Gorge on plum cakes or book yourself a staycation at a city hotel – here are some options for enjoying the spirit of Christmas and New Year’s Eve

The Christmas Basket
Theos in Noida is offering a variety that can boggle you—traditional plum cake, eggless plum cake, alcohol free eggless plum cake. Then there are cookies, apple mince pies, Santa cakes, chocolate and gingerbread house and more.

Looking for some home-baked cakes? Bikku Bakes, run by journalist cum passionate baker Rewati Rau, is offering some yum cakes. You could opt for plum cake without alcohol topped with cashews (Rs 1,000 for 500g) or go for a raisin walnut cake (Rs 800 for 500g).

Party Rockers
At The Lodhi, the party begins with the Grand Yuletide brunch on December 25. Dig into some Mediterranean delicacies, Indian flavours, grills and enjoy a live jazz performance at Elan’s open-air courtyard.

Time: Noon to 4 pm
Price: Rs 5,500 (inclusive of taxes per person) /Rs 10,000 (inclusive of taxes per couple).

Or you can begin 2019 with another brunch at Elan. This will have specialties from the Oriental, European, Mediterranean and Indian kitchens, wines, champagne, cocktails and more.

When: January 1
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Price: Rs 6,500 (inclusive of taxes per person)/Rs 12,000 (inclusive of taxes per person per couple)

Crowne Plaza Today, New Delhi Okhla has an extravagant Christmas buffet at Edesia, the multicuisine restaurant. Live stations and some traditional dishes are on the anvil such as Roast Turkey Carvings (with sauce, whisky jus and exotic vegetables), Yakitori Station (chicken fillet, catch of the season, squid & sliced lamb) and home-made pastas (with gnocchi and ravioli with home-made sauces)

The traditional X’mas Yule Log, pudding with hard brandy sauce and ala anglaise, stollen, strudel, minced fruit pie and more sweet offerings are also there. Moreover, there is a separate section for kids.

When: December 24
Time: 7-11pm
Price: Rs 2,499 + taxes (with one glass of sparkling wine)

Brunch buffet
When: December 25
Time: 12: 30-4pm
Price: Rs 2,599+taxes (with one glass of sparkling wine); Kids buffet: Rs 1,000 + taxes

And then there are special packages for New Year’s Eve. The party starts at 8 pm on December 31. Take your pick from regional flavours, global cuisine, Chao Bella, or simply ask for the staycation package.

Double Tree by Hilton, Gurugram, has multiple options. You can choose to stay from December 30 till January 1 or simply enjoy the dinner, music and party with your bae.

Price: Rs 10,000 onwards.
Crowne Plaza Greater Noida rings in the new year with a lavish buffet, lots to drink and make merry and music to dance to at Mosaic.
Price: Rs 5,000 (all inclusive per person)
Rs 8,500 (all inclusive per couple).

Andaz Delhi is offering some specially crafted dishes at AnnaMaya. There is a Naughty or Nice Christmas Brunch with roulade station where you could find turkey, duck, chicken, pork, leg of lamb and fish. When: December 25
Price: Rs 3,500 (all inclusive per person)

For New Year’s Eve, Hong Kong Club is hosting Euphoric Affairs 2019. This will have live entertainment from across the globe featuring DJ Eva, Rudi on the Saxophone, Percussionist Aurelio, Pianist Rebeca, Guitarist Julio and Laganza – the body art ballet artist.
Price: Rs 15,000 onwards (plus taxes per person)

Aloft New Delhi Aerocity is offering a special staycation package (December 31 to January 1). This includes a buffet breakfast for two at Nook, dinner for two, kids’ zone access and more. DJ Ajay Nautiyal will ring in the New Year.
Price: Rs 10,500 (plus taxes per couple).

On December 31, a package offer is a pass for the New Year’s Eve party at the Courtyard and Studio space, dinner at Nook and more.
Price: Rs 7,000 (plus taxes per couple).

Play Santa for poor kids

Gift a book, gift a moment of learning. In true Christmas spirit, The Reader’s Café is accepting books from anyone and everyone till December 25. The books will then be gifted to underprivileged children. Located on the first floor of Habitat Centre in Indirapuram, this café has a dedicated reading area where you can enjoy your cuppa with your favourite book.