Metro Special

Festive flavors

By Liu Yujie (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-12-16 08:21

Christmas Eve gala dinners offer a tasteful and colorful way to celebrate the season, Liu Yujie finds out

China World Hotel

Christmas has a Chinese feel at the China World Hotel as it perfectly combines its signature Chinese traditional interior decor with the red of Christmas. Special flower arrangements by a Japanese flower master add an authentic oriental touch.

Here you can celebrate the spirit of Christmas in vibrantly beautiful carnival-style splendor at the hotel's Christmas Eve Gala Dinner with its kaleidoscope of colorful festivities, samba rhythms, international dances, grand lucky draw prizes, a lavish buffet spread of Chinese and international festive specialities, and unlimited flow of Chandon, wines and soft drinks. Dessert master Wu Di also has a few surprises in store with mouth-watering cakes and candies in exquisite containers specially ordered from Japan.

The Lobby Lounge, with a beautiful Christmas tree taking center stage, celebrates the festive tradition with Christmas drinks and a high tea fit for royalty accompanied by the uplifting sounds of a 12-piece orchestra.

Or you can enjoy an exquisite four-course wine-paired Christmas set dinner menu at Aria. Meanwhile, Allie Webb and her trio of jazz musicians will get you into the Christmas spirit as you enjoy festive canapes.

When: 6 pm - 10 pm, Dec 24

Venue: Conference Hall, China World Hotel

Cost: Premier seat at 5,188 yuan net per person (includes one night free accommodation in a Horizon Club Deluxe Room with breakfast)

Tel: 6505-2266 Ext 6350 / 5351

Hotel Kunlun

Hotel Kunlun, with its long history and tasteful decor appeals to big families when they want to celebrate important days. All the restaurants at Hotel Kunlun are sure to be booked to the full during the holiday season, so if you plan to go, you should make a reservation soon to avoid disappointment.

The Summit Club of Hotel Kunlun boasts what is probably the best revolving restaurant in Beijing.

Guests can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city - or the action in the open kitchen - while indulging themselves in the semi-buffet dinner featuring lobsters and freshly-prepared Asian and international festive delights, as well as fine wines.

For meat-lovers, the hotel's Crystal Restaurant has the Dutch veal. You can try out the five-course gourmet set dinner with a free flow of imported wine, beer and soft drinks on Christmas Eve.

There will also be lots of exciting prizes on offer in the prize draws, including iPads and return tickets to Spain.

When: 6 pm - 9:30 pm, Dec 24

Where: The Summit Club, Hotel Kunlun

Cost: 2,988 yuan net per adult, 1,488 net per child under 1.2 m

Tel: 6590-3388 Ext 5218

Kempinski Hotel Beijing

If you fancy an authentic European Christmas atmosphere this holiday season, head to the Kempinski Hotel as the five-star hotel still puts up real Christmas trees.

The trees were chosen early in September and transported from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The biggest, which is located in the center of the lobby, is more than 8 meters tall.

The hotel also features edible homemade gingerbread houses in a variety of sizes, and visitors will be welcomed by the aroma of fresh gingerbread from a life-sized gingerbread house when they walk into the lobby.

There will also be a luxurious Christmas Eve Gala Party in the opulent Kempinski Jade Ballroom.

The truly indulgent Christmas buffet will feature poached lobster, freshly-shucked oysters, roast turkey with chestnut stuffing, venison ragout in juniper cream sauce and dozens more delights from around the world.

When: 6 pm - 11 pm, Dec 24

Where: Jade Ballroom

Cost: Prices range from 1,988 yuan to 2,188 yuan per adult according to seat preference, with children aged 6 to 12 at half price.

Tel: 6465-3388 Ext 4200

Westin Beijing Chaoyang

At Westin Beijing Chaoyang, Christmas is a time for fantasy and wonder. The hotel is putting on a chic purple coat and the romantic interior decoration and easy ambience will make your 2010 Christmas a fairy tale to remember.

The gala has an international candy theme, which is sure to captivate kids. There will be edible decorations, an abundant buffet and special gifts for kids.

For only 50 yuan, guests will be able to write their wishes on decorative balls to be hung on the big purple Christmas tree in the lobby. The money raised will go to charity.

Tuesday to Saturday until to Dec 25 guests will be put into the festive mood by jazz vocalist Caprina Stone from Seattle in the United States. Ladies will also be able to enjoy one complimentary Christmas cocktail from 6 pm to 7 pm.

However, if celebrating at home is more your thing, deliciously prepared food is available for delivery.

When: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Dec 24

Where: Grange and Seasonal Tastes, Westin Beijing Chaoyang

Cost: Premium seating 1,588 yuan

Tel: 5922-8880

Park Hyatt

Being the tallest skyscraper on Chang'an Avenue, Park Hyatt Beijing invites guests to celebrate this yuletide against the stunning backdrop of the city skyline.

The Ballroom has been turned into an amusing wonderland where Santa Claus will hand out gifts and magicians from South Korea will perform.

Park Hyatt Beijing promises the Christmas Eve Gala will be a celebration to remember. Guests will enjoy an evening of stylish luxury and exquisite cuisine, complemented by entertaining performances and the chance to win big prizes, including return tickets to any city in Europe along with two nights at the Park Hyatt Milan.

And don't miss the Christmas goodies available at the Coffee Bar on the first floor of Yintai Center because they are rather special. This December, Japanese pastry chef Kiyoshi Utsumi prepares an assortment of original Christmas cakes, desserts and selected seasonal chocolate specialties, all of which are sure to entice and tickle the taste buds of even the most discerning of gourmets.

Kids also have the opportunity to be charitable as they can donate books they no longer need to a foundation.

When: 18:00, Dec 24

Where: The Ballroom, Park Hyatt Beijing

Cost: 3,288 net per person, incl. free-flowing wines and standard beverages

Tel: 8567-1838 / 1840