Dec 1-31

Turkey dinners: THE One Restaurant in Landmark Mall offers up two or three course Christmas feasts all month long for QR75 or QR92. Choose from turkey with all the trimmings, beef Wellington, festive pudding and more, plus a free glass of mulled punch or coffee.
THE One, Landmark Mall (4488 8669).

Dec 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Photos with Santa: Santa and his elves come to the Sharq Village and Spa every Friday from 2pm-4pm to have their pictures taken with you and your family and friends! Kids not necessarily required.
Sharq Village and Spa (4425 6666).

Dec 3

Tree lighting: Head over to the Sharq Village and Spa lobby from 5.30pm-7.30pm for the Christmas tree lighting, complete with hot apple cider or hot chocolate and cookies, plus carols.
Sharq Village and Spa (4425 6666).

Dec 4

Tree lighting: Four Seasons lights up their lobby staring at 4.30pm with their annual Christmas tree lighting. Kids carol singing and eggnogg starts at 5pm, with Santa arriving at 5.45pm.
(4494 8888).

Dec 5, 12, 19

Holiday wellness Mondays: Head to the Six Senses Spa every Monday at 6.30pm to learn the tips and tricks from the experts on making it through the holiday season, your diet and fitness regime intact. December 5 has Vishnu Prasad talking about easy exercises to beat holiday stress, December 12 has Carina Lipold taking about avoiding the bulge, and December 19 host Sana Zein El Abidine talks portion control.
Free for members, QR50 for non-members. Six Senses Spa, Sharq Village and Spa (4425 6999).

Dec 9

Children’s concert: The Doha Community Orchestra presents its performance in a public space! Taking over the Giwana Ballroom at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, they present music from the children’s classic ‘The Snowman’ by Howard Blake. Including the classic song ‘Walking in the Air, along with local celebrity Bernie Lyons from QBS Radio as ‘The Narrator’, plus other festive music from the Doha Community Wind Orchestra. Show starts at 4pm, tickets are QR75 for adults, QR50 for kids under 16, available from the Ramada Plaza Doha reception.
Ramada Plaza Doha (4428 1428).

Dec 9

Cocktail making class: It wouldn’t be festive without some holiday cheer that comes in a glass. Learn to make the best festive concoctions starting at 4pm for QR225.
The Cigar Lounge, Sharq Village and Spa (4425 6666).

Dec 9, 16, 23, 25

Santa photos: Grab a snap with Santa Claus every Friday from 2pm-4pm.
Ritz-Carlton Doha (4484 8000).

Dec 10

Doha Mums Winter Carnival: Celebrate with the annual winter carnival from 11am-3pm with bouncy castles, crafts, face paintings, holiday sing-alongs, outdoor games and photo ops with Mrs. Claus and the elves, plus Santa bringing his naughty and nice list along for the ride. The event is limited to registered Doha Mums members only, so join early!
www.dohamums.com.

Dec 10

Christmas tree lighting: Light up the tree at the InterContinental with Santa distributing gifts in the lobby, starting at 6pm.
InterContinental Doha (4484 4444).

Dec 11

Cooking class: The chefs at The Café teach you the best tricks for holiday pastries and desserts for the festive season. The class runs from 10.30am-1pm for QR250, including lunch. Call to register.
InterContinental Doha (4484 4444).

Dec 16

Holiday cocktail making class: Learn to make festive beverages to grease the jingle bells at any holiday gathering from 4pm onwards at Habanos for QR225.
Ritz-Carlton Doha (4484 8000).

Dec 16

Christmas cooking class: Learn to make a gourmet three course Christmas lunch to astonish your friends. From 10am onwards for QR265, including lunch.
Sharq Village and Spa (4425 6666).

Dec 16, 17

Gingerbread house making class: Learn to make your own sweet abode from 10am-noon for QR180. Kids five and up can decorate their own small gingerbread house at Al Qareb, and take home the sugary construction.
Sharq Village and Spa (4425 6666).

Dec 17

Christmas cooking class: Learn to make holiday treats at Porcini for QR265, including a three-course lunch. Class starts at 10am.
Ritz-Carlton Doha (4484 8000).

Dec 17

Visit from Santa: Head to the Movenpick Hotel with the Doha Mums from 3pm onwards for special Christmas activities. Kids can sit on Santa’s knee and present their wish list straight to the head holiday honcho, before having pictures taken with him. Mums and dads can enjoy afternoon tea with mince pies, gingerbread, eggnog and cookies while browsing a mini bazaar.
www.dohamums.com.

Dec 18-19

Gingerbread man decorating class: The Doha Mums head to Carluccio’s for a gingerbread man making class from 10am-noon. Kids can decorate while mum and dad enjoy breakfast.
www.dohamums.com.