Velaa Private Island unveils Festive Moments 2026 – 27, a line-up of festive offerings that runs from 23rd December 2026 through to 6th January 2027.
Family traditions take centre stage in the lead-up to Christmas, from Gingerbread House Making in the Velaa Coconut Garden to a Christmas Eve cocktail party and gala dinner with a live soprano performance. Santa arrives on Christmas Day, bringing gifts for the little ones. The calendar then turns to dining, with live teppanyaki and sake pairing at Fire & Flavour, a festive caviar and Alba truffle menu at The Essence of Luxury, and a luxury beach barbecue at Woodfire & Waves. A festive Velaa Beach Party on Orimas Island and The Art of Indulgence, where French finesse meets the flavours of Asia in a festive set menu, complete the programme.
New Year’s Eve brings The Velaa Bling, a disco-inspired gala dinner and after party celebrating the sounds and style of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. The season closes on 6th January with a Festive Finale Gala Dinner featuring a performance by Czech pop singer Dasha.
Gingerbread House Making
What: The start of this year’s festive activities, celebrated with delicious gingerbread cookies, spiced mulled wine and the joy of creating Velaa’s signature gingerbread house with family and friends.
When: 23rd December 2026
Time: 5:00pm
Where: Velaa Coconut Garden, Velaa Private Island
Christmas Eve: Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner
What: A sunset cocktail reception, with signature cocktails, festive canapés and breathtaking views as the sun sets over the turquoise waters. The evening continues with a sumptuous gala dinner of Christmas delicacies, showcasing festive favourites from around the globe and seasonal specialities, accompanied by a performance from acclaimed soprano Karina Sokolovska and in-house pianist Maksym Shorenkov.
When: 24th December 2026
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm (cocktail party) and 8:00pm – 11:00pm (gala dinner)
Where: Avi Bar (cocktail party) and Athiri Restaurant (gala dinner), Velaa Private Island
Santa’s Arrival
What: Santa makes his grand arrival in paradise on Christmas Day, bringing gifts for the little ones and festive refreshments for the adults. Guests can capture a memorable photo before he continues his magical journey back to the North Pole.
When: 25th December 2026
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Avi Bar, Velaa Private Island
Fire & Flavour
What: The excitement of live teppanyaki, as Velaa’s master chefs prepare each dish with precision and flair before guests’ eyes. Complemented by a curated sake pairing, the festive dining experience celebrates the artistry, flavours and traditions of Japanese cuisine.
When: 26th December 2026
Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Where: Tavaru Restaurant, Velaa Private Island
Price: AED 2,185 per adult / AED 1,093 per child*
Velaa Beach Party
What: A festive evening by the sea, with live entertainment, great music and a lively island atmosphere. Guests can savour a luxury beach barbecue with premium grilled delights before dancing beneath the stars to the sound of the ocean as the festive celebrations continue.
When: 28th December 2026
Time: 6:00pm onwards
Where: Orimas Island, Velaa Private Island
Price: AED 2,167 per adult*
The Essence of Luxury
What: A festive celebration of two of the world’s most prized delicacies, with an exquisite set menu showcasing the unmistakable flavours of caviar and Alba truffle. Thoughtfully crafted by Velaa’s chefs, each course highlights the richness, balance and elegance of these exceptional ingredients, a truly indulgent way to toast the season.
When: 29th December 2026
Time: 7:00pm – 11:00pm
Where: Aragu Signature Restaurant, Velaa Private Island
Price: AED 2,387 per adult / AED 1,194 per child*
Woodfire & Waves
What: A relaxed evening by the beach with an array of festive pop-up dining stations and a luxury beach barbecue, showcasing exceptional flavours in a stunning seaside setting. As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, guests can unwind with great food, live entertainment and the warm island atmosphere.
When: 30th December 2026
Time: 8:00pm – 11:00pm
Where: Athiri Restaurant, Velaa Private Island
Price: AED 1,653 per adult / AED 827 per child*
New Year’s Eve: Cocktail Party and The Velaa Bling Gala Dinner
What: A cocktail reception, where guests can raise a glass with signature cocktails and celebrate the final moments of the year. The Velaa Bling then brings the glamour of disco to New Year’s Eve in paradise, inspired by the iconic sounds and dazzling style of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, with exceptional dining, spectacular entertainment and a celebration filled with sparkle and music. As the countdown gives way to the new year, an after party keeps the celebration alive into the early hours.
When: 31st December 2026
Time: 8:00pm – 9:00pm (cocktail party), 9:00pm – 1:00am (gala dinner) and 1:00am – 3:00am (after party)
Where: Avi Bar (cocktail party), Tennis Court (gala dinner) and Avi Bar (after party), Velaa Private Island
New Year’s Day Brunch
What: A leisurely festive brunch to welcome the new year, set on the beachfront overlooking the Indian Ocean, with an abundant selection of international favourites and seasonal delights, thoughtfully prepared for a relaxed afternoon of exceptional dining by the sea. No à la carte menu will be served for lunch.
When: 1st January 2027
Time: 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: Athiri Restaurant, Velaa Private Island
The Art of Indulgence
What: A festive culinary journey where French finesse meets the exciting flavours of Asia. Blending classical techniques with bold regional influences, the exclusive set menu offers a dining experience that is both elegant and unexpected, perfect for savouring the spirit of the season.
When: 4th January 2027
Time: 7:00pm – 11:00pm
Where: Aragu Signature Restaurant, Velaa Private Island
Price: AED 2,185 per adult / AED 1,093 per child*
Festive Finale: Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner
What: Sunset drinks at Avi Bar for the final evening of the festive season, with a selection of apéritifs and canapés accompanied by laid-back music from the resident DJ. The season then closes with an elegant beachfront gala dinner beneath the stars, with exceptional cuisine and captivating entertainment, including a special performance by Czech pop singer Dasha.
When: 6th January 2027
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm (cocktail party) and 8:00pm – 11:00pm (gala dinner)
Where: Avi Bar (cocktail party) and Athiri Restaurant (gala dinner), Velaa Private Island
Festive Moments 2026 – 27 invites guests to celebrate the season through family traditions, exceptional dining and evenings of music and celebration, leaving them with moments to treasure long after they leave the island.
*All prices are subject to 10% service charge and 17% government tax.
