This December, Emirates (EK) is offering travelers a full festive experience both on the ground and in the air, transforming flights and lounges into Christmas‑themed celebrations. Passengers flying with Emirates can expect holiday menus, seasonal treats, curated entertainment and festive ambiance throughout their journey.
The campaign runs across the carrier’s global network throughout December, with millions of departures and arrivals expected this holiday season. From December 17 through December 26, all cabin classes will receive seasonal hot chocolate, while between December 24 and 26, passengers departing Dubai will be treated to special culinary surprises ranging from dark‑chocolate truffles to gingerbread cookies and raspberry pastries.
Emirates overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airline Name | Emirates |
| IATA / ICAO Code | EK / UAE |
| Founded | March 1985 |
| Headquarters | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Main Hub | Dubai International Airport (DXB) |
| Fleet Size | ~270 aircraft (primarily Airbus A380 & Boeing 777) |
| Destinations | 150+ cities across 80+ countries |
| Parent Company | The Emirates Group |
| CEO | Sir Tim Clark (President of Emirates Airline) |
| Primary Long-Haul Aircraft | Airbus A380, Boeing 777-300ER |
| Cabin Classes | First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, Economy |
| Notable Features | Onboard bar & lounge (A380), shower spa (A380 First), award-winning ICE entertainment |
| Frequent Flyer Program | Emirates Skywards |
| Alliance Membership | None (independent, non-alliance carrier) |
| Slogan | “Fly Better” |
| Annual Passengers | ~43 million (pre-pandemic baseline) |
| Business Model | Full-service, long-haul global network carrier |
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Emirates’ Festive Meals and Onboard Treats for the Christmas Season
Emirates, which is one of the busiest Middle east carriers, has redesigned its December dining offerings to evoke the spirit of the season. All classes will be served complimentary festive hot chocolate between December 17–26, while travellers departing Dubai from December 24–26 will receive seasonal treats such as:
- Dark chocolate truffles in Economy
- Homemade gingerbread in Premium Economy and Business
- A luxury raspberry Paris‑Brest pastry in First Class
For First, Business and Premium Economy customers, the holiday menu blends traditional festive fare with global culinary influences. Starters may include either of the following:
- salmon gravadlax with beetroot and orange
- pickled herring with potato and quail‑egg salad
- smoked salmon with crab mayonnaise and salmon roe
Main courses feature classic roast turkey with chestnut stuffing, truffle potato gratin, Brussels sprouts and chestnuts; some flights offer specialties such as herb-crusted lamb shank, duck confit in cranberry jus or seared venison with sage butter and blackberry sauce. First Class desserts include delicate creations such as an edible Santa made from strawberry and cream.
Economy Class travelers are not left behind. Their festive meal includes:
- roasted turkey roulade with chestnut and turkey‑bacon stuffing
- maple-roasted parsnips
- a classic fruit cake soaked in orange sauce — or for younger passengers, a reindeer‑shaped mini mousse cake
Onboard the A380’s lounge, here’s what the customers will find:
| Category | Items / Details |
|---|---|
| Sweet Treats at the A380 Onboard Lounge | Mince pies, stollen, panettone, festive macarons, ginger profiteroles, dark chocolate ganache, cranberry financier, hazelnut & cranberry jars, biscotti, candy canes |
| Savoury Option | Christmas sandwich with turkey, roast beef, cheddar, cranberry sauce, and chilli tomato relish |
| Additional Festive Activity | Seasonal selfie props available for guests |
| Experience Highlight | Passengers can take festive photos to mark the season |
Lounges Worldwide embrace the season
From December 15–31, Emirates’ First and Business Class lounges at DXB will transform into festive dining halls. Guests will find traditional dishes such as roasted turkey with jus and cranberry sauce, glazed chestnuts, roasted root vegetables, Brussels sprouts and new potatoes. These meals are complemented by festive cocktails, reported the carrier:
“The holiday mood extends to a thoughtful Champagne selection, with Moët & Chandon Ice Brut and Ice Rosé paired with specially created sorbets, Grand Vintage 2016, Imperial Brut, Rosé Imperial and Nectar Imperial, served alongside elegant new canapés including foie gras bon bons and miso-pumpkin tart. Classic seasonal desserts from traditional stollen and mince pies dusted with vanilla sauce to Emirates’ homemade apple pie with cinnamon ice cream or cranberry sorbet complete the experience. Visitors can also warm up with gingerbread lattes or Galaxy hot chocolate crafted by Costa Coffee. “
Globally, across Emirates lounges spanning continents, travellers will enjoy regionally adapted festive cuisine and treats. The lounges include the following:
- Australia
- China
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Italy
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- UK
- USA
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Entertainment, Shopping & Extra Touches
To add merry ambience, Emirates’ award‑winning inflight entertainment system (ice) will feature 39 holiday-season films and 42 TV specials — from classics like The Polar Express, Elf and The Holiday to newer releases and festive playlists including Michael Bublé, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
For travellers interested in last-minute gifts, the carrier’s EmiratesRED Winter 2025 catalogue offers over 300 products from luxury houses such as Armani, Creed, Amouage, YSL and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Pre-orders can be made up to 40 hours before departure, with a 10% discount using code “RED10.” Festive-themed merchandise — Christmas jumpers, matching family pyjamas, mugs and stockings — is also available via the Emirates Official Store.
A Glimpse into the Wine Selection on Emirates’ Christmas Selection
| Cabin Class | Wine / Beverage | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Class | Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2, 2006 | Exceptionally rare vintage; aromas of tangerine peel, apricot, white pepper, passionfruit, mint; known for luminous energy and refined depth |
| Montrachet Grand Cru 2013 – Bouchard & Fils | One of the rarest wines ever served onboard; from Emirates’ exclusive cellar | |
| Château Montrose 2005 | Powerful Second Growth wine from Saint-Estèphe | |
| Business Class | Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion 2010 | Seasonal curated selection |
| Chateau Olivier 2010 | — | |
| Beaune du Chateau 1er Cru – Bouchard Père et Fils 2020 | — | |
| Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz 2021 | — | |
| Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2020 | — | |
| Premium Economy | Tenuta Luce Lucente 2021 | — |
| Chablis Saint Martin – Michel Laroche 2023 | — | |
| Chandon Vintage Brut 2018 |
|
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Bottom Line
Emirates’ 2025 Christmas initiative integrates gourmet catering, festive ambiance, entertainment and retail across cabins and lounges, and the airline raises expectations for what a premium travel experience can be. The following table is an overview of what the carrier is offering this Christmas season
| Category | Summary |
|---|---|
| General Festive Offering | Emirates adds holiday-themed food, drinks and entertainment across select lounges and flights in December–January. Expect classic Christmas meals, sweets and surprise touches. |
| Lounges (15–31 Dec) | Seasonal menus featuring savoury and sweet dishes, turkey dinners, festive cookies, chocolate desserts and gingerbread treats; special beverages such as holiday coffees, tea mocktails and sparkling drinks. |
| Onboard Gifts (24–26 Dec) | Passengers on select flights receive a small holiday gift box containing treats like macarons, chocolate truffles or gingerbread. |
| Economy Class Dining (17–26 Dec) | Christmas meal with BBQ turkey, chestnut and turkey bacon roulade, braised red cabbage and cranberry jus. |
| Premium Economy Dining | Starters like salmon gravadlax with cranberry-ginger purée, followed by turkey, duck or lamb mains. |
| Business & First Class Dining | Starts with a seafood appetiser including lobster. Mains include paprika turkey with stuffing and truffle gratin, or duck confit, lamb or venison. Festive desserts included. |
| Onboard Lounge Treats | First & Business passengers can visit the A380 lounge for stollen, panettone, mince pies and other holiday pastries. |
| First Class Extras | Includes a Spiced Berry welcome drink and an edible Santa made from strawberries and white-chocolate cream. |
| Hot Chocolate (All Cabins) | Rich hot cocoa with toppings served across all classes. |
| Comforts & Amenities | Winter comforts include new amenity kits, blankets, pillows, socks, eyeshades and soft pyjamas (First/Business). Availability varies by aircraft and route. |
| Festive Merchandise | Emirates Official Store sells Christmas-themed apparel and accessories such as jumpers, beanies and stockings. |
| Onboard Shopping | EmiratesRED Winter 2025 catalogue includes 60 new items with exclusives from top brands; 10% discount available for preorders with code RED10. |
| Entertainment | Over 40 holiday movies (e.g., Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually), festive TV specials and curated Christmas music playlists from major artists. |
| Kids’ Festive Experience | Children get themed desserts, hot cocoa, dedicated holiday entertainment, Polaroid photos and take-home toys and bags. |
Given the multi-layered offering — from food to wine, lounges to onboard entertainment — Emirates sets a high bar. The hope is that such endeavours strike a balance between luxury and practicality, enhancing travel without compromising safety or consistency.