Emirates takes the magic of Christmas to 40,000 feet

As the airline prepares to welcome more than 2.5 million travelers in the coming weeks, those flying with Emirates can expect numerous festive touches, from menus inspired by VIP lounges around the world to cherished traditions served at 40,000 feet

Classic Christmas Cuisine Above the Clouds
Throughout the month, guests will savor the signature flavors of this time of year, beginning with aromatic hot chocolate served in all classes from December 17 to 26. Between December 24 and 26, travelers departing from Dubai will receive small seasonal treats, including dark chocolate truffles in Economy Class, homemade gingerbread cookies in Premium Economy and Business Class, and a delicious raspberry Paris-Brest cake in First Class.

In First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy, the holiday table is reimagined with a global culinary perspective, beginning with dishes such as gravlax salmon marinated in beetroot and orange, delicately pickled herring with potato salad and quail eggs, or smoked salmon topped with crab mayonnaise and salmon roe. Main courses evoke the nostalgia of tradition: classic turkey stuffed with chestnuts and turkey bacon, truffle potato gratin, caramelized chestnuts, and roasted Brussels sprouts, along with new creations selected by the chef on select routes, from herb-crusted lamb with braised cabbage and butternut squash, to duck confit glazed with cranberry juice and grilled venison enriched with sage butter and blackberry sauce. For dessert, a wide array of festive sweets awaits; in addition, First Class passengers will also receive an edible Santa Claus sculpted from fresh strawberries and cream.

Economy Class customers can enjoy their own Christmas feast with roast turkey with chestnuts and turkey bacon rolls and roasted parsnips with maple syrup, followed by an orange-soaked fruitcake or a mini Santa reindeer mousse cake, specially designed for little ones.

In the A380's onboard lounge, the celebration continues with artisanal sweets such as mince pies, stollen, panettone, macarons, ginger profiteroles, dark chocolate ganache, blueberry financier, hazelnut and cranberry jars, biscotti, and candy canes. Meanwhile, the Christmas sandwich with turkey, roast beef, cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce, and chili ketchup will be a favorite among savory snack lovers. To add an extra festive touch, passengers on board the A380 can pick up Emirates' new Christmas accessories to take selfies and capture the moment.

Festive Dining in Style at Emirates Lounges
From December 15 to 31, Emirates' First Class and Business Class lounges in Dubai will be transformed into cozy winter culinary havens where guests can savor traditional roast turkey with cranberry sauce, glazed chestnuts, root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes, paired with cocktails such as the Emirates Cognac Crème Panettone. The festive atmosphere extends to a carefully curated selection of champagnes, with Moët & Chandon Ice Brut and Ice Rosé paired with specially crafted sorbets, Grand Vintage 2016, Imperial Brut, Rosé Imperial, and Nectar Imperial, served alongside elegant canapés such as foie gras bonbons and pumpkin and miso tarts. Classic seasonal desserts, from traditional stollen and mince pies drizzled with vanilla sauce to Emirates' homemade apple pie with cinnamon ice cream or blueberry sorbet, complete the experience. Travelers can also warm up with ginger lattes or
Galaxy hot chocolate brewed by Costa Coffee.

In all Emirates VIP lounges around the world, covering Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States, customers will find timeless holiday dishes tailored to each region.

A Celebration of Fine Wines and Champagnes
In the elegant ambiance of First Class, the celebrations extend to the world of fine wines. Throughout December, Emirates will showcase the singular Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2, 2006, a vintage renowned for its luminous energy and refined depth, with aromas of mandarin peel, apricot, white pepper, passion fruit, and mint. Two wines from Emirates' exclusive cellar will also be served: the illustrious Montrachet Grand Cru 2013 - Bouchard & Fils, one of the most exceptional wines ever served on board, and the Château Montrose 2005, a powerful second vintage from Saint-Estèphe.

Business Class customers will have the opportunity to taste a selection of wines throughout the season, from Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion 2010 and Chateau Oliver 2010 to Beaune du Chateau 1er Cru Bouchard Pere et Fils 2020, Two Hands Bella's Garden Shiraz 2021 and Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2020.

Premium Economy customers can sample wines such as Tenuta Luce Lucente 2021 and Chablis Saint Martin Michel Laroche 2023, or choose to enhance the festive atmosphere with an exclusive Emirates sparkling wine: Chandon Vintage Brut 2018.

Delicious dishes for Orthodox Christmas.
From December 24 to January 8, Emirates will celebrate Orthodox Christmas on flights between Russia, Cyprus, Ethiopia, and Dubai. First Class and Business Class menus will include appetizers such as Olivier salad, lobster tail with celeriac purée and Sevruga caviar, pickled herring, or smoked salmon with crab mayonnaise, followed by duck confit with cranberry sauce, herb-crusted lamb with gravy, and a selection of festive desserts including white chocolate and mint mousse tart with cranberry compote or chocolate ginger tart with cranberry jelly.

Economy Class travelers will enjoy starters such as Russian salad and Waldorf salad, followed by barbecue chicken with chestnuts and turkey bacon rolls or creamy beef stroganoff and, to finish, mint mousse with filled candies or fruit cake bathed in orange sauce.

Christmas movies and festive entertainment on ice.
This Christmas, Emirates customers can get cozy with 39 Christmas movies on board the award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ice, including new releases such as “Tinsel Town”, with Rebel Wilson and Kiefer Sutherland, and “Dear Santa”, starring Jack Black, along with perennial favorites: “Last Christmas”, “The Holiday”, “Elf”, “The Polar Express” and even 1964’s “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”.

They can also choose from 42 Christmas TV programs and holiday specials, including “The Great Christmas Bake Off,” “Royal Carols: Together at Christmas,” “Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas,” “Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped,” and “Strictly Come Dancing: Christmas Special.” For those who want to immerse themselves in the joyful Christmas spirit, there are albums and playlists from artists such as Sam Smith, the Vince Guaraldi Trio, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, and many more.

The Art of Gift-Giving with Emirates:
Travelers looking for last-minute gifts will find inspiration in the EmiratesRED Winter 2025 catalogue, featuring over 300 products from prestigious brands such as Armani, Creed, Amouage, YSL, Kilian, and Van Cleef & Arpels. EmiratesRED's pre-booking service, available on most flights, allows customers to purchase items between 21 days and 40 hours before departure and have their purchases delivered to their seat during the flight, with a special 10% discount on pre-bookings using code RED10.

Emirates also has a festive collection available in its official store, featuring Christmas jumpers, matching pajamas for the whole family, and themed socks, hats, and mugs.

Spreading Christmas kindness twice over.
Emirates customers can also celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and spread joy with the Emirates Airline Foundation, dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children. Emirates will match any customer donation up to a maximum of $10,000 per donation, ensuring your generosity goes even further. Emirates customers can donate in any currency on all flights, using the envelope in the seat pocket, or by credit card, check, Skywards Miles, or bank transfer, both on board and from the comfort of their home.

Source: Emirates