From December 21, the Young Men's Christian Association's (YMCA) `Festival of Choirs' will bring together the city's prominent church and school choirs in keeping with a 25-year-old tradition. Choirs and carols can also be heard at Dilli Haat, where the winter carnival has already begun. While the focus of the carnival is on handicrafts from the north-eastern states, the beautifully decorated X'mas tree and the X'mas bazar are a big attraction. The Christmas tree will be illuminated on December 25 and New Year's eve.

The India Habitat Centre (IHC) is also organising a one-day carnival full of food, games, plays and music on December 25, with Santa Claus making an appearance every half an hour. You don't have to pay anything to enter, but if you wish to feast on the special roast turkey, pudding and cake meal, the price is Rs 225.

For New Year's eve, the IHC is bringing in Usha Uthup for a concert. And, for once, children will have a special discotheque all to themselves. Entry is, however, restricted to members and their guests. For those looking for something exotic, there is belly dancing at My Kind of Place at Taj Palace.

The hotel has also arranged for a special X'mas eve buffet and a buffet brunch on X'mas day. Added to this are the special festivity counter and pastry shop full of a wide range of goodies.

The Maurya Sheraton will celebrate a white Christmas this year. Rows of snowmen, all holding their mittened hands together, form the `Living Mauryan Christmas Tree' which ushers in guests to the hotel. While Maurya's Bali Hi promises the culinary delights of Chinese chefs along with Graham dancers from Britain right from X'mas eve to New Year's eve, Dum Pukht offers Indian cuisine to the tune of Michael Silas's piano. For those wishing to celebrate with their family, Kamal Mahal offers a live band and dancing, exotic prizes and a lavish buffet.