5400).

3 Go to a winter wonderland
Head to Marina Mall which has been transformed into a magical fairytale kingdom with a special winter village packed full of fun for the little ones. There’ll be stage performances, karaoke and loads, loads more.
www.facebook.com/marinamallabudhabi

4 Check out the Al Ain winter fair 2012
If you’ve still got some last-minute shopping to do, hitting the Al Ain winter fair might be just what you need. The winter festival will showcase products like (deep breath) clothing, handicrafts and craftwork, toys and games, pictures and frames, perfumery, cosmetics, jewellery, tableware and kitchen accessories and seasonal goods and loads more.
5pm-midnight, December 20-30. Al Ain Convention Centre, Al Khabisi Hall 2 (03 763 7686).

5 Get away with a loved one
If you’d rather avoid all the Christmas shenanigans, head to the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort for a romantic stay overlooking the turquoise waters of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche and take advantage of their festive rates. The top floor suites are offering a complimentary lavish breakfast buffet followed by a 50-minute tension release massage per person per stay. There’s also the offer of a Dhs200 voucher to use in one of the 12 restaurants and bars – although, it’s one voucher per suite.
Executive suites are available from Dhs700 per person, diplomatic suites from Dhs900 per person, royal suite from Dhs1100 per person sharing a double room. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road (02 677 3333).

6 Festive jazz beats
Do something cool and classy this Christmas by celebrating at Jazz ’n’ Fizz at the Sofitel. Slip into party mode with a glass of bubbly and dance the night away to some sophisticated jazz sounds from the live saxophonist and DJ. The girls can carry on the celebrations on December 25 with a festive-themed ladies’ night.
Open daily, 8pm-2am. Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Corniche Road East (02 813 7777).