Emirates Brings Christmas Magic Onboard

Emirates Unwraps Christmas Magic in the Skies This December

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 10, 2025

Emirates is adding festive cheer to every part of the travel experience this December, inviting passengers to enjoy the warmth and joy of Christmas from the moment they begin their journey. With more than 2.3 million departures and 2.5 million arrivals expected in the coming weekends, customers flying with Emirates can look forward to winter-themed menus, special treats, and holiday entertainment.

Throughout the month, the airline is serving festive flavours in all classes. From 17 to 26 December, customers can enjoy aromatic hot chocolate across all cabins. Between 24 and 26 December, travellers departing Dubai will receive seasonal treats, including dark chocolate truffles in Economy Class, homemade gingerbread cookies in Premium Economy and Business Class, and a raspberry Paris-Brest pastry in First Class.

In First, Business, and Premium Economy Class, festive dining begins with dishes like salmon gravadlax marinated in beetroot and orange, pickled herring with potato and quail egg salad, or smoked salmon topped with crab mayonnaise and salmon roe. Main courses include classic turkey with jus, chestnut and turkey bacon stuffing, truffle potato gratin, caramelised chestnuts, and roasted brussels sprouts. Select routes will also offer dishes such as herb-crusted lamb shank, duck confit glazed in cranberry jus lié, and seared venison with sage butter and blackberry sauce. Desserts continue the celebrations, with First Class guests receiving an edible Santa made from fresh strawberries and cream.

Economy Class passengers will enjoy roasted turkey with chestnut and turkey bacon roulade, maple-roasted parsnips, and desserts like orange-soaked fruit cake or a mini mousse cake decorated with one of Santa’s reindeer.

At the A380 Onboard Lounge, the festivities continue with sweet treats such as mince pies, stollen, panettone, festive macarons, ginger profiteroles, dark chocolate ganache, cranberry financier, hazelnut and cranberry jars, biscotti, and candy canes. Guests can also enjoy a hearty Christmas sandwich filled with turkey, roast beef, cheddar, cranberry sauce, and chilli tomato relish. Seasonal selfie props are available for passengers to capture festive moments.

From 15 to 31 December, Emirates’ First and Business Class lounges in Dubai transform into festive culinary spaces offering traditional roasted turkey with jus and cranberry sauce, glazed chestnuts, vegetables, and new potatoes. Guests can enjoy festive cocktails like the Emirates Cognac Crème Panettone and a refined Champagne selection, including Moët & Chandon Ice Brut and Ice Rosé, paired with special sorbets. Elegant new canapés such as foie gras bon bons and miso-pumpkin tart are also part of the menu. Desserts include traditional stollen, mince pies, apple pie with cinnamon ice cream, and cranberry sorbet. Visitors can warm up with gingerbread lattes or Galaxy hot chocolate by Costa Coffee.

Across Emirates lounges worldwide, guests will find Christmas dishes tailored to regional tastes in countries including Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK and the USA.

The celebrations also extend to fine wines and Champagne. In First Class, Emirates will debut the rare Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2, 2006, along with wines from the airline’s exclusive cellar, including Montrachet Grand Cru 2013 – Bouchard & Fils and Château Montrose 2005. Business Class will offer wines such as Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion 2010, Chateau Olivier 2010, Beaune du Chateau 1er Cru 2020, Two Hands Bella's Garden Shiraz 2021, and Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2020. Premium Economy travellers can enjoy wines like Tenuta Luce Lucente 2021 and Chablis Saint Martin Michel Laroche 2023 or choose the exclusive Chandon Vintage Brut 2018.

Emirates will also celebrate Orthodox Christmas from 24 December to 8 January on flights between Russia, Cyprus, Ethiopia and Dubai. First and Business Class menus will feature dishes such as Olivier salad, lobster tail with celeriac purée and Sevruga caviar, pickled herring, smoked salmon with crab mayonnaise, duck confit with cranberry jus lié, herb-crusted lamb shank, and festive desserts like white chocolate and peppermint mousse cake with cranberry compote or chocolate gingerbread cake with cranberry jelly. Economy Class offerings include Russian potato salad, Waldorf salad, barbecued chicken with chestnut and turkey bacon roulade, creamy beef stroganoff, and desserts such as peppermint mousse or classic fruit cake.

Emirates’ inflight entertainment, ice, will feature 39 Christmas movies, including new releases like Tinsel Town and Dear Santa, along with classic favourites like Last Christmas, The Holiday, Elf, The Polar Express, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer from 1964. Passengers can also explore 42 Christmas TV shows and specials, along with festive music albums and playlists.

Travellers searching for last-minute gifts can explore the EmiratesRED Winter 2025 catalogue featuring over 300 products from brands such as Armani, Creed, Amouage, YSL, Kilian, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Customers using the EmiratesRED pre-order service will receive a 10% discount with the code RED10. Emirates’ festive capsule collection at the Emirates Official Store offers Christmas jumpers, family pyjamas, themed stockings, hats, and mugs.

Emirates is also encouraging festive kindness with its ‘You Donate, Emirates Doubles’ initiative, where the airline will match customer donations up to $10,000 to support the Emirates Airline Foundation. Donations can be made in any currency through envelopes onboard or via credit card, cheque, Skywards miles, or bank transfer.

TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

As Japan gears up for its much-awaited cherry blossom season, Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd. has announced a special spring programme titled “THE Sakura SKYTREE – Going to Meet the Cherry Blossoms Above the Clouds” at TOKYO SKYTREE. The limited-period experience will run from February 26 to April 14, 2026, offering visitors a fresh way to enjoy sakura from 350 metres above ground.

Designed as an alternative to traditional park hanami, the event brings cherry blossom viewing into an urban, elevated setting. Located on the Tembo Deck at Floors 350 and 340, the experience blends sakura-inspired installations with wide, uninterrupted views of Tokyo, allowing visitors to enjoy spring scenery from above the city skyline.

Built around the theme “Sky × Sakura,” the Tembo Deck will be transformed with cherry blossom décor and Japanese-style photo installations. The setting reflects the fleeting beauty of sakura while creating striking visual moments for visitors. With the Tokyo skyline as a backdrop, the space offers a modern interpretation of spring that combines tradition with a sense of scale and spectacle.

For evening visitors, a key attraction will be the seasonal showcase at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® on Floor 350. The observatory’s large windows will turn into a panoramic screen for a three-minute visual presentation capturing the delicate and short-lived nature of cherry blossoms. Using 24 projectors and surround sound from 13 speakers, the experience adds a cinematic layer to hanami, bringing together culture, technology, and storytelling.

Adding to the seasonal feel, the SKYTREE CAFE on Floor 350 will launch a limited-edition cherry blossom-themed menu. The offerings will include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with spring-inspired sweets. Highlights include donuts in “Sakura Mochi” and “Sakura Sky Vanilla” flavours, made as 100% plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free options. The menu is designed to be visually appealing and easy to share, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The spring theme will also extend to the W1SH RIBBON monument on the Tembo Deck, where limited-edition pink ribbons will be available during the event period. Visitors can tie their wishes onto the softly lit pink installation, reflecting themes of renewal and fresh beginnings associated with the season. The monument lighting will also shift to pink to match the overall décor.

On selected evenings, TOKYO SKYTREE itself will light up in special spring illumination called “Sakura SKY (Sakura-Sora).” Inspired by cherry blossoms set against a spring sky, gentle pink beams will represent petals floating in the wind, turning the tower into a seasonal highlight visible across the city.

With immersive décor, visual storytelling, seasonal food, and special lighting, “THE Sakura SKYTREE” positions TOKYO SKYTREE as a standout attraction during spring. By presenting the cherry blossom season from 350 metres above ground, the event offers visitors an experience that feels modern, memorable, and uniquely Tokyo.

Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

TIYA, a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant, has announced the appointment of Chef Bobby as its new Sous Chef. The move underlines the restaurant’s continued focus on quality, innovation, and refined modern Indian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.

In his new role, Chef Bobby will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations at TIYA. His responsibilities include ensuring smooth service, refined plating presentation, well-balanced flavours, and consistent portion control. Through his leadership, the restaurant aims to further strengthen its position as a premium modern Indian dining destination known for creativity, precision, and memorable guest experiences.

Before joining TIYA, Chef Bobby worked as Sous Chef at Madras Group Inc., located at 1177 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. There, he supported the Executive Chef in running high-performing kitchen operations. His role included supervising and training culinary teams, maintaining HACCP and ServSafe food safety standards, handling inventory and supplier coordination, and contributing to cost control and menu innovation. His involvement in recipe development and tasting menu execution played a key role in maintaining high dining standards.

Earlier in his career, Chef Bobby gained valuable experience as a Demi Chef de Partie at The Quorum, Two Horizon Center, Golf Course Road, and as a Commi at Hotel Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar. He began his professional journey at Aamod Resorts, Kandaghat, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh, where he built a strong foundation in kitchen operations and hospitality discipline.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Bobby said, “Joining TIYA, a Michelin Guide restaurant, as Sous Chef is an exciting milestone in my culinary journey. The brand’s vision of redefining modern Indian cuisine resonates deeply with my passion for innovation and excellence. I look forward to contributing to TIYA’s continued growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”

With experience across well-known hospitality brands in both India and the United States, Chef Bobby’s appointment marks a meaningful step forward for TIYA as it continues to raise the bar for modern Indian fine dining in San Francisco.

Unwind in the Sacred Spirit of Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on February 24, 2026

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Novotel Cairo Airport welcomes guests to experience the season in an atmosphere defined by serenity, reflection, and heartfelt hospitality. Designed for both Cairo residents seeking a peaceful retreat within the city and travellers exploring Egypt’s capital, the hotel offers a setting where the spirit of togetherness takes centre stage.

Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport focuses on creating meaningful moments. Guests can slow down, reconnect, and embrace the traditions of the holy month while enjoying a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property’s dining venues present thoughtfully curated Iftar and Sohour experiences, blending traditional Ramadan flavours with contemporary touches. Each meal is crafted to bring families, friends, couples, and colleagues together around the table in celebration.

For corporate guests, the hotel provides fully equipped banquet rooms and dedicated facilities suited for Iftars, Sohour gatherings, and Ramadan celebrations. The spaces are designed to encourage connection and appreciation, offering organisations a welcoming environment to host teams and partners during the blessed month.

A highlight of the season is the exclusive Ramadan dessert display, available throughout the day. Guests can indulge in a carefully selected assortment of oriental pastries, featuring both classic favourites and delicately crafted treats that reflect the flavours of Ramadan. Whether enjoyed on-site or taken home to share, the sweet offerings add a festive touch to the experience.

More than a destination to stay or dine, Novotel Cairo Airport positions itself as a place where Cairo’s Ramadan evenings come alive with warmth and community spirit. It is a space to unwind after a long day of fasting, reflect on the blessings of the season, and create lasting memories.

Part of the global Accor portfolio, Novotel operates over 590 hotels across more than 65 countries and participates in the ALL – Accor Live Limitless lifestyle loyalty programme, offering members access to rewards and exclusive experiences worldwide.

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Emirates Unwraps Christmas Magic in the Skies This December

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TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

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Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

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Unwind in the Sacred Spirit of Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport

Most Read In News