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Annabel Walker

Lost In Paradise

The ubiquitous Kelly Chen Wai-lam sings and dances  her way though a Canto-pop concert that she promises  will be 'a grand, full-scale Broadway show'. From today until Monday,  December 29 and January 1, Hong Kong Coliseum, $100-$400.  Inquiries: 2355 7234

Christmas cracker

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without  The Nutcracker, performed  by   the Hong Kong Ballet. For  ages three and up,  it's the  tale of Clara, the mysterious Nutcracker doll she receives for Christmas and their magical journey  to the fairytale Land of Snow. Tomorrow,  7.30pm; tomorrow, Sunday,  2.30pm, Grand Theatre,  Hong Kong Cultural Centre, $100-$300 Urbtix. Inquiries:

2111 5333.

Fiesta

Party on the beach at Cococabana with a feast of  Mediterranean food.  The winter game menu is $110- $280 (per dish) and the set Christmas menu is $280, with an open bar at $65 per head per hour. Daily, noon-11pm, Cococabana,  Mo Tat Wan Beach, Lamma. Christmas menu until December 26. Inquiries: 2328 2138.

The real deal

You might not believe that dressing up in a red suit qualifies as a day job, but the Father Christmas at Santa's  Ice Palace at  Pacific Place was head-hunted from the US, has 15 years' experience and boasts his own natural white beard. For $50, you get an entrance ticket for three, a Christmas card photo  with  Santa and  a gift. Tomorrow, 11.30am- 9pm,  Pacific Place, Admiralty. Inquiries: 2884 8988.

Do it yourself

If none of the parties around town takes your fancy, you  can devise your own with the help of the Mai Tai party boat. Hawaiian-themed inside and out - think inflatable palm trees and flower garlands -  the boat offers tailored buffets and drinks  for 21/2-hour cruises out of Central, TST or Sai Kung. Prices  vary, but average at $500 per person.

Inquiries: 3417 8011.

Finding Santa

Ocean Park has been transformed into a winter wonderland with a North  Pole Village, Santa's workshop and ice-skating shows.  Snow-making machines will make sure it's a white Christmas in Aberdeen. Tomorrow: 10-6pm, Monday-Sunday 10-8pm, $185, $93 (children), includes everything except the go-kart racetrack. Until January 2. Inquiries: 2552 0291.

Out to lunch

An institution since 1928, Jimmy's Kitchen in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui will be dishing up a four-course Christmas lunch and dinner that saves you the hassle of trying to squeeze a  turkey into your toaster oven. Father Christmas will make an appearance at lunch in TST and at dinner in both locations. Tomorrow, $418, half price for children aged 6-12 and $148 for children under 6. Inquiries: 2526 5293 (Central), 2376 0327 (TST).

Symphony of lights

A dazzling sound and light show involving  18 buildings along Victoria Harbour and the TST waterfront. Daily, 8pm.  Special pyrotechnics will be added to the shows from  today until Monday,  and from December 31 until January 2. Inquiries: 3142 1166.

Hong Kong Winterfest

The government has a penchant for fests and this one promises citywide treats. There are special events, winter sales and holiday menus, but the big draw is the towering Christmas tree at Statue Square, complete with Mistletoe Boulevard and Santa's Town, which is as jam-packed and congested as any Mongkok street.  Until January 2. Inquiries: 2508 1234.

Cheers

If you fancy a liquid celebration this year, then  the Chin Chin Bar has a dangerously tempting Christmas Eve Party: five  hours of unlimited beer and wine for $260. Chin Chin Bar, Hyatt Regency,  TST. Inquiries: 2311 1234.

Turning Japanese

It might not be the cheapest Christmas Eve spread in town,  but it does offer some of the best Japanese food.  Harakan's deluxe  dinner set (minimum two people) includes sashimi plate with whole fresh lobster, Australian wagyu beef on hot ceramic stone grill and whisky dessert. Today, 6pm-10.30pm,   G/F Sunning Plaza, Sunning Road, Causeway Bay, $800. Inquiries: 2882 8616.

Choose Life

Tired of tradition? Vegetarian cafe Life is offering a meat-free dinner  that includes spiced parsnip pear soup, thyme lentil mushroom roast with onion pecan sauce,  spinach stuffing, spiced yams and cranberry chutney and a wheat-free vegan Christmas cake. Today,  Life, 10 Shelley Street, SoHo, lunch ($125), dinner $210 (includes glass of organic red wine). Inquiries: 2810 9777.



Christmas entertainment