The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

The season of merriment and joy is here, the time that is best spent surrounded by your loved ones; it’s Christmas time folks, and what’s better than indulging in some of the season’s traditional treats offered at Cairo’s luxury hotel, the Nile Ritz-Carlton?

The celebrations commence on the 23^rd of December with a round of daily activities at the Lobby lounge and Sweet Boutique, where the hotel’s very own pastry chef will flaunt an array of scrumptious traditional holidays desserts, including Christmas cookies, gingerbread, and log cake. Also awaiting will be a long list of hot chocolate flavours, served either ‘nice’, or ‘naughty’ (which comes with a shot of liqueur). Available until the 7^th of January, these daily activities are set to take place amid a heart-warming, festive setting, brimming with giveaways, and props that will get you photo-ready.

On the 24^th of December, the hotel’s two-day Macaron Festival is set to begin, where a host of lavish flavours of the all-time favourite French dessert will be served. Taking place in the Lobby Lounge, the festival sees Santa coming over to take pictures with everyone. The Macaron Festival is 250LE++ per person, with half the price for children between 7 and 12 years old, while children 6 or under are free.

And since it’s Christmas Eve, a special dinner is set to take place at Bab El Sharq (from 8.00 PM to 2.00 AM), whose à la carte menu offers a range of Middle Eastern delights. The all-inclusive minimum charge is 1280LE. This Christmas Eve dinner sees live entertainment, including a belly dancer and an Oriental music band. 

Alternatively, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Vivo, hosts a Christmas Eve dinner (6.00PM to 12.00AM) that boasts a five-course meal from the à la carte menu and comes at the price of 950LE+++ per person, including a glass of bubbles, plus a special promotion in which a half bottle of Moet & Chandon is 1200LE++. Children between 7 and 12 years old get a 50% discount, while children 6 or under are free.

On Christmas Day, the 25^th of December, Santa himself will greet you at Culina, where a Christmas Lunch Buffet is set to take place from 1.00 to 4.00 PM, comprising of a selection of signature dishes, desserts, and Christmas specials. Culina’s Christmas Lunch Buffet also boasts various activities for the little ones. Prices are 450LE++ per person, with half price for children between 7 and 12 years old, while it’s free for children 6 and under.

Elsewhere, Executive Chef, Carmine Di Luggo, promises an authentic four-course menu that celebrates the season the Italian way at Vivo, where a Christmas Lunch is set to take place from 12.30 to 4.00 PM. This Lunch comes at a price of 850LE++ per person, including a glass of bubbles, plus a special promotion, in which a half bottle of Moet & Chandon is 1200LE++. Children between 7 and 12 years old get a 50% discount, while children 6 years old or under are free.

As for Christmas dinners, Bab El Sharq offers a round of chicken, beef, and seafood grills, as well as a round of authentic Middle Eastern dishes. Bab El Sharq Christmas Dinner (8.00 PM to 2.00 AM) sees an Oriental band and a belly dancer taking to the stage. The all-inclusive minimum charge is 1280LE.

When night falls, NOX celebrates Christmas night with a massive party; Christmas Wonderland (9.00 PM to 3.00 AM) that sees a guest DJ, a belly dancer, and a surprise act performing. This also comes with three starters and a dessert, while main courses can be ordered from the à la carte menu. The all-inclusive minimum charge is 1100LE, while bouchon is 850LE+++.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

For more information and reservations, call 02-25778899.