Mandarin Oriental, Shanghai's delectable deli goodies. Photos provided to China Daily

Shangri-La Hong Kong's charity McDull Christmas Tree.

Ritz-Carlton shares Christmas cheer on its buffet lunch.

Gingerbread from Hyatt on the Bund.

It's time to book that table to share goodwill and goodies. China Daily's food correspondents hunt for the most attractive options in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong.

Beijing

Say cheese at Swissotel

Escape the chill of winter by warming up with Swiss cheese fondue @ Cafe Swiss. It comes paired with garden salad, air-dried beef and a choice of dessert or fruit. It's the familiar hotpot with a difference, a tradition from Switzerland that is simple but fun to eat. Chunks of bread are speared on unique "Swiss" fondue forks and dipped into a pot of melted cheese. There are also crisp gherkins, baby potatoes and cherry tomatoes. The promotion is available every Saturday and Sunday evening from now until Jan 31, for 496 yuan ($82) for two. The Swiss Raclette set includes crispy salad, raclette with baby potato, cocktail onions, cherry tomato, bread and a glass of house wine.

Swissotel Beijing. 010-6553-2288 Ext 2127.

Seafood at the Peninsula

It's always a treat eating at Huang Ting, and there is no better time to indulge than at Christmas. Chef Wong and his team have prepared a Gourmet Seafood Set Dinner Menu to celebrate a special occasion in true Oriental style. The menu is priced at 688 yuan per person, or 588 yuan per person for a table of six minimum. Or treat yourself to a hamper that includes exclusive sea salt and truffle oil roasted chestnuts, Huang Ting's homemade XO sauce and chili sauce, a bottle of the hotel's special blend Merlot and other delights.

The Peninsula Beijing. 010-8516-2888.

Easy temptations at Doubletree

Easy Kitchen restaurant at DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing is the place to celebrate Christmas Eve with family and friends. The restaurant offers more than 300 items, including live seafood, lobster, sashimi, Christmas turkey, ham and Christmas Yule logs. There will also be live music and a lucky draw. Priced at 888 yuan per person, from 6 to 10 pm.

Hilton Beijing. 010-6338-1999 Ext 1722.

Sparkling Christmas at Sofitel Wanda

Sofitel Wanda Beijing is organizing a stunning Crystal Christmas Eve gala in its grand ballroom. Enjoy the ethereal ambiance full of crystal elements. While watching the performance, pick from the stylish buffet with an array of festive specialties from all around the world. Wines and beers will be served throughout the evening. A six-course Christmas Eve dinner is available at the hotel's Heritage French Restaurant on Dec 24. Sofitel Wanda. 010-8599-6666.

Culinary treats at the Raffles

In the season of love and sharing, Raffles Beijing Hotel revives its much-beloved caroling tradition with the Angel children's choir. On Dec 24, the hotel hosts its Christmas Fairy Tale party in East 33, featuring an opulent buffet with a turkey-carving station, poached Boston lobster, king crab, gammon ham with glazed pineapple, a sashimi and sushi station, homemade Yule log cake, and more. At Jaan, it's all French flair with a spectacular six-course dinner, including a warm lobster ceviche served with lime leave Aioli; roasted capsicum and vanilla ginger emulsion; Black Angus tenderloin with chestnut stuffing, accompanied by black pudding dumpling touched Brussels sprouts; and cranberry sauce. The wine pairing will make you travel from Champagne in France to Germany, passing by Australia.

Raffles Beijing. 010-8500-4186.

Shanghai

Eat, drink and be very merry

With the slogan "Eat, drink and be merry", the culinary team at Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Pudong has prepared some sinfully delicious temptations and delectable treats for gourmets on the run. Aside from the 1,688-yuan Ritz-Carlton Luxury Hamper, there are also the honey-glazed ham and roasted turkey for you to enjoy in the privacy of your home. Turkey/honey glazed ham dinners (pictured below) start from 988 yuan net and orders must be 72 hours in advance.

Shanghai Ritz Carlton. 021-2020-1717.

Tianjin

Teddies at the Ritz-Carlton Tianjin

Christmas is for children, so what better way to celebrate than to bring the young ones to tea with a pair of cuddly teddy bears at the Ritz-Carlton in Tianjin? The festive spread includes tea and pastries, but it is the games that will make the best bonding experience. Parents and children can have a wonderful time.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin. 022-5809-5196.

Hong Kong

A Mcdull type of Christmas

Hong Kong's favorite piglet is making himself at home at both Shangri-La Hotels this Christmas. Partnering with Alice Mak, the local creator of the lovable McMug and McDull, Kowloon Shangri-La and Island Shangri-La are selling custom-made McDull Christmas Tree plush toys for HK$150 ($20) each. All proceeds will go directly to Heep Hong Society, one of Hong Kong's largest service providers of early intervention and education for children with autism and specific learning disabilities. Kowloon Shangri-La (852-2721-2111). Island Shangri-La (852-2877-3838).

A time for giving

Christmas is a time for goodwill and giving back and The Langham, Hong Kong has partnered with Food Angel, a local food rescue and assistance nonprofit organization for festive and giving afternoon teas in December. Throughout this month, for every Tiffin Afternoon Tea purchased, HK$10 will be donated to Food Angel. The Langham will once again host the annual Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea featuring the much-loved storytelling session and a Christmas gift from Santa, on Dec 21 and 22 from 1 to 3 pm. The tea is priced at HK$298 per adult and HK$188 per child. Holiday cheer continues on the evenings of Dec 23 and 24 with carolling by the Hong Kong Youth Choir at Palm Court. The Langham Hong Kong. 852-2375-1133.

Compiled by Pauline D. Loh, Ye Jun, Feng Minghui, Xu Qunjian, Donna Mah, Zhang Min and Lin Baiyu.

Contact the writers through sundayed@chinadaily.com.cn.

(China Daily 12/15/2013 page7)