The last gifts have been bought, preparations for the grand Christmas feast are under way and the entire city is bathed in the colours of festivity. Yes, Christmas is finally upon us and here are a few ways you could be spending Christmas eve, writes Shyama Krishna Kumar
Xmas Freeze party at Skyye
For the snow virgins of the city, Skyye at UB City will turn itself into a snow globe of sorts. First, pose with Santa Claus or the snowman at the door for a quick photograph. Next, you will be handed a glass of mulled wine and a slice of plum cake by Santa’s elves. The highlight of the event is the snowfall in the alfresco area of the bar as you dance the night away to the tunes of DJ Allure. Gloves, mufflers, Santa caps and reindeer hats will be handed out to get you into the right festive spirit.
Ticket prices start from `3,500 for stags, `1,500 for single ladies and `5,000 per couple.
Ten days of Christmas at Opus
Opus, one of the most popular music venues of Bangalore celebrates its tenth anniversary this Christmas, and true to form, they’re hosting a ten-day series of gigs and entertainment to celebrate. They’ve lined up a select bunch of the best live acts they’ve had over the last ten years to play at their Christmas festival. This Christmas eve catch alternative and funk rock band One Nite Stand performing with some of their friends, bringing in Christmas in true rock fashion. The proceeds from the festival will go to the U&I Foundation, a charitable organisation that works with children.
Tickets are priced at `200- `500.
The Malayali Twist
For a traditional Malayali twist to your Christmas eve feast, head to Ente Keralam and indulge in the specially crafted ‘Christmas menu’ put together by their chefs. ‘Rajakeeyam’ the Christmas special combo will consist of a welcome drink, three varieties of starters, a veg/non-veg soup, followed by main course in combination with borma bread/Idiappam/Aapam and Ghee rice, finishing the main course with a fine touch of authentic desserts. In addition to the combo offerings, you can also try the Christmas special Turkey roast, Nadan kozhi masala and mutton chops, to name a few in the non-veg offerings and koon peralan, potato ulartiyathu and broccoli mappas, among the vegetarian delicacies.
Catch Santa at Blimey
Blimey presents a fun Christmas ball with DJ Deepak, who’ll spin his tunes as he chills out at the Christmas manger crib. As the entire hall will get decked with candy canes, ribbons, Christmas trees and glitter, Blimey will turn into a perfect, winter paradise. Also catch Santa Claus as he pops out of a chimney.
Prost
If a micro-brewery is your favorite haunt, head to the newest one in town, Prost. Headlining the party will be popular DJs like DJ John, DJ Sun-J and DJ Sudatt, tuning the greatest tracks of the year. Dance the night away as you sip on the choicest beers and wine.
Christmas Festivities at The Oberoi
For an evening of elegance and quite celebration, head to The Oberoi. On Christmas eve, enjoy a grand European six course dinner with traditional Christmas delicacies like roast turkey, pan seared duck breast and plum pudding served along with mulled wine and egg nog. At the lobby, the talented choir from The Cheshire Home for Girls will sing popular Christmas carols to bring in the festive cheer. On Christmas day, a festive lunch awaits with traditional Christmas fare like roast turkey, honey glazed ham, lobster and porcini chowder, and mince pie. All accompanied by mulled wine.
Dinner and lunch priced at `3000 per person, each.
Taj gets Christmasy
Taj has left no stone unturned when it comes to memorable Christmas feasts. One could feel spoilt for choice as you choose from three different Christmas Eve buffets at the Taj, this 24th. Café Mozaic, the all-day dining restaurant at Vivanta will present a splendid menu crafted by chef Ramasamy Selvaraju featuring delecacies like stuffed roast turkey with cranberry coulis, traditional Christmas pudding with sabayon sauce and many more. The night will also see a children’s choir singing Christmas carols, a live band and Santa himself giving away goodies and gifts. Your second option is to embark on a culinary journey at Graze with a custom-made elevated table for eight at the exposition kitchen with a prix fixe menu crafted by chef Ramasamy Selvaraju. All the party animals should head to Ice to bring in the Christmas celebrations in style with their in-house celebrity DJ Vanshi. You can indulge in delectable snacks paired with premium spirits, exotic cocktails and beers and dance the night away at the dance floor.
Price: `1400 + taxes per person