Emirates is taking Christmas celebrations to 40,000 feet this December with festive menus, holiday movies, seasonal drinks and even limited-edition gifts across its cabins and lounges.

The airline expects to handle a massive 2.3 million departures and 2.5 million arrivals during the holiday travel rush.

From December 17 to 26, passengers in all classes will be served hot chocolate, while festive desserts will be offered from December 24 to 26, including dark chocolate truffles in Economy, gingerbread in Premium Economy and Business, and a raspberry Paris-Brest pastry in First Class.

Classic Christmas on board

Traditional festive meals have been reimagined for the skies, featuring roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing, truffle potato gratin, caramelised Brussels sprouts, along with gourmet mains like herb-crusted lamb shank and duck confit with cranberry jus. Desserts include fruit cake, festive mousse, and a Santa-inspired strawberry and cream creation for First Class.

The celebrations extend to the Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge with mince pies, stollen, festive macarons and Christmas sandwiches.

Festive films and faster Wi-Fi

Passengers can enjoy 39 Christmas movies, more than 40 festive TV specials, and seasonal playlists featuring Frank Sinatra, Sam Smith and Ella Fitzgerald on Emirates’ inflight entertainment system.