If your idea of “holiday magic” involves golden dunes, starlit skies, and the kind of luxury that spoils you rotten, then it’s time to jingle all the way to The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. This year, the resort is going all out with a festive lineup so rich, even Santa might trade his sleigh for a desert buggy.
Between Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas brunches, New Year’s Eve soirées, and Orthodox Christmas celebrations, the season unfolds like a perfectly wrapped gift — with fine dining, family fun, and a whole lot of sparkle.
Boxing Day Indulgence at Paddock Café
Ease into Boxing Day at Paddock Café with hearty bites, refreshing drinks, and live sports in a leisurely setting. Take in serene views of the paddocks and graceful horses, creating a moment of calm between the season’s celebrations.
When: 26th November
Time: From 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM offering A la carte menu
Thanksgiving at Kaheela
Trade your apron for an elegant dinner plate and let Kaheela do the cooking. Expect a lavish buffet of holiday classics, live cooking stations, and desserts that deserve their own fan club. Whether you go for the house wines or Champagne Bollinger (because, why not?), this is one Thanksgiving you’ll actually be thankful for.
When: 27th November
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Price:
- AED 295 per person with Soft Beverages & Zero 0.0 Bar
- AED 395 per person with House Bar, Wine & Cocktails
- AED 545 per person with Champagne Bollinger
- AED 150 per child (ages 6–12)
Christmas at Al Wadi Desert – Where Magic Meets the Dunes
From gingerbread workshops and Santa’s parlour to tree-lighting evenings and family brunches, Christmas here is less about chaos and more about charm.
Seasonal Treasures for the Whole Family
Step into a world of festive wonder as the Gingerbread House and Santa Claus Parlour transform the lobby into a magical holiday escape. Savor artisanal confections, admire exquisite décor, and discover whimsical surprises, all thoughtfully crafted to create treasured moments for the whole family.
Where: Reception Lobby
When: Daily
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Price: Free Admission
A Whimsical Gingerbread Workshop
Little ones are invited to bring their festive dreams to life in charming gingerbread decorating sessions. With vibrant swirls of frosting and playful candy adornments, each child creates a one-of-a-kind sweet masterpiece to enjoy and treasure throughout the season.
Where: Reception Lobby
When: 5th – 26th December | Friday to Sunday
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Price: AED 150 per child (ages 6–12) | Prior reservation required
Festive Cheer Under the Christmas Tree
Celebrate an enchanting evening as the resort’s majestic Christmas tree is illuminated, filling the air with the comforting aroma of freshly crafted gingerbread house. Savor a selection of exquisite canapés and festive beverages as the spirit of the season comes to life, followed by a raffle draw offering the chance to win an unforgettable one-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert.
Where: Reception Lobby
When: 6th December
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A Christmas Eve Feast Under the Desert Sky at Kanzaman
Step into a spirited Christmas Eve celebration in the heart of the desert at Kanzaman. Savor a sumptuous buffet featuring Middle Eastern and international flavors, from perfectly grilled meats to festive sides and indulgent desserts, as live music and the gentle night air create an atmosphere filled with joy, laughter, and holiday cheer.
When: 24th December
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Price:
- AED 395 per person with Soft Beverages & Zero 0.0 Bar
- AED 545 per person with House Bar, Wine & Cocktails
- AED 695 per person with Champagne Bollinger
- AED 195 per child (ages 6–12)
Watch Holiday Classics Under the Stars at Gobi
Experience the magic of the season with Christmas movies under a starlit sky at Gobi Sky. Gather around the fire, sip on gourmet cocoa, and let timeless tales unfold in an enchanting outdoor setting. Little ones can enjoy their own festive package, creating cherished holiday memories under the stars.
Where: Gobi Sky
When: 20th – 30th December
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: Free Admission
A Culinary Celebration of the Festive Season at Farmhouse by Syrco
Savor a five-course culinary journey at Farmhouse by Syrco, where each dish is a refined tribute to land and sea. From delicate seafood to three expressions of lamb, paired with expertly curated wines including a prestige selection, this is a sophisticated celebration set against the serene backdrop of the desert.
When: 15th – 30th December
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Price:
- AED 425 per person with Soft Beverages & Zero 0.0 Bar
- AED 350 per person with Sommelier Wine Pairing
- AED 550 per person with Prestige Sommelier Wine Pairing
Christmas Lunch at Farmhouse by Syrco
Experience a festive Christmas lunch at Farmhouse by Syrco, where mindful sourcing and refined flavors come together in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance. Delight in a thoughtfully prepared set menu of the season’s freshest ingredients, complemented by fine wines, rustic charm, and the uplifting melodies of live music.
When: 25th December
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Price:
- AED 545 per person with Soft Beverages & Zero 0.0 Bar
- AED 695 per person with House Bar, Cocktails, and Sommelier-led Wine Cellar
- AED 845 per person with Champagne Bollinger, Premium Bar, Cocktails, and Sommelier-led Wine Cellar
- AED 250 per child (ages 6–12)
A Festive Family Brunch at Kaheela
Delight in the joy of Christmas at Kaheela with a lavish buffet brunch, featuring beloved holiday classics, live cooking stations, and a decadent dessert bar. Surrounded by family and friends, each dish captures the spirit of the season, creating cherished memories to treasure long after the celebrations end.
When: 25th December
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Price:
- AED 375 per person with Soft Beverages & Zero 0.0 Bar
- AED 495 per person with House Bar, Cocktails., Sparkling and Wine Cellar
- AED 625 per person with Champagne Bollinger, House Bar, Cocktail and Wine Cellar
- AED 175 per child (ages 6 -12)
Christmas Staycation Packages
A Magical Christmas Eve in the Desert
Book a staycation and begin the day with a leisurely breakfast at Kaheela restaurant, followed by an enchanting evening at Kanzaman for a spirited Christmas Eve celebration. Delight in a sumptuous BBQ buffet, where each dish captures the festive spirit, while live music and the magical desert setting create an atmosphere filled with joy, laughter, and seasonal charm. Dinner is included for two adults, with additional guests welcome to join for a festive feast.
When: 24th December
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Price for additional guests: AED 395 per adult and AED 195 per child
A Joyful Christmas Staycation
Book a staycation and begin the day with a leisurely breakfast at Kaheela restaurant for two adults and two children under 12. Christmas comes alive with a lavish buffet brunch, showcasing holiday classics, live cooking stations, and a decadent dessert bar. Brunch is included for two adults, with additional guests welcome to join for a festive feast.
When: 25th December
Price for additional guests: AED 375 per adult and AED 175 per child (ages 6–12)
New Year’s Eve – Desert Glamour Done Right
After Midnight at Gobi
As midnight approaches, welcome the New Year at Gobi’s exclusive after-party. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, move to the rhythm of live DJ beats, and soak in an atmosphere of desert glamour. Usher in the first hours of the year with style, sparkle, and unforgettable energy.
When: 31st December
Time: 11:00 PM – 2:00 AM
New Year’s Revelry at Farmhouse by Syrco
Step into an evening where mindful dining meets New Year’s Eve glamour at Farmhouse by Syrco. Each festive dish is prepared from the season’s finest ingredients, complemented by exceptional wines and live music. Set against a backdrop of rustic charm and refined elegance, welcome the new year with flavor, warmth, and memorable moments.
When: 31st December
Time: 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Price:
- AED 1200 per person including Soft Beverages & Zero 0.0 Bar
- AED 1950 per person with free-flow Champagne Bollinger, Premium Bar Curated Cocktails and Sommelier led Wine Cellar
- AED 600 per child (ages 6 – 12)
A Starlit Desert New Year’s Eve at Kan Zaman
Welcome the new year under the enchanting desert sky at Kan Zaman. Savor a lavish international buffet with Levantine flair, flowing champagne, and captivating live entertainment. As music and laughter fill the air, celebrate a night of elegance, joy, and unforgettable memories.
When: 31st December
Time: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Price:
- AED 1200 per person including Soft Beverages & Zero 0.0 Bar
- AED 1950 per person with free-flow Champagne Bollinger, Premium Bar Curated Cocktails and Sommelier led Wine Cellar
- AED 600 per child (ages 6 – 12)
Private New Year’s Eve Celebration
Ring in the new year with a bespoke private dining experience, set either atop the majestic Al Wadi Tower or beneath the serene desert sky. Each course is thoughtfully crafted, every detail infused with elegance, and the evening unfolds as a celebration of flavor, sophistication, and timeless memories.
When: 31st December
Price:
- Oasis Dining: AED 15,000 per couple for family- style festive BBQ menu, inclusive of Champagne and Premium Bar
- Al Wadi Tower: AED 10,000 per couple for a set menu inclusive of Champagne and Premium Bar
- Desert: AED 6,000 per couple for family- style festive BBQ menu, inclusive of bottle of Champagne Bollinger
New Year Dining Offers
A Flavorful New Beginning at Gobi
Celebrate the start of the new year with a thoughtfully curated five-course Pan-Asian table brunch at Gobi. Vibrant seasonal flavors are perfectly paired with live music in a serene yet festive atmosphere. A celebration of taste, togetherness, and indulgence, setting the tone for a joyful year ahead.
When: 1st January
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Price:
- AED 295 per person with Soft Beverages and Zero 0.0 Bar
- AED 150 per child (ages 6-12)
- AED 395 per person with House Bar, Curated cocktails, sake and Wine Cellar
- AED 545 per person with Champagne Bollinger
New Year’s Eve and New Year Staycation Offers
New Year’s Eve in Exclusive Elegance
Celebrate the season in a Signature Villa, where opulent interiors and serene desert views set the stage for an unforgettable celebration. Delight in curated festive menus, relish complete privacy, and enhance the evening with optional live music for a Christmas or New Year’s occasion like no other.
When: 25th & 31st December
Price:
- AED 12,000 for up to 4 adults for a Family-style Festive Menu inclusive of a bottle of Champagne Bollinger. AED 2,500 for any additional person
New Year at Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert
Begin the new year with a delightful seaside escape, including daily breakfast for two adults and two children under the age of 12 at Kaheela Restaurant. Mark the occasion with a five-course Pan-Asian table brunch at Gobi, where vibrant seasonal flavors are complemented by live music and a serene yet festive ambiance. Exclusively for two adults, this celebration of taste, togetherness, and indulgence sets the tone for a joyful year ahead.
When: 1st January
Price for additional guests: AED 295 per adult and AED 150 per child (6-12)
Festive Adventures & Equestrian Magic
A Festive Rides Through the Dunes
Step into a storybook adventure with enchanting pony and trail rides, beautifully themed in festive fancy dress. Guided gently on a lead rein through the serene desert landscape, this 30-minute experience is designed for children aged 5 and above. After the ride, young guests can enjoy a handcrafted gingerbread cookie and a creamy milkshake at the charming Paddock Café.
When: 21st – 26th December
Price: AED 225 per child (ages 5 and above)
Tiny Hooves, Grand Adventures
Designed for little adventurers aged 2 to 5, this gentle 15-minute horse ride offers a whimsical introduction to the magic of the desert. Dressed in festive attire and led with care, each child concludes their journey with a sweet treat and milkshake at Paddock Café.
When: 21st – 26th December
Price: AED 125 per child (ages 2-5)
A Festive Toast for Parents
While the little one’s ride, parents are invited to unwind with a glass of chilled prosecco and a warm mince pie in the relaxed elegance of Paddock Café.
When: 21st – 26th December
Price: AED 75 per person
Adventure Experiences
Nature Walk
Start the day with a tranquil 45-minute walk through the nature reserve, as the desert awakens in golden light. This guided journey offers a chance to connect with the land, observe native flora and fauna, and embrace the calm of the morning.
When: Daily
Time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Price: AED 130 per adult | AED 65 per child
Soft Desert Trail
Embark on a 60-minute invigorating ride across the dunes with a fat bike adventure. Designed for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, this experience blends fitness with breathtaking desert views.
Time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Price: AED 175 per adult
Bird Watching Experience
Witness the elegance of desert birdlife in its natural habitat. Led by an expert guide, this 90-minutes tranquil experience offers a rare glimpse into the avian world, perfect for curious minds and seasoned birders alike.
Time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Price: AED 190 per adult | AED 125 per child
Desert Serenity & Spa Bliss
Indulge in a 120-minute desert ritual this festive season, beginning with a 30-minute scrub and followed by a 90-minute Bamboo or Sand Tide Massage. A complimentary ESPA completes this journey of serenity and rejuvenation. Sparkling date juice and wine will also be served from 24th – 31st December.
Price: AED 1,100 per guest
Orthodox Christmas – A Taste of Tradition
Experience a festive buffet of traditional favorites, artfully prepared at live stations. Signature dishes such as Olivier Salad, Pelmeni, Veal Borscht, Kulebyaka, and Medovik bring the flavors of the season to life in a setting where every bite tells a story.
When: 7th January
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Price:
- AED 325 per person with Soft Beverages & Zero 0.0 Bar
- AED 475 per person with House Bar, Cocktails., Sparkling and Wine Cellar
- AED 625 per person with Champagne Bollinger, House Bar, Cocktail and Wine Cellar
- AED 175 per child (ages 6 -12)
Whether you’re in it for the gourmet feasts, the desert serenity, or the Instagram-worthy festive glow, The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert delivers the kind of holiday experience that’s as luxurious as it is heartwarming.
Think of it as The North Pole — but make it luxury desert edition.
Contact & Location
Phone – +971 7 206 7777
