DUBAI: Emirates has invited its customers to enjoy a sleigh-full of Christmas cheer throughout December. With festive menus, exclusive wines, and special inflight entertainment, the UAE’s national flag-carrier is rolling out a red carpet of holiday delights for over a million passengers expected to travel during the season.
Traditional treats at Emirates Lounges
In Dubai, First and Business Class lounges are offering an irresistible spread, including classic roasted turkey with jus and cranberry sauce, glazed chestnuts, and brussels sprouts. Desserts like stollen, red currant cheesecake, and gingerbread chocolate cake round out the feast. Pair these with exclusive beverages like the Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage and cocktails such as the Tranquil Tundra or Jingle Mule.
Travellers in Business Class can indulge in festive desserts such as lime macarons with peppermint ganache and cherry pistachio tarts while sipping Moët Ice Impérial Brut or Costa Coffee’s signature gingerbread latte.
Globally, Emirates lounges feature regional specialities: roasted rib-eye beef in Los Angeles, lobster bisque in San Francisco, grilled Norwegian salmon in Cape Town, and guinea fowl stuffed with dates in Paris.
Festive fine wines in the sky
In First Class, passengers on UK routes will savour Château Mouton Rothschild 2003, a rare Bordeaux vintage with a label designed by Pablo Picasso. For US-bound flights, Dom Pérignon Plenitude 2, 2004 offers an intense champagne experience that has aged for 15 years. Across other cabins, options include Château de Sales, Pomerol 2014 in Premium Economy and M. Chapoutier Hermitage 2019 in Business Class on European routes.
Christmas cuisine in the clouds
From 14–26 December, Emirates offers a curated festive menu. In all classes, hot chocolate with decadent toppings like marshmallows and Valrhona chocolate pellets will warm hearts. For Christmas Eve and Day, Economy Class passengers can enjoy roasted turkey roulade and festive mousse cakes. Premium cabins feature dishes such as smoked salmon with crab mayonnaise, herb-crusted lamb, and an array of festive desserts.
For First Class passengers, handcrafted treats like strawberry Santas and raspberry Paris-Brest pastries add a whimsical touch. The A380 Onboard Lounge elevates the experience with holiday classics like mince pies and festive macarons.
Sky-high spirits for Orthodox Christmas
Between 24 December and 8 January, Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on flights to Russia, Cyprus, and Ethiopia. Customers will find regional favourites such as Olivier salad, duck confit, and peppermint mousse cake with cranberry compote. Economy travellers are treated to hearty dishes like barbecued chicken and traditional fruit cake.
Festive entertainment on ice
Emirates’ inflight entertainment system, ice, boasts 42 holiday films and 14 TV specials. Highlights include Candy Cane Lane starring Eddie Murphy and timeless favourites like Elf and The Holiday. Christmas albums from iconic artists like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald complete the festive playlist.
The season of giving
Through EmiratesRED, passengers can shop exclusive luxury items with discounts of up to 50% until 14 December. New additions include fragrances from Diptyque and skincare products from Drunk Elephant. EmiratesRED’s pre-order service allows passengers to have purchases delivered directly to their seats.
Passengers can also contribute to the Emirates Airline Foundation, which supports underprivileged children. Donations can be made in cash, credit card, or Skywards miles, ensuring the joy of Christmas extends beyond the skies.