Christmas, a time for joy and happiness, is marked by various traditions, folklore and customs that are well rooted in local religious beliefs. Christmas and New Year spirit is felt in local hotels that are finely decorated with large Christmas trees and lights taking centrestage.

At Hotel Phoenicia, preparations for Christmas and the New Year are well underway. A festive four-course Christmas menu, with live entertainment by Godwin and Eve, will be served at the Phoenix Restaurant on Christmas Eve. Dinner with a Christmas set menu will be held at the Pegasus Brasserie.

There will also be an early Christmas morning breakfast at the Palm Court Lounge with live entertainment by resident guitarist Tony Pace starting at 1 a.m. The hotel will also offer Christmas Day set menu lunches and Christmas Day buffet lunches at the Pegasus Brasserie and Palm Court Lounge, respectively.

Christmas dinners will also be available with either a Christmas night four-course menu with live entertainment by Musical Tones at the Phoenix Restaurant or a set menu in the Pegasus Brasserie.

A 'taste of Malta' describes this Saturday's dinner at the Phoenix Restaurant. Food will include typical Maltese dishes with specialities by the hotel's kitchen brigade, led by executive chef Victor Borg.

The New Year's Eve dinner is either a four-course set menu at the Pegasus Brasserie or a five-course gala dinner with the participation of the Godwin Lucas Band in the Palm Court Lounge.

New Year's Day lunches will be served at the Pegasus Brasserie offering an à la carte menu and classic holiday roasts and a buffet lunch with the participation of the Sammy Galea Band at the Palm Court Lounge.

Christmas treats and afternoon tea will be held every day in the Palm Court Lounge till Sunday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

For bookings or more information call guest relations on 2122 5241.