By Peter Townson
As the festive season gets into full swing, Doha’s many hotels are offering a wide selection of programmes and events to keep families busy during the coming month. 
As well as the huge assortment of Christmas specials, the hotels are also organising a variety of events to see in the New Year in style, offering residents of Doha a wide range and style of parties to choose from when deciding how they wish to celebrate.The Ritz-Carlton will be hosting a number of festive activities for children, including the Gingerbread House decoration classes on December 11 and 12, and the Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea with Santa in the Al Mukhtasar Ballroom on December 18 and 19.
Christmas Day will feature a buffet in The Lagoon restaurant which will include a performance by the hotel’s Christmas choir and a visit by Santa and the various outlets will be presenting festive dining experiences.
New Year’s celebrations include a buffet at The Lagoon, special meals at La Mer and Porcini, a live band in Habanos and a countdown in Admirals Club.
The hotel is also hosting a ‘Tribute to Michael Jackson’ on New Year’s Eve, which a representative explained will include “a Michael Jackson impersonator, balloon drop, DJ, four-course menu, and fabulous prizes to be won.”
The W Doha Hotel is hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brunches and dinners at the Market and Spice Market restaurants, with Santa set to visit the Market on Christmas Eve. 
Christmas Day at the Market will feature a Jazz brunch with a Southeast Asian-inspired buffet at the Spice Market, with both restaurants presenting holiday-makers with takeaway cookies.
For new year, W’s Great Room will host dinner and entertainment by Chico and the Gypsies, whilst the Spice Market’s 20-course set menu complimented by party packs and drum players will appeal to food-lovers.
The Crystal Lounge is set to host Diamond Night, whilst Wahm Lounge will be holding a Masked Party.
The Ramada Plaza Doha will be hosting special dinner menus on Christmas Eve at both Maxim’s and Bentley’s Grill, with Pier 12 offering a seafood dinner.
Maxim will also be hosting celebratory lunch and dinner sittings on Christmas Day, whilst Bentley’s will be opening in the evening with a menu of seasonal foods cooked with a modern twist and brunch will be served at Ruby Wu’s and Bombay Balti.
Pier 12, Maxim and Bentley’s will also be presenting six course dinners on New Year’s Eve, when the Qube will be hosting a ‘Last Next Thursday’ party event with DJ’s Joe Mitre, Dj Legacy and MC Josey Kray.
At Movenpick Towers and Suites, guests can hear the hotel’s choir singing at the Lime café from 6-6.30pm every Thursday throughout December, with complimentary cookies, cakes and cranberry punch being served along with Christmas goodies until January 1.
Christmas Day brunch at Animato will feature stuffed turkey with all the trimmings, desserts, cookies as well as a visit from Santa, while Chef Somsak at Wok Mee will also “take you on a culinary journey this Christmas season, with his hip and funky Asian cuisine,” according to a hotel representative.
The Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel will once again host sweet temptations from December 15-26, allowing guests the chance to choose from a wide selection of sweets, cookies, pastries and cakes from the hotel’s pastry shop.  The Winter Market will also be open from 6-10pm, featuring another selection of treats on sale in the Atrium Lounge where the Sheraton Associates Chorale will also perform a variety of holiday tunes.
Al Shaheen Restaurant is set to host a four course dinner on Christmas Eve, whilst on Christmas Day it will present a fusion of Oriental and Continental cuisine as well as entertainment from Issa Daoud.
Al Shaheen will also present a New Year’s Eve dinner with entertainment, whilst the hotel’s other restaurant outlets will also be offering special New Year’s dinners to see in 2010.
The hotel’s main New Year’s party will take place in the Salwa Ballroom, with entertainment from UK-based Rain Duo and ex-libris dancers.  As well as DJ Mario, the event will also feature the “Life After 6 Band” to entertain guests.
The Grand Hyatt will also be hosting a number of special Christmas events throughout December, with Christmas High Tea from 4pm in the Al Maha Lobby Lounge featuring a selection of festive goodies.
The Dunes Lounge will also be presenting a number of festive drinks, whilst Biscotti is showcasing a range of Christmas items and offering customised hamper packages.
The hotel’s various restaurants are also offering a selection of festive dinners, such as the buffet at The Grill on December 24 and 25, and the Friday brunch on Christmas Day at Isaan.
The Four Seasons Doha will be hosting brunch at Brasserie on the Beach to mark Christmas Eve, whilst Il Teatro will be presenting a four-course menu with musical entertainment to accompany dinner.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day will include Christmas brunch buffets featuring traditional fare as well as other cuisine, an offer which will also be available on New Year’s Day.
The hotel offers a number of activities for children, entitled “Kids for all Season,” with treasure hunts, face painting, bouncy castles and other attractions organised during the Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day brunches Il Teatro and Brasserie on the Beacj will also be hosting special dinner services on New Year’s Eve, whilst guests can also celebrate the night at Library Bar and Cigar Lounge before counting down to 2010 at Arabica.
La Cigale hotel is also offering a wide selection of festive packages, offering special room rates whilst also hosting a seasonal buffet on Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve and Day.
Le Central restaurant is offering a special Christmas Eve dinner, whilst the hotel is also selling a large selction fo Christmas goodies in La Cigale Traiteur.